Automation has certainly become a contentious talking point across multiple industries. Will it reduce costs and increase productivity? What about its impact on the workforce?

One factor that must be considered in answering these questions and others is reliability. Is automation accurate and reliable enough to replace human agents? And in the case with software development, can automated testing completely replace manual testing?

At this point, the answer is no. The likelihood of catching and identifying software defects is simply higher with a mix of manual testing and automation, rather than automation alone. One reason for this is that automation is scripted with regression in mind. There are simply defects that can be missed by tools, but are more likely to be unearthed by humans.

But let’s dive further into the matter and look closer at the key differences between manual and automated testing, along with the pros and cons of each approach.

Automation has certainly become an intriguing topic across multiple industries. Concerns and questions are being raised about Automation such as –  Will it reduce costs and increase productivity? What about its impact on the workforce? Can it replace time-consuming and laborious tasks?

There is a plethora of efficient Software Testing Tools, including automated tools as well. These testing can help detect and fix bugs/errors in the code. But the reliability of these tools is questioned quite often. Is automation accurate and reliable enough to replace human agents? And with regards to software development, can automated testing completely replace manual testing?

Maybe someday in the future there might be more areas where Automated testing can be substituted for and it can be relied on.  But in the present, it is unlikely that Automated Testing might surpass Manual Testing. The likelihood of catching and identifying software defects is simply higher with a mix of manual testing and automation, rather than automation alone. One reason for this is that automation is scripted with regression in mind. There are might be simple defects that can be missed by tools, but are more likely to be spotted by humans.

But let’s dive further into the matter and look closer at the what is the difference between Manual Testing and Automated testing, along with the pros and cons of each approach.

What is Manual Testing?

Manual testing is human-driven. Developers, users, and QA testers create and run tests without the assistance of tools to automate the processes. They compare expected results with actual results, identifying trouble spots along the way. According to an article published by SDtimes, manual testing is still used by 50% of firms to validate applications, because the quality standards set by engineering are not met by using other testing methods. Most companies state that their testing methods are “mostly” or “entirely” manual to ensure high-quality deliverables.

The idea behind manual testing is largely to behave in ways that users are likely to behave. It often involves creating various ‘real life’ scenarios that may be in play as the software, app, or website is being used. This approach is called exploratory testing and can only be performed manually.

Exploratory testing is important as it:

• Helps determine if the product will function in a way that a user wants
• Has no boundaries and allows testers to explore the developed app in depth
• Enables you to continuously gauge feedback and use it to further refine your testing approaches.

What is Automated Testing?

Automated testing assumes the use of automated tools to run tests. It often involves repetitive actions with results being analyzed to determine whether or not the tested module performs as expected. While there is some human intervention in the initial stages to set up test cases and develop respective scripts, the vast majority of the testing done is executed by tools.

The Advantages of Manual Testing

Human intervention in testing can lead to improved user experience. There are also things that automated testing software simply can’t see. For example, a person conducting tests is better able to judge whether or not a display is visually pleasing, or easy enough to use on various screens. They can determine whether or not color schemes, fonts, and other elements contribute to usability or detract from it. To develop a high-quality user interface, the tester should take actions as the user would, this requires human intellect. 

Manual testing gives room for testers to pivot when new information is revealed. Manual testing is also flexible. While automated testing relies on scripts that are created ahead of time, manual testing doesn’t. As a result, a user conducting tests can try out a new series of actions, often ‘on the fly’, as they identify possible scenarios.

The Advantages of Automated Testing

Of course, it would be unfair and inaccurate to claim that automated testing doesn’t have its place. It absolutely does. In fact, there are projects that would simply never progress in a timely manner without Automated testing being substituted instead of manual testing. Simply put, there are things that a machine can ‘see’ with more accuracy and work it can do more efficiently than even the most detail-oriented person.

High-quality software products require manual testing to ensure the best user experience, and to identify opportunities to improve processes. However, there are some areas where Automated testing can be substituted and may even be helpful. Specifically:

Automated testing is transparent and supports objectivity. First, with automated testing, all stakeholders can access the results. If they have access to the testing software, they can sign in and evaluate the test results.

Automation leads to increased efficiency. Automated testing is often the more efficient option. After the initial tests are created and implemented, the software takes over and executes tests quickly.

Everything has its pros as well as cons, including Automated testing.

Disadvantages of Automated Testing

Automation often has two selling points. It’s efficient. It’s less expensive. These things aren’t entirely untrue. There’s plenty of evidence of processes being improved by the addition of automation. Still, companies that produce software and apps shouldn’t be too quick to jump on the bandwagon.

Going with a fully automated approach to testing can be short-sighted and costly. Here are some disadvantages to consider.

The Time Savings May Not be Worth It

With automated testing, the time you save may not offer significant ROI. First, you may not save that much time after you have created the test scripts up front. This is especially true with unique projects that may not be repeated. The same goes for smaller applications where reusability won’t be a factor in future testing.

Tools Can be Expensive

Testing tools have an upfront cost. That’s not an issue if the tool meets your need, and you are able to use it successfully in multiple projects. If you’re running a smaller project that doesn’t have surplus funding, then these tools might not be feasible for the company. They Can’t Detect Branding or Aesthetics

Things can get problematic, if you discover the product doesn’t meet your needs, or your users simply hate it. Automated testing software can’t determine whether or not the look and feel of a particular screen enhances the user experience. It can’t tell that the verbiage used on a particular screen fits the desired branding, or if it is relatable to the target customer.

Manual Testing: A Key Part of Any Development Project

There are various differences between Manual testing and Automated testing along with the pros and cons of each. , neither is meant to replace the other Most businesses would be foolish to dismiss either without some real consideration. Which is best really depends on the nature of the project, and the resources that are available. It’s important to remember why people use a particular method or software. In order for it to be successful, it needs to fulfill the specific requirements of your organization. It also needs to line up with your brand and desired messaging. For that reason, it is always a good idea to manually customise and manually test the quality of your products, apps, websites, and software with Manual testing.

If you’re struggling with deciding on what tools or methods are best for your company, don’t hesitate and get in touch with us. ATC can help your get a clear idea of what’s fits your needs the best and help you achieve that.