Comprehensive and collaborative testing
The comprehensive testing of Canada’s Real-Time Rail ensures the system is safe, secure and ready for use.
As a critical piece of national infrastructure responsible for the secure transfer of funds essential to the Canadian economy, the Real-Time Rail will continue to undergo testing until together, with our regulators, members, stakeholders and delivery partners, we have assurance that the system is ready for launch.
Adhering to global industry best practices, the testing of Canada's RTR will ensure the highest standards of reliability and security.
Test planning and execution is being done collaboratively alongside our delivery partners, regulators and system participants. This collaborative approach provides flexibility for participants, allowing them to contribute to the industry test plan, scenarios and test cases, while having the flexibility to execute testing based on their readiness.
Testing phases
Testing occurs in multiple phases and includes, but is not limited to, system integration testing, user acceptance testing, industry assurance testing, operational readiness testing, performance testing and security testing. Watch our quarterly update videos to keep up-to-date on testing progress.
Testing phases include:
- System integration testing brings together all Real-Time Rail components and tests as one system. Ensures the system can operate according to our requirements and standards.
- Operational readiness testing tests the people, processes and technology required to operate the Real-Time Rail solution.
- User acceptance testing validates end-to-end business scenarios and operations. Ensures that Canada’s Real-Time Rail meets all functional requirements and works as intended for system participants in real-world scenarios.
- Industry solution assurance asks participants, the Bank of Canada and Payments Canada to validate the Real-Time Rail solution and supporting business processes.
- Non-functional testing is a critical set of tests to push the Real-Time Rail to its limits. These tests ensure the system can sustain operation under various stress conditions, including performance under peak volume loads, security events and resiliency events.
Sequenced launch and participant onboarding
Canada’s Real-Time Rail will launch following robust and successful testing that meets Canada’s expectations for a trusted and secure payment system. To ensure the continued stability of Canada’s Real-Time Rail and the financial ecosystem, participant onboarding will be deliberately sequenced.
The sequenced launch strategy will facilitate effective onboarding and conversion onto Canada’s Real-Time Rail. Participants will go live on the Real-Time Rail in accordance with the sequenced launch strategy and their readiness.
This approach ensures a controlled and efficient transition for all system participants. To support this, we are providing clear guidance on the distinct processes for onboarding new participants and for the conversion of existing volumes to the Real-Time Rail.
