Thursday 12 December 2013

Five Ways to Make Test Automation Fail

Test automation or what is also known as automation is basically the process of getting a software program tested by another computer or rather another program that can be referred to as the automation tool. Automation testing is a preferred strategy for most entrepreneurs and this is certainly because of the several benefits offered by the process. Successful execution of the automated tests leads to better quality, higher productivity and most importantly, much lower costs. However, the process often fails while the objectives are also not accomplished in a majority of situations. Now, the failure of the tests owes to certain reasons that also include the wrong perceptions of the QA managers.

Signs of Failure

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Prior to delving deeper into the five prominent causes behind the failure of these particular tests, let us understand the signs of the failure of the same. One of the main intentions behind carrying out the tests is to satisfy the stakeholders and take them into confidence. When the stakeholders are not happy with the results and the entrepreneurs prefer manual testing over automation, one can assume that the process has failed. A demoralized team of professionals also paves the way for the failure of the tests and is therefore, extremely undesirable.

A Few Wrong Perceptions

Automation testing fails as a result of certain wrong perceptions. People often assume that the process can be a solution to most problems including that of shortage of time or scarcity of resources. This is a completely wrong idea just as the concept of automated testing as a substitute for testing that is not so improved is also inaccurate.

Quite similarly, while many consider the procedure to be effective in reducing costs, it is not actually so. Neither is the concept of automated testing all about regression nor is it meant to eliminate the chaos in testing. One must have his concepts or ideas about test automation in order to engage in the right use of the procedure.

Five Causes behind the Failure of Test Automation

1. Choosing the Apparently Most Powerful Tools: When it comes to automated testing, even the most powerful tools are not the best ones. In fact, the choice of the tools should be based on factors like budget, the technology behind the application, the skills of the engineer and so on. Once chosen, you must make sure that the tool meets your specific expectations. Going after the powerful tool without considering the necessary factors would lead to a failure of the procedure.

2. Not Realizing the Significance of a Standard or Framework: The implementation of the testing process necessitates a certain standard or framework. Many organizations fail to realize that and hence, do not spend the required time on building a framework. The professionals work in an aimless manner and this too, exercises a negative effect on the same.

3. Considering It to Be a Part Time Project: Automation testing is often mistaken for a part time project that can be operated parallely with any other development projects. Actually, testing itself is an independent project while the main projects are partially dependent on it.

4. Attempting at Automating 100% Regressions: Trying to automate 100% regressions even with the best team and the tools is a difficult proposition. Basically, the process is a long- term one in which the resources have to be analyzed thoroughly to achieve the desired goals.

5. Considering that the Process is Easy: Like any other process, the procedure of automation testing can be quite complicated and it can actually necessitate a lot of skills as well as professional expertise. Assuming that it is rather easy and straightforward leads to an obvious failure of the same.

Test automation can be of immense significance provided that one gets rid of the wrong notions and engages in a proper implementation of the process. And that’s when you would need to hire automation testers and manual testers who are certified and benchmarked by the industry.

We provide software automation testing services. If you would like to get your application tested by our certified software testers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

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