Test Automation in SAP Environments

Test automation in SAP environments has become increasingly important in recent years. With the continuous development of SAP solutions and the introduction of modern test tools such as SAP Tricentis test automation, companies have a variety of options to optimize their test processes. But how does test automation work in SAP environments? When does it make sense, and when does it only cause unnecessary costs and effort? In this article, we examine the most important aspects of test automation and provide an overview of which companies benefit from implementation – and when it makes sense to wait.

1. How Does Test Automation Work in SAP Environments?

Test automation in SAP environments refers to the automation of test cases used to validate business processes and functions within an SAP system. This is done through the use of specialized software that automatically executes test scripts to verify that certain business processes work correctly.

Earlier solutions like SAP CBTA enabled the automation of individual components by creating and reusing test scripts. CBTA is based on automating individual UI interactions and is deeply integrated into SAP Solution Manager, making test execution efficient in traditional SAP environments.

In recent years, SAP has intensified its partnership with Tricentis, one of the leading providers in test automation, and now offers SAP Tricentis test automation as a standard solution. This enables even more comprehensive and faster test automation by covering both UI tests and API tests. Tricentis also supports the "Risk-Based Testing" approach, where the most important business processes are prioritized to focus test resources on critical parts of the application.

What Happened in the Past?

In the past, test automation in SAP environments was often difficult and time-consuming. Older tools were unable to efficiently test the complex business processes of SAP systems. Manual tests were therefore the rule, leading to high costs and long test cycles. However, with the introduction of modern tools like Tricentis and improved integrations into SAP systems, possibilities have greatly expanded. Test cycles can be shortened while improving the quality and stability of SAP solutions.

2. Benefits of Test Automation

The greatest advantage of test automation in SAP environments is efficiency. Automated tests can be executed repeatedly without human intervention. This is particularly useful when regularly implementing updates, patches or new releases. The main benefits of test automation are:

• Time Savings: Automated tests can be executed in a fraction of the time required for manual tests. This significantly shortens test cycles and enables faster market introduction of updates and new features.
• Improved Test Coverage: Through automation, far more tests can be performed in less time. This means companies can achieve greater coverage of their business processes, improving overall software quality.
• Repeatability and Consistency: Automated tests can be repeated as many times as needed, which is particularly advantageous in large, complex SAP landscapes. Consistency of test results is ensured through automation as human errors are eliminated.
• Early Error Detection: Through early and regular execution of automated tests, errors can be detected and fixed earlier in the development process. This saves costs as bug fixes are usually more expensive later.

3. Prerequisites for Successful Test Automation

Although the benefits of test automation are obvious, there are some prerequisites that must be met for it to be successfully implemented in a company. Test automation is not a cure-all and requires careful planning and preparation. Here are the most important prerequisites:

• Stable Processes: Test automation only makes sense if business processes in the company are stable and well documented. If processes are constantly changing, it becomes difficult and expensive to constantly adapt test scripts.
• Regular Use of Automation: Test automation is only efficient if it is used regularly. Companies must ensure that automated tests are integrated into the release cycle and executed with each deployment.
• Collaboration Between Departments and Test Experts: Creating test scripts requires close collaboration between subject matter experts who understand business processes and test automation experts who have technical know-how. Only then can test cases be created that meet real requirements.
• Availability of Resources: Test automation requires time and resources, especially in the initial implementation phase. Companies must ensure they have the necessary personnel and financial resources to successfully implement automation.

4. Disadvantages of Test Automation

As with any technology, there are also some disadvantages to test automation that should be considered:

• High Setup Effort: The initial setup of test automation is time-consuming and expensive. Creating test scripts and integrating them into existing systems requires extensive resources.
• Limited Flexibility: Automated tests can only cover the scenarios for which they were programmed. When unexpected changes or new requirements occur, manual tests are often more flexible and can better adapt to the new situation.
• Not Everything Can Be Automated: Not all tests are suitable for automation. In particular, tests based on human perception (e.g., usability tests) cannot be automated.

5. For Which Companies Is Test Automation Worthwhile?

Test automation is especially worthwhile for companies that regularly deploy new releases and updates and have stable, well-documented business processes. Companies in regulated industries, such as pharmaceuticals, benefit particularly as they have strict requirements for validation and quality assurance.

However, companies should keep in mind that automating a test case takes about five times longer than a one-time manual test. This means that the long-term benefits of test automation are only realized when automated tests are used regularly over a longer period.

For companies with rapidly changing processes or for smaller companies that rarely deploy updates, test automation may not be the best solution. In such cases, manual tests could be more flexible and cost-effective.

Conclusion: Test Automation – Yes or No?

Test automation in SAP environments is a powerful technology that can help companies optimize their test processes and improve the quality of their SAP solutions. But it is not a cure-all and requires careful planning and fulfillment of certain prerequisites.

Companies with stable processes, regular releases and sufficient resources benefit most from automation. For companies that rarely deploy updates or have rapidly changing processes, manual testing may be the better choice.

Before deciding to implement test automation, you should conduct a thorough analysis of your business processes and requirements and ensure you have the necessary resources and technical know-how.