The Shift to Automation: Is Manual Testing Dead for ServiceNow?
Matthew Brown
Account Executive @ AutomatePro Helping the ServiceNow Community realize the power of automation 🚀
In the digital age, software testing methodologies are evolving rapidly, challenging the relevance of traditional manual testing practices. This is particularly true for ServiceNow, a prominent IT service management platform. Is manual testing truly obsolete in the ServiceNow ecosystem? In this article, we'll explore the changing landscape of testing and discuss why organizations are increasingly adopting automation over manual testing.
1️⃣ Limitations of Manual Testing:
Manual testing, once the go-to method for ensuring software quality, has inherent limitations. It is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error. ServiceNow's complexity and extensive configurations make manual testing a challenging and inefficient process. Organizations are recognizing the need for a more streamlined and reliable approach.
2️⃣ Embracing Automation:
Automation testing has gained significant momentum for its ability to execute tests rapidly and consistently. ServiceNow's robust APIs and integration capabilities make it an ideal platform for automation testing. Automation tools enable testers to simulate complex workflows, validate data integrity, and perform comprehensive end-to-end testing. This approach enhances software quality and accelerates time-to-market.
3️⃣ Speed and Efficiency:
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In today's fast-paced business landscape, manual testing cycles can significantly slow down software delivery. Automation enables faster test execution, providing quicker feedback on software quality. With ServiceNow's continuous updates and delivery model, automation testing becomes essential. By automating repetitive tasks, testers can focus on critical testing aspects, like exploring edge cases and usability.
4️⃣ Enhanced Test Coverage:
ServiceNow's diverse functionalities and integrations require thorough test coverage. Manual testing often falls short due to resource and time constraints. Automation addresses this challenge by allowing testers to create comprehensive test suites. Automated tests validate end-to-end processes, including complex integrations, ensuring seamless functionality. Comprehensive test coverage improves the overall quality and reliability of ServiceNow deployments.
5️⃣ Scalability and Reusability:
As organizations scale their ServiceNow implementations, managing manual testing becomes increasingly difficult. Automation offers scalability by enabling parallel test execution and accommodating larger and more complex test suites. Additionally, automated test scripts can be reused across different testing cycles, saving time and effort. This scalability and reusability enhance efficiency while reducing inconsistencies and errors in the testing process.
While manual testing still has its place in certain scenarios, it is evident that automation testing is becoming the preferred choice for ServiceNow. Automation brings speed, efficiency, increased test coverage, and scalability to organizations. By embracing automation tools and frameworks, organizations can elevate their testing practices, enhance software quality, and deliver value to their customers more effectively. Manual testing may not be entirely obsolete, but its role is evolving, making room for automation to thrive in the ServiceNow landscape.
Manager of Quality Assurance at MED2020 Health Care Software Inc.
1yMatthew Brown Interesting Article. That said That said I will add the following: There is nothing "Manual" about "Testing" and "Testing" cannot be automated. You either test with or without the assistance of tools. That terrible term "Manual" from the 1970s needs to be dropped by the community as it is only used to label people and really serves no other purpose. I too back in the day was indoctrinated into using that term until I came to realize the negative connotations that came with that term. Testing activities and job postings for that matter should be defined by the skills that are required and not by labels. At the end of the day it's all "Testing". In our profession words do matter. I hope this helps.
Senior Managing Director
1yMatthew Brown Very well-written & thought-provoking.
Unlocking the power of the ServiceNow platform!
1yGreat article thanks Matt