Modernizing ERM With Salesforce: How iLAB Delivered Scalable, Automated Quality
In the public sector, a state agency set out to modernize its legacy Employee Relationship Management (ERM) system, which had become difficult to maintain and limited in its ability to scale. By moving to Salesforce, the agency aimed to centralize benefit management and enhance member services—but the transition required robust Salesforce test automation, reliable Salesforce integration testing, and disciplined Salesforce quality assurance to ensure accuracy across multiple connected systems. Partnering with iLAB, the agency leveraged deep QA expertise in both public sector employee regulations and ERM systems to streamline testing, accelerate delivery, and improve overall system reliability.
Client Background
This state agency administers retirement benefits for thousands of public employees. Its previous ERM platform relied on integrations with PeopleSoft, Voya, and other systems to support member benefit processing. As part of a broader modernization initiative, the organization selected Salesforce to improve performance, user experience, and long-term maintainability.
The client already used automation in its ERM environment and had seen measurable gains in efficiency and accuracy. Building on that success, the agency wanted to extend automated testing into the new Salesforce platform—especially for complex workflows and multi-system interactions—making Salesforce test automation a top priority.
Client Challenges
Despite the benefits of adopting Salesforce, the agency encountered several obstacles that slowed progress and increased manual effort:
Manual Salesforce script execution required up to two weeks, while automated API scripts could complete in just 20 minutes.
Test data creation options were limited, requiring manual queries and preparation.
Multiple environments—QA, SIT, UAT, and legacy systems—made Salesforce integration testing difficult to coordinate.
Cross-team and cross-database coordination introduced delays during project initiation.
Retirement process testing took 45–60 minutes per run.
These challenges underscored the need for scalable Salesforce quality assurance practices supported by automation.
iLAB’s Solution
iLAB modernized the agency’s testing process, replacing manual, time-consuming tasks with a streamlined, automated approach tailored for Salesforce. By implementing robust Salesforce test automation and strengthening the agency’s overall quality framework, iLAB accelerated delivery and improved consistency across all environments.
Key Solution Components
Automation Framework
iLAB implemented automated regression and API testing to drastically reduce execution time and manual oversight—establishing a foundation for repeatable Salesforce quality assurance.
Environment Alignment
Automation was designed to run consistently across QA, SIT, and UAT, providing reliable Salesforce integration testing no matter the environment.
Framework Flexibility
The existing automation framework was enhanced for maintainability and scalability within Salesforce, ensuring it could support future releases.
API-First Strategy
Automation scripts were developed for APIs before the UI was available, enabling early Salesforce integration testing and faster readiness.
Data-Driven Testing
iLAB analyzed existing datasets to build comprehensive test scenarios, eliminating the need for manual data creation.
Through this automation-first approach, iLAB delivered a resilient, scalable testing solution capable of supporting a rapidly evolving Salesforce ecosystem.
Results
Lessons Learned
Start Early
Automating APIs before UI launch accelerates readiness and reduces rework.
Framework Strength
A flexible, well-structured automation framework supports sustainable growth in Salesforce test automation.
Prioritize Impact
Focusing on high-value scenarios first boosts coverage while reducing maintenance overhead.
Conclusion
This Salesforce modernization initiative demonstrated how targeted Salesforce test automation, robust Salesforce integration testing, and disciplined Salesforce quality assurance can deliver faster, more reliable outcomes in a mission-critical public sector environment. With an API-first strategy and scalable automation framework, iLAB helped the agency eliminate long-standing bottlenecks, improve accuracy, and build a modern testing capability that will support evolving member needs for years to come. As a trusted Quality Enablement Partner, iLAB continues to help organizations unlock the full value of their Salesforce investments through advanced automation and best-in-class QA practices.
Curious how automation could reduce your testing time and improve cross-system reliability? Schedule a conversation with our Salesforce QA experts.