Selecting Test Automation Tools for Oracle

With the deprecation of Oracle Application Testing Suite (OATS) and the increased rate of change in Oracle products, it is more important than ever before to have a Test Automation tool that supports modern needs. Test Automation is also a critical component of modern delivery methodologies such as Agile & DevOps. Having been a QA manager overseeing Test Automation and now consulting to organizations around modernizing their testing and quality engineering approaches, I wanted to share some tips for selecting an Oracle Test Automation tool:

1. Identify your Scope and Requirements: As we would recommend for any project, make sure you start with understanding your requirements! Consider factors such as the complexity of the testing, the types of tests you need to perform (functional, performance, security, etc.), and the integration capabilities required.
2. Assess Technology Coverage: Ensure that your Test Automation tool has the ability to automate all technologies that you will be testing. While we’re focused on Oracle here, your selected tool should also be capable of automating other applications within your landscape. This was one of the challenges those of us using OATS encountered.
3. Evaluate Scripting Capabilities: Check if the tool supports scripting in a language that your team is proficient in or if it supports script-less automation. Having a tool that aligns with your team’s skillset will make it easier to create and maintain test automation.
4. Consider Ease of Use and Learning Curves: Evaluate the tools user-friendliness and ease of adoption. A tool with a steep learning curve may require significant training and ramp-up time, thus impacting your Test Automation timelines. Look for tools that offer intuitive interfaces, comprehensive documentation, and accessible support resources.
5. Integration with Existing Tools and Frameworks: Consider the existing tools and frameworks in your testing ecosystem. Look for a test automation tool that can seamlessly integrate with these tools, such as test management systems, defect tracking tools, and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines.
6. Scalability and Performance: Ensure that the tool can handle the scale and performance requirements of your Oracle testing needs. It should be capable of executing tests efficiently across multiple environments and handle large datasets without performance bottlenecks.
7. Test Data Management Capabilities: Effectively managing Test Data is one of the biggest challenges with a successful Oracle test automation initiative. Evaluate the tool's ability to support and manage Test Data. This could include generating, provisioning, masking/anonymizing, synchronizing, and managing test data across a variety of test data sources.
8. Reporting and Analytics Capabilities: Check if the tool provides comprehensive reporting and analytics features. Robust reporting capabilities will help you track test execution results, identify bottlenecks, and generate meaningful insights for stakeholders.
9. Community and Vendor Support: Assess the availability of a strong community or user base associated with the test automation tool. An active community can provide valuable support, resources, and best practices. Additionally, evaluate the level of technical support provided by the tool's vendor, including documentation, tutorials, forums, and direct support channels.
10. Cost and Licensing: Consider the cost and licensing model of the test automation tool. Evaluate whether it fits within your budget and aligns with your organization's procurement policies. Factor in any additional costs associated with training, maintenance, and ongoing support.
11. Conduct a Technical Evaluation: Before finalizing a test automation tool, make sure that you conduct a technical evaluation. Depending on your needs and scale of the acquisition, this could be a detailed Proof of Concept (PoC) or a demo and workshop. Typically, you would do a PoC when you are unsure of the tool's abilities and may restrict it to a demo or workshop if the tool has a track record in your use case. Either way, you are looking to evaluate the tool's capabilities to ensure it can support your Test Automation needs.

While this information should help those currently considering Test Automation tools for their Oracle testing needs, identifying the best tools can still be a daunting task. At TTC, we have a tool selection framework that can help you select tools that fit your project and team's unique needs. We also stay up to date on the latest trends in Test Automation tools and Oracle testing in general. If you’d like to chat about Test Automation and Oracle testing, feel free to contact me at donna.faithfull@ttcglobal.com!