With the 21st century bringing about revolutions in the field of software development, test automation has become an important aspect. For continuous testing and delivery of effective software, automation testing service is much required. Being at a much-advanced stage of development, failure of test automation is not at all affordable.
But there are some points where we lag sometimes. Many of the test automation fail in recent times. Finding out the key reason for such collapses and fixing them up is the need of the hour. The various reasons why test automation fails are:
Why Test Automation Fails?
1. Selection of the Wrong Tool
Test automation requires the selection of the appropriate technical tool. Selecting a tool that has no good fit can end up in failure of test automation in the long run. The compatibility of the tool and the time taken for execution by the tool must be considered before making its selection.
2. Problem with Test Data
For running the test automation, test data is very important. With every single run, the test data needs to be generated again. In most of the cases, the UI of the application is used to generate the test data. The UI may have some bugs. This becomes a problem and unnecessarily increases the execution time of the test automation. This prolongs the automation cycle and hurts the ROI of the company.
3. Object Definition Change
At times, when a change is made to UI application, object information also changes. This has an impact on the test script leading to failure of test automation. It must be made sure that any such change has a minimum impact on the script.
4. Improper Planning
Improper planning leads to failure in every case. Same holds good for test automation also. Not having the required tools at the right time and improper maintenance leads to the failing of test automation. Automation cannot work alone. It works with the integrations of certain technology and tools. It is important to have everything planned properly before executing the automation run.
Also Read: Why A Business Should Opt for Test Automation?
5. Executing a large number of Test Cases
Trying to run a large number of test cases in a predefined order can result in test automation failure. It is so because if one of the test cases fails, to retest, you have to run the entire suite once again. This consumes much of your time. One more disadvantage is that detecting the error becomes very difficult, making it more inefficient.
6. One Test case to test Multiple Aspects
Adopting one test case to test multiple aspects can result in test automation collapse. Even faulting one aspect, the entire test fails. Hence, conduction such test is not advisable.
7. Lack of Software Experts
Test automation requires specialization in the field. It requires expertise to conduct the test. Lack of such technical software experts leads to failed test automation. The inefficient testers do not have the required technical knowledge and fail in carrying out successful test automation.
8. Insufficient Understanding of Manual Testing
People perceive that test automation can be conducted even when they have little or no understanding of manual testing. But in reality, test automation is just an extension and advanced form of manual testing. Without having the basic knowledge and performing the advanced test results in failure of test automation.
Also Read: Automation Testing Vs. Manual Testing
9. Testing Platform
Conducting software tests using old technology can result in test automation failure. To run the latest software requires re-engineering of the old platforms.
10. Change in Development Process
Today, the development of software has acquired a rapid pace. Softwares are getting released too frequently. This compresses the cycles of software development. As a result, test automation fails.
11. Rise of Open Source Tools
The open source testing tools for software are effective in solving specific problems of single users. Being more dependents on these open tools in recent times has led to the failure of test automation.
Ways to Turn the Failures into Test Automation Success
1. Framework of Automation
Having the right framework can make the test automation a complete success. The right framework means having proper automation guidelines that will help maintain consistency.
2. Right Tool
Before testing, you must explore different tools and their capabilities. Select the tool that perfectly fits your requirement. To make the tool more effective, you can also adopt the proof concept.
3. Maintenance
To improve the effectiveness of automation scripts, maintenance is much needed. Custom scripts are required to avoid errors.
Also Read: 10 Things You Should Know Before Starting Automation Testing
4. Efficient Team
Having a team with appropriate experience and expertise is the most important factor for the success of test automation.
5. Well Defined Process
Having a well-defined process for testing is much required for successful test automation. A process that clearly defines the test criteria portrays the test execution stages and maintains quality is apt for successful test automation.
