Wow, where did 2025 just go 🤷 As we head into a new year, we thought now would be a good time to look at what trends in ERP Testing we see coming in 2026, so strap in!
As organisations continue to modernise their ERP landscapes and accelerate digital transformation, software testing is evolving just as quickly. In 2026, testing will no longer be a standalone phase or a “safety net” at the end of delivery – it will be a continuous, intelligent and business-driven capability.
Here are the top five testing trends to watch out for in 2026, with a particular focus on ERP testing and how modern platforms like Original Software are shaping the future.
1. Business-Process-Centric Testing Becomes the Norm
During 2026, testing will move decisively away from purely technical validation toward end-to-end business process assurance.
ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle and Microsoft Dynamics underpin critical operations: from order-to-cash to hire-to-retire. Organisations are realising that testing individual transactions or screens is no longer enough. What matters is whether entire business processes still work as intended after change.
Platforms like Original Software are already leading this shift by enabling:
- Process-driven test design
- Automated validation of real business workflows
- Clear traceability from requirements to execution and results
In 2026, successful testing teams will speak the language of the business, not just IT.
2. AI-Assisted Test Automation Goes Beyond Scripts
AI in testing will mature significantly during 2026. Rather than simply helping generate test cases, AI will increasingly:
- Identify high-risk business processes
- Predict areas of likely failure after upgrades or patches
- Optimise regression test coverage based on actual system usage
For ERP environments where change is constant due to quarterly vendor releases this is a game changer.
Original Software’s approach to intelligent, self-maintaining automation aligns well with this trend, helping teams reduce the brittle scripting often associated with traditional tools. In 2026, the focus won’t be “how many scripts do we have?” but “how confident are we in our core processes?”
3. Continuous ERP Testing for Always-On Change
The idea of “big bang” ERP testing cycles is fading fast. In 2026, most organisations will adopt continuous testing models to cope with:
- SaaS ERP updates
- Frequent configuration changes
- Ongoing integrations with cloud and third-party applications
Testing will be embedded into change management and release governance rather than treated as a separate activity.
Original Software’s platform supports this shift by enabling:
- Ongoing regression testing aligned to business processes
- Impact analysis to understand what changes really matter
- Rapid validation after upgrades without starting from scratch
In 2026, continuous testing will be essential for maintaining ERP stability without slowing innovation.
4. Data Integrity and Migration Testing Take Centre Stage
As organisations continue ERP modernisation programs – migrating from legacy systems to cloud platforms – data integrity testing will become one of the most critical testing disciplines.
By 2026, testing teams will place far greater emphasis on:
- Validating data accuracy across systems
- Ensuring data consistency before and after transformations
- Verifying reporting and analytics outputs, not just transactions
ERP failures are often caused by data issues rather than functional defects. Tools that combine process validation with data validation, such as Original Software, will be increasingly valued for providing a single source of truth.
5. Testing as a Strategic Risk Management Function
Perhaps the most important trend of all: by 2026, testing will be recognised as a strategic business risk function, not just a delivery activity.
Boards and executives are becoming more aware of the operational, financial and reputational risks associated with ERP failures. As a result, testing will be expected to provide:
- Clear risk visibility
- Measurable confidence levels
- Audit-ready evidence of control and compliance
Original Software’s focus on business assurance, traceability and reporting aligns strongly with this direction. Testing platforms that can demonstrate control over complex ERP environments will play a central role in governance, compliance and transformation programs.
Final Thoughts
The future of ERP and software testing in 2026 is not about more testing it’s about smarter, more meaningful testing. Organisations that invest in business-focused, intelligent and continuous testing approaches will move faster with less risk.
Platforms like Original Software are well positioned for this future, helping teams bridge the gap between IT and the business while delivering confidence in every change.
As ERP systems continue to evolve, one thing is clear: testing is no longer optional, and it’s no longer just technical. It’s a cornerstone of digital resilience.
