Founder and CEO of ZAPTEST, with 20 years of experience in Software Automation for Testing + RPA processes, and application development.
The Reality
Custom software developers rarely get the credit they deserve. The work that these engineers do to help accommodate their client’s diverse demands is important and too often overlooked. Bespoke software lets companies simplify their workflows, become more productive and engage their stakeholders. In the best-case scenarios, the right product means that organizations can grow and scale.
Yet, developing software is just half the battle. Software testing is just as important for several different reasons. For starters, it helps ensure that products meet exacting standards and perform as well as possible. Secondly, it gives clients the assurance that their program will work on the various devices, platforms and operating systems used in our ever-evolving modern business environments.
The Problem
In the past, software testing was a manual process. Developers often dreaded testing because it was tedious, time-consuming and, as anyone who has engaged in the process knows, subject to human error. Yet, more recent technological advancements have transformed the space.
Cutting-edge test automation tools have addressed the three major problems outlined above that were typically associated with manual testing. Now, software testing is quicker, cheaper and less prone to human error. The four big areas that test automation software improves are cross-platform, functional (UI and API) and performance testing.
Yet, there are a few roadblocks that are blocking companies from unleashing the true power of automated testing. One big issue is that many companies don’t have established relationships with test automation vendors. Another persistent problem is that many companies have insufficient expertise to evaluate test automation solutions properly.
When added together, these deficits result in a vendor selection process that can be overly time-consuming and challenging and ultimately results in selecting the wrong vendors.
Sadly, the problems don’t stop there. A lot of clients are operating on the mistaken assumption that automated software testing is expensive. The result of this misunderstanding is subpar testing, which hurts software quality and, quite often, the developer’s reputation.
The Solution
When you look at the problem above, something interesting emerges. There is a big opportunity here for custom software developers. Namely, it involves finding a way to integrate test automation into their existing service suite.
Developers already have in-house expertise to make custom software. If they augment this prowess with test automation software, they can offer their clients a seamless and comprehensive solution that brings the best of both disciplines under one roof.
Let’s break down four areas where test automation can help software development vendors extend their service and improve their final product.
Advanced cross-platform test automation helps developers ensure a consistent user experience across the different devices and platforms used by modern stakeholders, both at home and in the office. Testing can and should reflect this diversity.
Another thing to consider is that these advanced testing tools speed up the software development life cycle (SDLC). The business world operates at a fast pace, and quicker time to market can be the difference between success and failure. Cross-platform testing executes against various environments and conditions and helps identify issues quickly.
Finally, cross-platform testing tools produce rich documentation and powerful insights that help developers resolve problems rapidly. As a result, clients get market-ready and comprehensively tested products, which can provide a decisive edge in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Automated functional UI testing is another feature for custom developers to get hyped about. This brand of testing verifies a software’s GUI and confirms that the interface is responsive, intuitive and, perhaps most notably, user-friendly. In a nutshell, UI testing puts the look and feel of your software through its paces and makes sure that it meets user expectations.
Automated performance testing is a huge time saver for development teams. This sort of software testing assesses how software acts under different loads. Some of the areas it analyzes include the speed, stability, and responsiveness of an application. Developers need to know how their code will handle the stresses and strains of peak usage, and the best way to do that is by simulating somewhat extreme scenarios. Performance testing gives them these valuable insights.
Lastly, unlimited licensing models help vendors provide cost-effective tests. Some of the prime advantages here are more simplified, straightforward cost planning and a reduced possibility of budget overruns. Most significantly, it also means that high-quality testing is available to clients with smaller budgets.
Make The Most Out Of Testing
Establishing a robust test automation practice is a multifaceted endeavor for development vendors, primarily revolving around processes, roles and tools. For the process, it’s vital for development teams to align their test automation schedule with their application development delivery model—be it Agile’s fast-paced iterations or Waterfall’s longer, more deliberate phases. This alignment will naturally dictate the roles involved. Development teams will need test automators for scripting and running tests, subject matter experts to provide specialized knowledge on what to test and stakeholders to keep updated and make key decisions. Finally, when it comes to tools, developers should opt for an automation tool that supports cross-platform and cross-discipline automation. This ensures flexibility and broad applicability, making the testing practice both efficient and comprehensive.
Conclusion
Cross-platform-focused test automation is here to make custom software development more dependable. If software development vendors integrate test automation into their service portfolio, they can deliver a more comprehensive service to their clients and, ultimately, better products.
Vendors can guide their clients through every step of the SDLC, from requirement gathering to the eventual deployment of a well-developed, thoroughly tested, high-quality software solution.
The benefits of this strategy are clear for all to see. Clients get robust and reliable software delivered by credible software development vendors, while vendors diversify their service offerings and increase revenue. What’s more, unlimited licensing models ensure that clients have unrestrained access to test automation services, which helps promote a culture of extensive testing.
The future of software development is an integrated approach where creation and testing are intertwined, ensuring the speedy delivery of superior-quality solutions.
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