Quality and speed are two major attributes for any kind of application. When it comes to enterprise applications, the importance of speed and quality increases manifolds. It is because the stakes are very high and the slightest glitch with the application can cost millions to the major stakeholders. Automation testing is being used as the ultimate solution to all the challenges which are being thrown by the digital transformations.
Last year’s holiday season, application of an airlines service went down just for 15 minutes and it created an unspeakable mess. More than 600 flights were canceled and thousands of applications were filed against the said airline. Above 70,000 passengers were affected due to 15 minutes of an application breakdown. However, an effective test automation strategy using the right kind of test case management tools with the result-oriented approach could have avoided the aforementioned situation.
Although test automation has a lot to offer in enterprise applications, continuous deployment and delivery are extremely critical. Here are some of the challenges and their solutions which testers can face while implementing automation testing approach practically in the enterprise applications.
Practical Challenges of Implementation Test Automation
Enterprise applications have to be perfect in all the departments. Although new emerging technologies have a lot of opportunities to offer, the challenges they bring with them are also new, hence, they require new and latest solutions.
Consent of The Top Management
Test automation requires a lot of investment and skills to incorporate test cases in order to make the right testing strategy. Since stakes are high when it comes to enterprise applications, consent of the major stakeholders should be involved. It is because of the reason that in some cases testing can affect the time to market the product. Moreover, test coverage, security, functionality, etc. should be made clear to the top management. The best way to get the “go” signal from the top management is to show them the real stats and put across the actual requirements in front of them.
Right Tools Are Important
Automation testing is all cool and fun as long as you are using the right tools. Otherwise, it can become a mess and the whole project can go to waste. Therefore, if the application demand to focus on the security, then choose the tool which ensures the security of the application. Also, make sure that the tool aligns with the overall business goals of the application. Always remember that choosing the right tool is half job done.
Test Automation Strategy
DevOps and Agile have made testing very unpredictable. Therefore, a testing strategy is completely based on the fundamentals of the risk. Hence, after choosing the right tool, it is important to build a testing strategy aligning with your business goals. You should focus on the high-risk features which have the potential to fail while making an automation testing strategy. This will help the team to understand the risks of these failures and their impact on the business.
Defining Expected Results is A Must
Although, testing strategies are risk-based, however, it is still important to define the expected outcomes of the strategy. This will help to identify all the glitches in the application at the start of the project. Hence, you’ll be able to accelerate the production time of the application. It will also give the testers a better understanding of the tests which can’t be automated.
Overcoming Challenges in Test Data Management
Test data management is a crucial aspect of automation testing, especially in enterprise applications where large volumes of data are involved. Some common challenges include ensuring data privacy and security, maintaining data integrity, and managing data refreshes for testing environments. Solutions to these challenges may involve implementing data masking and anonymization techniques, establishing strict access controls, and automating data provisioning processes.
Collaboration and Communication Among Teams
Effective collaboration and communication among development, testing, and operations teams are essential for successful automation testing in enterprise applications. Challenges may arise due to siloed teams, misalignment of objectives, and poor communication channels. Solutions to these challenges include implementing DevOps practices, fostering a culture of collaboration, and using collaboration tools such as Slack or Microsoft Teams to streamline communication.
Scalability and Flexibility of Automation Frameworks
Enterprise applications often require scalability and flexibility in their automation frameworks to accommodate complex testing scenarios and changing requirements. Challenges may arise due to rigid or inflexible automation frameworks that cannot adapt to evolving business needs. Solutions involve designing modular and reusable automation frameworks, incorporating scalability features such as parallel test execution, and regularly reviewing and updating the automation architecture to ensure it meets current and future requirements.
Measuring and Monitoring Automation Test Effectiveness
Measuring the effectiveness of automation tests is crucial for identifying areas of improvement and optimizing testing efforts. Challenges may arise due to a lack of standardized metrics, inadequate tools for test monitoring, and difficulty in correlating test results with business outcomes. Solutions include defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for automation testing, leveraging analytics tools to track and analyze test metrics, and regularly reviewing test results to identify trends and patterns.
Continuous Learning and Skill Development
Automation testing in enterprise applications requires continuous learning and skill development to keep pace with evolving technologies and methodologies. Challenges may arise due to a lack of training resources, limited opportunities for skill development, and resistance to change. Solutions involve investing in training programs and certifications, encouraging knowledge sharing among team members, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Always remember that the ultimate goal of the enterprise application is to facilitate its users. If someone is investing huge loads of money in their enterprise application, then being a tester, it is your responsibility to make them aware of all the ground realities of automation testing. This way, you’ll be able to do your job more efficiently and you’ll also be spared of the undue burdens.
