Why automated testing is the best path to digital transformation
Published: 2023-01-16 16:17:04

Companies are moving to an increasingly automated approach for their delivery pipeline. But there's good news, too - knowing where to automate your deployment pipeline and where to continue doing things manually is key to maximizing your effectiveness.

Many teams begin it the wrong way by using scripting languages such as Python or Selenium WebDriver instead of full-fledged platforms like QTP/UFT, [Ranorex](https://aqua-cloud.io/ranorex-integration/) etc. They are good enough for small projects or prototyping purposes. But sooner or later, keeping track of the changes that need to be made in the scripting code will become unmanageable, and you will end up stuck with manual testing.

Digital transformation has many benefits beyond technology, such as employee retention and a better customer experience. In this blog post I am going to outline 5 of the main benefits that digital transformation can offer your business.

1. It saves time and money;
2. Provides a systematic, repeatable approach to measuring software quality;
3. Enhances collaboration among testers, developers and business stakeholders.

In the annual  [World Quality Report 2022-23](https://content.microfocus.com/world-quality-report-tb/world-quality-report-2022-23?utm_source=techbeacon&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=7014J000000dVA4QAM&_ga=2.187076968.1136259541.1636464128-463032904.1636464128&xs=214232#page=1), several insights were provided that explain how automation can help any company be more efficient.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/mj6rbsqzdssuxbdyqwmd.png)


**_“We find the priority for most organizations is meeting business needs rather than justifying the technical ROI of automation and that the conversations in organizations have changed from how much a test tool costs to how much value it brings to the business.”_** **– direct quotation**, the annual World Quality Report 2022-23

Automated QA testing is an approach of process automation that enables multiple test execution within one setting. Moreover, it results in the effective saving of time, effort and money. And these are the most critical requirements of businesses.

Let’s see what opportunities automated QA testing offers.

**High ROI**

Automated testing significantly boosts the quality of your product, helps you save time and money, increases productivity and ultimately reduces the costs usually associated with manual testing.

**Facilitated DevOps and continuous testing**

Automated software testing is a crucial component of any DevOps or continuous delivery strategy. Automated tests can run at any time and scale, enabling constant testing and reducing cycle times—while keeping your application stable at all times.

**Enhanced software quality and development speed**

Software development teams are constantly looking for ways to save time and get quality feedback faster with less effort. One of the most popular methods they’re turning to is automated testing, which automates much of the process through software tests or test cases.

**_“Automation takes risk out of the test environment because it’s dependable and repeatable.”_** **– David Taylor**, Director, Quality Business Acceptance and Support, Humana Clinica

Test automation can help reduce time to market, improve product quality and provide faster turnaround on fixes, leading to improved customer satisfaction.

**Increased reliability, productivity and accuracy**

Test automation can help you find defects faster, reduce the time needed to test new features and keep your application stable.

**Improved collaboration**

Automation testing provides a shared language for all your team members to use when discussing applications. It makes it easier for developers, testers and business stakeholders to understand each other’s points of view and discuss improving the quality of an application.

**Conclusion**

Automated software is a must-have for success in the modern digital landscape.

Here are some tips to make sure you're outsourcing to the best people and working with the right technology:
• Work earlier with quality automation experts.
• Start automation from the first requirement. By building an automation-first approach to the needs, you will ensure that your testing is built in a way that supports automation.
• Get automation requirements agreed on before you start to automate.
• Don't focus on the ROI. Instead, determine what will deliver the most customer benefits and consider the ROI second.
• Review your tooling and frameworks regularly.
• Plan a roadmap for at least the next three years.
• It's always more efficient and effective to pick the right tool for every task rather than trying to make a single tool do everything.
• Start investing in people. Stop chasing after unicorns and work with the people you have – they know your business.

Automated testing tools are fundamental for digital transformation. They reduce costs and labour, uncover bugs, and speed up software development cycles – giving your business a competitive edge.

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If you want to follow my testing learning journey, follow the “Software Testing Talks” groups I created on [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/softwaretestingtalks/) and [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14099003/). I share the most interesting QA discussions I find on the web and insights I get during testing work and studies there.

I am also happy to hear your feedback, suggestions, or ideas about what you would like me to write more about. Don’t hesitate to [text me](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tania-zhydkova-2a481113b/) if you want to say hi or discuss something.