Why Would Test Automation Fail?

Test automation has become the obvious choice in most projects and for testing teams. As companies grow, their products become better and also more complex, leading to the need of better and more efficient non-regression test planning. Manual testing in such cases would need a large dedicated team, which would prove beyond the budgets of most projects. This leads to the requirement of meticulous automated tests. As a leading Automation Testing Services Company we know that while automating tests prove to be an advantage, there are several reasons why test automation would fail. As the experts, we know that comprehending these reasons would prevent pitfalls, and we list some of the reasons for better understanding.

Unworkable Expectations from Automated Testing Tools

There will be times when the product and or the tools fail to live up to the project expectations, and usually, the tools are blamed. The reason is that maybe the expectations of the automated tool used were inaccurate or more than it could have delivered. At the start, project owners make the mistake of believing that investing in a pre-scripted leading tool would get them instant ROI and all would enable all at the click of a button. Additionally, there are instances when project owners believe that the software would be able to automate the entire process across the project. It is necessary to understand that to put an automated testing tool to good use is a project in itself and requires meticulous planning and experimentation to ensure that it works across a range of testing environments.

How much and what to Automate

While a company may understand that total automation is not possible, they are unable to assess how must and what to automate to really achieve what they want from their software product. Even an expert would be unable to pinpoint the exact percentage or figure that would be adequate for automation tests – it depends on the application being offered and the needs to which business would be catering – an animated web application would be different to an e-commerce one.

‘Umbrella’ mindset

This mindset is one of the major causes of test automation failure. A one size fits all approach would prove detrimental and test automation would never work as per expectations. The aim instead should be towards updating to match changing factors, maintaining patience, and ensuring continuous improvement.

Lack of Understanding of Manual Testing

It is important to know that treating automated testing as a silver bullet is an incorrect and flawed approach. Automated testing is an extension of manual testing, and without understanding the manual method, the automated process would not fall into place.

Flawed Understanding of Automated Testing

The most common mistake that project owners and businesses make is to believe that automated testing does not require inputs and is extremely simple to undertake. It is incorrect to believe that an existing process for testing can simply be automated without a reconsideration of the entire approach.

Inadequate Resource Planning and Incorrect Staff Selection

It is a fallacy to believe that any tester or person involved in developing a product can run automated tests. It takes experts with specific skill sets to undertake designing, configuration, and implementation of test automation, as also excellent communication skills between project managers, developers, and the end client. Businesses must work with vendors consisting of teams with extensive and varied technical knowledge, and must not rely on inexperienced in-house staff.

Inadequate Attention Towards Test Reporting

The most accurate and meticulous testing would not be complete without thorough test report documents. Inexperienced teams would not pay the required attention to test reporting and analysis. The flawed analysis could lead to unattended defects, and be the cause of wasted precious time, resources, and efforts. It is important to remember that assuming the success of test results can lead to problems and lead to test automation failure.

Flawed Test Code

Despite meticulously following all testing strategies and steps, if test automation still fails, it could be because of test code errors, and it would be wise to relook at the test scripts.

In Conclusion

Boosting productivity is important for any company, and enhancing the quality of your product is what is required, and test automation is certainly the most efficient way to do so. The fact is that test automation enhances the quality and robustness of the software, provided it is implemented with caution and care. In order to reap the benefits and ensure no obstacles, businesses need to invest in an experienced team that can gain for them all the benefits that test automation has to offer. Connect with us to work with such a team and ensure hassle-free testing.