Best Test Automation Software for Small Businesses

Test automation software allows development teams to run prescripted tests on their applications before they are pushed into production. These tools give developers the means to set standard test parameters and automate the execution of those tests. While the setup for these standard testing frameworks requires initial effort, the tests themselves are then run quickly, repeatedly, and automatically to the benefit of developer workloads over time. Test automation software also runs outcome reports after executing tests to compare outcomes to those of previous tests and to analyze results against benchmarks. While such reports vary in their level of depth depending on the software used, their main purpose is to serve as a jumping-off point for developers while easing the overall workload. Test automation software automatically executes tests and run reports on their outcomes repeatedly throughout the day, making them a critical component of the continuous delivery process.

While the core concept that defines test automation software is relatively straightforward, there exists a wide variety of test automation tools based on the types of software tests they handle. It is important to consider a test automation product’s focuses and functionalities when deciding on a best-fit solution for a company. For example, some test automation software products might only be useful for testing mobile applications while others are more suited for web development. It is also important to consider the cost of investment in such tools. Ideally, the initial cost and effort to implement test automation is justified by the overall cost and effort saved over time. Businesses must consider these factors carefully when selecting a test automation product that will best suit their needs.

Key Benefits of Test Automation Software

• Alleviates development effort related to repetitive software testing tasks
• Saves time and money after initial investment
• Gives developers a starting point via outcome reports when diagnosing software flaws

Test automation software tends to be relatively expensive, meaning that a company must carefully weigh the benefits of using such software against the costs. These products span a wide variety of use cases and functionality. Development teams searching for a test automation solution should consider each product’s feature set to weigh the potential benefits against current operational costs. With the right tool applied in the right way, test automation software ultimately saves companies time, money, and effort indefinitely after the initial investment. While there are many facets to consider, there are some key benefits that apply to the successful adoption of any test automation software.

Automate repetitive tasks — As the name implies, test automation software automates repetitive software testing tasks. These tasks are both crucial to the software development process and time consuming when handled exclusively by developers. Implementing test automation software shifts the workload off of developers’ shoulders, allowing them to spend more time on their in-production applications.

Gain immediate insight on test outcomes — Since test automation software runs outcome reports after each test and automatically compares test outcomes against previous tests and benchmarks, developers are able to easily diagnose software flaws. Without these tools, developers must compare test results manually or use less comprehensive software to handle analysis. Test automation software’s reports give teams a starting point by which they more effectively solve issues with their software.

As test automation software is costly, enterprise companies are most likely to implement them. However, depending on the situation, test automation software may represent worthwhile value for mid-market companies as well.

Enterprise development teams — Enterprise development teams tend to have many software applications and updates in production simultaneously. Companies employing these teams often have the resources to justify the investment required to get test automation software set up, which then generates long term value by saving time and effort indefinitely.

Mid-market development teams — Depending on the situation and the tool selected, mid-market development teams find enough value in implementing test automation software to make the upfront investment worth it, despite their relatively smaller resource pool.