Q: What kind of testing activities are recommended for organizations to complete in Production Simulation for external systems? Should testing vary based on fully in scope or partially in scope systems?
A: Organizations should use Production Simulation and recorded demonstrations to test real workflows in CWS-CARES V1 using converted data as it becomes available.
For fully in-scope systems, we recommend organizations validate their required workflows can be completed from start to finish in CWS-CARES V1 without relying on the external system.
For partially in scope systems, organizations are encouraged to use a mix of common daily tasks, workflows, and county-specific processes to identify the boundary between CWSCARES V1 and the external system. The organization will then know which steps occur in CWS-CARES, and which steps remain outside CWS-CARES. Thus, validating functionality that is partially in-scope.
The ESCU recommendations for validation tools and activities in Production Simulation are available in the February 2026 External Systems Monthly Meeting Materials within the External Systems Portal.
For fully in-scope systems, we recommend organizations validate their required workflows can be completed from start to finish in CWS-CARES V1 without relying on the external system.
For partially in scope systems, organizations are encouraged to use a mix of common daily tasks, workflows, and county-specific processes to identify the boundary between CWSCARES V1 and the external system. The organization will then know which steps occur in CWS-CARES, and which steps remain outside CWS-CARES. Thus, validating functionality that is partially in-scope.
The ESCU recommendations for validation tools and activities in Production Simulation are available in the February 2026 External Systems Monthly Meeting Materials within the External Systems Portal.