Implementing test automation into a development workflow is a daunting task, especially during development. It is important to know how to tackle integration before implementation and to be transparent for the whole process. Automated testing tools provide enormous ROI in terms of product liability and piece of mind for development teams. http://blog.smartbear.com/automated-testing/top-4-test-automation-challenges/

1. Top 4 Test
Automation
Challenges

2. It’s not always
smooth sailing.

3. So many companies are
doing test automation, you’d
think it would be simple…
But there are challenges with
incorporating test automation
into your organization.

4. Here are four of the top
problems faced by
development teams.

5. Communication1.
Talk is cheap!

6. So why is talk so hard?

7. Automated tests are an
investment and, as with
any investment, they
need to be planned and
discussed as a team.

8. Test scripts are also code.
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Review test cases, scripts
and results with all
stakeholders.

9. Team transparency
Find issues early
Keep team on same page
Keep current with changing requirements
Universal naming of objects for app code
and test code
Benefits of Reviewing Test Scripts

10. Validation2.
Passing can also
be failing.

11. Wait, that
makes no
sense! Did I hit
my head?
Nope.

12. Validation is complicated because
your tests can lie to you. Just
because test runs are passing
doesn’t mean anything unless the
test is maintained properly.
------------------------------
Maintenance is an ongoing job with
every build, iteration and release.

13. Tests should be dynamic.
Create new
test cases and
update old
tests for each
sprint.

14. A more secure and reliable product
Lower risk to users
Maintain company credibility
Detection of serious software flaws
Benefits of Test Validation

15. Training3.
Know your stuff!

16. It’s easy to learn the basic aspects of
a tool, but its difficult to master a
tool in all its glory.
------------------------
The most difficult aspects of a test
automation tool are usually the most
powerful aspects.

17. Train yourself and your people to
avoid a hack job.
Group trainings of tools will keep
your whole team on the same page
with a universal knowledge.

18. Confidence in test cases
Increased testing velocity
Be deemed an expert
Benefits of Training

19. Completion4.
It’s not over till it’s over!

20. Knowing when you have completed a
test script is tricky business because
maintenance will still be necessary
regardless.
----------------
A completed test script is a script
that can be used over and over again
with minimal touch.

21. A test script is completed
when it leaves the tester’s
hands.
Test the test script with
negative input to ensure
100% accuracy.

22. Test scripts that can be recycled
Same tests can be used between environments
Save time later
Low touch to future maintenance
Benefits of Completing a Test

23. The challenges of test automation
are not easily conquered.
------------------
…But with a little perseverance and with
the help of all your team the ROI will be
apparent.

24. Finally…
Understand your tools, stay
transparent with all stakeholders
and know when a test script needs
to be updated.
It’s easier said than done, but well
worth the effort!

25. Winner of the 2013 Dr. Dobbs Jolt
Award for Best Testing Tool.
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