What is the primary purpose of parallel testing?

The primary purpose of parallel testing is to compare results of the old system against the new system. This process involves running both systems simultaneously during a defined period and processing the same transactions through each system. By doing so, auditors and testers can identify discrepancies and ensure that the new system produces results that are consistent with the existing system before it goes live. This helps to confirm that the new system is functioning as intended, meets business requirements, and maintains the integrity of data processing.

Parallel testing is a critical part of the system implementation process because it allows organizations to validate the new system's performance and accuracy in real-time, providing a safety net that helps prevent issues that could arise when fully transitioning to the new system.