As we have commented before in this blog, ecommerce has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, becoming a fundamental part of the global economy. As businesses strive to provide smooth and secure online shopping experiences, the quality of software on ecommerce platforms becomes critical. To achieve this, it is necessary to implement an effective quality assurance (QA) methodology.
In this post, we will talk about the two main software QA methodologies and compare them specifically, for the context of digital commerce. The two methodologies we will discuss are manual testing and automated testing. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these differences is critical to ensuring the quality and success of any ecommerce platform.
We continually seek to improve the user experience, transaction security, and website stability in a highly competitive environment. Therefore, it is essential to understand the different QA methodologies and determine which one best suits the specific needs of each ecommerce project.
Read on to get a deeper insight into manual and automated testing in ecommerce, and find out how to select the right QA strategy for your project.
Go for it!
Methodology 1: Manual tests in ecommerce
Definition and characteristics of manual tests
Manual testing in ecommerce is a quality assurance approach in which testers (evaluators) perform tests manually, simulating the interactions and behaviors of real users on the commerce platform. These tests involve running a series of specific use cases, testing key functionality, and validating usability and user experience.
Advantages of manual tests:
- Flexibility and adaptability: Manual testing allows the testing team to quickly adapt to changes in the user interface, business logic, and project requirements. This facilitates the detection of unforeseen problems and the validation of new elements within the platform.
- Greater coverage of specific use cases: By performing manual tests, testers can focus on specific use cases that are crucial to the operation of ecommerce, such as the checkout process, user registration, shopping cart management, among others. Thus, exhaustive coverage of critical functionalities is ensured.
- Possibility of detecting usability and user experience problems: Manual tests allow usability and user experience to be directly evaluated on the ecommerce platform. Test engineers can identify roadblocks, visual anomalies, navigation issues, and other barriers that could impact user satisfaction and retention.
Disadvantages of manual testing in ecommerce:
- They consume more time and resources: Manual tests require specialized professionals to run the tests and record the results manually. In some cases, this can be a slow and resource-demanding process, especially large-scale and complex e-commerce projects.
- Increased probability of human errors: Since manual tests depend on human intervention, there is a possibility of errors during the execution of the tests or when recording the results. These errors can affect the accuracy and reliability of the tests.
- Difficulty scaling and maintaining consistency in repetitive testing: In ever-evolving digital commerce projects, performing repetitive manual testing can be challenging. As the platform grows and updates, maintaining consistency in manual testing and scaling can be complex and require more resources.
Methodology 2: Automated tests in ecommerce
Definition and characteristics of automated tests
Automated testing in ecommerce is a quality assurance approach that uses tools and scripts to run tests automatically. These tests simulate the actions of the users and verify the correct operation of the platform, identifying possible errors and problems efficiently and accurately.
A good example of this type of technology is Valido App. A specialized testing solution for ecommerce that automates testing in online stores, is easy to use and does not require technical skills.
Advantages of automated tests:
- Efficiency and time savings: Automated tests can be run quickly and repeatedly, saving time compared to manual testing. This is especially beneficial in ecommerce, where release and update cycles are frequent.
- Increased repeatability and broad coverage: Automated tests can be easily repeated at each iteration of development and can be applied to a wide range of test cases. This ensures comprehensive coverage and reduces the risk of overlooking potential issues on the platform.
- Early detection of bugs and long-term cost reduction: Automated testing can quickly identify bugs and issues in software, allowing them to be fixed before they reach production. This helps reduce costs associated with resolving issues at later stages of development.
Disadvantages of automated tests in ecommerce:
- Initial investment in tools and training: Implementing automated tests requires an initial investment in automation tools and training of the responsible team. This can be expensive for some companies with ecommerce businesses, especially those that are taking their first steps in test automation.
- Limitations in detecting usability issues: Unlike manual testing, automated testing can have difficulty detecting usability and user experience issues that require subjective evaluation. Some aspects of human interaction may escape automated testing.
- Requires constant updating due to software changes: As ecommerce platforms evolve, automated tests must be kept up to date to reflect changes in the interface and business logic. This implies a continuous effort to maintain and improve existing test scripts.
In short, automated testing in ecommerce offers efficiency, repeatability, and early detection of errors, but in some cases, it may have limitations in detecting usability issues and require upfront investment.
Traditional methodologies vs. agile methodologies
In addition to quality assurance (QA) methodologies in software, it is important to mention the difference between traditional and agile methodologies in software development, as this can also influence the way in which testing and implementation are implemented. QA strategy to be followed.
Traditional methodologies, such as the waterfall model, are characterized by being sequential and having linear planning and execution. In this approach, testing is typically carried out at the end of the development cycle, after software development is complete. This can limit the ability to respond to changes or fixes needed during the testing process, which in turn can delay the launch time of the digital commerce platform.
On the other hand, agile methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban, promote an iterative and incremental approach to software development. In these methodologies, tests are integrated throughout the entire development process, allowing for early feedback and early detection of bugs. This aligns with the agile development philosophy of responding quickly to changes and delivering value more frequently.
In the context of ecommerce, agile methodologies can be especially beneficial, as they allow for greater flexibility and adaptability to changing market and user needs. By continually testing as the platform develops, issues can be more quickly identified and corrected, resulting in improved end-product quality and greater customer satisfaction.
The adoption of agile methodologies in software development also has implications for QA strategy. Automated testing is often more compatible with agile approaches, as it enables fast, repeatable execution of tests throughout development iterations. This facilitates the early detection of problems and the continuous delivery of quality software in the ecommerce environment.
In short, while traditional methodologies may take a more sequential approach to development and testing, agile methodologies encourage early test integration and rapid response to change. In ecommerce, where speed and adaptability are critical, agile methodologies, coupled with a QA strategy that includes automated testing, may be the best choice to ensure quality and success in a market that changes every day.
Now is your turn!
In today's ecommerce industry, software quality is essential to deliver satisfying and successful shopping experiences. In this article, we have compared the two main software quality assurance methodologies, both in the context of ecommerce and in general: manual testing and automated testing.
Manual testing offers flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to detect usability and user experience issues. However, they can also consume more time and resources, and have a higher chance of human error compared to automated testing.
On the other hand, automated testing offers efficiency, greater repeatability, and extensive test case coverage. These tests are especially beneficial in high-change digital commerce environments, where release and update cycles are very frequent. However, they may require an initial investment in tools and training, and may have limitations in detecting usability issues.
The selection of the appropriate QA methodology for your ecommerce depends on the specific requirements and characteristics of the project. It is important to find a balance between manual and automated testing, taking advantage of the strengths of each approach. In many cases, a balanced QA strategy that combines manual and automated testing can be the most effective.
Finally, the main objective is to guarantee the quality of the software in online trading platforms, improving the user experience, ensuring the stability and security of transactions. Adapting the QA methodology according to the needs of the project and maintaining an agile and current approach is essential to achieve success and benefits for the business.
Ensure the quality of your ecommerce platform with a team of specialized professionals, contact us today to find out the next steps.
Digital Marketing Manager at Orienteed.
