Test Automation in eCommerce: Driving Quality and Efficiency

Test automation has become a highly sought after approach, due to the disruptive growth of ecommerce in recent years globally. The demand for frictionless online shopping experiences has never been greater than now.

Today, customers expect a high level of quality, performance and reliability in ecommerce websites and applications. This is where test automation comes into play, an essential technique to ensure that eCommerce systems and platforms function optimally.

In this article, we want to answer what test automation is, how it applies to eCommerce and we will also share some outstanding tools to carry out this process effectively in your project or business.

Go for it!

What is Test Automation?

Test automation is a testing approach that uses software tools and scripts to automatically run tests on an application or system. Instead of performing repetitive manual testing, development and QA teams can use test automation to streamline the software quality assessment process. This involves creating automated test cases that simulate user actions and verify whether the software behaves as expected.

What types of test automation exist?

There are several types of test automation that are used in software development to evaluate different aspects of an application. Each test automation has a specific purpose and focuses on different aspects of software quality.

Below we share the most common types of test automation:

Functional:

• Regression tests: These tests are used to verify that new updates or changes to the software have not introduced errors in existing functionality. They are executed repetitively to ensure system stability.
  
• Functionality Tests: These tests evaluate whether an application meets specified functional requirements. They focus on testing the functions and features of the application.

User Interface (UI) Testing:

• UI testing: These tests focus on the user's interaction with the graphical interface of an application. They are automated to verify that the interface is consistent and works correctly on different devices and browsers.

Load and Performance:

• Load tests: These tests evaluate how an application performs under maximum load or pressure. They are used to determine the performance and responsiveness of the system in high demand situations.
  
• Stress Tests: Similar to load testing, stress testing evaluates system behavior under extreme conditions, such as unexpected traffic spikes or limited resources.

Security Tests:

• Security Testing: These tests focus on identifying security vulnerabilities and weaknesses in an application. They are used to ensure that data and application functionality are protected from threats.

Integration testing:

• Integration testing: These tests evaluate the interaction and communication between different components or modules of an application. They are automated to ensure that the individual parts of the system work correctly together.

API:

• API testing: They focus on verifying the functionality and communication of application programming interfaces (APIs). These tests are essential for applications that depend on web services and APIs to function.

Visual Regression:

• Visual Regression Testing: These tests compare screenshots or visual representations of an app before and after a change to detect visual discrepancies. They are useful for ensuring visual consistency of the user interface.

User Acceptance (UAT):

• UAT testing: They are carried out to validate that the application meets the requirements and expectations of the end user. Real or representative users run these tests.

Accessibility Tests:

• Accessibility Testing: They evaluate whether an application is accessible to people with disabilities, such as users with vision or mobility problems. They focus on ensuring that the application meets accessibility standards.

Database Tests:

• Database Testing: These tests focus on verifying data integrity and the functionality of database queries and operations. They are used to ensure that information is stored and retrieved correctly.

Remember that choosing which type of test automation to use depends on your project goals, application characteristics, and specific quality needs. In many cases, multiple types of test automation are used in combination to ensure complete coverage of all software quality.

Test Automation in eCommerce

eCommerce presents unique challenges in terms of software testing. Digital commerce websites and apps typically have a host of features, from product catalogs to shopping carts to checkout processes and shipping options. This is where test automation plays a leading role.

Efficiency:

Test automation allows a wide range of test cases to be executed in a short time, speeding up the development and delivery process. This is essential in an eCommerce environment, where launch times are often critical.

Consistency:

Manual testing can be prone to human error and variability in results. With automation, you ensure that tests are performed the same way every time, improving consistency of evaluation.

Comprehensive coverage:

Automation allows you to test a variety of scenarios, from site navigation to performance and safety, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all critical eCommerce functionalities.

The business benefits of test automation

Implementing test automation in an ecommerce business can have several significant financial benefits. These translate into cost savings and improvements in operational efficiency, which, in turn, can lead to increased revenue and a better customer experience.

The most immediate benefits for your business can be:

#1 Reduction of operating costs:

• Savings in labor costs: Test automation replaces much of the manual work required to run repetitive tests. This reduces the need for human resources to perform testing tasks, which can lead to significant savings in salaries and associated expenses.

#2 Faster delivery speed:

• Faster launches: Automation enables rapid and continuous execution of tests, accelerating the development and delivery cycle. As a result, new features and updates can be released to the market faster, which can increase revenue opportunities.

#3 Improvement in software quality:

• Reduction of errors and defects: Automated tests are consistent and repeatable, reducing the chance of human error. This leads to a decrease in the number of defects and issues that are discovered after release, saving time and resources on bug fixes.

#4 Optimization of hardware and software resources:

• Efficient use of server resources: Automating load and performance testing helps you identify bottlenecks and scalability issues before they impact production. This avoids costly real-time performance issues and the need to invest in additional server resources.

#5 Reduction of support and customer service costs:

• Fewer post-launch issues: By identifying and resolving issues before launch, the workload of the customer service and support team is reduced. Fewer user-reported problems result in lower costs associated with troubleshooting and customer service.

#6 Increased customer retention and repeat sales:

• Improved customer experience: Test automation ensures that the eCommerce application runs smoothly and is reliable. Customers experience fewer problems and frustrations during their interactions, which can increase customer satisfaction and foster loyalty, resulting in repeat sales.

#7 Improvement in decision making:

• More reliable test data: Automated testing provides accurate and reproducible data on software performance and quality. This allows development and business teams to make informed decisions based on hard data, which can lead to more effective and strategic investments.

#8 Reduction in costs for updates and maintenance:

• Fewer post-launch issues: Fixing bugs and problems after release can be expensive. Test automation helps identify and address issues before they reach production, reducing the need for costly emergency updates and patches.

Some notable Test Automation tools

Now that we have seen the importance and benefits of test automation for any eCommerce business, it is essential to know some of the most outstanding tools available on the market:

Valido App

It is an all-in-one solution that puts test automation – without code – at the forefront of ecommerce Quality Control. Valido App addresses the challenges associated with test automation without any friction, eliminating the manual testing routine and accelerating the speed and quality of business delivery.

You don't have to worry about becoming a programming expert. Valido App provides an intuitive platform that trains testers of all skill levels. Whether you are a QA engineer, developer, project manager, digital marketer, or business expert, the solution allows you to customize automated tests for various user paths.

Selenium

It is one of the most popular and widely used test automation tools. It allows the automation of web tests in a variety of browsers and programming languages. This makes it a versatile option for testing eCommerce sites in different environments.

Appium

If your eCommerce has a mobile application, Appium is an excellent option. It is an open source tool that allows the automation of tests in mobile applications for Android and iOS. You can perform functional and UI testing on mobile devices and emulators.

Jenkins

It is a continuous integration (CI) automation tool that is commonly used in conjunction with automated testing. It can automatically schedule and run tests every time a new deployment is made, ensuring early detection of issues.

JIRA

It is a project management tool that can be integrated with various test automation tools. It allows tracking of bugs and issues detected during automated testing and facilitates collaboration between development and QA teams.

Postman

For API testing in eCommerce applications, Postman is an essential tool. It allows you to efficiently create, schedule, and run API tests, which is crucial to ensuring that the services behind your eCommerce site are working properly.

Now is your turn!

Test automation is a vital component for ensure quality and performance in the eCommerce industry. Using tools like Valido App, Selenium, Appium, Jenkins, JIRA, and Postman, development and QA teams can automate functional, performance, and security testing efficiently.

This not only speeds up the delivery time of eCommerce projects, but also improves software quality and customer experience. In an increasingly competitive digital world, test automation is an investment that can make the difference between success and failure for your business.

Take your Quality Control to the Next Level Today. Contact us here to get started.

Jesús Maceira

Digital Marketing Manager at Orienteed.