Test Automation Services

What is Test Automation?

Many companies have implemented test automation as a fast and cost-effective alternative to manual testing. A test automation tool is software that performs the testing actions that would normally be performed by a person. This can be a very simple process - the tool copies the keystrokes of the tester and then repeats them. However, as an organisation's testing needs evolve, the process can become more complex.

The Need for Test Automation

Having seen the cost-saving benefits of software testing, many companies are looking for ways to further optimise the testing process. Test automation provides powerful advantages, such as:

• Faster tests
  A test automation tool will be able to repeat the tests many times faster than a human could. This means that a testing cycle that might otherwise have taken weeks, can be done in a few hours.
• Any time
  The tests can be performed at times inconvenient to testers (e.g. overnight).
• Less staff management
  Management time is reduced because fewer people will be needed to perform all the tests.
• Test recreation
  The tests will always be performed in the same way making it easier to recreate the sequence of events that caused a fault.
• Greater reliability
  Testing will often be more reliable because the human element has been removed. Some testers may avoid testing portions of the software they believe are free from significant faults. This sometimes leads to the discovery of disastrous faults at a later stage.
• Any stage of development
  Once an automation script has been written, it can be run at any stage - even months later when the testers would require time to relearn the system in order to test it.

Services Offered

Test and Data Services offers a variety of test automation services:

• Test Automation Tool Selection
  This involves evaluating the client's specific needs and matching these to the solutions provided by the tools available on the market. Test and Data Services also offers a training course guiding candidates on how to select and implement a software testing tool.
• Test Automation Training
  The implementation of a test automation tool can be complicated. Employees will need to go through a learning curve to fully utilise the tool and gain the maximum benefit from it.

There are two important areas that the test automation staff need to master:

• Scripting Methodology
  Writing test automation scripts can be as simple as recording the keystrokes of the tester. However, it is possible to write scripts that take a variety of results and circumstances into account. These scripts are more complex but ensure that the system can properly respond to a wider variety of responses. As the program being tested evolves, it will require less maintenance.
• Writing Automation Scripts
  Learning to apply the correct methodology when writing scripts involves Test and Data Services providing on-site assistance in applying the scripting languages.

Service Delivery

Test automation services can be supplied in the following ways:

• Consulting
  Clients often experience difficulties that require the input of an experienced automation consultant. The company's test automation consultants are able to offer advice and guidance on an ad hoc basis.
• Resources
  Test and Data Services offers test automation resources both as permanent and contracting placements. These resources vary considerably in experience and skills.

Test automation resources are also offered through Test and Data Services' Software Testing Bureau located at the company's premises. This convenient service enables the client to have software tested off their premises. This frees the client from the burden of managing contracting staff and providing other facilities such as work-stations.

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