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Test Automation Vs. RPA: Top 7 Differences That Set Them Apart
In the world of software developing and testing, RPA or Robotic Process Automation and test automation are familiar terms. As similar as the names sound, the two are different concepts. That brings us to what RPA and test automation is. What are the differences, and which one is better?
• RPA is a business automation tool used by business users and testers. It is used for regression testing as well as for test data. It provides codeless automation macros on the desktop. This makes RPA a better choice than other web and API testing tools.
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• Test automation, on the other hand, is carried out through different automation tools. It is ideal to use test automation in projects that have already gone through manual testing. It is also well suited for large projects which require repeated testing.
• While those were some surface-level differences, there are more ways in which these two testing practices are not alike. Before we get down to those, let’s quickly go through the benefits of each.
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Why Should One Opt for Robotic Process Automation? • It is ideal to apply RPA to tasks that are repetitive and require following a specific set of rules. It can be used in tasks like product management, migration, accounting etc. Here are some of the benefits of using RPA: ● Higher accuracy and lower chance of errors. ● Lower human intervention, hence higher productivity ● Automation results in reduced costs ● Better time management with time allotted to high-value job https://calidadinfotech.com/
Should One Opt for Test Automation? • Instead of having to test every software manually, automating testing can reduce manual effort, time spent on repetitive tasks, and cost. It is done through testing tools that suit the task at hand. https://calidadinfotech.com/ ● Faster deployment of products ● Higher accuracy than manual testing ● High test coverage ● Lower time spent on repetitive tasks and more time allotted to high-value tasks.
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Robotic Process Automation and Test Automation both work to the same ends, i.e, testing, cutting costs and increasing productivity. While they share vague similarities, there are larger differences that set them apart. Each has its specialities and expertise required.
• Let us now look at some of the differences between Robotic process automation and test automation.
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1. What is it used for?
• The use of Robotic Process Automation is to automate a business process. However, the use of test automation is to test and evaluate software behaviour. While both automate repetitive processes, RPA does it to execute a task effectively and efficiently. Test automation repeatedly tests to evaluate, and find bugs. This helps developers make the necessary changes and release a product without any glitches.
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2. Environment of execution
• Testing automation and RPAs are carried out in different environments. Test automation is done during the development and testing stage of a product. It is done before the release of a product.
• Robotic process automation is done in a completed product. It is carried out in the operations stage of a product. RPA is done on the product to increase efficiency and productivity.
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3. Area of focus and strategy
• Test automation is usually focused on the front-end. It usually tests aspects that are used by clients/users and hence they are focused more on the functionality of the product/software/application. These are hence more valued in terms of business and have a higher risk associated with them.
• RPA, on the other hand, is carried out on the back-end process. These are done to improve the efficiency and productivity of certain processes. They are relatively low-value compared to test automation, however, it is done with utmost care to nullify errors.
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4. Scope of application
• There is a major difference between test automation and robotic process automation in the area of its application. RPA can be conducted on a business process as well as products.
• However, Test automation works only on an application, software or product and its features.
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5. Lifecycle
• Test automation is part of the maintenance lifecycle of software. They are part of the development process. Their lifecycle is dependent on the tests carried out previously, and the decisions taken related to software. Test automation might have to be updated multiple times before the actual product is released.
• However, the lifecycle of RPA is independent of the software. It is more dependent on the business and its course of decisions.
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6. Technical Skills
• The technical skill involved in carrying out these tests also vary. In test automation, there is a higher level of skill involved. The Q&A or developer would need advanced programming skills to carry out test automation.
• RPA is designed to be used by business people. It does not require technical skills related to programming.
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7. Roles involved
• Test automation is conducted by developers. They examine the pre-release product to carry out tests in relevant areas. Q&A teams are also deployed to conduct tests on products.
• RPA is conducted by business people. Although they are created by developers, it is meant to be operated by the client in business.
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Summing Up
• RPA and Test automation are two entirely different processes with different applications. While they may have similarities in that they both use automation and improve efficiency, the similarities usually stop there. The major differences have been discussed above. Each of these requires entirely different skills and knowledge.
• Whether you are looking to implement robotic process automation or test automation, you should hire an experienced automation solutions provider like Calidad. Our team of experienced automation engineers use world-class testing tools to rapidly meet the testing and automation needs of your project. Reach out to us today for a custom quote today!
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