Using ACCELQ to handle Salesforce Test Automation challenges

Posted On: 17 July 2024

The testing phase in the software development lifecycle has largely adopted a shift-left approach which emphasizes testing from the initial phase of the project itself. Testing efforts therefore are spread throughout all phases of the project, from requirement gathering to post-release support. While the demand for speed in Salesforce development can be with quality Agile and DevOps practices, the challenges in Salesforce test automation can be handled using the right approach.

Practical challenges in Salesforce test automation

The testing phase should be periodic to ensure they can align with new features that get introduced. Let us get started with challenges in Salesforce test automation.

While the focus leans more on testing the newly deployed feature; there remains an underlying mandate that codes do not get broken, and functionality does not get compromised. Further to manage the desired timeline of the overall project there needs to be a balance here. There is a need to carry out regression testing existing features and smoke testing whenever there is a new build /feature introduced. This can be handled by continuous testing.

The biggest challenge in salesforce test automation that needs to be done right considering strict timelines using the right techniques. On the other hand, constantly testing all the features manually might not be possible as it tends to push deadlines and demands additional efforts.

There are multiple test automation tools available on the market today and that are exclusive for Salesforce, but quality is a major factor that gets overlooked. Let me get down to the specifics of my experience-as part of the need to maintain quality in a project, I faced a challenge to perform test automation and maintain a regression suite. Let me also tell you that I come from a manual testing background, and at that point I fell short of good coding skills. Well, there is a major drawback for many aspiring QA testers today. Read on.

Salesforce Test Automation in Shifting Landscape

A Beginners’ Guide

Get Our Guide

Handling testing with Salesforce applications

Testing Salesforce applications is highly impactful as multiple applications are being developed using Salesforce technology. For QA engineer, expertise in Salesforce test automation can be rewarding. Given the areas that I needed to work on, I figured a way out.

I chanced to learn about a cutting-edge AI Codeless test automation tool, ACCELQ optimized exclusively for Salesforce. ACCELQ is easy to understand in terms of its scope of testing and features, makes the QA, even if he or she is new to automation to scale up within no time and become productive. Let me explain a little more about ACCELQ- note that these pertain only to my working experience with the ACCELQ platform.

Uncomplicated Setup process

It is a cloud-based platform where every need is in place, and all it needs is a PC with a Java development kit installed and seamless internet. To start, one can, log in directly from the browser with credentials and then set up a local agent for which ACCELQ provides clear instructions for its subscribers. This reduces many dependencies and helps the user act quickly on automation.

Pre-configured Centralized Application

The completely configured Test automation application right from login credentials, scripts, needed resources, and reports is easy to navigate requiring a simple setup process. This allows the QA to concentrate more on the feature rather than investing more time in configuring the automation tool.

Universe Feature

Now this is a top favorite, at any given time the user can view the overall picture of the corresponding project, which is rare and very helpful for businesses even to get the pictorial view of dependencies and related to all entities in ACCELQ. This will include scenarios, context, actions and yet, and it will help initiate the project. Plus, the navigation is super easy!

No Code/Less Coding

Thanks to this feature, any manual QA or QA with less coding knowledge can be productive from day one itself. Since the target always is to achieve adequate test coverage within desired timelines, spending time on setting up additional applications, configuring the same while learning coding can be tough.

Salesforce Release Ready

Salesforce is a complex solution and has regular releases. We need to identify the impacted areas of the corresponding automation flows due to these releases. Now these need to be quick without delay. Achieving this using an open-source tool will a challenging since there will be a more turnaround time to identify the cause and fix the issue. This will affect the turnaround time of regression testing. On the other side, ACCELQ is in alliance with salesforce releases which help QA make rectifications for the respective affected flows quicker and smoother.

Cross-Browser and Multiple OS Support

We can reuse the same scripts on multiple browsers, Multiple OS, and multiple test environments. Let us remind ourselves that the same scenarios manually for all the browsers will take time, leading to unnecessary efforts. ACCELQ supports major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Edge, where we can run the same scripts without invoking the corresponding browser web drivers every time.

ACCELQ for Salesforce

ACCELQ is just right for handling challenges in Salesforce test automation. Applications built using Salesforce have dynamic UI and elements, making the test automation framework development and maintenance challenging. On the other hand, the actual objective behind test automation goes for a toss as there is more focus on developing and maintaining the automation scripts ACCELQ is designed to handle salesforce web elements seamlessly, which will reduce time in identifying and maintaining the elements. Salesforce applications usually have long business flows with parameters; using most open-source test automation tools does not help. ACCELQ handles salesforce business flows automation with ease by using some outstanding features like Global Properties, Data List, and Data Types.

Integration Support

This is a must-have feature as that helps application’s reach on aligning with other tools to make the job seamless. ACCELQ supports integration with tools like an auto rabbit, Jira, Copado, and many more.

Dealing with multiple Profiles and sandbox environments

Thanks to ACCELQ, there is no need to test the same flows using different profiles. The feature called “Global Property,” helps log in with various user credentials. ACCELQ also supports testing the functionalities across various sandbox environments, which will help actively in continuous agile process automation where less effort is involved in running the regression suites.

Reporting

ACCELQ has an automated detailed reports feature that highlights test results and supports all the needed reporting formats.

ACCELQ fits right into the existing Salesforce ecosystem seamlessly and sets up testing processes that drive efficiencies through the entire testing cycle It aligns perfectly with Continuous Delivery, driving the necessary support for end-to-end Salesforce process validations. With the growing adoption of Salesforce testing the platform at regular intervals has become essential. For scalability and quality performance of your Salesforce stack, transition to ACCELQs AI Codeless test automation for Salesforce. Talk to us today.

Balbodh Jha

Associate Director Product Engineering

Balbodh is a passionate enthusiast of Test Automation, constantly seeking opportunities to tackle real-world challenges in this field. He possesses an insatiable curiosity for engaging in discussions on testing-related topics and crafting solutions to address them. He has a wealth of experience in establishing Test Centers of Excellence (TCoE) for a diverse range of clients he has collaborated with.