Software testing is crucial for delivering excellent software products, but it can eat away at your resources. Ideally, you need a solution that provides high-quality testing, while also allowing your team to focus on what matters most: software development. Automated testing tools can help you achieve this balance, though choosing the right solution is not easy.
With so many options out there, you need to take some time to pick the automated testing tool best suited for your business. Before choosing a software testing automation tool, let’s take a look at some of the factors involved in the selection process.
Get specific
Break down your goals, and make sure the tool you’re considering can handle your needs. Analyze the current non-automated testing situation to determine where testing is not being done or does not appear to be sufficient. Does your team frequently run into the same problems when testing? Are you noticing certain gaps in the testing process?
Check functions
The right solution must live up to your business standards and deliver the functions users need. Look at past projects and talk to your team to determine testing needs. Make a list with the most important features that the testing automation tool should have.
Consider all parameters
Take into account the platforms and technologies already in use within your project. What are the OS your application is running on? Is it for desktop, web or mobile? You might require a desktop app that is supported by a mobile app. Consider all those parameters and check them against various tools. Choose a testing automation tool that integrates well with your current technology to avoid additional costs.
Make sure the tool is reliable
Software testing is all about reliability. You need good results, all the time. The automation tool you choose should be stable, error-free, and periodically updated. Also, will it likely continue to be on the market and provide support to users?
Check for upgrades
Find out if the tool has an upgrade soon to be released. Don’t invest money if there will be a better version of it shortly. You might want to negotiate with the provider a free or discounted upgrade, in case they come up with a superior product.
Check staff knowledge base
A solution can look good on paper, but be a headache to implement. Make sure your team has the required technical background to use the testing automation tool. Check if the solution comes with documentation and resources for your team to quickly learn its ropes. Finally, do you have enough time to train your team before implementing the solution?
Determine the costs
Make sure your budget can cover the entire costs demanded by the new tool: the costs of learning, training, and the tool itself. Check with the provider if there will be any ongoing costs with using the tool, such as for upgrades and support.
Get feedback
Invest time in researching both online and offline and find out what others think of the tool you are interested in buying. Also, arrange a trial period so your team can get a hands-on experience with the testing automation tool. Ask for feedback on ease of use, results, and overall value provided.
These are some of the aspects and questions you should think about before choosing a testing automation tool. It should meet your needs both now and when scaling for the future, so it is crucial that you properly evaluate alternatives before making a decision.
For an in-depth analysis of your business needs and available solutions, contact us at Euro-Testing. We would be glad to give you all the information and assistance you need in picking the testing automation tool that best fits your requirements.
