What is Synthetic Monitoring?

What is Synthetic Monitoring?

Let’s dive into a more operational level: Synthetic Monitoring is a set of techniques that use predefined scripts to simulate typical user actions on websites, applications, or services.

These scripts replicate activities such as:

• Logging into a portal.

• Making an online purchase.

• Checking the availability of an API (and much more).

As mentioned earlier, the goal is to identify performance or functionality issues before they impact real users. Unlike Real-User Monitoring (RUM), which collects data from actual interactions, Synthetic Monitoring continuously tests systems, even in the absence of real traffic.

Key Features of Synthetic Monitoring Systems

We have already touched on the functionality, usefulness, and characteristics of Synthetic Monitoring systems. Here is a detailed list of their main features:

• Proactive monitoring: Accurately identifies potential issues before they affect users.

• Customization: Allows the creation of tailored scripts for specific scenarios—an essential factor since every business has unique characteristics and needs.

• Global coverage: A good Synthetic Monitoring system simulates interactions from various locations to assess performance on a geographical scale.

• Detailed metrics: Analyzes parameters such as response times, loading speeds, and error rates. The breadth and depth of these data points fuel the continuous improvement of these systems.

Now, let’s focus on the processes of Synthetic Monitoring and the different phases involved.

Synthetic Monitoring – The Different Process Phases

Synthetic Monitoring follows a structured process that includes script creation, regular testing, and data analysis. Let’s examine these steps in more detail.

1. Script Creation 

Scripts are designed to simulate the most crucial workflows for a company’s users. For example:

• Simulating a product search on an e-commerce site.

• Testing an API’s response to a specific request.

• Checking the functionality of a shopping cart.

• Simulating a digital payment process.

In other business contexts, scripts can also mimic:

• The digital onboarding process for employees.

• Data retrieval functions in a corporate database.

• Automatic software updates.

These are just a few examples—the scope of application is vast.

2. Test Execution 

Scripts are executed regularly according to a predefined schedule that aligns with the company’s needs. Tests can be conducted from:

• Various geographical locations, to verify global performance.

• Different devices and browsers, ensuring omnichannel compatibility and consistency.

3. Data Collection and Analysis 

During testing, detailed data is collected on numerous aspects, including:

• Response times

• Error rates

• Overall system availability

• Performance under specific conditions, such as different connection speeds

• System stability under load

• Resource efficiency (CPU, memory, and other hardware elements, often in combination with APM tools)

• Compliance with security standards

• Accuracy in exception handling

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list.

4. Issue Reporting 

If a test fails or results fall outside defined parameters, the system must send clear, automated notifications to the IT team, enabling a quick response to resolve any issues.

The Benefits of Synthetic Monitoring

1. Proactive Issue Detection 

As emphasized from the beginning, Synthetic Monitoring enables the identification of anomalies and performance issues before they affect users. This approach reduces downtime and improves customer satisfaction—two interconnected and critically important factors.

2. Continuous Monitoring 

Unlike Real-User Monitoring, Synthetic Monitoring operates continuously, ensuring performance monitoring even during inactive hours.

3. Global and Omnichannel Coverage 

Simulating interactions from different locations helps identify regional performance disparities and optimize services for users worldwide. The same applies to various devices.

4. User Experience Optimization 

This is one of the most significant benefits derived from the previous points. Maintaining high performance levels is essential for user retention. And user retention is crucial for market success.

With Synthetic Monitoring, companies can offer customers and employees a reliable, fast, and satisfying experience.

5. SLA Compliance Support 

Finally, Synthetic Monitoring helps organizations meet Service Level Agreements (SLAs) by providing concrete performance data and reducing the risk of penalties.

Practical Applications of Synthetic Monitoring Across Industries

E-commerce

For an e-commerce site, ensuring that payment processes are fast, secure, and error-free is essential. Synthetic Monitoring ensures that all steps in the purchase flow work correctly, preventing issues that could lead to abandoned carts and transaction failures.

SaaS and Business Applications

For Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) providers, Synthetic Monitoring is crucial for verifying that APIs, databases, and core workflows are always available. For instance, an HR management app might use Synthetic Monitoring to ensure that its reporting system operates without interruptions.

Banking and Financial Sector

Financial institutions use Synthetic Monitoring to ensure that online banking portals and mobile apps are always secure and operational, allowing for fast and error-free transactions.

Given the sensitivity of this sector, the importance of this cannot be overstated.

Healthcare

Speaking of industries where security and reliability are paramount, we come to the healthcare sector.

Hospitals and clinics can use Synthetic Monitoring to ensure the availability of online appointment systems, telemedicine platforms, and patient portals—while also maintaining strict data privacy standards.