The adoption and use of test automation is seen by many as a valuable approach in the quest to deliver quality software — increased accuracy, efficiency, repeatability and adding real value. The reality is that automation projects can be high risk, expensive and less that a resounding success, as evidenced by the large inventory of automation tool “shelfware”.

The main reasons for these failures include unrealistic expectations (including schedules, return on investment, budget), unclear objectives and requirements for the tool, lack of understanding of the implications on other processes, and inadequate consideration for training and mentoring.

Sogeti, in conjunction with our strategic partners, offers a comprehensive portfolio of support services for test automation across the software development lifecycle and test automation adoption curve.  Our services extend across functional, non-functional, test management, or defect management tools. Our practitioners have extensive expertise in a wide range of commercial off the shelf tools, including HP Mercury, Compuware, IBM Rational, and Borland Silk.

At Sogeti we offer a portfolio of complementary services that address every stage of the Test Automation Adoption Curve. Our services are designed to meet your organisation’s needs no matter where you are on the curve.

1. Strategy Stage:

We have a number of offerings that can help at this stage of the automation adoption curve:

Presentations – available to download from the resources section of our website. These presentations, which have been presented at conferences and other public forums give you pragmatic insights into automation strategies based on your business drivers and objectives.

Test Automation Strategy – if it is not clear where to start with automation, this service will give you and your organisation a clear picture of where automation will fit into your organisation. Using IMPACT, Sogeti’s consulting methodology, two consultants will review your development lifecycle, and identify where automation can provide both “quick wins” and a more long term strategic impact on achieving your key business goals and return on investment. 

Test Automation for Managers – this is a one-day training course which is run publicly or privately, as required. It gives managers who are considering automation a chance to discuss the issues in detail. The course looks at automation throughout the development lifecycle, the process for tool selection, calculating return on investment and the benefits of automation to your organisation and common pit falls experienced.

2. Selection Stage:

Defined Selection Process – Sogeti has a defined process and templates that we follow when running the selection process. The process:

• Verification – check the automation need and verify any alternatives
• Requirements and Plan – develop a set of requirements and priorities and a plan for the selection stage
• Tender – select the required vendors to submit tenders
• Supplier demo – run a supplier demo process to allow you to talk to the vendors and compare them
• Decision – document and issue the decision
  

Test Automation for Practitioners – this is a two-day course which is run publicly or privately, as required. The course is designed for Test professionals working in organisations where functional test automation is being considered. This course gives the attendees hands-on time with a commercial off-the-shelf tool to practice scripting techniques, investigate the different types of frameworks and common issues and pitfalls.

3. Proof of Concept Pilot:

Proof Of Concept – This is typically not more than one month long and is designed to check that the tool meets your expectations, technical requirements and return of investment. For functional and non-functional tools it is a chance to automate some of your test cases and begin to design your solution. The output from this stage is a document that will indicate if the tool is suitable for your organisation and your environment and any potential technical or process issues you need to be aware of.

Pilot – Sogeti will put an experienced automation specialist on your site to ensure that the pilot is successful. In the case of functional automation tools ensure that a robust, maintainable, re-usable and extensible solution is put in place and the good software development practices are used. As the pilot will be run on a real project, Sogeti will modify any process and ensure that your staff are mentored to get the most from the tool.

4. Implementation:

Coaching and Mentoring – Sogeti will appoint a senior automation specialist with skills in your chosen tool. Our expert will mentor and coach your team in the more advanced techniques to ensure that you get the most from your tool and to maximise your return on investment.

Managed Resource – If required at any time we can provide experienced professionals to supplement your own resources or to access specialist skills. The duration of the resource assignment is flexible to suit your needs.

Test automation opportunity self-assessment
At Sogeti, we have developed a simple self-assessment questionnaire that may help you to identify some of the areas where test automation can make the greatest contribution within your organisation.

Contact us for a copy of the form. When the completed form is returned we analyse your responses and provide feedback and guidance as to how you might start to realise some of the potential savings in time and cost.

This assessment is a good starting position to access the full portfolio of test automation services covering the complete Test Automation Adoption Curve from initial assessment through proof-of-concept to adoption, roll out and ongoing performance improvement.