Hitachi Solutions Approach to Automation Testing
In the dynamic landscape of software development, where innovation is paramount, Hitachi Solutions Europe is pioneering a transformative approach to automation testing (AT). As technology evolves, the need for efficient, reliable, and adaptable testing processes becomes increasingly crucial. At Hitachi Solutions Europe, we recognise the significance of this shift and have strategically positioned ourselves as leaders in the field of AT. Our commitment is reflected in a suite of cutting-edge tools and methodologies tailored to optimise the testing lifecycle, ensuring that software products meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
The Essence of Automation Testing
The essence of AT lies in its ability to enhance software development by ensuring efficiency, reliability, and precision. It streamlines testing processes, enabling rapid, repeatable, and scalable verification of software applications. Automation testing is the catalyst for achieving higher quality assurance, reducing manual effort, and fostering agility in development. In essence, it unlocks innovation, speed, and excellence in the software development lifecycle
Tools used for Automation Testing
Hitachi Automation Testing Toolkit (HAT) for Support Services: For clients opting for our support services, we present an exclusive solution: the Hitachi Automation Testing Toolkit (HAT). This proprietary toolkit is expressly designed to create a suite of automated tests that stay abreast of the latest platform changes from Microsoft. With HAT, clients benefit from an end-to-end solution, providing timely reports on automated test outcomes without the challenges of maintaining infrastructure or keeping code up-to-date.
Open-Source Framework: Drawing from our extensive experience, especially in projects involving regional and national government entities, we offer a framework built around open-source technologies. By leveraging Spec Flow,NET, and Selenium, our approach enables the creation and maintenance of automated tests without starting from scratch. The Spec Flow methodology ensures that tests can be comprehended by both business analysts and testers, which provides a holistic understanding of the solution. Our innovative integration of Selenium ensures swift and reliable test completion, promoting code reuse and enabling rapid responses to change in both platform and solution architecture.
Additionally, we empower our clients to automate Power BI, encompassing the logic to test a Power BI report using a DAX query. Our comprehensive suite of tools and methodologies ensures that your automation testing journey is not only tailored but also technologically advanced, addressing the diverse challenges in today’s dynamic landscape.
Empowering automation with AI through Leapwork: In addition to our proprietary toolkit, we proudly showcase our expertise with Leapwork, a cutting-edge AI-powered visual test automation platform. Renowned for its user-friendly interface, Leapwork makes test automation as intuitive as assembling Lego blocks. Leapwork facilitates seamless adoption, maintenance, and scalability of automation, ensuring effortless handling of even the most complex test automation cases.
Our approach to AT is far from one-size-fits-all. We meticulously customise our methodologies to meet specific client requirements. Our flexible approach ensures efficient and effective fulfilment of your testing needs.
Seema Goswami
Senior QA Consultant at Hitachi Solutions
Our Step-by-Step Guide to Automation Testing
1) Define Objectives and Requirements: The first step is to begin by understanding the scope and changes in the software application since the last testing cycle. It is important to collaborate with stakeholders to identify features, functionalities, and areas impacted by recent developments, and clearly define automation testing objectives and requirements.
2) Test Selection: The second step is to choose test cases that cover critical functionalities affected by recent changes. Prioritise tests based on business impact, repeatability, complexity, and ensuring comprehensive coverage of regression-prone areas. Create new test cases if there are new features or modifications in the application.
3) Automation Tool Configuration: The third step is to set up the automation testing environment using the selected automation tool (HAT, Spec Flow with .Net and Selenium etc). Configure the tool to interact with the application and execute test scripts.
4) Script Development: The fourth step is to develop automated test scripts based on selected test cases. This ensures scripts cover critical regression scenarios and can be easily maintained for future cycles.
5) Data Setup: The fifth step is to prepare the necessary test data to simulate real-world scenarios. Ensure the data reflects both positive and negative scenarios to validate application behaviour.
6) Execution of Regression Suite: The sixth step is to execute the automated regression test suite. Monitor test execution for any failures and capture relevant logs and screenshots. Implement continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to enable automated test execution with each code commit.
7) Defect Identification: The seventh step is to analyse test results to identify defects or unexpected behaviour introduced by recent changes. Log defects in the issue-tracking system, including detailed information for developers to replicate and resolve issues.
8) Defect Verification: The eighth step is that after developers address reported defects, they re-run relevant test cases to verify defect resolution. Confirm that fixes have not adversely impacted other functionalities.
9) Reporting: The ninth step is to generate comprehensive reports detailing test execution results, including pass/fail status and identified defects. Share reports with relevant stakeholders for transparency and decision-making.
10) Script Maintenance with Version Control: The tenth step is to ensure our scripts are meticulously maintained using version control, allowing us to adapt to changes in our applications and maintain synchronisation with evolving software architectures.
Embark on a Journey of Digital Brilliance with Hitachi Solutions
At Hitachi Solutions, we don’t just validate code; we orchestrate a harmonious symphony of efficiency and precision. Join us on our journey toward technological excellence, where every automated test script highlights our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional software solutions. Working with us at Hitachi Solutions, we can ensure that each digital experience is not merely validated. But evidence of unparalleled quality and reliability.
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