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:
  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:
  Executed agile sprints to validate new TDM features within active release cycles, address functional gaps, and proactively mitigate risks impacting testing timelines.
• Training & Mentorship:
  Delivered remote training via Microsoft Teams, complete with instructional manuals and hands-on sessions. Mentored staff on CA TDM tool capabilities, including advanced data masking and sub-setting techniques.
• Test Data Sub-Setting Implementation:
  Analyzed database structures and implemented efficient sub-setting strategies that preserved referential integrity while reducing data volume.
• Engagement Wrap-Up:
  Concluded with a strategic debrief presentation, next-step recommendations, and delivery of full documentation and technical artifacts for internal use.

Round-the-clock support was also provided 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 through integrated data masking protocols
• Capacity Building: FLHSMV staff developed TDM expertise, reducing reliance on external vendors
• Robust Documentation: Delivered custom manuals and technical documents for future use
• Sustainable Practices: Established a reusable foundation for TDM across future projects and departments

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.