As competition among software companies intensifies and with users expecting top quality in every app they download, it becomes crucial to make test automation an integral part of the development process. Undoubtedly, automation testing is more efficient and reliable than manual testing, allowing teams to ensure the best functionality and user experience. The automation test market is forecast to reach USD 55.2 Billion by 2028, as per MarketsandMarkets, proving how test automation has turned into the most adopted process in recent years.
Though test automation is far more efficient and quicker than manual testing methods, it often poses challenges that often come in the way of efficient testing. This article will explore the common obstacles testing teams face when automating tests and will attempt to provide practical solutions to overcome them.
Common Test Automation Challenges With Suggested Solutions To Overcome Them
1. Lack of a proper test infrastructure
Having an optimal test infrastructure is key to achieving the best outcomes from your testing project and delivering a high-quality software product. A lack of proper infrastructure can decrease the efficiency of your testing processes and prevent you from meeting your deadlines.
There are two options to tackle this challenge. One is to build your own automated testing environment on-premise. However, this can be time-consuming, especially if you have an inexperienced team. Secondly, an on-premises test infrastructure is difficult to scale. When you plan to increase the number of your automated tests, you will need to add more to your infrastructure, leading to more expenses and time investment. The better solution is to use a cloud-based testing solution that has a ready-to-use environment and lets you run tests in the framework of your choice.
2. Deciding which tests to automate
Striking the right balance between manual and automated testing is essential to delivering high-quality, reliable software. Many companies make the mistake of automating everything, which is impractical. Some tests, like usability testing, are best done manually since, through automation, it may be challenging to assess how user-friendly the application is.
Knowing what to automate is critical for the success of your project. You can automate critical and high-value tests, like smoke tests or regression tests, that keep your app running smoothly, It would also be prudent to automate tests that need to be repeated often, such as testing on different browsers and OS combinations.
3. Stability of devices
When it comes to device labs in automation testing, stability is the most common issue that organizations face. Many elements in mobile devices are prone to constant change, like operating systems, regular updates, or performance.
To prevent issues from cropping up, you need to update and maintain the device labs to ensure the stability and usability of the devices. The ideal solution is to use a cloud-based lab that offers a range of real devices to test your applications. Cost-effectiveness is another significant advantage of cloud-based labs since they cost less than setting up an in-house lab.
4. Upfront Investment
Many organizations with modest budgets struggle in the initial phase of implementing automation testing. The huge investment required to set up a test automation suite often prevents testers from going ahead with automation. In addition to operational costs, a developer also has to account for licensing costs. Even if you go for an open-source tool, you will need to train your team in the correct use of these frameworks.
The best course of action while choosing an appropriate automation tool is to pick a tool that helps reduce costs in all concerned areas and offers you sufficient returns on your investment.
5. Testing against irrelevant data
Data relevancy and accuracy are the foundations for efficient automation testing and optimal outcomes. Many times, testing teams end up verifying the wrong data as it becomes challenging to get the right data. Right data implies the information that the software application will be processing in production. Complex processes and gaps in communication are major hurdles in getting updated and relevant data.
This challenge can be surmounted by employing an efficient reporting and analytics solution that helps in tackling data lags achieve quick feedback, and improve the overall productivity of the testing team.
6. Selecting the appropriate testing tool
Lack of knowledge while selecting a suitable automation tool and technology often leads to test automation failure. Choosing the wrong tool can lead to overspending, delays in production, inefficient testing, and low quality final products.
Teams should consider factors such as the skill level of their team members, their budget, and the specific requirements of their testing project, including the application type (web, mobile, or desktop), before making a decision. For example, if members of the existing team do not have coding experience, they can opt for a scripting testing tool with an easy-to-use interface. The tool should have features like record-and-play or drag-and-drop that make testing easier and faster. Teams with limited budgets can go for open-source testing tools that offer excellent community support.
7. Collaboration and communication issues
Test automation requires more planning, data exchange, and collaboration among teams compared to manual testing. However in many organizations, testing teams are spread all over the globe, leading to a lack of instant communication and a delay in receiving or sending feedback. This can lead to missed deadlines, product defects, and poor customer satisfaction.
The best way to prevent this is to foster effective team communication to get everyone aligned about the project’s objectives and targets. It is essential to note down everything that is determined during testing, such as errors and bugs, and share this documentation with the stakeholders so that they can be incorporated in the next test cycle and resolved. You can also opt for automation testing tools that offer features like detailed report generation to improve collaboration among teams,
Conclusion
By adopting a systematic and informed approach to your test automation challenges, you can develop a reliable testing strategy that will reduce your overall costs, improve software quality, and speed up your delivery.
With the right scriptless automation testing tools at your disposal, you can lay the foundation for a successful automation effort and stay ahead of the competition.
Source: This blog was originally published at Linkedin
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