Test Data Strategy for Automated SAP Tests

Keep this: job aid

Automation test data checklist

• For each data object, choose: verify (config), create per run, protected shared set, or pool.
• Create data through released APIs or BAPIs in a shared data factory, never through the UI under test.
• Tag every created record with a run reference; read keys back from responses.
• Pools: criteria, target, minimum, atomic reservation, replenishment, housekeeping.
• Discover data at run time by characteristics; never compute or assert on document numbers.
• Keep an idempotent seeding script and run it after every refresh, including test users.
• Start each run with environment and pool checks; stop early with one clear message.
• Prefer synthetic data; mask copies; minimize screenshots and payload logs; set retention.
• Classify every failure: data, environment, test or defect, with evidence.