Successful implementation of test automation for Prominent with Cypress and Azure DevOps

By mid-2022, the software development process was not running as efficiently as desired. Manual regression testing was time-consuming and prone to human error, leading to delays and a lack of oversight during development sprints. This resulted in inefficient use of their resources and slowed down the project process. Therefore, Prominent turned to auticon Netherlands to ask if we could develop an automated regression test that would be integrated into their existing Azure DevOps pipeline, with the aim of improving the quality and efficiency of their development process.

In response to Prominent’s request, auticon began implementing test automation, using the JavaScript-based tool Cypress. The process started with a thorough analysis of the existing manual regression tests. Together with Prominent, the most important processes were prioritised and divided into manageable parts. A step-by-step automation was then deployed, automating each test script component one by one. These automated tests were integrated into the Azure DevOps pipelines so that they were run automatically every night.

By adopting an Agile working method, auticon was able to respond quickly to changes and make optimisations when needed. Cooperation between Prominent’s functional administrators and auticon’s test analysts and engineers ran smoothly, thanks to transparent communication via a joint Jira board. This ensured that both parties were continuously informed about the progress and test results, which significantly increased the speed and effectiveness of the process.

The cooperation between auticon and Prominent was characterised by mutual respect and effective communication. Laurens Piekaar, ICT service manager at Prominent, emphasises this by saying, ‘The cooperation with auticon went extremely well. They think along with us, are flexible in terms of deployment and deliver quality work.’ Prominent’s functional managers were responsible for setting priorities and scope of work, while auticon took responsibility for developing new tests and optimising existing regression test scripts. These tasks were performed in close consultation, with auticon’s test analysts translating the tests into the Cypress automated tool and integrating them directly into the Azure DevOps pipeline.

‘The communication was smooth, approachable and fun. The implementation process actually went naturally: we understand each other well and don’t overcomplicate things.’ sums up Laurens’ collaboration. After each nightly run of the automated tests, auticon provided a detailed analysis of the test results. This enabled both auticon and Prominent to react quickly to findings, resulting in a transparent and efficient cooperation.

Thanks to the implementation of test automation, Prominent now has fully automated regression testing that covers the entire software landscape. The automated testing process covers both the front-end and integrations with various back-end systems, ensuring a seamless customer journey – from order placement to product delivery. Laurens states: ‘Thanks to the implementation of test automation, we can do 80% less manual work and the time-to-market is a lot shorter because testing is done automatically every night.’
In short, the automated tests enable Prominent to respond quickly to findings, contributing to higher reliability and a consistent customer experience. The test script has already proven itself by detecting problems early, which were then quickly resolved, significantly improving overall software quality.