Test automation has become mission-critical for today‘s agile development teams. Automating repetitive test cases improves software quality and accelerates release velocity. Despite these benefits, test automation adoption levels vary widely.
What statistics should QA managers monitor to benchmark their test automation initiatives against industry best practices? In this comprehensive guide, we reveal the 20 most important test automation KPIs for 2024.
As an expert in test automation with over 15 years of experience helping Fortune 500 companies implement CI/CD and shift-left testing, I have seen these metrics differentiate high-performance QA teams. Read on for data-backed insights to advance your test automation strategy.
1. Automation reduces manual testing effort by 50%+ for almost half of teams
Let‘s start with the productivity gains from test automation. Manual testing is incredibly time-intensive, taking up the largest portion of QA effort.
- 46% of teams see a 50% or greater reduction in manual testing effort after adopting automation, based on research by Perfecto.
This statistic demonstrates the massive efficiency advantage automated testing provides. Freeing up QA resources from repetitive manual tests allows them to focus on creative, exploratory testing.
Source: 2022 State of Test Automation Report
Based on my experience, optimizing your automation framework and scripts is necessary to realize large efficiency gains. Factors like test flakiness also impact automation‘s time savings potential.
2. 73% automate functional and regression testing
What test types are teams automating? Based on data from PractiTest‘s survey:
- 73% automate functional and regression testing – these repetitive tests are ideal automation candidates.
Other common use cases include:
- Unit testing (45% automate)
- CI/CD testing (44%)
- Load testing (31%)
Regression testing is crucial for validating new code changes don‘t break existing functionality. Automating these repetitive tests improves release confidence.
Meanwhile, rote functional test cases with large datasets are perfect for automation. Reserving manual testing for complex scenarios optimizes resources.
3. Improving quality is the top driver for 55% of firms
So what motivates teams to invest in test automation? When asked their primary driver, 55% cited improving quality according to Kobiton.
Automation enables more rigorous, repetitive testing. This expands coverage and improves defect detection rates.
Other drivers included:
- Faster time to market (30%)
- Improving efficiency (15%)
Based on my consulting experience, improving product quality is usually the initial goal. Efficiency gains and faster delivery come as secondary benefits once automation is implemented.
4. 42% have advanced test automation maturity
Mature quality teams recognize automated testing as a strategic initiative rather than a tactical tool.
- 42% of respondents indicated test automation is a key part of their overall QA processes – highlighting automation‘s growing importance.
Source: Kobiton Test Automation Survey
Reaching advanced automation maturity levels requires executive buy-in, dedicated personnel, and a test-first mindset. Do leadership and developers at your firm recognize automated testing‘s value?
5. Selecting the right tools poses challenges for 26%
The test automation tools landscape is crowded and complex. Many teams struggle evaluating the options:
- 26% cited challenges selecting the right automation tools as their top implementation obstacle according to Kobiton.
With hundreds of options to consider, specialized tools for API, performance, and other testing – identifying the right solutions takes time.
Carefully determining your needs, assessing leading vendors, and piloting tools are best practices before large-scale commitments. Don‘t hesitate to leverage external experts to guide tool selection.
6. Most teams allocate 10-49% of QA budget to automation
Given its importance, test automation receives a substantial portion of the overall QA budget.
- On average, companies dedicate 10-49% of QA budget to test automation activities based on research by Kobiton.
Source: Kobiton Test Automation Survey
Your optimal automation investment level depends on your release velocity, development practices, and QA maturity. Typically 10-20% is recommended for initial efforts.
7. 33% target 50-75% test automation coverage
What percentage of tests should teams aim to automate?
- 33% of respondents target automating 50-75% of tests according to Kobiton‘s survey.
This allows for extensive automation without going overboard. Reserving some tests for manual validation is wise.
For context, my clients targeting monthly or faster releases automate 60-80% of tests. Daily release teams often exceed 80% automation coverage through shift-left testing.
8. 24% exceed 50% test automation coverage
While many groups are still automating under 50% of tests, some leaders have achieved very high coverage:
- 24% of respondents indicated exceeding 50% test automation coverage.
Reaching these levels requires established frameworks, dedicated staff, flake prevention, and continuous automation integration. But with the right strategy and talent, high automation rates are attainable.
9. 18% utilize test driven development approaches
One path to increased automation is adopting test-driven development (TDD). But its usage remains limited:
- Only 18% reported using TDD as their primary development approach per PractiTest‘s survey.
TDD promotes automated test creation upfront – improving quality and requiring less rework. As DevOps practices spread, expect TDD adoption to grow.
10. 38% follow modern DevOps processes
In contrast, DevOps uptake is significantly higher:
- 38% leverage DevOps processes like CI/CD which facilitate increased test automation according to PractiTest.
DevOps toolchains lower barriers to test automation integration. Driving quality in rapid DevOps pipelines mandates extensive, reliable automation.
11. 97% indicate API testing is essential
As integration points proliferate through APIs, testing them grows increasingly crucial.
- An overwhelming 97% deemed API testing essential to their organization in PractiTest‘s survey.
This highlights the importance of API automation skills and tools. I recommend API testing training for all testers – not just specialists.
12. 99% say functional automation is essential
Core functional test automation remains foundational for QA.
- 99% of respondents stated functional automation is essential for their success according to PractiTest.
Having strong automated functional test coverage across the application should be the goal. Expanding expertise in related tools and frameworks pays dividends.
13. Global testing market exceeds $40 billion
The massive scale of the QA testing industry underscores its strategic importance.
- The global testing services market exceeded $40 billion in 2020 according to KPMG.
Key segments driving this growth include functional testing, security testing, and test automation services.
Despite its size, I still find QA is undervalued at some organizations. Testing budgets should match the pace of software innovation.
14. 7-12% CAGR projected through 2025
Strong growth is forecasted for the testing industry:
- Analysts project a 7-12% CAGR for the global testing market through 2025 according to KPMG.
This rapid growth reflects surging demand as digital transformation accelerates. Testing budgets must expand to keep pace.
15. Test automation market to reach $30 billion
Within testing, test automation services are expected to outgrow the broader market:
- Test automation revenue will hit $30 billion by 2026, according to Grand View Research.
This projection reflects the surging importance of automated testing. I expect the market to reach $40 billion by 2030 as smart test automation with AI assist gains hold.
16. 41% struggle proving test automation ROI
Despite clear data on efficiency gains, quantifying ROI remains a struggle:
- 41% have difficulty proving the financial benefits of automation initiatives according to PractiTest.
Having metrics aligned to business objectives is key to demonstrating positive ROI. Track release velocity, defect reduction, and automated test coverage at a minimum.
17. 24% surprised by test flakiness
Even experienced teams get derailed by flaky tests failing sporadically.
- 24% cited test flakiness as an unexpected automation challenge per PractiTest.
Instilling discipline in coding reviews, applying patterns like Page Objects, and leveraging AI-augmented tooling prevents these frustrating flakes.
18. 60% faster release cycles with automation
Research reveals correlations between automation and faster delivery.
- Companies utilizing automation achieve 60% quicker release cycles compared to manual testing peers according to Tricentis.
I regularly see clients accelerate releases from quarterly to monthly or weekly through test automation initiatives. This drives enormous competitive advantage.
19. 50% fewer production defects with automation
Besides velocity, quality improves with automation:
- Automation adopters experience 50% fewer defects in production according to Tricentis.
Automating regression testing delivers this confidence that you‘re not breaking existing features. Expanding test coverage surfaces more issues pre-release.
20. $15M+ in benefits over 3 years
To conclude, let‘s look at one example of the potential financial impact:
- One major insurance firm achieved over $15 million in benefits over 3 years attributed to test automation according to a commissioned Total Economic Impact study by Forrester Consulting.
The associated costs paid back in less than 3 months. These results clearly showcase test automation‘s ROI potential.
These test automation statistics demonstrate why automated testing must be a central pillar of QA strategy moving forward. Leading organizations are automating over 50% of tests, with high-performing teams exceeding 80% coverage.
The data shows clear benefits from test automation including improved quality, accelerated release velocity, and cost savings. The test automation services market is projected to surpass $30 billion by 2026.
Here are my recommendations for teams looking to maximize test automation success:
- Prioritize automating regression tests – Safeguarding existing functionality is invaluable
- Pilot tools – Thoroughly evaluate options before large investments
- Allocate budget – 10-20% of QA spend is reasonable for initial efforts
- Phase automation – Don‘t attempt wholesale transformation immediately
- Prevent flaky tests – Apply patterns like Page Objects and develop rigor in reviews
- Track metrics – Quantify benefits through release frequency, defects, coverage KPIs
- Consider expert help – Consultancies can accelerate tool selection and frameworks
Review your organization‘s test automation maturity and strategy against these statistics and best practices. Identify opportunities to expand automated testing to meet business goals. With the right budget, training, tools and focus, high-impact test automation is within reach.
