Whether it’s lowering costs, improving quality, accelerating time-to-market, or increasing test capacity, lots of people think test automation is the answer to all of their problems. And while it most certainly can be, it’s not a magic bullet, either. But provided you’re smart, you’ll see an ROI in next to no time. Here are some tips to help you get there.
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| If you’re just starting to look into automation of any kind, it’s worth bearing this in mind: you can’t automate everything. Nor should you—there’s just too much nuance involved in many types of testing for automation to ever be a viable option. |
You probably don’t want to hear this, but if you’re expecting Oracle Application Testing Suite (Oracle OATS) or other automated testing tools like HP QTP or Selenium to be the magic-bullet answer to all your ERP testing woes, you’re going to be disappointed.
While the value that automation can bring enterprise-level companies is undisputed (especially if they have multiple releases per year), it’s not as simple as buying a license, hiring a vendor, and raking in the savings.
Granted, we all wish it was; but that just isn’t true.
If you’re just starting to look into automation of any kind, it’s worth bearing this in mind: you can’t automate everything. Nor should you—there’s just too much nuance involved in many types of testing for automation to ever be a viable option. In those cases, it’s far better to leave that kind of testing to your more-than-capable SMEs.
But when it comes to other, more repetitive forms of testing, though, the sky is the limit—even though that’s not without its own drawbacks.
Once you start isolating the kinds of tests you want to automate (static and repetitive tests and tests that need to be run for every release/upgrade are your best bets), you’ll probably realize another fundamental truth of automation: people never have a hard time finding good candidates for test automation. In fact, most tend to find so many that they can’t figure out where to even start! For a lot of companies, this can lead to “paralysis by analysis” as managers struggle to define the scope of their project.
When that happens, it’s best to talk to the folks on the front lines—the SMEs that know your systems best. As masters of their own domains, SMEs can pinpoint testing pains and illustrate exactly where automation can be most effective. Remember: It’s not uncommon for companies to spend several weeks or months on acceptance test cycles while still failing achieve a 95% Defect Removal Efficiency (DRE); automation can reduce that time considerably and enhace DRE at the same time.
At the same time, SMEs don’t merely help define your project’s scope; they help ensure that the most-executed and often-repeated tests are automated first. These “low hanging fruit” test cases typically tend to have the largest time/effort disparity between manual and automated executions, ensuring the highest possible return and making them an invaluable asset in the pilot-sized, “proof-of-concept” engagements that so often precede full-scale investments. Succeed there and you’re home free.
Sure, it might not be a magic bullet; but, with a little strategy on your part, it can most certainly be a profitable one. And when it comes to any investments, isn’t that the most important thing?
Test automation has become vital in modern software development, offering key benefits like cost reduction, improved quality, faster delivery, and expanded test capacity. By automating repetitive and time-consuming tests, organizations can increase efficiency, speed up software delivery, and minimize human error.
However, it is essential to note that automation is only a universal solution for some testing needs. The Oracle OATS (Oracle Application Testing Suite) offers powerful tools for automating testing processes, especially in Oracle applications, which can greatly enhance test automation for Oracle systems.
Key Benefits of Enterprise Test Automation
- Increased Efficiency: Automation reduces manual effort, enabling faster and more frequent test execution.
- Improved Test Coverage: Automated tests can address various scenarios, including edge cases often missed in manual testing.
- Faster Feedback Loops: Automated testing provides quick feedback on code changes, aiding faster bug detection and fixes.
- Consistency and Accuracy: Automation eliminates human errors, ensuring consistent and reliable test results.
- Cost Savings: Though the initial investment can be high, automation leads to long-term savings by reducing manual testing efforts.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Automation streamlines the development and testing process, fostering better teamwork and integration.
The Realities of Test Automation: It’s Not a Magic Bullet
While test automation offers substantial benefits, it is only a cure-all for some testing challenges. It’s crucial to recognize that automation cannot fully replace manual testing, particularly for exploratory or usability testing areas. A common misconception is that automation can handle all tests and instantly improve results.
In reality, Oracle test automation and other automation tools require careful planning, setup, and ongoing maintenance. Not all tests are appropriate for automation, and focusing on the wrong tests can lead to wasted resources and suboptimal outcomes.
Understanding What Can (and Can’t) Be Automated
When creating a successful test automation strategy, it’s crucial to determine which tests are suitable for automation. Typically, tests that are repetitive, stable, and time-consuming to perform manually are the best candidates for automation. These include regression, performance, and other functional tests that must be run regularly. However, tests that rely on human judgment or involve exploratory tasks—like user experience testing or those requiring complex decision-making—are not ideal for automation.
Strategic Selection: Identifying the Best Candidates for Automation
When selecting automation tests, it’s crucial to focus on those that deliver the greatest return on investment (ROI). Prioritize tests that are repetitive, time-consuming, and frequently executed manually. By targeting these areas early, organizations can optimize the benefits of automation. With tools like Oracle OATS, businesses can streamline Oracle-specific testing, often requiring extensive manual intervention.
Key considerations for test automation selection include:
- Repetitive and Time-Consuming Tests: Automate frequently run tests that consume significant manual effort.
- Basic Functionality, Compatibility, and Performance: Focus on tests that verify essential features, such as basic functionality or compatibility, which must be repeated with every new build.
- Maximizing Automation Value: Prioritizing these critical tests ensures consistent quality while freeing up resources for other valuable testing activities.
By automating these key areas, whether with Oracle OATS or other OATS automation tools, companies can streamline their testing processes and improve efficiency.
Overcoming “Paralysis by Analysis”: Prioritizing Test Automation Efforts
Many organizations need help determining where to start with test automation due to the vast array of potential tests. This overwhelming selection can often lead to analysis paralysis. To navigate this, it’s beneficial to collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who possess in-depth knowledge of the product and its testing needs.
SMEs can provide valuable insights to help identify critical pain points and highlight areas where automation will have the most significant impact. By leveraging their expertise, teams can direct their focus to the tests that will yield the highest gains in both efficiency and effectiveness.
The Role of SMEs in Shaping Test Automation Strategy
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are key to an effective test automation strategy. They contribute by:
- Providing Insights: SMEs ensure the automation strategy aligns with business goals by sharing knowledge of the application’s needs and challenges.
- Selecting Tests: They help identify easy, high-value tests to automate first, delivering quick wins.
- Building Momentum: Early automation successes boost confidence, paving the way for broader automation across the testing pipeline.
In short, SMEs guide the automation process, ensuring it delivers immediate and long-term value.
Achieving High Return on Investment: Focusing on “Low-Hanging Fruit”
To achieve high ROI with test automation, start by automating simple, repetitive tasks that offer immediate benefits:
- Target Repetitive Tests: Automate tasks like login, form submissions, and fundamental interactions to save time and reduce errors.
- Boost Efficiency: Automation eliminates human error and ensures consistent test coverage.
- Quick Validation: Start with simple tests to demonstrate automation’s value before tackling more complex projects. This approach provides immediate results and sets the foundation for future automation efforts. Focusing on test automation ROI and understanding tools like Oracle OATS vs Selenium can enhance strategic decisions for better automation outcomes.
This approach provides immediate results and sets the foundation for future automation efforts.
Defect Removal Efficiency (DRE): How Automation Improves Quality
Automation enhances Defect Removal Efficiency (DRE) by speeding up and improving the testing process. Automated tests can run more frequently, identify defects earlier, and ensure consistent build coverage. It reduces the time spent on acceptance testing and allows teams to focus on fixing defects and refining the product, leading to higher-quality software for customers. Oracle automation technologies can be particularly useful in achieving these results, ensuring that test automation for Oracle systems is optimized for your needs.
Conclusion: A Strategic Investment for Long-Term Success
Test automation can significantly enhance an organization’s testing processes and improve business success. To unlock its full potential, companies need to approach automation strategically. It involves careful planning, prioritizing tasks, and collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs).
By automating repetitive, time-consuming tests that require frequent execution, businesses can improve efficiency, achieve a strong return on investment (ROI), and enhance software quality. While test automation is not an immediate solution, it offers long-term benefits that drive ongoing success when implemented thoughtfully. Whether leveraging OATS automation tools, Oracle test automation, or Oracle ROI strategies, the right automation approach can significantly transform your testing processes.
Software Testing | Quality Assurance Consulting | Oracle EBS Consulting
