Getting Started with Test Automation? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Blog, January 8, 2026

In a digital world where software development happens faster and with greater complexity than ever before, more and more organisations are choosing to automate their testing. And for good reason. Test automation improves the quality of IT solutions, frees up resources, and provides better insight into deliveries. But how does it work in practice? When does it make sense? And how can your organisation get off to a good start?

We would like to give you a basic introduction to what test automation is, when it makes sense, and why it is worth taking the step from manual testing to automated solutions.

What is test automation?

Test automation is about replacing manual test activities with automated test scripts that can execute tests quickly and continuously. This makes it possible to verify functionality more frequently and more efficiently, without spending resources on repeating the same manual steps over and over again.

Typical areas for automation include:

Repeated tests / regression testing (ensuring that new code has not introduced deviations in existing functionality)

CI/CD pipelines

Functional flows with high complexity

This is particularly relevant for solutions with frequent updates or complex interactions between system components. Using tools such as Playwright, Selenium, or Leapwork, teams can automate tests that previously required significant resources and manual effort.

Why are more organisations choosing to automate testing?

Test automation is not only about saving time; it is also about increasing quality, reducing risk, and enabling scalability. There are several strong reasons to invest in test automation:

Higher quality and stability: Automated tests are less vulnerable to variations in execution.

Faster feedback: Tests can run continuously, allowing defects to be detected earlier in the development process, saving both time and costs later on.

Increased transparency and documentation: Test results are automatically stored, providing transparency in test coverage and defect trends over time.

Greater test coverage: It becomes possible to test far more combinations and scenarios than is feasible manually.

Freeing up resources: When repetitive tests run automatically, testers can focus on new functionality and exploratory testing.

Scalability: As the system grows, the automation and testing effort can scale accordingly without requiring a proportional increase in manpower.

More frequent releases: Automation makes it possible to release more often, with greater confidence and peace of mind.

It is important to emphasise, however, that test automation cannot stand alone. It is not a replacement for testing, but a tool that can strengthen and expand the testing effort when used strategically and with the right prerequisites.

How do you get started with test automation?

Test automation is more than just installing a tool and pressing “record” and “play”. It requires:

1. A solid test foundation: Test automation builds on what already exists. If test cases are unclear or incomplete, the automation will be as well. Clear and maintainable test cases are key.

2. Choosing the right tool and approach: There are many tools on the market, such as Leapwork, Playwright, Selenium, and many more. Select the solution that fits your technology stack and the team’s competencies.

3. Structure and maintenance: Automation is an investment. It should not only work, but also be easy to maintain. A solid framework and a clear structure are necessary to ensure long-term sustainability.

4. Collaboration between business and IT: An effective automation strategy requires developers, testers, and business representatives to work together. Approaches such as Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD) are particularly effective, as they create a shared language and a better understanding of what is being tested and why. When automation is done right, it establishes a common language across development, testing, and the business.

When does test automation make sense?

Not all tests should be automated. A good rule of thumb is to focus on:

Features that change frequently

Critical flows with high business value

Tests that need to be executed many times (e.g. with every release)

Early tests in the CI/CD pipeline (Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery)

Avoid automating:

Highly visual elements

Tests with frequent UI changes where maintenance outweighs the benefit

One-off activities

CASE: A real-world example

At the Danish Agency for Development and Simplification (UFST), we helped implement an automated test solution based on Playwright and BDD/Cucumber. The solution covers more than 300 daily regression tests, delivers higher stability, improves collaboration between IT and the business, and frees up resources for more value-creating testing activities. This was successful because UFST already had control over their test data and test environments, and because the automation was built around business-critical areas. At the same time, the use of Gherkin syntax and Cucumber made the tests easier to understand and maintain.

Read the full case here: Implementing automated testing at the Danish Agency for Development and Simplification (UFST)

Test automation is not a replacement for testers; it is a supplement that makes test coverage and testing efforts even more effective. Shall we help you take the first steps?

Get started with test automation

If you are considering getting started with test automation, we recommend beginning with an analysis of your current setup. What works? What is repeated? What would provide the greatest value if automated? At Trifork QI, we help with consulting, framework setup, and training, so you can stand stronger on your automation journey. Need a sparring partner? Get in touch – we are ready with both experience and tools.

Would you like to learn more about test automation?

Whether you are a tester, developer, or decision-maker, automation is a competence that will become even more important in the future. We offer both courses and webinars that increase your knowledge of the possibilities, whether you are new to testing or want to expand your expertise.