In this digitally enabled world, enterprises across the globe rely heavily on software to manage their critical business processes. Since a software failure can create havoc, it is important that they operate seamlessly without any flaws. This is where software testing comes into picture. Over the years, testing has changed a lot, moving from manual to automated. In this blog, we’ll explore the top advantages of automation testing and how to find the best testing tools.

What is Test Automation

It is a process in which specialized tools and scripts are performed to perform software testing tasks. The repetitive manual tasks including creation and execution of test scripts get automated with the help of tools. The scripts are created that can mimic user interactions with an application, validate expected behaviors, and verify that the software functions as intended.

Benefits of Test Automation

Efficiency: Manual testing is time-consuming and error prone. Test automation addressed this challenge perfectly. Since repetitive steps get automated with the help of tools and scripts, test cases can be executed much faster than manual tests. This also enables quicker feedback on software quality.

Accuracy: One of the biggest flaws in manual testing is inaccuracy. Let’s take the example of regression testing. When it comes to selecting regression testing suite, there’s no logical way. Often, testers select regression tests based on guesswork or personal experience. This doesn’t guarantee adequate risk coverage. Automated testing perfectly addresses this challenge as most test automation platforms recommend test cases based on the highlighted risks. Moreover, regression testing involves execution of repetitive steps, making them monotonous. This often led to human errors. Automated tests perform the same steps precisely each time they run, reducing the risk of human errors associated with manual testing.

Reusability: One notable drawback of manual testing is the limited reusability of test cases. Manual testing requires repetitive efforts for each testing cycle. Contrary to this, in automated testing, scripts can be easily reused across different phases of the development lifecycle. This saves time and effort.

Parallel Execution: Another limitation of manual testing is that it relies on human testers in the case of parallel execution. It means that one test case must be completed before the next can begin, leading to a sequential process. However, this is not so in automated testing. Many test automation tools allow tests to be run concurrently, accelerating the testing process.

Continuous Integration: Manual testing comes into picture after the completion of development phase as it follows waterfall approach. The downside of this is that if bugs are found in later stages, they prove costly to get fixed.

Test automation integrates seamlessly with continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, enabling frequent and consistent testing in agile development environments.

These are the top benefits of test automation. However, there is a catch. The key to success lies in finding the right ERP testing tool. There are basically two types of test automation platforms available in the market – code based and no code.

The code-based test automation platforms are developed with a programming mindset and require coding knowledge to operate. However, testing is not limited to coders only. In the case of regression testing, business users are widely used since they are the ones who know business processes well. So, they find it difficult to operate code-based testing platforms.

No-code test automation platforms are easier to use as there is no need for programming background. Even non-technical folks like business users can easily participate in testing, ensuring adequate risk coverage. So, if you’re using an ERP system and looking for a test automation platform, a no-code test automation platform is highly recommended.