What is the difference between SIT (System Integration Testing) and UAT (User Acceptance Testing)?

by Kathleen Campbell Professional Quality Analyst

System Integration Testing (SIT) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) methods have their unique importance in the software development and testing process. The interfaces between components are tested using this testing method. Also, the interactions with various parts of the systems like software, hardware and interfaces among systems are analyzed in the SIT method. UAT is a validation testing technique that makes sure that the business-related processes and user requirements are properly aligned. Users are the main aspect of UAT as they will be testing the product or application in a real-time environment. In this article, you will get to know the differences between SIT and UAT.

What is System Integration Testing (SIT)?

System integration is a specific phase wherein the system's several components are incorporated into a single unit and then these units will undergo integration testing. The term integration is referred to as a group of interactions that takes place among components. When these interactions are tested between the interaction with other systems and modules exteriorly, then it is known as integration testing.

When it comes to SIT, it is a combination of integration testing and system testing. System testing is conducted on the absolute integrated products, so that system compliance can be verified with specific requirements related to functional and non-functional elements. A system can be referred to as a finished set of integrated components through which features, and product functionality are delivered in a combined manner.

There are two important approaches to system integration, which are as follows:

Sub-system or components integration - The initiation of components integration testing takes place with the two available components and ends when all the component interfaces are being tested

Final integration testing - All the components are incorporated into the final stage of integration, which is known as Final Integration Testing.

What is User Acceptance Testing (UAT)?

It is conducted in the final stages of the software development process wherein end-users will be given the responsibility to test the software product or application in a real-time environment. This testing method ensures that the software product or application that is being built is in line with the user and business specific requirements.

It provides a platform wherein a buyer can examine whether the software product, application or system can be accepted or not. This testing method also lets users know the worth of a software product or application by letting them test it, which may in turn help them in deciding to buy.

The following key aspects are taken into consideration:

Conformance to requirements: The system requirement specifications (describing the user's requirements) should be fulfilled by the developed system

The performance criteria should be defined: The system's performance should be aligned with the documentation pertaining to the system requirement statement