Agile software development has become the norm across numerous industries, and there is a need for effective test automation systems to complement it.

Test automation software enables QA teams to easily create and execute complex test cases. However, before implementing a test automation tool, , we must first recognise some of the common challenges in automation testing to ensure efficient deployment.

While test automation software can significantly benefit your development projects, certain pitfalls can hinder the automation pipeline if not addressed upfront. In this article, our team at Planit will explore some of these in more detail.

What are the Test Automation Benefits Available?

Before we look at the hurdles you may need to overcome, let's first look at some benefits of test automation software:

• Automation testing allows for faster, more efficient testing in software development, minimising the risk of human error
• Using a test automation tool can save time, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of the software
• It enables developers to perform more frequent tests, providing quicker feedback and early detection of bugs and issues
• Automated tests are a cost-effective alternative to manual testing

Automated testing is a vital component of modern software development, offering numerous test automation benefits by improving quality, reducing costs and increasing development efficiency.

Challenges faced by test automation software:

Challenge #1: Issues with Your Test Scripts

QA teams may encounter various problems crafting their test scripts, particularly if they lack the necessary coding skills.

To overcome these issues (outside of further education and practice), teams can leverage the reusability of test scripts, treating test code as production code for effective maintenance. Periodic testing of the code, scheduling debugging sessions, and identifying key issues with object identifiers are also recommended practices to ensure the reliability of the test automation tool.

Challenge #2: Network Disconnections

Network disconnection is another common challenge in test automation software. Due to unstable network connections, QA teams may struggle to access necessary:

• Databases
• VPNs
• Third-party services
• APIs
• Specific testing environments

These interruptions lead to avoidable delays and disrupt the testing workflow. To address these challenges, QA teams should implement a robust monitoring solution to promptly fix issues and prevent disruptions in the software delivery pipeline.

Challenge #3:Introducing Test Automation to Resistant Team Members

Implementing a test automation tool can be met with resistance, especially from manual testing teams worried about their job security. Initial scepticism can quickly extend to the entire organisation, particularly in small and medium companies concerned about the cost of test automation software.

To overcome this, don't fear the added investment to educate the wider team on the test automation benefits and value it brings, both short-term and long-term. Addressing common misconceptions and being transparent about the risks and challenges will help align the team's expectations and foster acceptance of the automation project.

Challenge #4:Choose the Appropriate Test Automation Tool & Automation Testing Stack

Choosing the right test automation tool will largely dictate the success of the testing process, especially in automation testing, which often requires multiple tools for efficiency and coverage.

Many organisations prefer open-source tools to minimise costs, but these tools may not always provide the necessary test coverage and execution speed. Additionally, stakeholders might push for popular tools that do not align with the project's needs or the team's skill set.

When making your choice, align the test automation pyramid approach with your project goals. Conducting a Proof of Concept can ensure the selected tool fits both the project requirements and the team's capabilities. Additionally, considering Lifetime Ownership Costs - including training, support, and infrastructure - can help maintain a reasonable project budget while optimising the benefits of the test automation software.

Challenge #5: Managing the Upfront Investment

A frequent concern, particularly for budget-constrained teams, is the substantial upfront cost of implementing automation. The costs of setting up a test automation suite, including operational and licensing costs, can be prohibitive. Even with open-source tools, an investment is still needed to train testers on these frameworks.

To address this, you must research and choose a test automation tool that delivers a good return on investment (ROI) and helps reduce costs across all areas of concern.

Challenge #6: Testing Against the Incorrect Set of Data

QA teams often face the challenge of testing against wrong data, as obtaining the precise data that the application will process in production can be difficult. Data relevancy and accuracy will be what yield reliable results from automated testing, so complicated processes and communication gaps can hinder testing teams from accessing the most updated and relevant data.

QA teams can get on top of this by implementing a robust reporting and analytics solution to achieve fast feedback and enhance productivity by addressing data lags.

Explore the Benefits of Test Automation Software with Planit

Unlock the full potential of your software testing process with Planit's comprehensive test automation services.

Our expert team will guide you through selecting the right test automation tool, optimising your testing strategy, and ensuring seamless integration into your development pipeline. Experience enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and improved software quality.

Contact us at Planit today to discover how our test automation services can transform your business.