Test Automation as Part of Digital Transformation: A Guide for the Enterprise

Digital transformation is something without which it is very difficult to ensure the development of modern business. It allows you to gain a competitive advantage, reach a new level of profitability, and also gain new opportunities for scaling. These goals can be achieved thanks to the improvements that are provided by the implementation of various technologies. In particular, one of them is improving the user experience.

According to TEKSystem, 46% of respondents who are supporters of a new approach in business expect to receive this advantage. This and other benefits that digital transformation provides can be obtained in different ways. Test automation is one of them. We offer to consider this process in more detail and find out what the current situation is in the field of its implementation.

What Is Digital Transformation?

The introduction of innovative technologies into business processes is happening at a rapid pace. This can be seen in the example of well-known international companies. However, for some enterprises, this concept remains vague and not fully understood. If you characterize digital transformation in simple words, then you can give a simple definition - it is the process of using digital solutions at the level of certain enterprise business processes.

It is worth noting that these unified computing technologies make it possible to significantly increase business efficiency. They can be implemented both at the level of individual products and the functioning of all business processes. In particular, this happens through the use of automated testing. This process allows you to obtain several advantages that are valuable for business in the conditions of increased competition and the pursuit of primacy in the entry of software products into the market.

In such business conditions, it is necessary to optimize its processes related to the development of such solutions and find ways to accelerate them. Test automation is one of the most effective tools for achieving this goal. Technologies and programs that allow you to perform actions in an automatic mode free employees from routine work. This allows you to combine testing and other important things.

The Main Problems of Automated Testing

Despite several advantages provided by technology, it is not perfect. This means that certain problems may arise during the implementation of automated testing.

Quality Problems

Software solutions that enable test automation are not universal. This means that they cannot be applied to all possible cases and software products. For example, automation is not suitable for search, usability, and acceptance testing.

In addition, the technology is not used for penetration testing. It can be a great solution only if used for repetitive tests. Otherwise, there will be problems with automation support.

Increasing Resource Costs

Digital transformation with the introduction of test automation usually requires significant financial investment. For many companies, this is a problem because management sees them as an additional cost. However, in reality, the situation is somewhat different. Digital transformation is not an additional method of business improvement, but a separate full-fledged strategy, according to which it will develop in the coming years.

For its effective implementation in compliance with all requirements, a lot of resources and equipment will be needed. In addition, an important aspect of costs is the training of employees and the hiring of specialists with the necessary skills. All this requires large investments, which not all companies are ready to make.

The Complexity of the Tests Themselves

Problems with the introduction of process automation are also due to the specifics of individual tests. They require a special approach that can only be provided by a specialist. That is, the human factor is important for them. This is especially true for large test objects that have many functions and capabilities. In this case, more advanced checks and tests are required.

In addition, their number is increasing. Using test automation in such conditions creates additional complications and does not give an accurate result. You have to perform a whole series of checks to see the real situation and also add manual testing. This only increases the load and the testing period of the software product.

Source: SoftwareTestingHelp

A Large Number of Test Requirements

Testing is a complex and multi-stage process, which is subject to a certain list of requirements. They are divided into several groups. These can be personal and business requirements, functional and non-functional. The main task of testing is checking the software product for compliance with these requirements.

If they are complex enough, and their list is large, then automation will only add problems to the process. That is why, before implementing the technology, it is necessary to analyze the activity and determine which projects are predominant. Based on this data, you can understand whether it is appropriate to use this process.

Performance Issues

This point may seem strange because test automation is usually implemented to speed up processes and optimize the work of the relevant department. However, in practice, you can see a slightly different situation. It is because at the beginning it is necessary to configure all processes, install the appropriate equipment, and, if necessary, conduct training.

This contributes to a decrease in productivity for a certain period, which often leads to a delay in other testing-related processes. The situation must be taken into account by those who want to achieve results in a short period or are familiar with automated solutions for the first time.

Solving Digital Transformation Challenges

All the existing difficulties can cause doubts about the importance and necessity of implementing automation and digital transformation in general. However, problems can be solved. This is possible thanks to the use of several effective methods.

A Combination of AI and Machine Learning

Previously, artificial intelligence technologies were used only in certain industries. Today, they are publicly available, which makes it possible to use them for business. Moreover, AI and machine learning are accelerators of digital transformation in business.

They help optimize routine tasks, handle large amounts of data, automate repetitive tasks, and provide several other benefits. The main task of specialists involved in the implementation of technology is the selection of good tools. These are software solutions that fully meet business goals. As a result, the company gets an additional competitive advantage and wins in the fight for leading positions in the niche.

Source: Flowbank

Continuous Development and Integration

To accelerate the benefits of digital transformation, it is worth paying attention to training employees, using updated developments, and implementing innovative solutions. This may take some time and become an additional item for financial costs.

However, investments in the development and integration of new technologies always pay off quickly and allow the company to move to a new level. Special attention should be paid to the improvement of qualifications and acquisition of new skills by the company’s employees. Digital transformation and implementation of test automation require specific skills. The higher their level, the faster the process of integrating technologies and optimizing business processes will be carried out.

A No-Code Solution

Another way that allows you to solve the complexities during digital transformation is the implementation of no-code technologies. They represent an innovative approach that allows not only programmers to create software products, but also specialists without coding experience. The essence of technologies is that they take the basics of coding and turn them into simpler functions.

This makes the process easier and helps speed up the development process. Testing of such products is performed according to the same principle. Automated no-code testing can be performed even by team members without technical specialization. At the level of the company’s business processes, this approach means optimizing the department’s activities and increasing efficiency.

Cloud Testing

When making decisions about digital business transformation, it is worth considering cloud testing services provided by third-party providers. They provide for the provision of certain resources for testing various software solutions. The customer may use them as part of a quality assurance strategy and to test cloud software or architecture offerings.

The main advantages of cloud computing include availability, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and faster testing. In addition, the customer can count on simplified recovery after the occurrence of emergencies. Cloud methods are more effective than traditional methods. An additional advantage is the ability to change settings, including creating different models of test environments.

Source: Cyber Coastal

Easy-To-Understand Testing Techniques

To minimize the risks of complications in the digital transformation process, it is worth starting with easy-to-understand technologies. Thanks to this, it is possible to ensure the smooth introduction of new technologies and gradually increase the efficiency of business processes. A great solution would be a combination of simpler testing technologies with simultaneous intensive training of specialists.

How to Understand That a Business Is Ready for Digital Transformation in Testing?

After learning more about the benefits and importance of digital transformation, many business owners want to know if their company is ready for change. You can check this in different ways. In particular, give answers to several questions.

Is It Possible to Invest?

Financial costs are one of the important aspects that influence decisions about the implementation of certain technologies. That is why, before making a decision, you need to assess financial possibilities and calculate costs in the future.

Is It Possible to Make the Transformation Practical?

To determine whether a business is ready for digital transformation, it is worth reviewing its technical capabilities. This will help to understand the level of infrastructure development and the possibility of using technologies without any complications.

Is It Possible to Maintain a Test Environment?

This is one of the mandatory components, without which it is impossible to ensure a full-fledged testing process, including an automated one. To understand whether a company is ready for digital transformation, it is necessary to analyze the possibilities for supporting this component. You can use ready-made tools to check your performance.

Is It Possible to Train Specialists?

Implementation of new technologies requires appropriate skills and knowledge. That is why one of the components of a successful digital transformation is the opportunity to train employees and improve their qualifications.

Is It Possible to Integrate With DEVOPS?

This department performs a full cycle of work on the development and implementation of a software solution. That is why it is important to have all the necessary conditions for combining technologies.

Source: Digitalmark.over-blog

Conclusions

Test automation is one of the key tools of digital business transformation. This solution allows you to get many advantages, including accelerating development and gaining a competitive advantage. At the same time, it is worth remembering about possible problems and effective ways to solve them.