5 Steps for implementing with Agile Test Automation development

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StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article |Agile Test Automation|5 Steps for implementing with Agile Test Automation developmentThere are many challenges in implementing Agile Test Automation development. Still, a few of these are worth noting: the productivity it provides, the increased ability to fix bugs faster with this approach, and the ability to avoid adding unnecessary code. Therefore, this article will detail five steps for implementing Agile Test Automation development and offer up some words of wisdom.

1. Set Reasonable Expectations: Setting clear expectations before beginning the project will help to ensure a successful one. The expectation for test automation is a little different than other software development projects, but it can be broken into the same categories:

  • First, estimate effort – how many hours per week does it take you and your team to build out this product?
  • Second, estimate the speed at which you can implement new features – how long should each sprint take for you to develop and deploy each component?
  • Finally, create an initial plan that accommodates these expectations, which can be tweaked as needed later on. If your test automation project is too aggressive or feels off-target, consider starting with a new strategy and approach.

2. Treat Automation as Software Development: Test automation is essentially the same as software development, with some unique challenges. One of the biggest challenges is communication, both from users to developers and from developers to customers. It’s important to understand as early in the process as possible who has input into a feature and how each group will be involved.

When implementing test automation, it’s essential to start with a solid foundation:

3. Assign Dedicated Resources for Automation: Using dedicated resources during development helps teams focus on test automation rather than building new features or resolving technical debt within existing ones. To set them up, understand the unique needs of your team and the unique ways they work.

  • Determine when and where you need dedicated resources (for example: if you have a code review process or another process that requires testing, that’s when you’ll need to put your developers on test automation.)
  • Identify which roles will be responsible for building the test automation. A feature is typically built in several phases: design, build, test automation, or a mixture of these stages.
  • Determine who will be the “head” of this group – this person is often responsible for recruiting new developers to fill these roles.
  • Establish communication guidelines or build an automation information hub. Ideally, this will be a place where all tests and features are documented and have regular communication about important updates.
  • Plan how to track your test automation progress, including metrics about hours and existing bugs.
  • Decide if you should use a manual testing tool in conjunction with your new test automation framework or if the framework will replace it entirely. Many of these decisions will come together during the planning phase of your project.

4. Pick a starting point: This is the most crucial step in implementing Agile test automation development. There are many ways to do this, but after picking one, it is best to teach yourself those things you will need to know next for your test automation development to continue successfully. Again, there are a variety of resources available and many different places on the internet where you can learn these things, so there is no need to reinvent the wheel here.

5. Make automation part of your definition of done: The more you can automate, the less work you will need to do manually. This is a relatively simple idea to follow- but it can be challenging to get started on when you have never done test automation before. Therefore it is important that you learn how automated tests are made as well as how to create them in an Agile manner. Additionally, testing should be incorporated into any other testing methodology used by your team, not an addition to it.

Conclusion: Your goal is to make automation part of your definition of done, and there are many techniques to help you achieve this. A few of them include learning and adjusting as you go along, communicating with others, and reusing code where possible.

Pipe Bending Across the Industries: 6 Practical Applications

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StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article |Pipe Bending|Pipe Bending Across the Industries: 6 Practical ApplicationsPipe bending is a metal machining process used to form pipes into permanent shapes. It’s one of the most common post-fabrication procedures, so many people take it for granted. However, pipe bending plays an essential role in manufacturing products for use across a wide variety of industries. Read on to find out about six practical applications for pipe bending.

Pipe Bending in the Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry faces a lot of challenges because it’s very important to fabricate durable, strong bends that exceed standard specifications. Aerospace companies use pipe bending to produce everything from hydraulic and fuel lines to exhaust systems and even seat frames. Aerospace manufacturers need to work with industry experts like Webco Industries that can provide precision services to ensure that their parts meet industry specifications.

Pipe Bending in the Automotive Industry

Carmakers also use pipe bending to manufacture a wide variety of components, from interior parts to cranking fuel lines. They also need parts manufactured with great precision, but to complicate matters even further, automakers tend to have high-volume demands. Automotive pipe bending is used to make complex exhaust components, hydraulic lines, and other systems designed to fit into amazingly tight places.

Pipe Bending in the Heavy-Duty Truck Industry

Like cars, heavy-duty trucks feature a good deal of specialized piping. Small and precise radius bends are the order of the day, and heavy-duty truck designers tend to use heavier, more difficult-to-bend piping materials like 409 or 304 stainless steel to manufacture fuel lines, engine tubes structural components, and custom fabrications. Because many of the pipes used in heavy-duty trucks are especially large, they must be bent using specialized machines.

Pipe Bending in the Shipbuilding Industry

Shipbuilders use this machining process to create specialized parts designed for marine use. Pipe bending is by far the best way to manufacture hydraulic, fuel, and water lines and the massive exhaust systems used in large merchant vessels. However, even small ships usually feature multiple systems that utilize bent pipes.

Pipe Bending in the Construction Industry

Bent pipes are used extensively in the construction industry. They may be featured in HVAC systems as refrigeration pipes, as structural components in modern buildings, and as architectural accents. Although construction industry clients don’t tend to require the level of precision associated with the automotive and transport industries, they should still work with specialized metal manufacturers who can create bent pipes that will meet their specifications perfectly.

Pipe Bending in the Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industries rely heavily on piping for everything from fuel extraction to safe transport. The pipes used in these industries must be able to withstand extreme environments and exposure to chemicals, which places some limits on the types of materials they can use to fabricate bent pipes. Whether fuel suppliers plan to drill offshore or at mainland oil rigs, they need to work with a metal fabricator capable of bending heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant pipes that will withstand the test of time.

Find a Metal Machining Company That Can Do It All

No matter what industry a client works in, it’s important to find a metal machining company that boasts a full array of pipe bending equipment that can process pipes and tubes of all sizes made from even the most durable materials. When in doubt, ask about the company’s experience working with similar clients to make sure they understand the exact industry standards and requirements.

Effective Ways To Lower Your Shipping Costs Substantially

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StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article | Effective Ways To Lower Your Shipping Costs SubstantiallyWhether you are a manufacturer, an online retailer, or a traditional retailer, or a small startup, you’ve probably already gotten on board with offering your customers delivery options to heighten customer satisfaction by enhancing buyer convenience. And while it’s definitely an excellent decision to ensure your customer has the convenient option of choosing deliveries, shipping expenses can add up and impact your financial wellbeing as a business.

Fortunately, there are a few straightforward and practical ways to lower your shipping costs effectively. And because lower shipping costs will benefit both your business and your customer base, there’s no reason not to consider these simplistic suggestions.

Buy Shipping Materials In Bulk

Buying your shipping materials in bulk is a sure way to save; whether you’re buying product stock or shipping materials, bulk buying will offer substantial savings. Most manufacturers of literature mailers, corrugated boxes, Gaylord boxes, and various other types of shipping boxes will provide a bulk discount. With that said, boxes are not the only relevant shipping materials you will need. You will also need box tape, bubble wrap, eco-friendly bubble wrap alternatives, and various materials.

When buying small orders of shipping materials, you will pay extra because the manufacturer must add in delivery fees, their own packaging fees, and a few other small additional costs. On the other hand, when you order in bulk, the manufacturer’s prices are driven down as they will only be sending off one large order instead of multiple smaller ones. This allows for substantial savings, which is why most manufacturers offer bulk buying discounts.

Choose Your Courier Carefully

Not all courier companies offer the exact standard cost for the same delivery. Unfortunately, courier charges can vary dramatically depending on the company. So, it’s never wise to settle on the first courier company you come across. Instead, you should compare your options carefully.

When comparing courier services to lower your shipping costs, you should also consider a few essential factors. Only considering the price means you may end up buying in on inferior service quality, which will harm your business’s reputation. So, be sure to evaluate the average courier service costs in your area, then slim down your options by reading through candidate courier company reviews from customers to determine professionality and quality of services. Next, you must also consider what delivery options the courier service has available. Your customers will enjoy a same-day delivery option, while standard shipping time frames should also be welcome. Basically, the more delivery options the courier service offers, the better for your customers and your business. Everyone likes to have options.

Go For Flat-Fee Shipping Rates

Once you have found the most suitable courier service for your budget, you must also determine if they offer flat-fee shipping rates. A flat-fee shipping rate can substantially drive down your delivery costs, as you won’t be paying per order, but rather one set amount for a bulk of orders. The only relevant consideration you will have to make before opting for a flat-fee shipping rate is determining how many monthly orders you can rely on.

If you don’t have enough sales per month, a flat-fee shipping rate will increase your shipping expenses. So, you must be sure you can rely on many monthly orders to take advantage of this payment option that most courier companies offer.

Let Your Customer Pay For Shipping

It may seem like a bad idea, although most retailers and manufacturers leave the shipping costs to the buyer. However, when doing this, you must be sure to provide your buyers with a variety of delivery options that allows them to determine which cost suits them best.

You can also consider allowing a free shipping option for orders above a certain amount, as this is common to enhance sales. Even though this offering won’t drive down your shipping costs, it will increase your sales, which can improve your bottom line.

Even if your customers are paying for shipping, you should still be sure to keep your costs low by buying shipping materials in bulk and offering quality delivery services. You will still need to appeal to your audience with superior options, so you must keep up with the market standards. Once you have found a supplier of quality shipping materials, selected a courier, and settled on a flat-rate shipping fee, you may even be able to profit from shipping if you can increase your customer base and your monthly sales. However, this will only be relevant if your customers pay for shipping costs or your shipping costs are worked into your product costs.

The Best Software to Improve Operational Efficiency

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StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article | The Best Software to Improve Operational EfficiencyOperational efficiency is the process of delivering quality services with fewer resources. The more high-quality output you can produce with limited input, the more you can sell and the better able you are to serve your customers. When your business is able to maintain high levels of operational efficiency the more profit you are able to make from a project. So, with all the benefits offered, all businesses should be looking to improve their operational efficiency today.

Accounts Payable Automation Software

AP automation software can help you to improve the operational efficiency of your accounts processes. No matter the size of your business or the scale of your operations, you will benefit from using an AP automation system. The software helps you to automate every related process, from invoicing to manual checks, helping you to save both time and money.

Problems with cash flow and accounts can cause issues above and beyond operational efficiency. For example, when you experience issues with accounts and your staff are not getting paid on time, this can lead to low morale, poor worker wellbeing and increased staff turnover.

Chatbots

Chatbots are another very valuable piece of software that businesses can use to improve their operational efficiency in their customer service teams. Chatbots can be set up to answer many routine customer questions, which means that staff can spend their time on more critical tasks.

Not only does using chatbot technology help you to improve the operational efficiency of your customer service teams, but it also benefits your customer relations. The average customer expects an answer from a customer service representative instantly, which means, within 10 minutes from making contact. Chatbots will provide customers with that instant response they desire no matter the time of day, or day of the week they are contacting you.

Employee Engagement Software

The term employee engagement is used to describe the relationship your staff have with their work and your organization. An engaged employee is absorbed in their work and will go above and beyond to further the interest of the organization they are working for. In contrast, a disengaged employee will do the bare minim work and is either apathetic to the organization or might actually try to harm the business’s reputation.

Using employee engagement software can help you to track levels of engagement in your organization. This can help in everything from task allocation to hiring, all of which can help to boost operational efficiency.

Project Management Software

Project management software is another hugely valuable tool that you can use to improve operational efficiency in your business. Project management software enables you to track the progress that is being made with all staff members that are involved in the project.

When managers have access to the up-to-date information that is provided by the software, they are better able to identify potential drains on efficiency. When you are able to identify when progress is not being made as expected, you are able to make changes early on.

Tips for Managing Temperature-Sensitive Goods During Shipping

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StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article |Temperature-Sensitive Goods|Tips for Managing Temperature-Sensitive Goods During ShippingEven large, insulated trucks are susceptible to temperature change and weather conditions that can impact the freight inside. Without additional temperature controls within the truck, products can spoil or be damaged by temperature variations.

Even if the temperature is fine at the loading and unloading point, a lot can happen in between. Depending on the route the truck travels, you may see significant variations in outside temperatures. Trips through desert climates can cause temperatures to rise quickly and items to thaw. Mountainous regions, or shipping during the winter, can cause items to freeze.

Overcoming Temperature Variations in Shipping

Shippers typically overcome temperature issues by using reefer trucks that have built-in technology to maintain specific temperature ranges within the truck. Refrigerated LTL trucks often include real-time monitoring and tracking, so operators can monitor internal temperatures and make adjustments if the temperature rises or lowers beyond acceptable measures.

However, many shippers want an independent assessment of temperatures beyond relying on the driver’s word that the temperature stayed within acceptable ranges. Shippers overcome this by attaching a temperature indicator to the freight so that they can be alerted to exposure to unacceptable temperature conditions at any time during transit.

These inexpensive monitors can be attached to freight or inside packing to indicate whether any temperature variation was brief, moderate, or prolonged.

Managing Containers

Making sure you have the right type of container for your goods will make a significant difference.

  • Wood is used most commonly for freight that is not impacted by force, such as poultry, seafood, and other meats. Wooden boxes can accommodate dry ice while allowing pressure to escape the packaging. Dry ice can rupture if pressure is not released.
  • Plastic boxes are good at eliminating moisture from penetrating the container and are stackable. Plastic works well for produce.
  • Cardboard can be used in some circumstances. More affordable and easy to stack, items needing temperature control are often sealed or wrapped and refrigerant gel packs are used to maintain temps. For this, many merchants often seek the help of international freight forwarders. It fastens up the process making it easier for you to settle for a reliable deal. If you wish to seek more details about it, feel free to click here and know about it all.
  • Styrofoam boxes act as an insulator to help maintain temperatures as well.

Using the Right Insulation

Inside your container, it’s also important to use the right kind of insulation to keep your temperatures at the right level. If you’re not using Styrofoam or a container that comes with a built-in liner, you will typically want to find a thermal liner, filler, or pad to put inside the container.

Once you have insulation in place, you may also need to add additional filler, such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts to prevent movement and keep your shipment secure while in transit to reduce potential damage.

Protect From Freeze Services

Some temperature-controlled shipments need additional protection to avoid freezing. Commodities, including chemicals, paint, glue, wine and alcohol, liquids, and some perishable foods need to be transported above freezing temperatures.

Most LTL carriers offer Protect from Freeze services, which include sheltering or segregating freight from outside temperatures and employing heated trailers or shelters to keep cargo from freezing.

Other products need to be kept frozen, within tight tolerances. Managing what logistics companies call the “cold chain” can be just as challenging as keeping items from freezing.

Loading and Unloading

Another area shippers run into trouble with maintaining temperatures is during the loading and unloading of goods. For example, temperatures might have been maintained during transit, but the long wait at the freight dock with the doors open can quickly compromise temperatures during unloading.

Drivers should keep trucks parked and the door closed until the loading dock is open and freight can be unpacked immediately. The same goes for loading. While stored in refrigerated containers in the warehouse, if items are sitting in the sun on the loading dock or in an open truck for too long, temps can rise quickly.

This is another reason many shippers have started using their temperature indicators. The built-in systems in the truck would show everything was fine during the transportation phase, but nobody is monitoring the temperatures specifically during the loading and unloading process.

Importance of Monitoring Temperatures

Besides wanting to protect the integrity of your goods and make sure they do not spoil during transit, maintaining temperatures may be important for regulatory compliance and to avoid recalls.

Essentia Health is the subject of a class-action suit after 50,000 patients received vaccinations that may have lost effectiveness due to improper storage temperatures. Having proof of temperature control throughout the entire shipping and storage process from start to finish could be vital information in case of legal action.