Blog

Test automation returns

Automation brings benefits because automated tests run quickly, can be run anywhere and are conditionally free.
31 October 2013
Test automation
The article by Dmitry Tishchenko
Head of global business development at a1qa

This is our first post from the “Test Automation Cycle”. The article series contains 6 pieces of writing telling about:

  • test automation returns
  • test automation risks
  • test automation process overview

Usually, the expected benefit of test automation is, first and foremost, the reduction of costs. However, it would be a serious mistake to concentrate only on this aspect. It`s no doubt that automation is a proven way to achieve a high return on investment savings, but there are also other aspects associated with automation ROI.

Automation brings benefits because automated tests run quickly, can be run anywhere and are conditionally free. And when you start estimating automation ROI consider some major points. Let`s go through each of them, starting with economic effect.

Economic effect

In fact, automation really pays its way. The costs get reduced as automated tests are reused several times. The QA team members utilize the tests they had written once replacing useless manual work.

Scope optimization

Automation covers quite a substantial part of work. When automated tests are under the process, they release tester`s time. Hence, a tester can cover a more sophisticated project part with manual tests. Due to this approach, the team can deal with a bigger scope.

Quality improvement

Automated tests being launched many times on different steps of the software development cycle improve product quality. For example:

  • On the development step automation tests are run to check integration after development work, it`s done on a regular basis. Test execution can be done after each commit with the same goal as for nightly builds.
  • Tests can be executed by developers before delivery to QA department for further testing. This approach ensures concentrating on useful coverage so QA doesn’t need to spend time for accept a particular build for testing but concentrates on useful areas.

Moreover, the automated tests eliminate possible human mistakes, do not ignore or overlook the things that a real person can.

Test duration decreases

As automated tests are much FASTER than manual work, the duration of a test cycle decreases accelerating Time-to-market. Test automation is also a great advantage as it decreases the regression cycle, when hot fixes or patches need to be applied to a production platform.

The arguments for automation can often be entangled and forcible. Moreover, accurate calculation of automation effectiveness requires much effort and a measurable software development process, though sometimes it can be hard on every project.

In my next article I`ll give a detailed overview on metrics on test automation returns.

More Posts

gaming-qa
24 August 2023,
by a1qa
4 min read
Ready, steady, test: How QA drives seamless gaming experiences
Why is QA pivotal for delivering unmatched player experiences? How to level up video game quality? Find the answers in the article.
Cybersecurity testing
Functional testing
Localization testing
Performance testing
Quality assurance
Test automation
Usability testing
debated technologies
30 May 2023,
by a1qa
3 min read
a1qa tech voice: Managing director at a1qa, North America, discusses pros and cons of much-debated technologies
Nadya Knysh, Managing director at a1qa, North America, puts a spotlight on 6 current technologies, discussing their positives and negatives.
General
Interviews
Test automation
why-do-bugs-get-missed
17 April 2023,
by a1qa
4 min read
Why do bugs get missed? Learn the problems and tips to avoid them
Still, finding overlooked bugs after the app goes live? Let’s find out why this happens and how to fix it.
Quality assurance
Test automation
Mobile app testing
15 February 2023,
by a1qa
4 min read
Mobile app testing guide: win the race with five-star software
Which aspects of mobile apps to test first to produce a really high-quality product? Find the answer to this and other questions related to mobile app testing in the article.
Cybersecurity testing
Functional testing
Mobile app testing
Performance testing
Test automation
Usability testing
a1qa-articles
31 January 2023,
by a1qa
5 min read
Best of 2022 by executives: 8 most visited a1qa blog posts
Let’s look back and revisit the most visited a1qa articles of 2022!
Quality assurance
Test automation
qa-trends
12 January 2023,
by a1qa
4 min read
The future of software testing: top 4 impactful trends that will dominate in 2023
Consider the major industry trends for the upcoming year to know how to improve current QA strategies and stay ahead of the curve.
QA trends
Quality assurance
Test automation
test-automation
7 December 2022,
by Dileep Marway
3 min read
Release at pace with test automation: What, why, and how to measure success?
An automation-first approach is key to enhancing testing capabilities and increasing overall operational efficiency. However, I would suggest justifying its implementation, so that it can deliver the promised value.
Quality assurance
Test automation
interview-with-dileep
28 November 2022,
by a1qa
9 min read
Interview with Dileep Marway on a series of articles “Agility and speed: Supercharging your business strategies with QA”
We cooperated with the VP of Engineering and Quality at SHL to present you with a series of his blog posts on: culture of happiness, test automation, and Agile-driven QA. Happy reading!
Agile
Quality assurance
Software lifecycle QA
Test automation
qa-trends-in-telecom
30 September 2022,
by a1qa
5 min read
4 telecom trends for 2023 and how to painlessly implement them with QA
It’s time to explore the telecom trends for the upcoming year. Let’s look at them together and also see the value that QA brings for their smooth deployment.
Cybersecurity testing
Migration testing
QA trends
Quality assurance
Test automation

Get in touch

Please fill in the required field.
Email address seems invalid.
Please fill in the required field.
We use cookies on our website to improve its functionality and to enhance your user experience. We also use cookies for analytics. If you continue to browse this website, we will assume you agree that we can place cookies on your device. For more details, please read our Privacy and Cookies Policy.