Test Automation – Expectation Vs. Reality

A decade before publishing this blog, the statement would have been true to some extent. Test automation projects in those days primarily focused on leveraging templated test scripts to speed up test processes. However, today the reality is radically different. Modern test automation tools and platforms enable cognitive intelligence and autonomous behavior detection capabilities that empower test professionals to dig out even the most minute of defects and issues.

This is yet another expectation that most corporate leaders place when they first invest in software test automation in their technology ecosystem. However, a test automation framework forms the fundamental building block or foundation for ensuring high standards of quality assurance. QA professionals and technology specialists need to build on top of this framework and enable better compliance to the recognized or agreed quality standards for different application components and business processes. While selecting their approach for different types of testing like unit, regression, integration, etc., the test automation framework can serve as a guidance protocol to effectively complete the initiative with better results.

Test execution is just one part of the entire testing cycle. So, expecting that software test automation and test execution automation is the same will result in disappointment. Automating the execution of testing results in a reduced effort for just one phase of testing. Other areas like test environment setup and deployment, test data refresh, tool and report updates, etc., have to be brought into the purview of automation if the enterprise wishes to take maximum advantage of test automation. If they do not bring them under the purview, then over time, the escalating manual effort for other tasks will overtake the efficiency gains achieved through test execution automation.

It is imperative for a successful test automation strategy to invest and onboard test automation tools. But at the same time, the choice of test automation tools should not be based on the price quotient alone. The most expensive tools or platforms have no guarantee of offering the best results for your unique business model. It is vital to have a clear understanding of the objectives and test action plans that will cover all application development scopes in your business. Only then can a suitable automation tool be selected from the several available. Keeping a tab on your budgetary allocation for testing platforms and tools is also essential. In the age of digital supremacy, there will be a lot of other areas in your business that may require a good share of the IT budget, and, hence, it is not wise to blow it all up on test automation alone. 

Enabling seamless quality assurance for the organization’s digital ecosystem is of prime importance, and the role software test automation plays in this journey is immense. Getting the basics right and scaling up on investments require a careful and well-planned strategic roadmap for test automation. Additionally, identifying pilot automation projects, onboarding test automation frameworks, and allocating budgets require a consultative approach to empower value creation faster from test automation initiatives. Thus, businesses need to partner with an experienced advisory for strategic test automation and integrate best practices for faster success. 

Get in touch with us to explore the diverse facets of test automation, the numerous tools, practices, and frameworks available in the industry, and how to pick the perfect ones for your business’ technology needs.