The Salesforce platform is important for your business operations, but you must know that testing it well is all the more important. Testing will help you out with smooth business operations and grant a better user experience. But, how to carry out Salesforce automation testing? Manual or Automated?
Let’s compare the two and learn the actual difference between them. Read on to make an informed decision.
Manual Testing in Salesforce
A person will run each test step. They will not take the help of any automation tools. Let’s say, a tester might create a lead in Salesforce; they may check if all fields save correctly, and then repeat the same process for various scenarios.
Strengths of manual testing:
- Human judgement for visual and usability checks.
- Flexibility for quick, exploratory tests.
- No need for automation tools or coding skills.
Weaknesses:
- Time-consuming for repetitive tasks.
- Higher risk of missing defects due to human error.
- Difficult to scale when test coverage grows.
Automation Testing in Salesforce
The usage of tools is the highlight of Salesforce automation testing to run test cases. It is without any manual effort. The tests can include regression tests, functional checks, and integration tests. Let’s say you can set up automated scripts to verify that all key workflows work after every Salesforce update.
Strengths of automation:
- Runs faster than manual tests.
- Delivers consistent results without fatigue.
- Handles large volumes of test cases with ease.
Weaknesses:
- Requires an initial investment in tools and setup.
- May need training for testers to use the tools effectively.
Key Differences: Manual vs Salesforce Automation Testing
| Factor | Manual Testing | Salesforce Automation Testing |
| Speed | Slow, step-by-step | Very fast once scripts are ready |
| Accuracy | Risk of human error | Highly consistent |
| Scalability | Limited | Easy to scale |
| Cost over time | Low at start, high later | High at start, lower later |
| Best for | Exploratory, usability tests | Regression, repetitive functional tests |
When to Use Each Approach
Manual testing works best for:
- Usability testing where human judgement matters.
- Ad hoc checks during development.
Salesforce automation testing works best for:
- Regression testing after Salesforce seasonal updates.
- Large-scale repetitive tests that need speed and accuracy.
Another option is using a hybrid approach. Some companies choose them to run automation for stable, repetitive tests and manual checks for areas needing a human eye.
Cost and Time Considerations
Manual testing has a low setup cost. You can start with just testers and no extra tools. But as your test needs grow, the cost of labour increases.
In Salesforce automation testing, you have to bear a higher upfront cost for tools, setup, and training. Businesses require fewer testers for repetitive tasks because the test cycles become faster.
Common Mistakes in Choosing a Testing Method
Businesses sometimes make costly mistakes, such as:
- Relying on manual testing for high-volume regression work.
- Trying to automate every single test, even those that change often.
- Not training testers properly in the automation tools.
Avoiding these pitfalls can help you get the most out of your chosen testing method.
Conclusion
So, now you see that both manual and automation testing have unique strengths. Manual testing gives flexibility and suitability for tasks that need human insight. Automation offers speed, accuracy, and scalability for repetitive work.
Several cases need a combination of both. So, what you can do is
- Start small with automation in stable areas
- Continue manual testing where it adds the most value
- Over time, increase automation to boost productivity and cut costs
Choose the right mix and deliver reliable Salesforce systems faster, with fewer errors and lower long-term costs.