Over the last 10 years I have been implementing test automation in various projects, in very different organizations using different tools and technologies. There is no silver bullet for test automation and no test tool can test every situation. So how do you select a test tool, and after that, how do you set it up for long term success? In this story I will look back to all my projects and explain why and how I set up the test automation in each situation. With an approach I call Test4Change, I defined 4 steps which I currently use for setting up new test automation in new projects and can help you setting up yours!

Is this a story about well-known tools or custom build solutions?
-Both actually!

For some projects a general (and sometimes even free) tool was sufficient to start test automation. But even when you know which tool to use. How and where do you start? How do you create a framework that is understood by other testers and team members? Maybe you fear that setting up is easy but make decisions you will regret in the long run.

But more complex systems required a more special approach. For those complex systems I needed custom made test tools which I created myself or together with my team. This often was a complex process in which I had to claim resources and explain what the team will gain. It also put me in different roles as I had to describe and prioritize userstories for the testtool itself.

Looking back, all these projects and solutions were unique experiences which not everyone has the luxury to have on their path. In my story I try to share what I did and learned along the way. I hope it helps and inspires other testers while they start setting up their test automation in their team or project.

Richard Scholtes, Tester at Qquest will host the session A1 “Test4Change: 4 steps for starting Test Automation, How I set up test automation in projects without specifications” on Thursday June 16th. Interested to see more of the program? Visit the program page!

Meet world’s leading Test Automation experts!
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