Common mistakes in test automation implementation

In a previous blog post, we explored some testing terminology and covered the fundamental concepts of software testing. Now, we will delve deeper into practical challenges and examine the most common mistakes that can undermine the efficiency and reliability of test automation. Careful planning and best practices help avoid pitfalls and maximize the benefits of test automation.

Test automation is still too often dismissed when planning ERP transformations. Another pitfall is that the time allocated for planning and implementing test automation is often too limited, which is why it is not utilized in all ERP projects. However, the demand for continuous testing is increasing due to the fact that organizations are running their ERPs in cloud more and more. Cloud ERPs bring regular and frequent updates and shorter innovation cycles which in turn shifts the focus toward test automation, making it a recommended option even for supporting smaller ERP initiatives.

On the other hand, sometimes organizations have unrealistic test automation implementation expectations, assuming that automation will solve all testing challenges. If the testing processes are already deficient, automation alone will not improve the situation.

Avoiding pitfalls in test automation implementation

1. Planning

One of the most frequent mistakes in test automation implementation is inadequate test planning. Testing should comprehensively cover different levels and types of tests, but too often, automation is used inappropriately. Tests may fail due to issues related to timing or dependencies, reducing their reliability and making developers skeptical about test automation. Instead of striving to automate 100% of the tests during the implementation project, more attention should be paid to strategic risk analysis, which helps identify the most suitable test scenarios for automation.

2. Maintenance

Another common mistake is neglecting test automation maintenance. Test cases should be easy to maintain and integrate. If updating tests takes more time than running them manually, automation can become inefficient and costly. It is recommended to refactor the test code, which means improving the structure of the code without altering its functionality. Refactoring enhances code readability, simplifies maintenance, and significantly reduces bugs in testing. It also supports the elimination of duplicates and ensures compliance with established testing quality standards. It is advisable to apply the same principles to test code as to production code: a clear structure, reusability, and documentation contribute to reliable and high-quality testing. Moreover, environment management and test data quality should not be overlooked, as automated tests cannot yield reliable results without proper test data.

3. Test data

During an implementation project, test cases are highly dependent on the data used, causing numerous challenges for many organizations. In some cases, generating artificial data during testing results in unreliable test outcomes. Test data should ideally be prepared well in advance. Ideally, this should be part of the data harmonization process before the actual ERP project. In the early stages of the implementation project, it may not be necessary to handle the full amount of organizational data, but good and reliable test results can already be achieved when real examples from the current production environment are available in the test environment. If the production system’s data is not yet available, a solution could be using so-called standardized test data, which improves test diagnostics, accelerates test execution, reduces test unreliability, and enhances security by ensuring that real customer data is not involved in the system.

4. Unified approach

Occasionally, implementation projects face situations where test automation is fragmented without a unified approach. In the worst-case scenario, different teams implement automation in different ways, making it difficult to manage and develop efficiently. This can result in suboptimal benefits from test automation.

5. Technical challenges

Technical challenges can also hinder test automation implementation. Issues such as tool compatibility problems or the rapid evolution of technology may lead to outdated testing systems. Additionally, internal organizational challenges, such as lack of management support, insufficient resources, and lack of training, pose significant obstacles to successful automation implementation.

Test automation is a powerful tool, but it cannot replace carefully planned and executed testing. It should be part of a comprehensive testing strategy that considers both manual testing and the possibilities and limitations of automation. In our next blog post, we will focus on the benefits achieved through test automation.

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