Despite the surge in automated testing and AI tools out there, testing manually is still super important for making sure software works right.&nbsp;



As a Manual tester, cultivating a mindset of critical thinking is key to verifying product functionality and aligning actual outcomes with expected results. Proficiency in <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/manual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manual testing</a> requires a diverse skill set, encompassing the evaluation of usability, performance, security, and accessibility aspects.



Here are some unique skills that can elevate a manual tester&#8217;s effectiveness in ensuring exceptional software quality:



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#1_Strong_Analytical_Skills">1 1. Strong Analytical Skills</a></li><li><a href="#2_Proficiency_in_API_Testing">2 2. Proficiency in API Testing:</a></li><li><a href="#3_Understanding_of_Databases">3 3. Understanding of Databases:</a></li><li><a href="#4_Solid_Testing_Concepts">4 4. Solid Testing Concepts:</a></li><li><a href="#5_Familiarity_with_HTTP_Status_Codes">5 5. Familiarity with HTTP Status Codes:</a></li><li><a href="#6_Knowledge_of_Version_Control_Systems_like_GIT">6 6. Knowledge of Version Control Systems like GIT:</a></li><li><a href="#7_Effective_Communication_Skills">7 7. Effective Communication Skills:</a></li><li><a href="#8_Familiarity_with_Agile_Methodology">8 8. Familiarity with Agile Methodology:</a></li><li><a href="#9_Cross-Browser_Testing_Proficiency">9 9. Cross-Browser Testing Proficiency:</a></li><li><a href="#10_Understanding_of_Software_Development_Life_Cycle_SDLC">10 10. Understanding of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC):</a></li><li><a href="#11_Accessibility_Testing_Skills">11 11. Accessibility Testing Skills:</a></li><li><a href="#12_Performance_Testing_Proficiency">12 12. Performance Testing Proficiency:</a></li><li><a href="#13_Security_Testing_Awareness">13 13. Security Testing Awareness:</a></li><li><a href="#16_JIRA">14 16. JIRA:</a></li><li><a href="#17_Mobile_Testing">15 17. Mobile Testing:</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">16 Conclusion:</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-1-strong-analytical-skills">1. Strong Analytical Skills</h2>



Analytical skills are vital for thinking outside the box and generating edge cases for thorough product testing. Simply verifying requirements and following the happy path is not sufficient. Additionally,&nbsp; skilled manual testers must also possess strong analytical capabilities to troubleshoot unexpected issues encountered during testing sessions.



<h2 id="h-2-proficiency-in-api-testing">2. Proficiency in API Testing:</h2>



Understanding Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) is becoming increasingly crucial for manual testers, especially in the age of interconnected systems. Testers should be familiar with the basics of <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/api-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">API testing</a>, including how to interact with APIs and validate their responses.&nbsp;



Proficiency in tools like POSTMAN enables testers to send requests, inspect responses, and verify the functionality of API endpoints. Moreover, knowledge of RESTful and SOAP APIs helps testers thoroughly check the behind-the-scenes part of the software, making sure data is kept safe and the system works reliably.



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/manual-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manual Testing Tools</a>



<h2 id="h-3-understanding-of-databases">3. Understanding of Databases:</h2>



Since data is the backbone of many software applications, testers must have a solid understanding of databases. This includes knowledge of database management systems (DBMS) such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB.&nbsp;



Testers should be comfortable writing and executing SQL queries to validate data, perform CRUD operations, and verify data transformations. Furthermore, familiarity with database schema enables testers to design test scenarios that cover various data scenarios and edge cases. Knowledge of tools and methods that support data connectivity, including <a href="https://hevodata.com/learn/how-to-connect-postgres-to-google-sheets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Sheets to PostgreSQL </a>integrations, also contributes to more thorough and effective testing.



<h2 id="h-4-solid-testing-concepts">4. Solid Testing Concepts:</h2>



A strong foundation in testing concepts is fundamental for manual testers. They should understand the principles of test design, including creating test cases, test scenarios, and test plans.&nbsp;



Moreover, testers should be proficient in identifying, documenting, and prioritizing defects using <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/defect-tracking-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defect-tracking tools</a> like JIRA or Bugzilla. Understanding different types of testing, such as functional testing, regression testing, and user acceptance testing, gives testers the ability to tailor their approach based on project requirements and constraints.



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/test-cases-for-manual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Cases for Manual Testing</a>



<h2 id="h-5-familiarity-with-http-status-codes">5. Familiarity with HTTP Status Codes:</h2>



Manual testers should be familiar with Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) status codes and their meanings. This knowledge is particularly valuable when testing web applications and APIs. HTTP status codes provide valuable insights into the server&#8217;s response and help testers diagnose issues more effectively.&nbsp;



For example, a 404 status code indicates that the requested resource was not found, while a 500 status code signifies a server error. By understanding these codes, testers can communicate more precisely with developers which can further help them to fix the problems faster.



<h2 id="h-6-knowledge-of-version-control-systems-like-git">6. Knowledge of Version Control Systems like GIT:</h2>



Version control systems like GIT play a pivotal role in software development and testing. Manual testers often collaborate with developers and need to understand how version control works to access the latest code changes.&nbsp;



Basic GIT knowledge, including tagging, merging, and reverting changes facilitates seamless collaboration and ensures that testers are always working with the most up-to-date codebase. In many product companies, it&#8217;s often QA&#8217;s responsibility to merge developers&#8217; code or pull requests into the main codebase. Therefore, having a grasp of GIT basics is crucial for manual QA testers.



<h2 id="h-7-effective-communication-skills">7. Effective Communication Skills:</h2>



Effective communication is essential for manual testers to convey their findings accurately in the form of defects and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Testers should be able to articulate test results, raise defects, and suggest improvements clearly and concisely.&nbsp;



Additionally, active listening skills are crucial for understanding project requirements, gathering feedback, and resolving conflicts efficiently. By creating open communication channels, testers can foster a collaborative testing environment and contribute positively to the overall project&#8217;s success.



<h2 id="h-8-familiarity-with-agile-methodology">8. Familiarity with Agile Methodology:</h2>



In agile development environments, testers need to adapt quickly to changing requirements and priorities. They should have a solid understanding of agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban and actively participate in agile ceremonies like sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives.&nbsp;



Testers should embrace the iterative nature of agile development and focus on delivering value to end-users in short development cycles. Additionally, being responsive to feedback and continuously improving testing processes are key aspects of being a manual tester.



<h2 id="h-9-cross-browser-testing-proficiency">9. Cross-Browser Testing Proficiency:</h2>



As web applications become more widespread, manual testers need to make sure they work well on different browsers and devices. Testers should conduct cross-browser testing to identify potential UI inconsistencies or functional discrepancies.&nbsp;



This involves testing web applications on popular browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari across different operating systems and versions. Moreover, testers should leverage browser developer tools to inspect page elements, debug JavaScript code, and analyze network requests for performance optimization.



<h2 id="h-10-understanding-of-software-development-life-cycle-sdlc">10. Understanding of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC):</h2>



Understanding the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is essential for manual testers to align their testing activities with the development process. Testers should be familiar with SDLC phases such as requirements gathering, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.&nbsp;



This enables testers to identify the appropriate testing activities for each phase and ensure that quality is maintained throughout the software development process. Additionally, knowledge of different testing methodologies and frameworks empowers testers to select the most suitable approach based on project constraints and objectives.



<h2 id="h-11-accessibility-testing-skills">11. Accessibility Testing Skills:</h2>



Making sure web apps are easy to use for people with disabilities is super important. Testers need to know about rules like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and how to check if apps meet these rules.&nbsp;



This means looking at things like if you can navigate with just a keyboard, if screen readers work if colors are clear, and if the HTML is set up right. When testers do good accessibility tests, they help make sure everyone can use the app easily.



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/is-manual-testing-a-good-career/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Is testing manually a good career?</a>



<h2 id="h-12-performance-testing-proficiency">12. Performance Testing Proficiency:</h2>



Manual testers should be able to assess the performance of web applications by conducting load testing, <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-stress-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress testing</a>, and other performance testing techniques. Understanding how to identify and measure key performance indicators (KPIs) such as response time, throughput, and resource utilization is essential for ensuring optimal application performance under varying conditions.



<h2 id="h-13-security-testing-awareness">13. Security Testing Awareness:</h2>



Manual testers should have a basic understanding of common security vulnerabilities and how to test for them. This includes conducting security testing techniques such as penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and authentication testing to identify potential security risks in web applications. Awareness of security best practices and compliance standards can help testers identify and mitigate security threats effectively.



<h2 id="h-16-jira">16. JIRA:</h2>



JIRA is an agile project management tool widely utilized across various companies today. It serves as a central platform for referencing stories, creating Epics, and setting up boards such as Kanban or Scrum. Familiarity with JIRA is invaluable for testers as it enhances their adaptability across different organizations. Essential skills include creating tasks, raising defects, and effectively utilizing filters and dashboards.



In today&#8217;s workplace, showcasing work is just as crucial as completing it. Therefore, knowing how to create dashboards, filter issues, and share insights with the team are expected skills from manual testers in most companies today.



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/is-manual-testing-becoming-a-bottleneck-in-continuous-delivery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Challenges in testing manually </a>



<h2 id="h-17-mobile-testing">17. Mobile Testing:</h2>



The percentage of Internet traffic for mobile devices has seen a massive increase over the last decade. According to a recent <a href="https://explodingtopics.com/blog/mobile-internet-traffic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survey</a>, over 60% of website traffic now comes from mobile devices, with 92.3% of internet users accessing the internet via mobile phones. With approximately 4.32 billion active mobile internet users, it&#8217;s crucial to understand how to conduct <a href="http://5What is Mobile App Testing: Definition, Types and Process Testsigma https://testsigma.com › mobile-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mobile testing</a>.



Ensuring that your website functions well across various devices is essential. It&#8217;s one of the most important aspects to consider during testing. Testing on different mobile devices is necessary to ensure that all functionalities work seamlessly and that there are no issues or broken features.



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/manual-testing-interview-questions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manual Testing Interview Questions</a>



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion:</h2>



In conclusion, while automation undoubtedly plays a crucial role in streamlining the testing process, the human element remains indispensable in ensuring software quality. By developing innovative skills such as user-centric testing, exploratory testing expertise, cross-functional collaboration, adaptability to emerging technologies, and critical thinking, manual testers can elevate their role from mere validators to invaluable contributors in the pursuit of software excellence.



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/manual-testing-vs-automation-testing-which-one-should-you-choose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manual Testing vs Automation Testing</a>



Testsigma is a test automation tool, especially made for the manual team, that helps you automate your regression tests for web, mobile, desktop applications and APIs, 10x faster, while authoring tests in simple English. This increases the availability of manual testers for user-centric and exploratory testing.



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Skills for Manual Testing

As organisations continue to adopt Salesforce to streamline operations, having a robust test automation strategy becomes critical to ensure that frequent updates, configurations, and customizations work seamlessly.



Following industry standards for software testing, this case study explores a structured approach to Salesforce test automation, illustrating how automation can enhance quality, reduce regression testing time, and improve resource allocation.



As a seasoned Salesforce test automation engineer, I&#8217;ve had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of test automation in action. Today, I&#8217;m excited to share a comprehensive case study that showcases the remarkable benefits we were able to achieve through the strategic implementation of a robust test automation framework.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#The_Challenge_Navigating_Complexity_and_Rapid_Change_in_Salesforce">1 The Challenge: Navigating Complexity and Rapid Change in Salesforce</a></li><li><a href="#The_Solution_Comprehensive_Salesforce_Test_Automation">2 The Solution: Comprehensive Salesforce Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#The_Results_Transforming_Salesforce_Testing_Efficiency_and_Quality">3 The Results: Transforming Salesforce Testing Efficiency and Quality</a></li><li><a href="#Looking_to_the_Future_How_LLMs_Can_Enhance_Salesforce_Test_Automation">4 Looking to the Future: How LLMs Can Enhance Salesforce Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Testsigma_for_Automated_Salesforce_Testing">5 Testsigma for Automated Salesforce Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-the-challenge-navigating-complexity-and-rapid-change-in-salesforce">The Challenge: Navigating Complexity and Rapid Change in Salesforce</h2>



Our client, a rapidly growing SaaS company, was facing a set of interconnected challenges within their Salesforce ecosystem. As their Salesforce instance grew in complexity, the problems they encountered became increasingly multifaceted and difficult to manage.



Over time, the client&#8217;s Salesforce platform had become more intricate, with a growing number of custom objects, integrations, and business processes. This complexity made it increasingly challenging to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the entire system and its interdependencies.&nbsp;



Additionally, the client&#8217;s Salesforce development team was working at a fast pace, continuously introducing new features and updates to meet the evolving needs of their customers. While this agility was crucial for the business, it also created a constant state of change that made it difficult to ensure the stability and reliability of the Salesforce platform.



The client&#8217;s existing testing approach was heavily reliant on manual processes, which became increasingly time-consuming and error-prone as the Salesforce instance grew in complexity. The QA team struggled to keep up with the rapid development cycles, and they were unable to thoroughly validate all critical business scenarios before each deployment.&nbsp;



The manual testing approach simply could not scale to meet the demands of the client&#8217;s growing Salesforce ecosystem. As the number of test cases and the frequency of deployments increased, the QA team found it increasingly challenging to maintain the necessary testing coverage and ensure the quality of the Salesforce solutions.



These challenges led to delayed time-to-market, as the inefficient testing process and the inability to quickly identify and resolve defects impacted the client&#8217;s ability to deliver new features and updates to their customers. This had a direct impact on their competitive positioning and customer satisfaction.



The leadership team at the client&#8217;s organisation recognized that these challenges were hindering their ability to fully leverage the power of Salesforce and deliver the best possible experience to their customers. They knew that a more efficient and scalable testing approach was needed to overcome these obstacles and position the company for long-term success.



<h2 id="h-the-solution-comprehensive-salesforce-test-automation">The Solution: Comprehensive Salesforce Test Automation</h2>



After a thorough evaluation of the client&#8217;s requirements and the existing Salesforce ecosystem, we proposed a comprehensive test automation strategy. The key elements of this approach were:



<ol><li>Comprehensive Test Suite Development: We worked closely with the client&#8217;s development and quality assurance teams to identify critical business scenarios, integration points, and user journeys. This enabled us to create a robust and comprehensive test suite that covered the core functionality of the Salesforce platform, as well as edge cases and potential areas of concern. </li><li>Automation Framework and Tool Selection: We carefully selected a Salesforce-compatible test automation framework and tool that would seamlessly integrate with the client&#8217;s existing technology stack. This allowed us to leverage the power of automation while maintaining a cohesive and maintainable solution. In this case, we chose a well-established framework that offered advanced features, such as data-driven testing, parallel execution, and detailed reporting. </li><li>Test Automation Implementation: Our team of experienced Salesforce test automation engineers implemented the selected framework and tool, meticulously automating the identified test cases. This process involved developing reusable code modules, creating data-driven test scenarios, and implementing robust error-handling and reporting mechanisms. We also incorporated best practices, such as modular design, code versioning, and continuous improvement, to ensure the long-term maintainability of the automation suite. </li><li>Continuous Integration and Deployment: We integrated the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/automated-test-suite/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation suite</a> with the client&#8217;s continuous integration and deployment pipelines, enabling seamless and frequent regression testing. This allowed the development team to quickly identify and address any regressions or defects, thereby reducing the time-to-market for new features.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-the-results-transforming-salesforce-testing-efficiency-and-quality">The Results: Transforming Salesforce Testing Efficiency and Quality </h2>



The implementation of the Salesforce test automation strategy yielded remarkable results for our client:



<ol><li>Increased Test Coverage: By automating the critical test cases, we were able to achieve a significant increase in test coverage, ensuring that new features and updates were thoroughly validated before deployment. </li><li>Faster Release Cycles: The automated testing process reduced the time required for regression testing from several days to just a few hours, enabling the client to deliver new features to their customers more quickly and with greater confidence. </li><li>Improved Quality: The consistent and reliable execution of automated tests helped to identify and resolve defects earlier in the development lifecycle, resulting in a higher-quality Salesforce solution for the client&#8217;s customers. </li><li>Cost Savings: The efficiency gains achieved through <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation</a> led to a substantial reduction in the resources required for manual testing, allowing the client to reallocate those resources to other high-impact initiatives.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-looking-to-the-future-how-llms-can-enhance-salesforce-test-automation">Looking to the Future: How LLMs Can Enhance Salesforce Test Automation</h2>



As we look to the future, I believe that the integration of large language models (LLMs) can further enhance the capabilities of Salesforce test automation. LLMs, such as GPT-3, have demonstrated remarkable natural language processing and generation abilities, which can be leveraged to:



<ol><li>Automated Test Case Generation: LLMs can analyse Salesforce requirements and user stories to automatically generate relevant test cases, saving time and ensuring comprehensive coverage. </li><li>Test Case Optimization: LLMs can suggest optimizations to existing test cases, identifying opportunities for consolidation, parameterization, and improved maintenance. </li><li>Natural Language-based Reporting: LLMs can generate detailed, human-readable reports on test execution, including insights and recommendations for improvement, making it easier for non-technical stakeholders to understand the testing process. </li><li>Intelligent Automation Assistance: LLMs can provide contextual assistance to test automation engineers, helping with code generation, debugging, and troubleshooting, thereby enhancing the overall productivity and efficiency of the test automation team.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-testsigma-for-automated-salesforce-testing">Testsigma for Automated Salesforce Testing</h2>



Testsigma is a low-code cloud-based GenAI-powered test automation platform that allows testers to<a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-salesforce-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> automate Salesforce tests</a> using plain English statements without requiring much coding expertise.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1440" height="768" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/27160715/Testsigma-Recorder.png" alt="Testsigma-Recorder" class="wp-image-50431" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/27160715/Testsigma-Recorder.png 1440w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/27160715/Testsigma-Recorder-768x410.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



Some key reasons why Testsigma can be your perfect Salesforce testing tool,



10x Faster: Create Salesforce tests in plain English using NLP-based testing or the Recorder.



No setup required: Create, run, and maintain Salesforce tests on the cloud.



Salesforce environment: Test across Salesforce Developer Sandbox &#8211; Developer Pro, Partial Copy, and Full Sandbox.&nbsp;



Simple interface: Provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making the platform easy to use for both manual and automation testers.



Parallel testing: Run multiple Salesforce tests across different environments simultaneously to reduce execution time.



GenAI-powered testing: Get automated test case and test scenario suggestions in seconds from Copilot, a GenAI test assistant for QA teams, using prompts.



AI-driven test maintenance: Auto-healing helps prevent false test failures and handles complex maintenance challenges.



Continuous testing: Integrate your automated Salesforce tests into your existing CI/CD and DevOps pipeline to test continuously and ship faster.



Real-time test reports: Get comprehensive and actionable test insights after every test run to identify bugs.



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<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



In conclusion, this Salesforce test automation case study demonstrates the profound impact that a well-designed and executed test automation strategy can have on the success of a Salesforce-powered business. By harnessing the power of automation, we were able to help our client overcome the challenges of complexity and rapid development, paving the way for greater efficiency, quality, and ultimately, better customer experiences.

Testsigma Blog

Testsigma Engineering Team