Ungrounded Expectations From Test Automation
Ungrounded Expectations From Test Automation
The development of an automation strategy is a challenging task. It is well known that the scope of software testing should be defined before making a decision about automation. The term “defined” means that testing is integrated into the software life cycle, that both test process itself and test cases are based on requirements specification and that there is an autonomous organization of testing activity. The attempt to automate a chaotic test process is unlikely to be successful. Automation is best implemented as part of a continuous improvement of the test process, but without using the “big bang” approach, requiring automation all at once.
| Ungrounded Expectations | Comments |
| Everything can be automated | One can give a few examples, when automation does not make sense. If you only need to run a test once, there is no point in automating it, because automation will take more time than the execution of manual tests. If the requirements are not clearly formulated or program codes are regularly changed, then it makes no sense to automate the tests, which will constantly undergo changes. In addition, it is also inadvisable to automate tests that require operator intervention, such as, for example, replacement of equipment during a test run. |
| All tasks can be resolved by using a single tool | Currently, none of the software tool available on the market is able to generate test plans, support test design process and track & manage test execution. There is not a single tool that would support all programming languages and all operating systems. Automation product should be carefully chosen for the task at hand. A reputed automation testing company is capable of making the most of such tools to ensure faster delivery of reliable enterprise applications. |
| Time taken on testing effort will be immediately reduced | Test automation can reduce the time spent on testing, however, in order to shorten the work hours, certain costs should be incurred in personnel training, automation development, and the test process improvement. Once it has been decided to automate tests, the work schedule is extended in view of the need to support initial investment for required resources. |
| Modern automation tools are easy to use | Software tool vendors constantly exaggerate the role of automation tools, claiming that these are too easy to use, but you should not get the impression that the tools can be effectively used without special training. When planning an automation strategy, an adequate estimation of the time spent on such training should be made, as well as support from the suppliers of the corresponding software products should be provided. |
