Do you have a bank credit card? Maybe even two or three? If so, you are familiar with their points programs which you accumulate through bank card purchases and redeem for merchandise, travel, discounts on future purchases, etc. Keeping track of your own cards and points can be challenging – imagine the work that goes into tracking and protecting all that constantly changing information at the banks!
To appreciate the complexity and precision required of these systems, and the critical role that QA plays in assuring smooth, reliable consumer experiences, consider all the moving parts involved to support a redemption system:
- The core database of information collected and managed by the bank card.
- A “point bank” where points are accumulated and tracked. These are sometimes serviced by outside vendors.
- The redemption system where points are used to purchase merchandise or travel. This is typically an outside provider with expertise in booking travel arrangements and/or purchasing and distributing merchandise.
- Information security programming to protect sensitive consumer data that is being transmitted to multiple departments and companies. This too, can be an outside service.
