Test design is more important than the automation technology. Design is the most
underestimated part of testing. It is my belief that test design, not automation
or a tool, is the single most important factor for automation success. To
understand more about test design see these previous articles:
Key Principles of Test Design
The First Holy Grail of Test Design
The Second Holy Grail of Test Design
The Third Holy Grail of Test Design
Comprehensive Automation Architecture
Scope, assumptions, risks
Methods, best practices
Tools, technologies, architecture
Stake holders, including roles and processes for input and approvals
�and more�
The
"right" team must also be assembled. This team should include:
Test management who is responsible for managing the test process.
Test development who is responsible for production of tests. Test
development should include test leads, test developers, end users, subject
matter experts, and business analysts.
Automation engineering who is responsible for creating the automation scheme
for automatic execution. Members of this team include a lead engineer as
well as one or more automation support engineers.
Support functions, providing methods, techniques, know how, training, tools,
and environments.
For
the team there should be a clear division of tasks and responsibilities as well
as well defined processes for decision making and communication.
