“The risk of a project failing without a proper plan is far more than a project with a proper plan.” True to the line, a well-created test automation plan is the first step to successful software delivery. To succeed, start with a wise test automation plan.
What is a test automation plan?
A test automation plan is a process of documenting all details that describe an automation test scope, objectives, goals, estimations, resource planning, and task assignment among testing team members. It also cover risks in testing and the contingency plan to overcome them. Enterprises can leverage it to build a robust test automation strategy. During a project, the automation test plan also acts as a blueprint to conduct automation testing.
Why should you have an automation test plan in place?
A test automation plan gives a clear view of the entire automation process.
- Gives the ROI of implementing automation
- Gives a general overview of the project
- Ensures well-documented, measurable automation
- Offers an articulated approach to automation
Top five tips on how to create a successful test automation plan
These tips will help you through a successful test automation journey and ultimately with better resource planning, outcomes, and ROI.
- Decide What Test Cases to Automate
Test cases that run frequently and which require more data to perform are the best to automate. Here are the ones to consider first.
Test cases that are repetitive and run for multiple builds
Tests that are prone to human error and use functionalities that induce high-risk conditions
Tests that require multiple data sets
Tests that are time-consuming and manually challenging
Tests that run on multi hardware/software platforms and configurations
2. Choose the Right Test Automation Solution
From the sea of test automation Solutions in the market, wisely select the one that suits you the best.
Solutions that support your domain-specific platforms and technology
Solutions that work with all testers’ skill sets
Solutions that have capabilities to create automated tests that are reusable, easy to maintain, and resistant to UI changes
Solutions that seamlessly integrate with your existing ecosystem
Solutions with enterprise-grade testing capabilities
3. Maintain Test Scripts
Always maintain test cases, especially when a software product is rich with features and categorize them in a way that it evaluates the subset of test cases. It also clearly defines the purpose of test automation. It is best if test scripts are minimal with more outcomes. Smaller the test cases, easier is automation.
4. Assign testing task to the right people
Identify employees with the best experience and skills for automation.
Include QA engineers with knowledge in the script language
Engineers with expertise in keyword tests
Engineers with knowledge in simulating keystrokes, click buttons, select menu items, call object methods, properties, etc.
5. Prepare Good Quality Test Data
Automated software testing is data-driven. Always store relevant data in an external file as it makes your automated tests reusable and easier to maintain. External storage is the best as automated testing solution can study the contents of an external data file and iterate it in an automated test.
While implementing a test automation plan is inevitable, following the best practices and creating a detailed test automation plan, as mentioned in the article, will help you achieve a successful test automation journey.
Avo Assure is designed to fully support you execute a successful automation plan with its best-in-class automation techniques. Know more about Avo Assure here.
