Key benefits of automated testing

Automated robots and software can comfortably take over tests that once absorbed hundreds of man hours and an abundance of resources. Aside from streamlining resource usage, there are plenty of additional benefits to automated testing that may make you consider replacing manual processes.

Below, the Astech team explore:

1. What are the benefits of automated testing and how does this compare to manual testing?
2. Automated vs. manual tests
3. The features of automated testing software

What are the benefits of automated testing?

There are numerous benefits to rolling automation into your testing process. Moving away from manual testing frees up human testers for more detailed tasks, improved decision making, and can ultimately lead to better product quality.

1. Greater speed

Automation allows you to execute repetitive and complex tasks quickly. Running tests through an automated system also means that tests remain consistent when being executed at speed.

How this differs from manual testing: Manual testing can slow down over the course of a day and could start to show inconsistencies.

2. Wider test coverage

A wider range of tests can be carried out through automation. This is largely due to robotics and software having more capabilities, and time saved through using automation freeing up resources to conduct tests across different scenarios and edge cases.

How this differs from manual testing: manual testing is limited has limitations in regards to speed, strength, and consistent repetitiveness that prevent testing for edge cases in extreme circumstances

3. Better precision and consistency

Automation follows pre-defined scripts and instructions that it will not stray from. This precision means tests are carried out with consistency.

How this differs from manual testing: manual tests are open to human error, which can create inconsistencies in results

4. Utilises ‘off’ hours

With automation, time consuming tests can run out of hours so results are ready and waiting to be analysed by workers when they return the next day.

How this differs from manual testing: manual tests have to be conducted within the usual hours of operation, using up resources and delaying projects.

5. Scalable

Automation means that testing can be scaled up quickly and efficiently without compromising on accuracy. This greatly reduces time from concept to production and expands the capacity of production lines, workshops, and laboratories.

How this differs from manual testing: to scale up manual testing, more workers, physical space, and resources are needed. This can make growth more costly and difficult to achieve.

6. Cost saving

One of the most tangible benefits of automating testing is the cost saving aspect. Increased efficiency and early detection of potential defects leads to less wasted resources and a higher throughput.

How this differs from manual testing: during manual tests, errors and defects may be missed, and the process is a lot slower. This can equate to higher costs.

Automated vs. manual tests

Automated Testing

• Speed: Executes tasks quickly and consistently, even at high volume
• Test Coverage: Wide range of tests thanks to robot/software capabilities and saved time
• Precision & Consistency: Follows predefined scripts, minimising human error
• Scheduling: Tests can run outside work hours for next-day analysis
• Scalability: Scales up quickly and efficiently without compromising accuracy
• Cost Saving: Increased efficiency and early defect detection lead to lower costs
• Early Defect Detection: Catches bugs early, preventing expensive fixes later
• Product Quality: More comprehensive testing leads to higher quality software
• Human Involvement: Frees up testers for complex tasks and strategic thinking
• Decision-Making: Faster feedback loops support faster and informed decisions

Manual Testing

• Speed: Can slow down and become inconsistent over time
• Test Coverage: Limited by human speed, strength, and repetition limitations
• Precision & Consistency: Prone to human error, leading to inconsistencies
• Scheduling: Confined to work hours, delaying other tasks
• Scalability: Requires additional resources and space for scaling, increasing cost and complexity
• Cost Saving: Potential for missed defects and higher cost due to slower process
• Early Defect Detection: Defects might be missed until later stages
• Product Quality: Prone to human error, potentially impacting quality
• Human Involvement: Requires dedicated human resources for testing
• Decision-Making: Slower feedback loops hinder timely decision-making

Features of automated testing software

Robots and software can be altered to suit your bespoke needs, but some of the features suited to testing that we offer at Astech include:

• Weight checking
• Machine vision inspection
• Functional testing
• Orientation checks
• Safety and sensing
• Rejected parts counting
• Cycle counters

These are also suitable for integration into assembly worklines. Industries that might benefit from automated testing include laboratories, manufacturing, medical device and product assembly, and consumer goods testing lines.

Start automating your testing today

Automating your testing can completely transform the way that your workforce operates, saving time, resources, and improving your bottom line. Ready to be introduced to automation? Speak to the Astech team to see what we can do for you.