The advancements in technology over the last decade have meant that companies and industries around the world are playing catch-up with the latest software trends.
If you’re working in the technology industry, particularly software testing, it’s likely that you are considering transitioning from manual testing to automated testing – if you haven’t already done so!
Manual testing is driven by humans who act as end-users when it comes to testing software, to ensure the application functions properly and identifies bugs before the product hits the hands of the consumers. Contrastingly, automated testing has the same end goal, but relies on the use of software testing tools to perform a test case suite.
But just how much easier is automation making the world of software testing?
Why transition from manual to automated?
On average, a manual tester runs tests for 8 hours a day – as soon as they stop, so does the testing process. With automated testing, you can run tests 5 times faster, allowing for an additional 16 hours of testing!
Aside from increasing testing efficiency, automation is:
- More cost-effective than manual testing in the long run
- More reliable due to the reduced risk of human error
- Does not require human intervention
- Allows you to re-visit automation process results as it’s recorded
- Leads to fewer bugs in applications
How to efficiently transition
Transitioning from manual to automated testing isn’t as straightforward as simply installing automation tools on your devices. It requires a fully structured framework, from employee training to a complete re-write of test cases and buy-ins from the appropriate stakeholders.
To help make the transition as seamless as possible, structure your plan-of-action around the following stages:
- Decide what you’re automating, and which tests you will use
- Figure out who will carry out the automating
- Explore the frameworks you could use
- Start by setting yourself small goals with singular tests and then progress as your team become more confident
- Think about the bigger picture – what do you ultimately want to achieve and what do you have to do to get there?
- Pick the most appropriate automation tools that match your organisation’s structure and goals
Despite the advantages of automated testing, manual testing software will always be present within the industry, as will manual tester roles. The testing method you use is entirely dependent on your company, your budget and your goals.
If you have any further questions about how to structure your company’s move from manual testing to automation, get in contact with us today.