Postman expedites testing for ZEISS with 100s of tests running in 1 minute using an API-first approach

The monolithic architecture of the previous vendor prevented collaboration between teams for the e-commerce department. Siloes existed as dedicated shop teams worked on their own solutions.

In the old workflow, an API was implemented once the coding was approved, and then changes were pushed to a different environment. With this setup, one of the recurring issues was misunderstandings over what data was required.

The Postman API Platform provides a flexible, centralized location, making API management effortless. APIs can be tested, maintained and consumed easily, and various protocols, including HTTP, REST, and GraphQL, are supported.

“Everyone knows and uses Postman, which was a key factor in ZEISS choosing it. We needed a trusted platform for our highly regulated industry.”

Henrik Boettcher, Development Platforms, ZEISS

Postman covers all types of API testing, including contract testing, unit testing, and integration testing. All developers can use one environment, so everyone accesses the same variables when using APIs.

The e-commerce department has adopted a microservices-based, API-first, cloud-native, and headless (MACH) architectural style. Now, the first step is to define a contract between an API provider and an API consumer. One centralized team owns the entire e-commerce capabilities and offers them to other teams through an API gateway.

“I see Postman as the key successor for an API-first approach at ZEISS.”

Thomas Zuehlsdorf, Head of E-Commerce Capabilities, ZEISS

ZEISS operates in a highly regulated industry, which means the Postman Enterprise plan was the perfect solution. Identity management has been implemented, which securely manages user access, permissions, and authentication across API workflows with system for cross-domain identity management (SCIM) and single sign-on (SSO). Domain capture means all Postman user accounts associated with ZEISS are in a single team, simplifying team management and improving compliance. Governance policies have been strengthened.

“I strongly recommend Postman, I couldn't imagine developing an API with anything else. Without Postman, I expect you'd encounter all sorts of trouble and problems.”

Uwe Dalies, Lead Software Development Engineer, ZEISS

Postman has improved development processes. It's now easier than ever to combine API requests using an API token, integrate test scripts, and check backend development. Postman's universal familiarity has improved communication across all levels of the company.

Collaboration has benefited from each team having a separate workspace and domain.

“Postman's ease of use and out-of-the-box features make it a powerful platform. Using a shared workspace allows everyone to see and assess each other's work.”

Szabolcs Lénárt, Test Automation Engineer, ZEISS

Development and testing take place in one shared workspace. The same environment and variables are used to create tests and error requests are reused. The visibility of work ensures everyone has the same view of the work that is completed and in progress. If anything needs to be shared, it is easy to make comments, ensuring everyone has the same understanding.

Hundreds of test cases can now be run in one minute, with Newman comments automating test execution. Validation points can be added, and if there is a change, the relevant request is easy to locate. Test case maintenance has been streamlined, with everything taking place in Postman.

“Being able to fork collections allows me to work on test cases separately from the main workspace, and then merge them when they're ready.”

Eszter Farkas, Software Test Automation Engineer, ZEISS

The e-commerce department's API-first approach means frontend and backend development happen in parallel, and when necessary, mock data can be used. With Postman, mock servers can quickly create the relevant data in a few clicks. As mock data and the API are located in one place, it's easy to message developers with additional instructions.

Postman has expedited the running of tests. Now, hundreds of tests can be run in one minute, and comprehensive testing results in higher code quality. Additionally, mock servers have enhanced testing capabilities even further. Mock data can be created and used in a few clicks which has accelerated software development.

“Our Postman account manager and Customer Success team have provided fantastic support, along with outstanding training sessions and workshops. They all deserve a big bouquet of flowers.”

Henrik Boettcher, , Development Platforms, ZEISS

Using shared workspaces means everyone has visibility of the work being completed, preventing duplication of work. Teams can work in synchronicity, as the Postman platform has improved communication across departments and enhanced collaboration.