Read the marketing collateral from test automation vendors and you’ll encounter bold promises around costs, coverage, and defect reduction. However, for many who have been through multiple automation initiatives, the reality frequently fails to live up to the pitch.
It’s no surprise, then, that these claims spark a healthy dose of scepticism within both the testing and developer communities.
This begs the question: Are all test automation claims just marketing hype?
Teams Often See Disappointing Results
I have been involved in software testing for over thirty years and have been a strong test automation advocate for a large part of that. However, I am also the first to admit that many test automation initiatives fail to deliver the promised time or cost savings.
The frustrations are common: ongoing and unexpected costs, endless hours spent maintaining flaky scripts, and dubious test results that undermine trust in automation.
It is entirely fair to say that, on many occasions, test automation costs more than it delivers. This leaves teams and stakeholders wondering if it was worth it, and puts them off future automation initiatives.
Common reasons why automation efforts underperform include:
- Poor Tool Selection: Teams select tools that are too complex to use, lack support for key applications, and are generally ill-suited for their business landscape and internal policies.
- Ignoring Total Cost of Ownership: Tools are chosen based on upfront cost rather than total cost of ownership (TCO).Upfront licence costs are only part of the equation. Ongoing maintenance, integration, and infrastructure costs add up quickly and can erode long-term value.
- Ineffective Implementation: Rushed rollouts, no pilot phase, or limited stakeholder involvement result in poor fit and low value.
- Misunderstanding Automation’s Purpose: Some try to automate tasks that are constantly changing, such as unstable applications, volatile UIs, or early-stage projects.
- Neglecting Skillsets: Underestimating the learning curve required, or failing to invest in upskilling, leads to inconsistent and unreliable tests. it can also lead to an over dependence on consultant or contract resource which will increase cost.
The Times When Automation Does Deliver
And yet, test automation can deliver on its claims. I have seen it, many times.
As I said earlier, I am a strong automation advocate. I have seen companies accelerate development, increase quality, and change their whole outlook on testing through the use of effective automation. But it has to be done correctly.
Automation can yield game-changing ROI, but only if it’s taken seriously, deployed thoughtfully, and treated as a serious project in its own right.
As with any other project, in any field, the benefits of test automation can only be realised when automation is:
- Matched to Clear, Achievable Goals: Focused on stable, well-understood, high-value areas that change infrequently.
- Implemented with the Right Tools and Skills: Tools like OpenText Functional Testing (formerly UFT One) make automation accessible with broad language support and extensible plugins, making them easier to integrate into diverse teams.
Six Steps to Unlock Genuine Automation ROI
Automation can and will deliver benefits, and here are six steps to help you make it happen:
- Start Small: Run pilots on contained, high-value workflows. Validate the approach before scaling automation broadly.
- Match Tools to Team Skills: Choose tools your team can quickly pick up and adapt, such as OpenText Functional Testing. This lets you automate across a broad tech stack without steep learning curves.
- Focus on Maintainability: Robust scripting practices, modular test design, and AI-assisted maintenance to reduce flakiness and rework.
- Automate What Matters Most: Concentrate efforts on smoke tests, regression suites, and business-critical workflows.
- Invest in Upskilling: Don’t just get a tool and expect your testers to use it. Dedicate real time to mastering both its features and automation best practices. This investment saves money in the long term.
- Continually Reassess: Regularly review and optimise your test automation suite to ensure the tests remain relevant and aligned with genuine business needs.
Conclusion
You may have been burned before, and of course, it’s wise to treat outlandish marketing claims with a pinch of salt.
However, with a strategic approach and the right tools (such as OpenText Functional Testing), automation delivers measurable, sustainable returns and keeps your QA operation lean and effective.
