Test Automation Assessment

For those in startups or small companies with a simple or single product, an ad hoc QA process with manual functional testing and regression testing probably works just fine (for the time being). Even for some large corporations or ISV’s, automation testing may be kept on the backburner indefinitely. However, as a business grows, software development of more products for customers, and/or the expansion of features and functions within the existing products, grows. At some point, the importance of delivering high-quality software and the need for incorporating automation within QA becomes today’s to-do item!

It can be challenging to kick start a software test automation program. Oftentimes, companies start by choosing an automated software testing tool without first thinking about an automated testing strategy and how it fits into the organization AND their software development and QA process.  Automated software testing can often be expensive and difficult, especially given the array of tools and the expertise needed to master them.  Any automated testing program will require some level of upfront investment in time, resources, and effort. So when is the appropriate time to start automated testing?

Our process

A successful automated QA testing program begins with a firm baseline understanding. XBOSoft’s cost-effective software test automation assessment and implementation program will take you from 100% manual regression to the “right” balance with automation in as little as 4-6 weeks.

At XBOSoft we utilize a straightforward 4-step process:

  1. Step 1 – We believe you can’t automate what you don’t understand, so our initial objective is to examine the client’s software and understand its workings and functionality. Deliverable – client test automation objectives.
  2. Step 2 – Determine a set of automation tool candidates suitable for the client’s software. If the client has existing tools combined with a strategy and reasoning for why these tools are best suited given their context, this step is skipped. Deliverable – automation tool feasibility report.
  3. Step 3 – Determine the strategy to identify where the software can effectively benefit from test automation, followed by test architecture and design. Deliverables – automation strategy document, test case design and parameterization guidelines, test automation architecture, and automation framework design guidelines.
  4. Step 4 – Create an executable automation script using the chosen test automation tool. Deliverable – written instructions on how to set up the test environment, deploy and execute the script.

Depending upon our client’s needs, we often supplement the above with guidelines on how to maintain and extend the automation test scripts library and incorporate best practices in the analysis of test results. This provides the basis for a good long-term test strategy.

Not ready for an assessment?

The three resources below can be a good start for those in the early stages of software automation research:

Software test automation guidelines – This white paper shows you how to get started, and covers areas such as:

  • How to select the right automated software testing tools depending on YOUR criteria and test strategy;
  • Practical lessons and step-by-step procedures for building a framework and Software Test Automation Architecture;
  • Coding tips; interfacing with Unit testing, and Rules to follow for easy maintenance of automation scripts.  It also points out typical areas that are prone to failure, and how to avoid them.

Test automation practices – Best practices change according to innovations in technologies, methods, and business requirements. We’ve included several great practices to help move your automation game forward. This can be especially useful for your software development team!

Automated vs manual test assessment – This white paper discusses the factors involved in deciding whether automation is right for you and provides a step-by-step self-assessment to help you objectively decide whether or not to invest in the conversion.

Although not specifically addressed within our typical automation assessment, automated performance testing is also an important part of automation that should take place on a regular basis to ensure that your application performance does not degrade over time as new features and functions are added.

Key Benefits of Automation

  • Save time – Significant time savings can be realized through automation; in some cases up to 70%. Not every test case is automatable, however. Frequent regression cycles and manual test cases that are repetitive or require tedious input of test data are situations where automation may make sense.
  • Improve test coverage – Create automated software testing scripts that cover more than you can do manually and that provide clear results so that you can increase platform coverage by 55% in the same testing cycle. That’s what our clients have done, why leave critical platforms uncovered when you can achieve coverage through automation.
  • Increase ad-hoc and exploratory testing – With resources freed up by automated software testing tools, testers can do what they do best. Find – critical defects leveraging your skilled QA resources in the right place at the right time.
  • Reduce cost and maintenance – Use our minimal-maintenance automation testing services, infrastructure with a centralized repository, and modular test automation framework so that changes can be done once and propagated throughout. Our proven frameworks have saved our clients an average of 38% in automation re-work time and costs.

Navigating the challenges of when and where to automate, how to implement automation effectively, and selecting the right tools can be daunting.

Since 2006, XBOSoft has provided professional automated software testing services. With years of real-world experience, we’ve encountered a wide range of scenarios. Our expertise includes publishing topical automation white papers, presenting at conferences, and conducting automation workshops, all while delivering consistent service to our clients day in and day out.

Certified expertise, reliable results

We hold PMP, ISTQB, and ISO27001 certifications, reflecting our adherence to rigorous standards in project management, software testing, information security, and internal controls.

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