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10 OKR examples for Test Automation

What are Test Automation OKRs?

The OKR acronym stands for Objectives and Key Results. It's a goal-setting framework that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s, and it became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s. OKRs helps teams has a shared language to set ambitious goals and track progress towards them.

OKRs are quickly gaining popularity as a goal-setting framework. But, it's not always easy to know how to write your goals, especially if it's your first time using OKRs.

To aid you in setting your goals, we have compiled a collection of OKR examples customized for Test Automation. Take a look at the templates below for inspiration and guidance.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

How to write your own Test Automation OKRs

Option 1. Turn ideas into OKRs with Tability AI

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here.

You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.

Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.

Watch the video below to see it in action 👇

Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool

If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.

AI feedback for OKRs in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.

You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.

Option 3. Use the free OKR generator

If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.

Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.

Test Automation OKRs examples

You'll find below a list of Objectives and Key Results templates for Test Automation. We also included strategic projects for each template to make it easier to understand the difference between key results and projects.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

OKRs to increase test automation percentage to 80%

  • ObjectiveIncrease test automation percentage to 80%
  • KRImplement 60% of test automation by the end of the first month
  • TaskDevelop script for selected automated tests
  • TaskIdentify key tests suitable for automation
  • TaskImplement and validate the automated tests
  • KRFinalize and establish 80% test automation by the end of the objective's period
  • TaskIdentify key functionalities requiring automated testing
  • TaskDevelop and implement desired automated tests
  • TaskReview and troubleshoot test results regularly
  • KRImprove test coverage with automation to 70% by end of the second month
  • TaskDevelop and implement automated testing strategies
  • TaskConsistently review and adjust strategies to reach 70% coverage
  • TaskIdentify crucial areas lacking sufficient test coverage

OKRs to accelerate process efficiency by achieving 80% test automation

  • ObjectiveAccelerate process efficiency by achieving 80% test automation
  • KRDevelop and implement two new automation tools
  • TaskResearch potential automation tools relevant to business needs
  • TaskTrain team on tool usage and proceed with implementation
  • TaskBuild and beta test two selected automation tools
  • KRIncrease current test automation coverage by 20%
  • TaskDevelop and implement additional automation tests
  • TaskMonitor and evaluate progress regularly
  • TaskIdentify areas where test automation is currently lacking
  • KRReduce manual testing time by 30%
  • TaskTrain staff in efficient, effective testing strategies
  • TaskImplement automated testing tools for repeated tasks
  • TaskPrioritize test cases based on importance

OKRs to increase automation coverage of manual test cases to 50%

  • ObjectiveIncrease automation coverage of manual test cases to 50%
  • KRIdentify and prioritize 100% of manual test cases suitable for automation by week 4
  • TaskCatalog all existing manual test cases
  • TaskEvaluate each test case's automation potential
  • TaskPrioritize automation of high-potential cases
  • KRDevelop and implement automation scripts for 25% of identified test cases by week 6
  • TaskImplement the developed automation scripts
  • TaskIdentify test cases suitable for automation
  • TaskDevelop scripts for 25% of identified tests
  • KRAchieve 50% automation coverage by successfully testing and deploying new scripts by week 12
  • TaskDevelop and implement a detailed automation script plan
  • TaskDeploy tested scripts by week 12
  • TaskRun comprehensive tests on new automation scripts

OKRs to increase test automation coverage to 80%

  • ObjectiveIncrease test automation coverage to 80%
  • KRDevelop and implement 20% more automated tests every month
  • TaskIdentify areas needing additional automated tests
  • TaskIntegrate tests into existing system
  • TaskWrite and validate new automations
  • KRMaintain less than 5% failure rate in our automated tests
  • TaskProvide ongoing team training on test creation
  • TaskImplement rigorous quality assurance processes
  • TaskRegularly review and update the automated tests
  • KRImprove average test execution time by 15%
  • TaskImplement more effective test optimization strategies
  • TaskUpgrade server hardware to boost processing power
  • TaskTrain staff in efficient testing procedures

OKRs to improve test coverage and automation for proactive debt remediation

  • ObjectiveIncrease test coverage and automation to enhance proactive debt remediation
  • KRImplement end-to-end testing to validate entire debt remediation process
  • KRAchieve 100% coverage for high-risk debt remediation scenarios
  • KRReduce manual effort by 50% through automation of debt remediation tasks
  • KRIncrease debt remediation efficacy by 25% through data-driven testing and analysis

OKRs to implement efficient test automation processes

  • ObjectiveImplement efficient test automation processes
  • KRReduce manual testing work by 40% through customized automated scripts
  • TaskImplement and monitor the automated scripts’ efficacy regularly
  • TaskDevelop customized automated scripts for these processes
  • TaskIdentify repeated manual testing processes suitable for automation
  • KRSuccessfully automate 70% of all repetitive tests while maintaining accuracy
  • TaskResearch suitable automation tools or software
  • TaskImplement, monitor, and adjust automated processes accordingly
  • TaskIdentify and catalog all existing repetitive tests
  • KRAchieve a 30% decrease in software bugs and glitches through automated testing enhancement
  • TaskRegularly evaluate and refine our testing processes
  • TaskTrain developers in advanced automated testing
  • TaskImplement enhanced and rigorous automated testing protocols

OKRs to implement automation testing across development platform and code

  • ObjectiveImplement automation testing across development platform and code
  • KRIdentify and list 100% of testable features within the existing code base
  • TaskReview entire code base to identify testable features
  • TaskCreate a comprehensive list of these features
  • TaskConfirm all identified features are indeed testable
  • KRCreate and document comprehensive automated test scripts for 70% of identified features
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive automated test scripts
  • TaskIdentify key features requiring automated test scripts
  • TaskDocument tested features and script process
  • KRAchieve a 95% success rate in detecting and reporting bugs through automation tests
  • TaskImplement automated testing tools to highlight software errors
  • TaskTrain team members on analyzing automated test results
  • TaskRegularly update and refine automated test scripts

OKRs to improve proficiency in manual and automation testing

  • ObjectiveImprove proficiency in manual and automation testing
  • KRSuccessfully identify and report 90% of bugs in 5 assigned projects
  • TaskConduct thorough bug detection in each assigned project
  • TaskGenerate comprehensive bug reports for management
  • TaskDocument and categorize each identified bug
  • KRComplete three advanced courses in manual and automation testing with at least 85% score
  • TaskResearch and enroll in manual and automation testing courses
  • TaskConsistently study course materials for understanding
  • TaskAchieve 85% or more on all course exams
  • KRIncrease testing speed by 30% without sacrificing quality of test results
  • TaskStreamline test procedures to eliminate redundancies
  • TaskTrain staff on efficiency and time management tactics
  • TaskImplement automation for repetitive test procedures

OKRs to enhance Quality Assurance automation capacity

  • ObjectiveEnhance Quality Assurance automation capacity
  • KRImplement automation for at least 70% of previously manually tested scenarios
  • TaskIdentify primary scenarios for automated testing
  • TaskEvaluate automation coverage and effectiveness
  • TaskDevelop and implement automation scripts
  • KRAchieve 80% pass rate for all new automated test scripts
  • TaskImplement rigorous script debugging and revision process
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive and effective automated test scripts
  • TaskTrain team members on standard script writing
  • KRIncrease automation coverage by 30% across all project modules
  • TaskDevelop and implement automation scripts for these areas
  • TaskMonitor and assess the increase in automation coverage
  • TaskIdentify areas with low automation within project modules

OKRs to increase quality assurance effectiveness and efficiency

  • ObjectiveIncrease quality assurance effectiveness and efficiency
  • KRImplement automation in 70% of QA testing processes
  • TaskTrain QA team in automation tool use
  • TaskIdentify the QA testing processes that can be automated
  • TaskResearch and acquire suitable automation tools
  • KRDecrease false positive reports by 30%
  • TaskTrain staff on identifying and handling false positives
  • TaskEnhance data quality and accuracy checks
  • TaskImplement stricter parameters in reporting algorithms
  • KRIncrease the QA test pass rate to 95%
  • TaskEnhance the bug detection and reporting system
  • TaskDevelop a comprehensive training program for QA testers
  • TaskImplement rigorous test case reviews before execution

Test Automation OKR best practices

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

The #1 role of OKRs is to help you and your team focus on what really matters. Business-as-usual activities will still be happening, but you do not need to track your entire roadmap in the OKRs.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to get the full value of your OKRs and make your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

How to track your Test Automation OKRs

OKRs without regular progress updates are just KPIs. You'll need to update progress on your OKRs every week to get the full benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.

If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

More Test Automation OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

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