FERC — eLibrary WebSearch Automation
Background
eLibrary WebSearch is FERC’s central digital repository, serving both internal teams and public users with access to regulatory documents and application data. The system underpins multiple mission-critical workflows across the agency.
Challenge
The eLibrary WebSearch system supported a vast volume of data and user interactions, but testing processes had become increasingly resource-intensive. Manual regression testing required more than five weeks of effort by multiple testers, delaying quarterly releases and limiting the ability to validate changes on demand. Complex scenarios, such as hundreds of class types and dozens of field validation rules, were too time-consuming to test comprehensively by hand. Release deployment smoke tests also consumed hours of manual effort, slowing production pushes. As a result, testing efforts were prioritized based on available time and scope, with certain areas scheduled for subsequent verification.
Solution
Our team introduced a comprehensive automation framework designed to address both scale and complexity. The framework enabled unattended, overnight regression runs that produced complete reports by morning, eliminating the need for manual oversight. It allowed regression suites to be executed multiple times during release windows, something previously impossible with manual testing. The approach expanded coverage to include all class types and validation scenarios, ensuring no gaps in quality assurance. In addition, deployment smoke tests were automated, reducing validation time from hours to minutes. By shifting repetitive tasks to automation, QA staff were able to focus on higher-value activities
Results
- Regression testing reduced from five weeks to seven hours
- Deployment smoke testing reduced from two hours to 15 minutes
- Comprehensive coverage and dozens of validation scenarios achieved in minutes
- Management estimated that manual testing for recent releases would have taken over a year; automation completed the same workload in 65 hours.
- Improved release confidence and accelerated delivery cycles, with comprehensive coverage achieved for every release.