SkySparc helps Canada’s CMHC establish a sustainable upgrade methodology with high test automation
The challenge
Following a major system upgrade, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) aimed to make future upgrades faster, smoother, and more efficient.
The previous large-scale project had required extensive manual testing and consumed significant internal resources. Learning from that experience, CMHC set out to adopt a structured, repeatable upgrade cycle for its core financial and risk management systems — covering both major and minor releases — with stronger governance and automation.
The goal was to complete the next upgrade within a short timeframe while also developing a sustainable, automated testing framework to support CMHC’s long-term technology strategy.
“SkySparc’s consultants demonstrated a high level of expertise and valuable flexibility to ensure our deadlines were met.”
— Corey Hartwell, Sector Manager, Technology Development & Quality, CMHC
The solution
CMHC engaged SkySparc to deliver an outsourced upgrade solution designed to minimize disruption and ensure full quality assurance.
The engagement combined SkySparc’s project management and testing methodology with OmniFi, the firm’s data management and test automation platform.
Key elements of the solution included:
- Automated testing and reporting: OmniFi automated large parts of the testing process, replacing manual steps with reusable, parameter-driven test cases.
- Baseline test library: SkySparc developed a comprehensive library of test cases covering configuration, integration, and user acceptance testing — designed for reuse in future upgrades.
- Quality assurance and validation: All test phases (unit, SIT, UAT, go-live) were verified through OmniFi, ensuring consistent data, calculations, and reporting.
- Flexible resourcing: SkySparc provided both on-site and remote consultants to adapt to evolving needs and ensure timely delivery.
“SkySparc’s consultants were closely embedded with our team and provided valuable guidance throughout the process. They combined strong system knowledge with the flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities.” — Corey Hartwell, CMHC
The result
The upgrade was completed on time and within scope, achieving around 90% automation of the testing process.
Over 200 test cases were developed and executed automatically, producing consistent, traceable results documented for audit and quality assurance.
With this new automated framework in place, CMHC is now equipped to perform regular upgrades every 18 months, using a standardized methodology built with SkySparc’s support.
The result: faster delivery, reduced operational risk, and a sustainable approach to ongoing system enhancement.
SkySparc also trained CMHC’s technology and business users to independently create and run reports in OmniFi — enabling future reporting improvements and greater internal ownership.
“We now have full confidence in our ability to deliver upgrades efficiently and smoothly, using the best-practice methodologies developed with SkySparc and the automation capabilities of OmniFi.” — Corey Hartwell, CMHC
Quick Facts
· Outsourced upgrade delivered on time with 90% automated testing via OmniFi
· Over 200 test cases developed and reusable for future upgrades
· Flexible SkySparc team embedded with client for rapid delivery
· CMHC now operates a repeatable 18-month upgrade cycle aligned with best practice
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has helped Canadians meet their housing needs for more than 70 years, with services including mortgage loan insurance, securitisation and funding for social housing. As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides suppot for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased research and advice to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC uses the Wallstreet Suite (WSS) across three departments – the CFO’s office, therisk department and the capital markets department – covering much of the organisation’s front-to-back office financial management and accounting operations, and intfacing with numerous internal and external systems.
