Step 2 Make a Reproducible Assessment Script ie a RAS

Step 2. Make a Reproducible Assessment Script (ie: a RAS)

• Choose the application areas that the most end-users use most of the time. In many commercial applications 10% of the application is often used 90% of the time by 90% of the users. Always assess the 10% that is used most first, which is what most people are most likely to complain about. 
• Choose the application area which the most business benefit will be gained from any improvements.  This probably means using the 90/10 rule again, but even within that, improving just one area like Order Entry might be 95% of the overall business benefit gain. 
• Create a RAS that involves 30 or more interactions with the web server.
• In the RAS record exactly how many server interactions are performed.
• Rather than just cruising around randomly in the application, make the RAS work as end-users would work, completing typical actions, especially where cyclical activities are repeatedly performed.
• Write the RAS down as a table of scripted steps so that it can be easily repeated. This also allows other people to be delegated to complete the test cycles for you.  
• Include a ‘Perceived Elapsed Response Time’ (PERT) column in which the perceived response time of each step can be recorded by using a stopwatch. 
• Producing and keeping a RAS for each test you perform is useful as it documents any gradual improvements you make. It also provides, in a very subjective and emotive area, something objective that can be used as the basis for discussions with management, end-users, etc.