Objective: Learn what it means when a feature, carrier, or integration is marked as beta .
Whenever a new carrier, integration or feature is introduced to Sendcloud, it first goes through a testing process. This process is called beta testing . Before we make anything available to beta testers, we have had everything fully tested by our own quality assurance engineers to ensure that everything works as intended. If you do encounter a bug or other error message, we encourage you to give us this feedback.
What is beta testing?
Beta testing offers the possibility to release pre-release new features to our users, so that they can be tested in a live environment. This test period is used to dot the i's and cross the t's and to put everything through usability testing, to prevent the possibility of bugs and error messages at a later stage.
The types of releases that often go into beta are the following:
- Features - the latest functionalities, product updates and improvements for the platform itself;
- Carrier - new shipping methods or carriers that we introduce through our platform;
- Integrations - introducing new e-commerce platforms, WMS systems and marketplaces that are keen to work with Sendcloud. This will give more e-commerce retailers the opportunity to connect their business with Sendcloud.
Open or closed beta testing
Closed testing is when we release an update to a select group of users through our Sendcloud Customer Outreach Programme (SCOPE). We want to make sure the new feature is fully tested, to limit the chance of future disruptions to your workflow. Sometimes you will see a message in the Help Center that a feature is only available to beta testers.
Open testing is when we release a feature, carrier or integration to all users, but under the beta tag:
An example of a carrier in beta:
An example of a new feature in beta:
Can I use beta carriers, integrations and features?
Yes, you can! Everything visible in your Sendcloud account with the beta tag is open for beta testing. Even if you are not part of SCOPE, you can use these beta features. We do ask that you report any issues, bugs or other things you encounter to us.
How can I share feedback during the beta phase?
You can create a support ticket from your Sendcloud account and provide your feedback here. Sometimes we ask you to send us some visual material so we can have a clearer description of the problem.
Even if you are not part of SCOPE, you can actively use features, carriers and integrations that are open for beta testing, from the moment they are visible in your Sendcloud account.
How long does beta testing take?
This depends on the type of release and how many issues are reported during testing. When we think a new feature, integration or carrier is fully tested and no new issues arise, we will release it and remove the beta flag.