8 reasons why a Programmatic Bank Software Test Automation Project fails

Software testing in the banking industry is an important exercise performed to accommodate and reflect operational changes. Given the surge in use of banking applications and technology, the industry is dependent on testing. While manual testing is still required to test the application before it goes live, automated testing helps reduce time to market and improves the quality of the application in the production stage.

While automated testing tools make testing easier, they come with their own set of challenges. Test automation projects require unique scripting skills that testers sometimes lack. The most demanding phase of an automation project is the initial stage when tools are set up and test scripts are written.

Even when an automated testing solution is implemented, chances of failure often frustrate banks. This is mainly because of the flawed implementation of the solution or investments in automation failing to deliver on their promise.

Let us look at other reasons why a bank’s software test automation project fails:

1. Automation testing requires special programming skills

Testing an automation software solution requires unique programming skills and most testers come with domain and application knowledge. Consequently, they struggle with testing automated software. The solution is to use a script-less automated testing software for better efficiency.

2. Timely reflection of changes

Another reason for automation projects to fail is that the changes, be it by the regulatory authority or product updates take too much time to reflect on the bank’s system as well as the third-party systems.

3. Underestimating the complexity of the automated testing tool

Most automation tools are tested to handle simple cases with 5 or 10 screen workflows. When it comes to a banking solution, there could be over 5,000 screens with over 50,000 fields. This could be challenging for even the best automation solution. It could further lead to wrong ROI calculations and pose some serious technical challenges while dealing with different technologies of the bank’s underlying applications.

4. Inflexibility in testing

Factors such as dual authentication can be frustrating in the testing activity. Not solving this issue can be one of the primary reasons why a bank’s software testing automation project fails.

5. Use of various technologies

Most banks have diverse applications in use, on various technologies. Accommodating changes on all the user interfaces and APIs requires handling multiple UI types –web, desktop, and mainframes. Failure to do so could mean failure of the automation project.

6. Choosing a wrong protocol to automate

While planning an automated testing activity, one must plan the testing activity and the test process efficiently to see which is the process that needs manual testing and which ones could be automated. Any wrong move in planning can result in failure of the automation testing project.

7. Not being able to reuse the testing solution

As a testing solution has a higher initial cost, banks must plan in such a way that the same testing solution can be used for multiple functions and must be easy to navigate.

8. Having no validation

A testing solution must make room for validation—validating the software at the end of the development process to see if the software meets the expectations and requirements. In the banking domain, the testing solution must be able to test loan schedules, interest charged, charges, accounting entries, exchange rates, messages, and client communications.

Failure to do so could cause the automation project to fail. It all boils down to this—plan proactively and do not underestimate the tool, the deadline, and the resources to ensure the success of the testing project.

A script-less easy-to-use automation solution can help banks meet their testing needs. The Tenjin Automation Suite makes uninterrupted banking operations a possibility.

Learn more about Tenjin here

Leveraging Automation and Outsourcing to Reduce Test Costs

Testing software before it is put to live is an important phase to ensure that your software is safe and user friendly. Testing software properly can help you to utilize your resources efficiently to lower down the costs significantly. Testing an application detect defects during the early stages of software development. It ensures the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency before the software is launched. With the increase in the size of the product, the size and cost of the test phase also increases. It is important to be careful and consider making decisions to plan intelligently throughout the process. The time and cost spent on testing the software may impact the overall cost and schedule of the software development stage. Hence it is essential to effectively control the efforts and costs of testing while ensuring there is no compromise on quality coverage.

Two key factors which can aid an organisation on this front are Test Automation and Test Outsourcing

Automation

Software test automation needs specialised tools to control test execution and compare actual results with projected ones much faster, and with high accuracy. There are plenty of repetitive actions that are undertaken while running software tests. The tests are automated with specialised testing tools, which helps in leveraging data configuration, installing products, GUI interactions, logging defects, and many more. An organization establishes a powerful QA program cost-effectively by leveraging test automation. The test automation is a leap from manual testing, which has a substantial impact on test automation ROI.

Key Parameters influencing ROI

Key Parameters of ROI

Benefits of Automation:

  • Lowers operating costs

Automation reduces the requirement of the dedicated workforce based on the task. It is an energy-saving activity that lowers the heating requirement as well. It also minimizes operation waste.

  • Increases ROI

Due to its lower operating costs, automation solutions can take care of your unique needs and goals. It reduces lead times, increases output and more.

  • Competitiveness

Automation allows you to stay in the competition, globally by decreasing cycle times and cost-per-piece and improving quality.

  • Improves production output

Automation increases production output as it has an ability to work at a constant speed, unattended, 24/7. New products can be introduced faster in the production process.

  • Ensures the product quality

Automation results in greater control and consistency of product quality.

  • Organizes process

A well-planned process and production stage can determine the time frame and required cost. It is best for projects that have time and budget restriction.

  • Seamless and easy integration

Automation improves your productivity as it can be easily integrated with your hardware, and software allowing you to take control of your process. 

Outsourcing

The companies now benefit from outsourcing the development and testing processes like test case executions, test script automation, and test case development tasks to offshore-based companies, independent contractors, niche QA companies, and system integrators. However, there are variations like some companies outsource manual testing needs, while other companies outsource testing tasks.

Benefits of Outsourcing Testing

Here are a few points that establish why outsourcing testing is beneficial for organisation:

  • Expansion and Delegation

Not all companies have adequate time size, the expertise of the existing testing team and the bandwidth to conduct ad hoc testing for software based on requirements. When there is an increase in demand for ad hoc testing, an outsourcing company can handle the abrupt surge and provide practical solutions with its large pool of diverse skillsets on various domains and platforms which businesses by themselves cannot support.

  • Automation

Often companies that invest in advanced test tools struggle to implement them.  Because of the lack of training and expertise to handle these tools test, automation may fail to get off the ground. In a few scenarios, the test tools may not be suitable for their intended environment. A few of the test tools may be resistant to changes compelling many companies to conduct their regression and functional tests manually. Understanding the need and the process of the testing automation, the outsourcing firms are well-equipped in providing consistent test results by avoiding errors.

  • Cost-efficiency

When it comes to cost-saving, companies always look out for options that would be economical as well as time-saving. The option of choosing a testing firm that has the right testing tools and an experienced testing team who knows how to use the testing tools is far more beneficial than hiring in-house testers that could be an expensive and time-consuming effort. Outsourcing firms ensure testing solutions that can leverage all other testing needs at a lowered cost.

  • Specific testing needs

Sometimes meeting the testing needs of a company is beyond the ability of their existing testing team. Under the scenario, a company would rely on an outsourcing firm to meet their testing needs. The outsourcing firms specialize in testing requirements for multiple industries.

  • Reliable results

The excessive pressure from the development team may compel the testing team to sign-off on the testing of an application so that the offering can be launched on time. The problem may arise if the application fails to function the way it is expected to, as there would be no reliable results. For a reliable result, one may seek help from an individual or outsourcing firm with qualified testers.

  • Lack of experienced tester

Companies may not completely depend on their testing team as not all the members in the testing time have equal expertise to resolve complex test issues. For precise and faithful test results, companies may seek assistance from the outsourcing firms, as the expert testing team would most likely deliver reliable test results.  

Conclusion

Outsourcing firms can use their large workforce and help a company meet their tight deadlines. As companies need to cater to multiple clients at many different locations, it is ideal to have an offshore testing team with an adequate number of headcounts. If a team in an organisation is not experienced enough to interact directly with SMEs, test managers, and end-users, it is a perfect idea to stretch the project to an outsourcing firm.

It is highly beneficial for a company to outsource their projects to a firm. Apart from lowered testing costs, a company would also obtain independent testing results, increased testing expertise, and enhance test results. Many companies will rely on outsourcing company to gain a competitive edge in the market. As outsourcing testing projects to a specialised firm is slowly going to upsurge, it would most likely transform the software testing efforts of many organisations.

About Yethi – Yethi’s expertise lies in developing customised test cases for comprehensive testing using the in-house script less automation platform Tenjin. With our bespoke solution, we address all your requirements of the testing lifecycle. Starting from integration with Test management systems and defect management tool to manage the reporting of test case execution, we have an expertise of doing it all. Our business-centric solution takes care of technical resource needs for testing services.