What are the benefits of test automation?
The main benefits of automated testing are:
1. Cost-effectivenes
The initial adoption of test automation naturally involves set-up costs. However, once test scripts are ready, repetitive tests can run 24/7 without additional cost. From a long-term perspective, the return on investment from fully-automated testing will be quicker. That said, it’s impossible to deny that there are still cases when it’s better to use manual testing alone. With automated testing implemented, manual testers are elevated to being advisors rather than people who perform mundane tasks.
2. Time efficiency
Automated tests run faster and can be repeated as many times as needed. As a result, the speed of development is increased, reducing the waiting time in your testing process. So, thanks to test automation, you’ll get:
- More frequent releases and updates
- Shorter development cycles
- Faster time-to-market delivery
3. Productivity boost
Automated tests require less supervision and specialist involvement. Software and QA engineers can focus on ad hoc tasks, leaving routine testing to automation. Tests can be run at night so that results are available in the morning, saving time and creating a more continuous delivery cycle. Delivering iterations for your product faster makes updating your app or developing new features more efficient.
4. Error-minimized releases
Minimized intervention by engineers in the testing process makes the result more accurate and ensures fewer errors. Manual testing is still needed at some stages of releasing products, but automation brings more precision and eliminates risks and failures.
5. High-quality performance
Automation allows you to test various platforms, operational systems, or devices at the same time. With automated testing, multiple tests can be run simultaneously to ensure the high-quality performance of the software or application being tested. Using test automation also helps you to create automated test cases and save time for more productive work.
6. Accelerated updates
Faster test execution brings immediate feedback from the delivery team, speeding up the failure fix and time to market. It allows you to bring updates to your product more quickly and regularly. As a result, you’ll see a better user experience and higher customer satisfaction, and the development team will be more responsive.
7. DevOps and CI/CD integration
DevOps practices are based on automated testing implementation. Test automation is a critical element in the CI/CD pipeline to perform continuous testing. Using continuous testing can help you to overcome bottlenecks in your delivery process and enhance the benefits of test automation.