ARTICLE
Test automation: Why should companies automate testing and what are the best use cases for it
24.3.2025 | 3 minute read
Author
PAIJU KOIVULA
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Test automation is becoming an increasingly vital part of modern software development and business process optimization. When done right, it saves time, reduces errors, and improves test coverage. But what are the ideal use cases for test automation – and where might manual testing still be the better choice?
In this article, we explore the benefits of test automation, where it works best and what are its advantages, and where manual testing may still be necessary.
What is test automation?
Test automation means using software robots and automation tools (like UiPath) to test systems and processes. It enables complex and large-scale testing to be performed without requiring manual input at every stage.
For example, in ERP systems, test automation helps ensure that new versions or updates don’t break existing functionalities. Automated tests can be executed quickly and repeatedly, making test automation especially useful for regression testing and large-scale system integrations.
When should you use test automation?
Test automation delivers the most value when:
- Testing is time-consuming or repetitive
If your team spends a lot of time running the same tests, automation can free up resources for more strategic work. - Data validation is extensive
When testing involves large amounts of data checks, robots can perform these faster and without humane errors. - Regression testing is needed
When software is updated frequently, automated tests can quickly verify that existing features still work as expected. - Testing is business-critical
Industries like banking, insurance, and healthcare rely on accurate, uninterrupted systems. Automated tests help detect failures before they become costly problems.
When is test automation not the right choice?
- When human judgment is essential
Tasks like evaluating UI design or user experience often require subjective assessment that automation can’t provide. - When software is rapidly changing
If the software or its features are still in early development and change frequently, maintaining automation scripts may take more effort than it’s worth. - When the system is overly complex
Highly complex processes or legacy systems may be difficult and costly to automate, making manual testing more practical.
Best use cases for test automation
End-to-end process testing
Ensure your full workflow runs smoothly from start to finish across all integrated systems.
Use case examples:
- Employee onboarding
- Online order process (cart to delivery)
- Warehouse operations and restocking
- Customer service workflows and call center processes
Benefits
- Continuously test full customer and employee experiences
- Identify gaps in system integration early
Application and system testing
Test both new and existing applications to ensure they function properly across different environments.
Use case examples:
- Testing new features in ERP or HRM systems
- Cross-platform testing (Windows, Mac, mobile, browsers)
- API and interface validation
- POS systems and warehouse devices
Benefits
- Detect bugs before production
- Ensure compatibility across platforms and devices
Process automation and integration testing
Automated processes and integrations need frequent testing to ensure reliability.
Use case examples:
- Sales order automations
- HR workflows
- Customer onboarding and CRM automation
- Insurance and healthcare claims processing
- Data flow and integration checks
Benefits
- Prevent automation failures and downtime
- Enable continuous process validation
The benefits of test automation
- Time savings: Robots perform tests significantly faster than manual testers
- Improved test coverage: Automations can run multiple test cycles daily, under varying conditions
- Fewer errors: Minimizes human mistakes by removing manual steps
- Long-term cost efficiency: Especially valuable for repeated and scalable testing
- Simplifies UI and ERP testing: Especially useful when dealing with frequent changes (e.g., Microsoft UI updates)
Case example: How our customer Elenia develops test automation with Sisua Digital
Elenia and Sisua Digital have taken their long-term collaboration in production automation to the next level by introducing scalable test automation with UiPath. The result: faster testing cycles, fewer errors, and a stronger customer experience.
Read the full story here to learn how Elenia aims to automate 80% of their customer information system testing and build in-house test automation capabilities.
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