Benefits and Risks of Test Automation

Benefits

• Time saved by reducing repetitive manual work
• Prevention of simple human errors through greater consistency and repeatability
• More objective assessment and measurement of test coverage
• Easier access to information about testing to support test management and reporting
• Reduced test execution times for earlier defect detection and faster feedback
• More time for testers to design new, deeper, and more effective tests

Risks

• Unrealistic expectations about tool benefits
• Inaccurate estimations of time, costs, and effort
• Using a test tool when manually testing is more effective
• Over-reliance on automation
• Dependency on the tool vendor. Do a good POC to put it through its paces
• Issues with open source software
• Incompatibility with development platform
• Choosing an unsuitable tool for regulatory and safety compliances