What is Automated QA Testing?

Testlio

November 22nd, 2024

Without proper QA, software can be riddled with bugs and errors, leading to user frustration, security vulnerabilities, and financial losses. 

IBM’s latest report, released in March 2023 and February 2024, found that the average cost of a data breach worldwide reached a record $4.88 million. This represents a 10% increase over the previous year.

Many organizations today use automated QA testing to simplify testing processes. According to a Gartner survey, 40% of respondents automate software testing continuously during their software development life cycle (SDLC). 

Now the question is how does quality assurance automation differ from manual QA, and how can it benefit QA teams? Let’s talk about this in the article below. 

Table of Contents

• What is QA Automation?
• Difference Between Manual QA and Automated QA Testing
• When Do You Use QA Automation in Testing?
• Benefits of Automated QA
• Types of QA Tests that can be Automated
• Steps in QA Automation Testing
• Challenges of QA Automation
• Optimize Your Automated QA Testing with Testlio

What is QA Automation?

Automated QA involves writing scripts that simulate real user interactions with your software. This is in contrast to manual testing where humans execute the tests by hand.

It’s worth mentioning that Automated QA and Test Automation are related concepts, but they’re not the same.

The former is a broader concept, and can be applied to QA processes beyond testing such as monitoring, reporting, and even CI/CD pipelines.

The latter, on the other hand, is strictly about automating tests and comparing actual test outcomes with expected results.

Most commonly, you’ll see Automated QA performed on tasks which are too time consuming and error-prone for manual testing. Think, regression, load and performance testing.

As you might have guessed, the end result is more consistent, quicker and accurate testing.

It goes without saying though, there are some testing types for which Automated QA is the better approach and others for which it’s not. We get into more detail about that below.

Difference Between Manual QA and Automated QA Testing

To understand the difference between manual QA and automated QA testing, let’s first discuss each process.

Manual QA Testing 

Manual QA testing involves human testers manually executing test cases to identify bugs and ensure the software meets quality standards.

In this process, testers follow predefined steps to check each software function and confirm that it works as expected. They document issues found in the software and work with developers to resolve them.

Since testers don’t use any tools in manual testing, the process is often slow, costly, and time-consuming. Moreover, human errors can occur, leading to missed bugs or inaccurate results. Additionally, replicating test scenarios consistently can be challenging, making it difficult to ensure thorough and repeatable testing across different test runs.

Automated QA Testing

In contrast, automated QA testing uses tools and software to execute test cases, generate test data, and compare expected and actual results. The process is cost-effective and time-effective compared to manual testing and minimizes human error. 

Automated testing enables the creation and execution of hundreds or even thousands of tests simultaneously, which is impractical with manual testing. This capability allows for broader and faster test coverage.

While manual testing is valuable where human interaction is required, organizations favor automated testing because it saves time and resources and provides more accurate results. 

Manual vs. Automated QA Testing 

Let’s compare manual and automated QA testing to understand the difference better. 

When Do You Use QA Automation in Testing?

It would be impractical to automate every aspect of testing. QA automation testing is most beneficial in scenarios where repetitive and time-consuming test cases need to be executed frequently. 

So, when and where is automated testing most effective?

Here are specific situations where QA automation is especially advantageous:

• Regression Testing: Automated tests are ideal for regression testing because they can be easily rerun whenever changes are made to the software. This ensures that existing functionalities remain intact and new updates do not introduce bugs or issues.

• Testing Complex Systems: When dealing with complex systems that involve multiple platforms, devices, or configurations, automated testing proves invaluable. Automated tests can be executed simultaneously across various environments, saving considerable time and effort compared to manual testing.

• Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) Pipelines: In CI/CD pipelines, automated tests are integrated into the development process to provide immediate feedback on new changes. This helps ensure new code does not break existing functionality and maintains the overall quality of the software.

• Performance Testing: Automated testing is essential for evaluating an application’s performance. Automated tools can simulate user load and conduct stress tests to measure the application’s performance under various conditions.

• Security Testing: Automated security testing tools are valuable assets in the security testing process as they can help identify vulnerabilities and potential security risks within the software. These tools can simulate attacks and check for common security flaws, ensuring the application is robust against possible threats.

• API Testing: Automating API testing allows for the efficient validation of APIs, ensuring they return the expected responses and perform well under load. QA teams can run automated API tests frequently to ensure that integrations between system components remain stable and reliable.

Benefits of Automated QA

Automated QA testing is crucial for companies practicing continuous integration, where software is developed, tested, and deployed multiple times daily rather than through the staged approach typical of traditional development models. It offers various advantages compared to manual testing, including better resource usage, comprehensive test coverage, and improved product quality. 

Let’s take a look at these benefits in detail:

1. Improved Product Quality

Automated QA testing enhances product quality by ensuring early detection and resolution of bugs and issues. It identifies complex errors, such as memory leaks, that might escape manual testing. For instance, enabling automated regression testing prevents past issues’ recurrence. 

Automated tools, such as CI tools, complement this process by alerting developers immediately upon test failures, allowing for prompt bug fixes and continuous improvements. This results in higher customer satisfaction and trust, which is advantageous for the business. 

2. Better Resource Utilization

Automated QA testing empowers organizations to optimize their resources, including time, workforce, and budget, resulting in significant efficiency gains and cost savings.

Automated tests can be scheduled to run overnight or during non-working hours, allowing for a greater volume of tests to be executed in a shorter time frame. For instance, automated testing can reduce a two-week manual regression test sprint from five days to just about two days, aligning perfectly with the Agile philosophy.

Despite initial setup costs, automated QA testing is cost-effective in the long run. It reduces manual effort and speeds up bug detection. A study by Cambridge Business School estimates that manual testing for test cases that could be automated wastes 620 million developers’ hours, costing companies approximately billions. Automated testing mitigates these costs by detecting errors earlier and simplifying the fixing process.

Moreover, automated QA testing significantly reduces the QA team’s workload by handling repetitive tasks. This saves time, enhances testing quality, and boosts team spirit and productivity. Additionally, automated testing provides a shorter feedback loop, immediately notifying developers of test failures.

3. Comprehensive Test Coverage

​Automated QA testing plays a crucial role in achieving comprehensive test coverage. Automated tools can run on multiple platforms, such as browsers and devices. This ensures compatibility and consistency across various environments. 

Moreover, it saves significant time that would otherwise be spent manually testing each aspect of the application. This allows teams to dramatically expand their testing coverage, with the entire application being tested repeatedly in minutes or hours, even for large applications. 

4. Enhanced Feedback and Reporting Mechanisms

Automated QA testing considerably enhances the feedback and reporting process. Automated solutions provide detailed and significant information from the test results and may easily locate and declare various bugs or issues. This is useful as it helps developers resolve problems as and when they happen. 

Automated tests offer visible and comprehensive reports in the form of logs and screenshots that are particularly handy for the team when assessing the test outcome. While manual testing can also produce detailed reports, they often are time-consuming to create and dependent on the testers’ expertise and skills.

5. Faster Scalability and Releases

​Automated QA testing enables faster scalability by reducing the time and effort required to test software across different environments and configurations. Automation displaces manual testing that is tedious and prone to human error, thus minimizing time-consuming and costly delays in released cycles. 

Companies can also scale automated tests to cover additional levels of software complexity or additional users to ensure satisfactory results under different conditions. Test automation also enables the execution of regression tests frequently and accurately, reducing the cycle time and the chances of getting regression bugs and, hence, downtime.

Types of QA Tests that can be Automated

Understanding the different types of automated tests is essential when implementing test automation in your QA department. QA teams can automate different software tests. Repeatable, reusable, and highly stable test cases with high passing rates are often the ideal choices for automation. 

Let’s discuss some of them below. 

1. Unit Tests

Unit tests focus on individual components or functions of the software to ensure they work as intended. QA teams should automate these tests so that developers can quickly find and fix errors early on, improving the overall code and saving time and money later.

2. Functional Tests

Functional tests validate that the software operates according to its specified requirements. Automating functional tests ensures that each feature behaves as expected across different scenarios. It allows developers to identify bottlenecks in the user experience. Automating these tests also helps to increase test coverage and consistency.

3. Regression Tests

Regression tests ensure that recent code changes have not adversely affected existing functionality. Automating these tests means that every time something new is added or changed in the software, the whole program gets checked to make sure nothing gets messed up along the way.

4. Performance Tests

​Performance tests assess how the software performs under various conditions, including load, stress, and scalability. Automating performance tests makes performance measurement easier and more consistent,  with a focus on the overall response time, speed, and reliability under different circumstances. This enables teams to determine and fix efficiency issues quickly so the software is ready to work as expected when deployed.

5. Smoke Tests

Smoke or build verification tests verify the application’s basic functionality. Automating smoke tests ensures any new software build can be quickly validated for core functionality before QA teams perform more extensive testing. This is useful in determining acute problems during the development phase to avoid delays and extra costs.

6. Integration Tests

Integration tests check the interactions between different components or systems to ensure they work together as expected. Automating integration tests helps in detecting issues related to data flow, communication, and dependencies between integrated systems early. This ensures that integrated parts of the application work smoothly, reducing the risk of integration-related bugs in production.

7. End-to-End (E2E) Tests

End-to-end (E2E) tests simulate real user scenarios to validate the complete application workflow from start to finish. In many cases, E2E tests are performed manually, where interfaces might be complex to automate. However, QA teams may benefit from a mix of manual and automated testing to ensure comprehensive coverage of user interactions with the software. 

Steps in QA Automation Testing

Automated QA testing involves using specialized tools and scripts to perform tests on software applications, ensuring they work properly and meet specified requirements. This helps enhance the testing process’s efficiency, coverage, and reliability. 

The process consists of several stages to ensure a smooth and effective testing lifecycle. 

Let’s go through the steps below:

1. Define the Scope of Testing Automation

The first step in the QA automation lifecycle is to check the feasibility of automation. This means determining the specific areas and functionalities of the software that you need to cover with automated tests. This step maximizes test coverage, optimizes resource allocation, and ensures testing efforts provide maximum value. 

Follow these steps to define the scope of testing automation. 

• Analyze Software Requirements and Functionalities: Thoroughly analyze and evaluate software complexity, risks, and dependencies to identify critical areas for automated testing.

• Collaborate with Stakeholders: Engage with developers, business analysts, and project managers to understand their priorities and goals.

• Set Criteria for Test Inclusion/Exclusion: Define clear criteria based on test efficiency, cost, and value to determine which tests should be automated.

• Communicate the Scope: Ensure all team members understand and agree on the objectives of the automated testing initiative.

2. Design, Plan, and Develop a Testing Strategy

A well-defined testing strategy is essential in QA automation, as it outlines the overall approach, goals, and techniques to use. During this stage, you create an automation procedure and plan.  

The right strategy helps achieve test automation objectives, such as establishing test standards and procedures, defining test data requirements, and determining necessary hardware and software. It ensures the testing process is organized, efficient, and aligned with the project objectives.

Here are the steps to design, plan, and develop a testing strategy:

• Understand the Software Being Tested: Gain a comprehensive understanding of its architecture, functionalities, and user expectations.

• Identify Test Objectives: Determine the primary goals of the testing effort, such as verifying functionality, performance, security, and usability.

• Define Test Criteria: Establish clear criteria for success and failure, including pass/fail thresholds, acceptance criteria, and expected outcomes.

• Choose Appropriate Tools: Select the right automation tools that meet the testing requirements, considering compatibility, ease of use, scalability, and reporting capabilities.

• Select Test Techniques: Decide the testing techniques to be employed, such as data-driven testing, keyword-driven testing, or behavior-driven development (BDD), to ensure adequate test coverage.

• Allocate Resources: Identify the necessary resources, including personnel, time, and budget, required for the successful implementation of the test strategy.

• Develop Test Scripts: Create and implement test scripts and cases based on the defined criteria and objectives. Ensure they are well-documented and reusable, and a third party can easily understand them.

• Implement Test Environment: Set up a test environment that closely mirrors the production environment and where you run the test scripts. This includes configuring networks, deploying software dependencies, and setting up virtual machines if necessary.

• Prioritize Test Execution: Determine the order of test execution based on dependencies and criticality and allocate appropriate time windows for different types of tests.

• Integrate With Development Lifecycle: Integrate testing activities into the software development lifecycle. Collaborate with developers and stakeholders to ensure continuous testing, early defect detection, and efficient bug tracking and resolution.

3. Monitor and Track Success

Monitor the test execution process closely to identify failures or errors promptly. Proper documentation and test results analysis help understand the root causes of issues and determine appropriate actions.

Follow these best practices to monitor and track success:

• Document Test Results: Ensure test results are accurately recorded, highlighting any failures or anomalies observed during the test execution.

• Analyze Root Causes: Review the documented results to understand the underlying causes of any issues. This facilitates informed decision-making on corrective actions.

• Report Defects Promptly: Immediately report any defects or bugs identified during testing to the relevant stakeholders. 

• Track and Manage Defects: Use tracking tools to monitor reported issues, prioritizing and addressing them promptly.

• Ensure Timely Resolution: Collaborate with the development team to resolve defects efficiently. This helps maintain software quality and comply with project timelines.

4. Continuously Improve and Optimize

Maintain an automated test suite to keep it up to date, optimize test cases, and address any issues or changes in the software. This ensures the automated tests deliver accurate results and effectively validate the software’s functionality.

Here are the aspects of complete maintenance.

• Test Case Maintenance: Regularly review and update test cases to ensure they remain relevant as the software evolves. Modify or retire tests as requirements and functionalities change. Continuously adjust test cases to reflect changes in software requirements or functionality.

• Test Data Maintenance: Proper test data sets are maintained to ensure accurate and reliable test results. Test data should be regularly updated to reflect current conditions. Approaches like real-time data or synthetic data generation can be effective for test data maintenance.

• Test Environment Maintenance: Ensure the test environment accurately replicates the production setup to provide valid test results. Update software dependencies, configurations, and infrastructure as needed.

• Test Script Maintenance: Continuously review and refine automated test scripts. Adjust scripts to account for changes in the application’s interface or functionality. Ensure that test scripts remain functional and effective over time.

Effective maintenance practices:

• Document all changes to test cases and scripts to maintain a clear record.
• Perform regular code reviews to ensure high standards of test script quality.
• Utilize version control systems to manage changes and track updates.
• Involve the entire QA team in the maintenance process to benefit from collective insights and expertise.

Challenges of QA Automation

While automation can enhance your product development pipeline, certain pitfalls can slow down the process if not addressed. 

Here is a list of challenges teams may face in QA automation.

Over-Dependence on Automation

Relying too much on QA automation risks missing issues that require human observation. Automated tests may overlook unexpected problems or edge cases. 

A balanced approach, combining manual and automated testing, helps address this. 

Teams should also invest in regular training and updates to their automation strategy.

High Initial Costs

The high upfront costs of automation tools and frameworks can be a barrier. Licensing fees and operational expenses add to the challenge. 

However, organizations often see higher long-term ROI when automation is well-implemented. 

Strategic planning and cost-benefit analysis help justify the investment.

Standardizing Scripts and Frameworks

Maintaining consistency in QA automation requires standardized scripts and frameworks for easier reuse and upkeep. 

This involves setting naming conventions, coding styles, and error handling practices. 

Frequent updates are needed to adapt to evolving frameworks, and expert guidance can aid in maintaining these standards.

Team Collaboration Issues

Inefficient collaboration can cause delays and misunderstandings in QA automation projects. Common issues include unclear communication and knowledge silos. 

Using project tracking tools, holding status meetings, and encouraging cross-training can foster teamwork and improve efficiency.

Optimize Your Automated QA Testing with Testlio

There are countless advantages of QA automation in software testing, including increased productivity, accelerated test procedures, and better outcomes. Moreover, automation and sophisticated tools help minimize time to market and costs and enhance test coverage. 

Nevertheless, organizations can experience some difficulties in automated QA testing. Collaborating with a reliable partner like Testlio can help organizations optimize their test automation approach and ensure a better ROI. 

From manual testing to fused software testing and test automation, Testlio’s comprehensive offerings cater to diverse testing needs.

Testlio can offer:

• Automation for superior software quality.
• A global network of expert testers from diverse backgrounds and locations.
• An integrated platform seamlessly combining human and automated testing processes.
• Coverage for every testing type, ensuring thorough testing and outstanding software quality.

With a global network of expert testers and a commitment to comprehensive coverage for every testing type, Testlio is the partner you can trust to tackle testing challenges and drive success. 

Contact sales to see how Testlio can help accelerate your software testing endeavors!