Short description ...

Automation and programming of the test execution in order to define the test cases as efficiently as possible and without manual interaction of a tester.

Our SERVICES ...  

• Selection of tools:
  see also Tool Evaluation Center
• Preparation of test automation:
  - Analysis of test cases on suitability and technical feasibility in terms of test automation
  - Preparing the test automation environment, tool configuration, ...
• Implementation of test automation:
  - Execution of test cases using test automation tools
  - Providing test automation specialists
  - Providing test automation management through our consultants with appropriate knowledge of the used tool
  - Programming of test drivers and simulators
• Test evaluation:
  - Creation of a test protocol for all executed tests
  - Interpretation of the test results
  - Creating a summary list of deficiencies
  - On demand objective critical comments with recommendations for further actions...

Further information on this service...

It is necessary to realize that the test automation usually poses a very resource-demanding matter due to its technological complexity.

There are some basic branches in this field which are to be recognized, as each of them normally requires a different attitude for test automatisation:

• (graphical) user interface / GUI 
• (graphical) user outputs (e.g. reports, diagrams, statistics, …)
• system without direct user interaction (e.g. host to SAP interface)
• at this point the following cases should be recognized:
  -         unidirectional / bidirectional
  -         synchronous / asynchronous
  -         leading system
  -         error handling
  -         …
• high level workflows und business processes
• low level automatisation evtl. batch processing
• …

As for the tools and technologies used for test automation, two basic attitudes are recognized:

• implementation of standard test automation tools (e.g. from HP, IBM, Borland, Compuware, …)
• individual creation of test drivers, simulators, …

Standard tools are often not very well (or not at all) accomodated to the different technologies and applications. In such case it may be necessary to perform an expensive accomodation of these tools - then it may even be more efficient to develop exactly fitting test drivers, simulators etc. using own resources.

The variety of attitudes and the technologic complexity requires good planning and performance of cost/benefit analysis of test automation, as well as regard for the risks connected with testcases (and setting priorities), and building a well-structured test automation.

Additional details about software testing can also be found in our Newsletter.