# The Mistakes of Automation Testing **Avoiding Common Pitfalls** Automation testing, like all other projects, is subject to human mistake. Let us humanize this topic by addressing some typical blunders and how to avoid them. **ROI:** Automated testing requires a measured technique to determine return on investment (ROI). Teams commonly skip the ROI calculation stage, wasting time and resources. If you are curious to know more about automation testing, **[check here](https://primeqasolutions.com/services/automation-testing/)**. ![5-mistakes-to-avoid-while-testing-in-automated-agile-1](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/SJzp9m0gR.jpg) **Here's a straightforward formula for calculating the worth of your automation:** ROI = Lifetime cost of manual work saved by automation minus (Cost of developing automation + Lifetime cost of maintaining automation). Calculate this before beginning your automation journey. If the ROI is negative, halt and reconsider. **2. Lack of a formal automation strategy.** Consider building a house without plans. Isn't it chaotic? Automation projects suffer similarly from a lack of a clear plan. A clearly stated automation goal and a test plan are required. **Ask yourself:** What do we automate? How will we assess success? What is our timeline? A plan ensures alignment and eliminates ineffective automation. **3. Tool Selection Blunders** Choosing the wrong tool is like wearing mismatched shoes. It hampers your stride. **Avoid these tool-related pitfalls:** **Tool Errors: **Understand your tool thoroughly. Misusing it leads to unreliable results. **Replacing Testing:** Automation complements manual testing; it doesn’t replace it entirely. Balance is key. **Open Source Temptation:** Open source tools are fantastic, but they’re not always the best fit. Evaluate commercial options too. **4. Ignoring Validation** Imagine baking a cake but forgetting to taste it. Automation scripts need validation. Verify that they produce accurate results. Don’t assume—they say assumptions are the mother of all mistakes! **5. Treating Automation Like Manual Testing** Manual testing and automation are like siblings—similar but distinct. Manual testers think critically, whereas automated scripts execute instructions. Recognize this distinction. Automation is not a clone of manual testing; rather, it is a specialized companion. Remember, behind every automated test is a human decision. So, let us be conscious, calculate our ROI, sketch out our goals, select appropriate tools, validate our work, and embrace automation's unique nature.