Testing Services

Key considerations to build Automation;

1.     Selecting an Automation Framework:

·         Approach: Selecting an automation framework is the key. Use Modular approach. Divide the test scenario into multiple components and functions. Use descriptive language to address frequently changing objects.

·         How it helps: Particular component / function pertaining to a change will be modified and the automation scripts are ready to execute. Object names are used at run time to minimize the impact

2.     Configuring the Automated WMS application Parameters: The application configuration parameters like Inventory adjustment reason code, Policy for BR code, Policy for RR code etc will change frequently with in DC or across DCs. There is a need to ensure that the automation scripts do not fail when the parameter value does not exist as an input parameter.

·         Approach: Maintain the configuration parameters required for an automation script to run in an input file. Automate the retrieval of configuration parameters from WMS system and compare with the input file. Assuming that the application config parameter is updated such that any of the available options for a parameter in the dropdown gets changed or removed. In such a situation, the config parameters are refreshed by the script and data sheet is updated with the appropriate test data. The scenario execution done after the above mentioned process will ensure successful run.

·         How it helps: Reduces the Automation script failures and improves the availability for frequent runs

3.     Automated Test Data Management approach:

·         Approach: Use Test Data Sheets as Data inputs to Automation Scripts. Automate the retrieval of Master and Transactional Data Required for the Automation scripts by directly connecting WMS System database before the each run.

·         How it helps: Speeds up the Transactional Test data creation process, avoids failures due to incorrect Test Data and Restricts the need for Data Architects

·         Last but not least, domain knowledge is critical for an automation expert or bring in Automation expert and domain expert together for successful WMS system test automation.

In conclusion,  a well define WMS Automation framework considering the automated test data management and automated application configuration parameters  ensures no script failures due to data inconsistencies but also reduces the maintenance cost and improves the test coverage.