Strategies and tactics for improving automation test coverage
The strategy for improving automation test coverage aims to attain at least 50% automation by meticulously planning and executing specific actions. The first step involves a thorough analysis of the existing 2000 test cases. By prioritizing based on critical functionality and usage, classifying into categories, and setting up a scoring system, the goal is to identify at least 1000 test cases for potential automation. Seeking stakeholder approval for the selected test cases is crucial.
Next, developing a resource and timeline plan is essential. This includes estimating the time and effort required per test case, assessing current capacities, and planning for additional resources if needed. A phased approach with milestones at 10%, 25%, and 50% automation coverage helps manage progress and adjust timelines as necessary with input from the project team and stakeholders.
Finally, ensuring adequate tools and infrastructure is important. The strategy includes selecting appropriate automation tools, setting up test environments, maintaining test scripts, and incorporating CI systems for streamlined execution. Regular training and code reviews ensure the quality and effectiveness of the automation process.
The strategies
⛳️ Strategy 1: Perform a thorough test case analysis
- Review all existing 2000 test cases to identify candidates for automation
- Prioritise test cases based on critical functionality and high usage
- Classify test cases into categories such as functional, integration, and regression tests
- Evaluate test cases for complexity and likelihood of frequent execution
- Set up a scoring system to rank test cases for automation suitability
- Document the rationale for choosing or excluding test cases from automation
- Identify dependencies between test cases that may affect automation
- Consider existing manual test documentation to aid the automation process
- Finalise a list of at least 1000 test cases for potential automation
- Seek approval from stakeholders on the selected test cases for automation
⛳️ Strategy 2: Develop a resource and timeline plan
- Estimate the average time required to automate a single test case
- Calculate the total effort required to automate 1000 test cases
- Assess the current capacity of the AQA engineer
- Determine the feasibility of hiring additional AQA engineers or outsourcing
- Develop a phased approach to incrementally increase automation coverage
- Allocate specific test cases to be automated in each 2-week sprint
- Set milestones for achieving 10%, 25%, and 50% automation coverage
- Regularly review and adjust the timeline based on progress and resource availability
- Include buffer time for resolving unforeseen challenges
- Share the resource and timeline plan with the project team and stakeholders
⛳️ Strategy 3: Ensure adequate tools and infrastructure
- Evaluate and select appropriate automation tools that support the chosen test cases
- Set up and configure test environments to facilitate smooth automation
- Ensure continuous integration (CI) systems are in place for automated test execution
- Develop a process for maintaining and updating test scripts
- Create a backup plan for test data and scripts to avoid loss
- Establish version control practices for test cases and automation scripts
- Integrate reporting tools to track automation progress and results
- Conduct regular training sessions for the AQA engineer on new tools and best practices
- Plan for periodic code reviews to ensure the quality of automated scripts
- Set up communication channels for quick resolution of technical issues
Bringing accountability to your strategy
It's one thing to have a plan, it's another to stick to it. We hope that the examples above will help you get started with your own strategy, but we also know that it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day effort.
That's why we built Tability: to help you track your progress, keep your team aligned, and make sure you're always moving in the right direction.
Give it a try and see how it can help you bring accountability to your strategy.
