How do you move from manual to automated testing?

In a context of accelerating development cycles and increasingly stringent quality requirements, test automation is becoming essential.

Modern projects, whether following agile or DevOps methodologies, require testing approaches that are faster and more reliable than traditional manual testing.

These demands are forcing QA and development teams to rethink their processes, acquire new skills and redefine their role in the software value chain.

In this article, we explore how to make the transition from manual testing to state-of-the-art test automation , so that you can streamline the process from A-Z.

Manual vs. automated testing - understanding the basics

Manual testing represents the traditional approach where a human tester executes each step of a test case by interacting directly with the application.

This method offers remarkable flexibility, enabling testers to adapt their actions in real time according to observations. User experience evaluation becomes particularly rich thanks to the natural behavioral analysis that only the human eye can perform.

However, this approach has some obvious limitations. Human fatigue inevitably affects test quality in repetitive campaigns, while manual execution of identical scenarios generates considerable time costs.

Automated testing transforms this dynamic by relying on programmed scripts and specialized testing tools. These solutions systematically execute the same actions. Their main advantage is speed of execution and efficiency on repetitive campaigns.

Automation excels particularly in regression testing, where the same checks have to be repeated with each new version.

Unlike manual testing, which requires a constant human presence, automated scripts can run in the background, freeing up teams for higher value-added tasks such as exploring new user paths.

Why automate your tests? Key objectives of automation

Better test coverage

Test coverage optimization is one of the major benefits of automation. Non-regression tests, which are particularly time-consuming in manual mode, can be run continuously without human intervention.

This capability enables instant verification that a new feature does not alter existing behavior, guaranteeing exhaustive coverage of critical scenarios.

Development quality improves considerably thanks to early detection of anomalies. Teams can identify and correct defects as soon as they appear, avoiding their propagation into production environments.

This proactive approach transforms quality management from a corrective to a preventive activity.

Shorter development cycles

In agile environments such as Scrum or Kanban, shorter development cycles become a reality. Teams can deploy more frequently without compromising stability.

By integrating approaches such as Test-Driven Development (TDD), Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) or Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD), teams can free themselves from repetitive tasks and concentrate on innovation and solving complex problems.

Automated testing also guarantees continuous monitoring of application quality, ensuring reliability and confidence at every iteration.

Choosing the right use cases for test automation: ROI and strategic selection of tests to automate

Not all tests deserve to be automated, and identifying the right candidates directly determines your project's test automation ROI.

Run frequency: the first selection criterion

Testing on a daily basis, or with every deployment, delivers an immediate return on investment.

For example, a manual test that takes 30 minutes and runs 100 times a year represents 50 man-hours saved once automated.

Code maturity: a key factor in technical feasibility

Stable code with a clear architecture facilitates automation, whereas an unstable base generates fragile scripts requiring constant maintenance.

It is therefore crucial to assess the stability of your functionalities before investing in their automation.

Test prioritization: a pyramid logic

Unit testing and API testing, for example, offer the best cost-effectiveness ratio. They run quickly, remain stable and detect regressions early in the cycle.

User interface testing, which is more costly to maintain, takes second place.

Maximize business impact with the 20/80 rule 

Applying the 20/80 rule maximizes business impact. 20% of your automated tests can cover 80% of your critical risks.

So focus on essential user paths and revenue-generating features for immediate impact.

Develop an effective test automation strategy: test pyramid and scope of automation

A sound test automation strategy begins with a meticulous definition of the objectives and scope of the intervention.

This definition phase enables us to identify precisely which processes need to be automated, in what order, and with what resources. Without this clear vision, teams run the risk of dispersing their efforts on irrelevant or technically complex tests.

This approach prioritizes tests according to three distinct levels:

1. Unit tests form a broad and stable basis
2. Integration testing occupies the middle ground
3. User interface tests round off the package.
   

This distribution guarantees an optimum balance between speed of execution, maintenance costs and functional coverage.

A step-by-step approach is the golden rule in developing this strategy.

Stabilizing the foundations first with robust unit testing creates a reliable foundation before tackling the upper layers.

This gradual ramp-up avoids technical pitfalls and enables teams to gradually acquire the necessary expertise. Each level mastered becomes the springboard to the next, creating a dynamic of continuous improvement that reinforces confidence in the automation process.

Practical tools to ease the transition to automation

The choice of test automation tools is an essential lever in your digital transition.

Selenium remains the benchmark for user interface automation.

This open source tool transforms manual actions into robust scripts thanks to its recording capabilities, enabling testers to capture their interactions with a web application.

Artificial intelligence marks a new stage in script maintenance. It automatically detects errors, suggests corrections in real time and adapts scripts as the interface evolves, considerably reducing maintenance costs and effort.

This is the case, for example, with our AI-powered no-code testing tool, which lets you run your scenarios without writing a single line of code. No-code platforms combine the best of these approaches. They offer an intuitive interface that masks technical complexity, while retaining the power and flexibility of traditional tools.

Limits to consider when switching to automation: costs and necessary precautions

Some types of test resist automation

For example, exploratory testing requires human behavioral analysis and real-time adaptability.

These tests, essential for discovering unexpected bugs or evaluating the user experience, lose their value when constrained by rigid scripts.

The negative impact of unstable code

Unstable code is a costly trap that is often underestimated.

When the application under test evolves frequently, automated scripts become fragile and require constant maintenance.

This situation can quickly turn automation into a burden rather than a solution, generating more work than the initial manual tests.

It's crucial to think carefully beforehand, because going back can be particularly costly.

Once teams have been trained in automation tools and scripts developed, abandoning this approach represents a considerable lost investment.

This means you need to assess the technical maturity of your team, the stability of your product and the resources available for long-term maintenance of your automated scripts.

Concrete benefits expected after automation implementation: time savings, rapid feedback and improved functional coverage

Successful implementation of test automation radically transforms the efficiency of development and validation teams.

The most immediate and measurable benefit is the time saved on test campaign execution. Where a manual campaign would take several days to execute, automated scripts accomplish the same task in a matter of hours, freeing testers for higher value-added activities.

Feedback becomes a major strategic asset. Teams receive near-instant feedback on code quality, enabling early detection of regressions.

This reactivity considerably reduces the pressure on developers, who can correct anomalies before they propagate into the production environment.

Functional coverage is impressively improved thanks to the increased execution frequency of automated tests. Complex scenarios, often neglected because of their time cost in manual mode, become systematically executable.

This completeness enhances confidence in deployments and guarantees greater overall stability.

Automation also makes it possible to run tests in parallel on different environments and browsers, exponentially multiplying validation capacity without increasing the human resources required.

Mr Suricate - automation made easy

Mr Suricate offers a no-code solution that greatly simplifies this transition, enabling teams to create and maintain their automated tests without in-depth technical expertise.

The platform provides real-time monitoring of user paths and relevant quality insights, facilitating the adoption of agile practices while retaining complete control over validation processes.