Overview

Most software companies have an automation initiative; some are just starting, and some are humming right along. Typically, these initiatives focus on “traditional automation,” using a software package to automate existing test cases or user stories. Not that there’s anything wrong with that; often, there is value in that method. If, however, we use only the traditional approach to automation, we miss opportunities to exploit the power of automation.

Instead of focusing on how many test cases we can automate, what if we consider this: how can automation help me best do my job?

During this session, Paul Grizzaffi will share some real-world examples where non-traditional automation (or “automation assist”) provided business value, highlighting cases where the traditional method could not have provided the same level of testing.  You will hear High Volume Automated Testing (HiVAT) highlighted as one of these automation assist approaches. You will also hear some thoughts to keep in mind when implementing automation assist and see examples of creating helpers from tools not traditionally used for automation.

Session Takeaways

• Traditional automation can be valuable but do not be blinded by the typical approach
• Utilize automation to help you do your job efficiently
• There is more than one way to use your tools
• Be mindful of who will be running the tools and where the tools will be running

Presenter's Bio

As a QE Automation Architect at Cognizant Softvision, Paul Grizzaffi is following his passion for providing technology solutions to testing, QE, and QA organizations, including automation assessments, implementations and through activities benefiting the broader testing community. An accomplished keynote speaker, international conference speaker, and writer, Paul has spoken at local and national conferences and meetings. He is an advisor to STPCon as well as a member of the Industry Advisory Board of the Advanced Research Center for Software Testing and Quality Assurance (STQA) at UT Dallas where he is a frequent guest lecturer. In addition to spending time with his twins, Paul enjoys sharing his experiences and learning from other testing professionals, as well as reciting lyrics from 80s metal songs; his mostly cogent thoughts can be read on his blog at https://responsibleautomation.wordpress.com/.

Meeting Schedule:

3:30 - Join us for networking and social time with fellow members - including pizza and beverages!  

4:00 - Welcome messages and business announcements

4:15 - Presentation begins

5:15 - Q&A

5:30 - Meeting wrap-up

This is a hybrid event!

For those of you who want to join us in person - we will be hosting at "Improving", in Bloomington, MN. The address will be provided with your email registration confirmation.  

If you want to meet online - use the zoom registration link that will be sent with your confirmation email.