Background: The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) plays a vital role in ensuring roadway safety and security for the residents of Florida. In FY 2017-2018, FLHSMV implemented the CA Test Data Manager (TDM) toolset to support efficient software development and testing. To maximize the benefits of this investment, the department initiated a program to review and enhance its TDM implementation, aiming to streamline software development life cycles (SDLC), improve data security, and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations such as the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).

Challenge:

FLHSMV faced several challenges in managing and maintaining effective test data practices: 

• Inefficiencies in provisioning masked and subsetted data for testing.
• Limited in-house expertise with the CA TDM tool, leading to knowledge gaps in best practices and complex use cases.
• Risks related to data privacy compliance under DPPA.
• The need for consistent and reusable practices for Test Data Sub-setting across various databases.
• A lack of technical documentation and user training to support internal staff. 

These issues hindered the timely delivery and quality assurance of critical applications and digital services. 

Solution:

Radiant deployed specialists, experts, and professionals to design and implement a structured Test Data Management (TDM) enhancement program tailored to FLHSMV’s environment and strategic goals. The engagement focused on modernizing test data provisioning processes, strengthening data privacy compliance, and empowering internal teams with tools and training. The solution unfolded in five key phases: 

• Environment Review & Assessment
  We conducted a pre-engagement kickoff with FLHSMV stakeholders to evaluate the existing TDM ecosystem, identify opportunities for improvement, and establish a detailed project roadmap.
• Test Data Activities
  Our experts worked in agile sprints to validate new TDM features within active release cycles, address functional gaps, and proactively mitigate issues, risks, and dependencies impacting testing timelines.
• Training & Mentorship
  We provided comprehensive training via Microsoft Teams, complete with instructional manuals and hands-on sessions. FLHSMV staff were mentored on CA TDM tool capabilities, including advanced data masking and sub-setting techniques for various use cases.
• Test Data Sub-Setting Implementation
  Leveraging in-depth analysis of FLHSMV’s database structures, we developed and deployed efficient sub-setting solutions. This minimized data volume while preserving referential integrity, ensuring performant and representative test environments.
• Engagement Wrap-Up
  The project concluded with a strategic debrief we delivered a detailed presentation summarizing activities, proposed next-step recommendations, and submitted fully documented guidelines, including technical artifacts for sustained internal use. 

Provided round-the-clock support to ensure rapid recovery in case of an incident.

Technologies Used:

• CA Test Data Manager (TDM) – for data masking and test data sub-setting.
• Microsoft Teams – for remote training and mentoring.
• Custom Scripting & Data Tools – to support unique database structures and automated processes. 

Outcomes:

• Increased SDLC Efficiency: Faster provisioning of masked, realistic test data streamlined development timelines.
• Enhanced Compliance: Improved alignment with DPPA regulations by integrating masking protocols into test data environments.
• Capacity Building: Department staff gained expertise in using the TDM tool, reducing future dependency on external vendors.
• Robust Documentation: Custom manuals and technical documents were delivered for continued internal reference.
• Sustainable Practices: A foundation for scaling TDM strategies across departments and future projects was established. 

Conclusion:

FLHSMV’s Test Data Management engagement marks a significant stride toward agile, secure, and scalable IT operations. By investing in expert-led enhancements and internal training, the department has future-proofed its testing environments and empowered its teams to maintain high-quality standards in software delivery. 

Radiant didn’t just support the Department with services — we helped drive a transformation in how FLHSMV approaches data quality, compliance, and operational agility. Our collaborative model, combined with deep technical expertise, laid the groundwork for a sustainable and scalable test data strategy that will serve the agency well into the future.