Continuous Improvement AutoTest Foundations: One of the standout achievements this year was enhancing AutoTest Foundations. Thirdera has done so much via Thirdera University, to offer power training on over 20,000 ServiceNow In Demand Skills. It is our hope that as more partners and clients see the power and capabilities of AutomatePro, that more of the ServiceNow ecosystem will look to AutomatePro to automate and use AI powered AutoTest to accelerate their path to ServiceNow production upgrades.
Collaborating with Paul Blair and Zeta Loscalzo of Thirdera, a Cognizant company a Cognizant company, we designed a tailored training program to guide teams in transitioning to automated testing with AutomatePro. We tackled training enablement challenges and celebrated breakthroughs that highlighted the value of automation. This collaborative effort made 2024 a year of impactful learning, growth, and innovation.
We started with a getting started custom designed training for learning the AutoTest Creation foundations, transitioning to automated testing with AutomatePro. Together, we tackled the training enablement challenges and celebrated the breakthroughs that come with embracing automation. It was an adventure filled year of learning, growth, and, most importantly, impact.
Advancements in AutomatePro and Support Tools
This year, AutomatePro introduced several advancements:
- Quick Start AI Enhancements: Dramatic improvements streamlined the creation of custom scripts.
- Expanded Template-Based Testing: Simplified processes with robust templates.
- New Getting Started Training: A reimagined program offering deeper insights into foundational testing principles and technical concepts.
A special thanks to Jaffar Ali of AutomatePro, whose expertise and guidance supported new users as they transitioned from manual to automated testing.
Launch of the Customer and Partner Support Portal
In December, AutomatePro unveiled its modern Customer and Partner Support Portal, revolutionizing the user experience.
Key Features Include:
- Unified access to Knowledge Articles, Community Discussions, and Release Notes.
- The ability to request support and create enhancement requests in a single platform.
- Comprehensive training resources designed to maximize potential and skill development.
Training Opportunities: Building a Strong Foundation
In addition to the Support Portal, AutomatePro introduced a new and improved Getting Started Foundations Training, designed to empower users with the skills and knowledge needed for success. This enhanced training provides a deeper dive into technical topics and ensures participants are equipped to fully leverage the platform’s capabilities.
Foundational Learning for Beginners
To begin with, the updated training introduces users to essential concepts such as the customer library, actions, and checks. These foundational elements are critical for building a strong understanding of how to navigate and utilize AutomatePro effectively. By starting with these basics, users can confidently build on their skills as they progress.
Advanced Training for Greater Expertise
For users ready to deepen their expertise, the training includes guidance on more technical topics, such as XPath and Selectors. These skills are particularly useful for those pursuing advanced functionalities, including working with the Selectors Hub. By integrating these topics, AutomatePro ensures that users have access to the tools and techniques necessary for complex automation scenarios.
Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Application
This comprehensive approach bridges the gap between foundational learning and advanced application. It not only introduces users to the platform’s core functionalities but also prepares them to handle more technical challenges as they grow in their automation journey.
With these expanded training opportunities, AutomatePro reaffirms its commitment to empowering users, enhancing their skills, and driving success through knowledge and continuous improvement.
Highlights and Lessons from a Year of Automation Success
The Power of Standardization: Building a Strong Foundation
Best Practices Standardization emerged as one of the most impactful elements in achieving successful automation. By establishing consistent frameworks, we not only enhanced testing processes but also improved support and training initiatives. This approach ensured ongoing efficiency and paved the way for continuous improvement across teams.
- Using Pre-Built Test Templates and Reusable Resources: First and foremost, AutomatePro’s templates and model blocks streamlined workflows, significantly reduced setup time, and allowed teams to maintain consistency effortlessly. This enabled a more organized and predictable approach to automation.
- Implementing Role-Based Learning Permissions: Moreover, creating smaller, skill-specific groups made access management much more efficient. By tailoring learning experiences to the unique needs of each group, we enabled focused and customized skill development that enhanced overall productivity and resource alignment.
Through these measures, we not only standardized processes but also empowered teams to work smarter and more collaboratively, fostering a culture of consistency and continuous improvement.
Achieving Results Through Hands-On Practice
Engaging partners through hands-on workshops proved to be an exceptionally effective approach. These highly interactive and practical sessions not only deepened participants’ understanding but also empowered them to apply their knowledge with confidence. As a result, the workshops enabled participants to:
- Build Reliable Regression Tests: First and foremost, participants created regression tests that remained dependable and up-to-date over time. This ensured automated workflows could adapt to changes and upgrades seamlessly, without sacrificing quality or reliability.
- Apply Training to Real-World Cases: Additionally, participants translated their training into actionable solutions by addressing real-world scenarios. This practical approach made learning both meaningful and impactful, enabling participants to tackle challenges specific to their unique contexts effectively.
- Refine Processes Incrementally: Finally, the workshops encouraged participants to refine their processes one step at a time. By focusing on small, manageable improvements, they cultivated a mindset of adaptability and continuous growth, which is essential for achieving long-term success in automation.
Through these collaborative sessions, participants gained not only the skills but also the confidence needed to integrate automation into their workflows successfully. This approach drove lasting innovation, meaningful improvements, and sustainable progress..
Overcoming the Challenges of Manual Testing
Transitioning from manual testing demanded a deliberate effort to address ingrained habits and overcome resistance. These long-standing processes, while familiar, often lacked comprehensive test coverage, which frequently caused challenges during upgrades. Recognizing the need for change, we prioritized both education and delivering tangible results to support teams in their journey toward automation.
- Focusing on Education Through Experience: To begin with, we demonstrated the clear value of reusable automated tests. By showing how automation simplifies repetitive tasks and reduces errors, we highlighted its ability to streamline workflows and enhance accuracy. This hands-on approach made the benefits of automation both visible and undeniable.
- Breaking Down Barriers: Additionally, we adopted a step-by-step strategy to make the transition feel more approachable. By starting with small, manageable projects and showcasing quick wins, we instilled confidence in teams. These early successes encouraged them to view automation not as an overwhelming change but as a practical and highly beneficial evolution.
Through these efforts, we guided teams toward embracing automation as a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable approach to testing and workflows.
Key Insights from Guided Practice
Through hands-on experience, we identified several essential factors that contribute to successful automation. Each of these insights built upon the others, creating a comprehensive framework for achieving meaningful results:
- Laying Strong Foundations: First and foremost, teaching core automation principles played a pivotal role in ensuring smoother transitions from manual processes to automated workflows. By establishing this solid base, teams were better prepared to embrace change confidently and effectively.
- Refining Processes Incrementally: Next, we discovered the importance of starting with smaller, manageable projects and gradually enhancing them over time. This step-by-step approach not only made automation less overwhelming but also allowed teams to adapt progressively and see immediate, tangible benefits.
- Using Dynamic Values for Flexibility: Finally, leveraging dynamic values in tests emerged as a game-changer. This practice improved scalability, reduced maintenance efforts, and increased the adaptability of automated workflows, ensuring long-term success and sustainability.
By combining these strategies, we created a pathway that teams could follow to transition seamlessly into automation while achieving lasting improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.
Delivering Tools and Resources for Success
We prioritized creating tools and resources specifically tailored to our Process Owner’s unique needs.
- On-Demand Training Materials: By offering flexible, self-paced guides and recorded workshops, we enabled teams to access learning at their own pace, whenever and wherever it was most convenient. This approach allowed participants to build their skills incrementally while accommodating their schedules.
- Collaborative Support Boards: Additionally, we introduced interactive task boards that facilitated real-time troubleshooting and promoted idea-sharing among team members. These boards not only enhanced problem-solving but also fostered a collaborative learning environment where teams could exchange insights and strategies seamlessly.
Through these efforts, we ensured that our partners had access to the tools they needed to succeed, while also creating an ecosystem of ongoing support and collaboration.
Embracing Change: The Transition to Automation
Adopting automation required teams to not only learn new tools but also embrace a new mindset. By emphasizing hands-on practice and delivering visible results, we built confidence and demonstrated how automation simplifies processes, enhances efficiency, and drives better outcomes.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Growth and Collaboration
This year emphasized the critical role of perseverance, collaboration, and adaptability in achieving success. By streamlining workflows, AutomatePro has consistently empowered teams to work more effectively, meet their objectives, and embrace continuous improvement. Furthermore, by prioritizing teamwork and delivering tailored solutions, we not only made significant progress but also laid a solid foundation for future growth.
As we move forward, we reflect on the valuable partnerships forged, the lessons gained, and the milestones achieved. Additionally, we embrace the opportunities ahead with a renewed commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Together, we aim to build on these successes, unlocking even greater potential and inspiring transformation in the years to come.
Other Resources for Improving AutoTest Foundations
- Eight Ways to Build Collaborative Teams
- Actions and Checks Library: Getting Started with AutoTest :: AutomatePro Docs
- AutomatePro A-Z Terminology Glossary
- AutomatePro Accelerated Agile Sprints
- AutomatePro AutoTest: Getting Started
- AutoTest Blog: tips and advice with AutomatePro
- AutoTest :: AutomatePro Docs
- AutoTest Reference
- Creating Custom Actions and Checks for Shadow Roots
- HDI Support Center Standard
- Improving Customer Experience (CX)
- Product Support – Preparing for a Clone
- QuickStart AI :: AutomatePro Docs
- Teams That Collaborate, Innovate | Berkeley Exec Ed
- Uniting in the New Era: Thirdera’s Impact in 2024
- Working as One
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