How Testing Tools Have Saved Businesses (and Could Save Yours Too)

How testing tools saved businesses

Introduction

Did you know that businesses In the US alone annually lose approximately $2.41 trillion due to software failures and errors, many of which are linked to inadequate manual testing? Yikes! Unfortunately, that's the reality for many companies that rely solely on manual testing. 

It's slow, error-prone, and can hold up your entire development process. But there's good news! Testing tools are changing the game. This translates to quicker development cycles, happier customers, and a stronger competitive edge for your business.

We're going to dive into some real-world examples of how companies in different industries have used testing tools to achieve amazing results. So, buckle up and get ready to see how these tools can save your business (and maybe even some cash)!

The software testing ‘2024

The world of software development is constantly changing, and testing needs to keep up! Here's a rundown of the hottest trends shaping testing in 2024:

AI to the rescue.

Imagine a superhero that zaps away boring, repetitive testing tasks. That's what AI-powered tools are like! They can automatically generate test cases, find bugs faster, and make testing way more efficient. Sometimes it looks like magic thanks to enormous efficiency.

Testing sooner is better.

Why wait until the end to find problems?  A new trend called "shift-left testing" involves catching bugs early on in the development process. This saves time, money, and a whole lot of headaches.

Making connections.

When I say that the software is all about connections, I mean APIs.  And it's quite important to make sure these connections are working properly.  API testing helps ensure everything is talking to each other smoothly.

Can your software handle the heat?

With more and more people using software, it needs to handle a crowd.  Performance testing makes sure your software can run smoothly even under heavy use.

Security first.

Cybersecurity is more important than ever.  Security testing helps keep your software safe from hackers and other bad guys.  Some companies are even taking a "DevSecOps" approach, which means building security right into the software from the very beginning.

Testing without coding.

Programming can be tricky!  New codeless automation tools like ACCELQ allow even people without programming skills to create tests. This means you can catch more bugs with a wider team.

Challenges QA still faces

Even with all these cool advancements, testing can still be a challenge.  Here are some of the roadblocks we're working on overcoming:

Challenges QA
Changing plans.

Sometimes, what we're building changes mid-stream. This can make it hard to keep the tests up-to-date.

Data dilemma.

Having the right data to test with is crucial.  We're developing tools and strategies to make sure we have the data we need.

The clock is ticking!

There never seems to be enough time!  Prioritizing tests based on risk and using automation helps us make the most of our time.

A maze of software.

Complex software can be hard to understand.  We're investing in training and tools to make sure everything is documented and reviewed regularly.

Finding the testers we need.

Testing is a skilled profession!  We're working on building our testing teams by hiring specialists and training existing staff.

Working across everything.

Software needs to work on all sorts of devices.  We use special tools and techniques to make sure our tests cover everything.

Beyond the basics.

Sometimes we need to test things that aren't always visible, like how fast something runs.  Special tools can help us test these non-functional aspects of software.

Setting up the stage.

Tests need a realistic environment to run in.  Automating the setup of these environments helps us ensure accurate testing.

Talking it out.

Clear communication between developers, testers, and everyone else involved is key.  We use regular meetings and modern tools to keep everyone on the same page.

This is just a snapshot of the ever-evolving world of testing. By staying on top of these trends and challenges, we can ensure that software is high-quality, secure, and meets the needs of users.

Not sure where to start with test automation? Get a custom strategy tailored to your needs—book a free consultation now!

How Informa halved testing cycles

The challenge

Informa, a giant in the global events sector, faced a critical hurdle – scaling their CRM platform to manage not just one, but eleven major clients. Previously reliant on manual regression tests, Informa grappled with extensive time consumption and limited scalability as their client base grew. This testing method resembled solving a complex jigsaw puzzle blindfolded and under immense pressure – slow, error-prone, and unsustainable. Clearly, a new approach was essential.

 

A new dawn: embracing automation

Determined to transform their testing process, Informa implemented a strategic, multi-layered approach. Developers diligently crafted unit tests using Java for backend services and TypeScript with React.js on the front end, ensuring a solid foundation from the ground up.

 

The automation heroes

  • Puppeteer. This digital puppet master took center stage, automating web UI tests to mimic real user behaviors flawlessly. Puppeteer meticulously examined every nook and cranny of the CRM platform, guaranteeing functional correctness with unwavering precision.
  • Percy. Next, Percy stepped in to maintain visual consistency. With every update, Percy captured a visual snapshot and compared it to the previous version, ensuring no unintended design changes slipped through the cracks.
  • Artillery & Postman. While Artillery bombarded the system with simulated users to assess its load-bearing capacity, Postman ensured all server-side components communicated seamlessly, keeping the APIs in line.
  • JUnit. And of course, JUnit continued its unwavering vigilance over every unit of code, maintaining an impenetrable fortress of quality.
     
The automation heroes

Integration and transformation: a journey of teamwork

Implementing this comprehensive solution wasn't a walk in the park. New tools needed integration, teams required training, and a deeply ingrained culture of manual testing demanded a shift in mindset.

  • Integration challenges. The initial hurdle was seamlessly integrating these sophisticated tools into Informa's existing tech stack, ensuring each new addition complemented the others.
  • Cultural shift and training. Through workshops and hands-on sessions, skepticism gradually gave way to confidence. Team members transformed from novices to ninjas in the art of automated testing.
  • Seamless automation. Finally, these tools were woven into the very fabric of Informa's CI/CD pipeline, allowing tests to run automatically with every code update. This significantly reduced the time from development to deployment.

 

The payoff: efficiency and quality at scale

This transformation wasn't just a change – it was a revolution. Informa's new testing strategy brought about exceptional coverage and efficiency. Testing times plummeted, errors became rare occurrences, and scalability became the norm.

The CRM platform could now effortlessly handle multiple, complex events, exceeding client expectations and setting a new industry standard. Informa had not just managed the challenge; they had mastered it. Their transition from manual drudgery to automated excellence not only enhanced their operational capabilities but also solidified their standing as a tech-savvy leader in the global events space.

Post-implementation, Informa experienced a reduction in test cycle times by over 50% and a decrease in the incidence of critical bugs by 40%.
 

The race against time in biopharma

The challenge

The next hero is a pioneering biopharmaceutical company specializing in therapeutic areas. The company is in a constant sprint. New drugs are on the horizon, but every software hiccup could delay releases or, even worse, impact patient safety. 

Their current testing strategy, reliant solely on manual efforts, was starting to feel like running in the sand. The more complex their software became, the bigger the gaps in their testing coverage. Days turned into weeks as testers scrambled to keep up. Deadlines loomed, and the pressure to innovate felt like a vise tightening around their necks. They needed a change, and fast.

 

Enter the automation superhero

automation superhero

That's where ACCELQ came in. They swooped in with a solution as impressive as it sounds: automating over 1.9 million tests. Yes, you read that right – 1.9 million! This vast army of automated tests became their secret weapon, meticulously examining every nook and cranny of their software landscape. What used to take days of painstaking manual testing was now accomplished in a matter of hours. The developers, freed from the burden of repetitive testing, could finally focus on what they did best – creating groundbreaking new solutions.

But automation wasn't just about speed. It was about working smarter, not harder. The new system cleverly reused test components across different features, eliminating the need to constantly reinvent the wheel. It was like having a toolbox filled with pre-built modules, allowing them to snap together new tests quickly and efficiently.

 

The shift from manual to modern

Of course, this transformation wasn't without its challenges. Shifting from a manual to an automated approach required a mindset shift. The team rolled up their sleeves and dove into training sessions, learning the ins and outs of these new tools. Integrating ACCELQ's solution into their existing systems demanded careful planning and a phased approach to avoid disrupting ongoing projects.
The results, however, were nothing short of remarkable. The company slashed their quality assurance costs by a whopping 74%, freeing up resources to fuel further research and development. New features were tested and rolled out at breakneck speed, allowing them to keep pace with the ever-evolving biopharmaceutical landscape. Most importantly, this newfound efficiency fostered closer collaboration between testers and developers, creating a more streamlined development lifecycle.



The future is bright

The adoption of automated testing wasn't just a game-changer, it was a turning point. The biopharmaceutical company is no longer tethered to the limitations of manual testing. They've established a robust testing framework that empowers them to deliver safe, high-quality software solutions faster than ever before. This translates to better care for patients around the world, and that's a win all around.

This collaboration with ACCELQ yielded remarkable results. The biopharmaceutical company experienced a 300% increase in test execution volume, scaling from over 1.9 million to a woving 2.3 million tests powered by an expanded network of 378 CI/CD suites. This comprehensive automation strategy slashed the cost of quality by an impressive 72%.
 

Simplify complex testing with custom automation solutions. Reduce errors and save time—schedule your free consultation now!

Streamlining e-commerce for Auchan

The adaptation challenge

French retail giant Auchan, a household name for generations, faced a critical juncture. The digital revolution had swept through the retail sector, and their legacy systems, optimized for in-store experiences, were buckling under the pressure of e-commerce and mobile commerce. Manual workflows and traditional testing methods, once sufficient, were now bottlenecks hindering agility and user experience. Development delays and operational inefficiencies threatened Auchan's ability to compete effectively in the dynamic digital marketplace.

 

A Katalon-powered transformation

Katalon-powered transformation

Recognizing the need for a digital overhaul, Auchan turned to Katalon, a comprehensive automated testing platform designed to address modern software development challenges. Katalon offered a powerful suite of tools specifically tailored to Auchan's needs:

  • Katalon Studio. This user-friendly application allowed Auchan's teams to create, manage, and execute automated tests for web, mobile, and API applications.
  • Katalon Runtime Engine. This secure and lightweight tool enabled Auchan to run automated tests in isolated environments, safeguarding sensitive data during testing.
  • Katalon TestCloud. This scalable cloud-based solution provided Auchan with the flexibility to conduct mobile testing across a vast array of devices without the need for expensive physical device labs.
  • Katalon TestOps. This centralized testing management hub empowered Auchan to streamline workflows, track bugs, monitor test results, and gain valuable insights for continuous improvement of their testing processes.

 

Implementation and cultural shift

Integrating Katalon into Auchan's existing infrastructure demanded meticulous planning and collaboration. Specialized teams ensured seamless communication between Katalon's tools and Auchan'  legacy systems.

This transition from manual to automated testing also necessitated a cultural shift across the organization. Auchan invested in comprehensive training programs to equip their teams with the knowledge and skills to confidently leverage the new platform.
 

Continuous improvement and Agile delivery

Auchan embraced an agile development and testing methodology, incorporating Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) practices. This streamlined approach significantly reduced the time required to deliver new features and bug fixes to customers.
 

The measurable impact

The results of implementing Katalon's solution were transformative:

  • Reduced testing time. Automation slashed Auchan's testing cycles from weeks to days, or even hours in specific cases. This freed up valuable developer resources for innovation and faster product iterations.
  • Enhanced quality and coverage. Automated tests provided more comprehensive coverage of test scenarios, catching potential issues early in the development cycle and leading to a significant reduction in bugs reaching production.
  • Increased scalability and flexibility. Katalon TestCloud empowered Auchan to efficiently adapt to new device releases and ever-changing market trends. They could now ensure flawless application functionality across a wide range of platforms and devices without extensive manual testing efforts.

A digital retail leader

By adopting Katalon's automated testing solutions, Auchan successfully streamlined its e-commerce operations and positioned itself as a progressive retailer in the digital age. The automation-driven approach has yielded tangible benefits: faster time-to-market, improved product quality, and a more satisfying customer experience. 

Looking ahead, Auchan plans to integrate AI and machine learning capabilities into its testing framework. This will allow them to predict user behavior and test even more complex scenarios, ensuring they remain at the forefront of retail technology and customer experience.

2,400+ work hours saved. Automating over 2,500 test cases through Katalon resulted in a significant reduction in the manual testing effort. 50% reduction in regression testing timelines. Automated regression testing significantly streamlined this critical process.

Increased test coverage. Katalon's platform capabilities ensured a more comprehensive testing approach, leading to fewer bugs and a higher quality user experience.

 

How QA automation empowers success

Ever wish you had a tireless team dedicated solely to safeguarding your software's quality?  Imagine a tireless guardian angel, meticulously inspecting every line of code and functionality.  Well, with the right QA automation tools, that's exactly the kind of partner you gain.

Here at Olympiqa, we understand the challenges of testing.  We see it as an act of care, nurturing the quality and security of your software.  That's why we don't just offer tools; we become your partner in this critical journey.

The success stories we've shared exemplify the transformative power of automation.  From reduced testing times to enhanced scalability, these companies have achieved remarkable results.  But it's not just about the technology; it's about the people.

We at Olympiqa are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.  Through comprehensive support and educational resources, we empower your team to leverage these tools effectively.  This ensures a smooth transition from manual testing to an automated future.

Don't let the fear of bugs or outdated methodologies hold you back.  Embrace the potential of QA automation and let Olympiqa be your guide.  Together, we can ensure your software thrives, delivering exceptional experiences for your users.

Contact Olympiqa today and unlock the full potential of your software's guardian angel.

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