AutoPlan Release Setup Simplified optimizes test phase organization and speeds up agile testing in ServiceNow. Transitioning from manual testing to a scalable, reusable library of test cases removes barriers and boosts agility. Scalable automation does more than save time; it creates an evolving repository of test cases. Each sprint builds on this library, improving defect detection and strengthening production readiness.

While ServiceNow’s Agile tools provide a strong release planning foundation, adding AutoPlan dramatically enhances release testing outcomes. For instance:

• 35% fewer inefficiencies occur when automated planning tools are used.
• 30% more defects are detected early, reducing costly late-stage fixes.
• 40% faster readiness results from integrating documentation and defect tracking.

By complementing ServiceNow Agile Test Management, AutoPlan creates a standardized, minimum viable setup for managing test phases. From Functional Testing to QA, UAT, and Production, AutoPlan simplifies building extensible test libraries and ensures agile success.

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Why AutoPlan Enhances Agile Testing

AutoPlan does more than streamline processes. It adds agility, flexibility, and depth to your testing capabilities:

• Extendability: Reusable test cases save time each sprint and improve efficiency over time.
• Defect Detection: Early identification of patterns and issues minimizes risks later in the cycle.
• Production Readiness: Structured phases push each sprint toward production standards, ensuring smoother releases.

The Benefits of AutoPlan before AutoTest: Smarter, Faster Agile Testing

AutoPlan enhances Release Management Test Pack creation by streamlining planning and ensuring alignment with project goals. Instead of jumping straight into test creation from Scrum, AutoPlan offers key benefits:

1. Centralized Planning: AutoPlan integrates with ServiceNow, importing user stories and requirements out of ServiceNow into one central location for supportive automated, accurate test planning.
2. Efficient Test Creation: It automatically generates test cases based on user stories and acceptance criteria, saving time and ensuring consistency.
3. Structured Phases: Define test phases (Functional, QA, UAT) and link them to environments for clear progression.
4. Automation Triggers: Set triggers to run tests at key milestones, ensuring timely execution and real-time updates.
5. Reporting and Metrics: Use dashboards to track coverage and defects, giving stakeholders visibility and enabling proactive issue resolution.

Feature Alignment Table: How AutomatePro and ServiceNow Agile work together:

Feature	ServiceNow Agile	AutomatePro AutoPlan
Primary Purpose	Manages sprint planning, task assignments, and backlogs.	Automates test planning, execution, and tracking for releases.
Test Planning	Manual test planning within sprints.	Automates test planning with clear requirements and metrics.
Test Execution	Manual or semi-automated test execution.	Fully automated test execution, integrated with ServiceNow.
Defect Management	Tracks defects via Agile stories and tasks.	Automated tracking of defects tied to test execution and requirements.
Documentation	Documentation managed separately or manually.	Auto-generates documentation throughout the testing process.
Integration	Integrates with Agile modules in ServiceNow.	Seamlessly integrates with ServiceNow to extend testing into automation.
Scope	Focused on managing the sprint process.	Focused on automating test activities from planning to execution and closure.
Value Add	Manages the overall sprint workflow and backlog.	Takes sprint release plans and automates testing, defect management, and documentation from plan to closure.
Replacement or Complement?	ServiceNow Agile is the core of sprint management.	AutoPlan complements ServiceNow Agile, automating test-related tasks to improve efficiency and quality.

Key Takeaways:

• AutoPlan does not replace ServiceNow Agile but enhances it by automating test-related tasks within the sprint release plan.
• AutoPlan extends ServiceNow Agile by taking test activities from planning to execution with clear requirements, defect management, and documentation.
• Both systems work together to provide a comprehensive approach to sprint management, focusing on quality and efficiency through automation.

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Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up AutoPlan for Agile Testing

1: Start with Your Release

• 1a: Log In to AutoPlan: Open AutomatePro and go to the AutoPlan module.
• 1b: Create a Release Plan: Name your release, add sprint dates, and include a brief description.
• 1c: Import User Stories: Import requirements from ServiceNow Agile to ensure accurate data entry.

2: Build the Testing Pipeline

• 2a: Define Test Phases: Label phases like Functional, QA, UAT, and Production. Map them to environments for clear progression.
• 2b: Generate Reusable Test Cases: Align test cases with user stories and acceptance criteria, organizing them into test packs for consistency.

3: Automate and Execute

• 3a: Set Triggers for Automation: Automate tests to run when milestones are met or code is deployed.
• 3b: Monitor Progress: Track real-time results to address bottlenecks and implement feedback quickly.

4: Use Metrics and Reports

• 4a: Analyze Dashboards: Track coverage and defect trends to make proactive adjustments.
• 4b: Share Reports: Provide test coverage, defect resolution, and readiness reports to stakeholders to ensure quality.

Conclusion: Unlock AutoPlan’s Potential

AutoPlan revolutionizes manual testing with AI-driven automation, a dynamic test library, and seamless integration with ServiceNow Agile tools. The main challenge is overcoming the initial hurdles of moving from manual to automated testing. Once you establish a solid baseline library for your product and upstream integrations, AutoPlan empowers teams to build reusable test packs that are easy to update and integrate as your processes evolve.

Like AI, which improves with use, AutoPlan supports continuous improvement by helping ServiceNow Product Owners discover new capabilities, optimize processes, and keep stakeholders aligned with changes in documentation and knowledge.

By shifting to automated testing with AutoPlan, each sprint delivers more value. It simplifies release planning, creates reusable test libraries, and ensures high-quality, agile releases. AutoPlan isn’t just about faster testing—it’s a move toward scalable, future-proof testing that adapts to your needs.

Other AutoPlan Release Setup Simplified Resources

• 7 Essential AutomatePro Tips for New ServiceNow Professionals
• 7 Pitfalls of Test and How To Avoid Them
• AutomatePro A-Z Terminology Glossary – Dawn Christine Simmons
• AutomatePro FAQs for ServiceNow
• AutomatePro 8.1: Streamlines Test Automation with Powerful New Tools
• AutomatePro AutoTest: Getting Started