As 2024 draws to a close and the countdown to the holiday season begins, it’s time to reflect on the year that was. At Original Software, we’ve spent the year diving into the nuances of software testing, busting myths, sharing best practices, and celebrating successes with our customers and community. But before we all head off for some well-earned rest, let’s take a moment to recap the highlights from our blog this year.
Here’s what we’ve covered in 2024:
We’ve busted some testing myths
This year, we took a hammer to some of the biggest misconceptions in software testing. From fears about the cost of test automation to overblown expectations of AI, our Busting Testing Myths series set the record straight.
- We showed how the right tools make test automation affordable, saving time and money while delivering real value.
- We explored why AI, while helpful, isn’t ready to replace human testers anytime soon.
- And we clarified that User Acceptance Testing (UAT) can’t—and shouldn’t—be fully automated. It’s about understanding users and ensuring the software meets their needs.
Read more:
- Busting testing myths #1: We can automate UAT
- Busting testing myths #2: AI is about to transform software testing
- Busting testing myths #3: Test automation is too expensive for us
We’ve shared best practices for better testing
If there’s one thing we love, it’s making software testing more effective and efficient. This year, we shared actionable advice on everything from building test cases to managing UAT processes. Some highlights:
- We broke down the difference between test steps and execution steps, helping test managers make the most of their resources.
- We outlined a better way to build new test cases, moving beyond spreadsheets to intuitive tools that simplify the process.
- And we offered ways to reduce manual testing efforts by up to 60%, giving testers more time to focus on high-value tasks.
Read more:
- The better way to build new test cases
- Test steps vs. execution steps: Why the difference matters for test managers
- 5 ways to reduce manual testing effort by up to 60%
We’ve explored technological trends and industry insights
Technology doesn’t stand still, and neither do we. This year, we explored the latest trends in software testing and shared insights into industry challenges like ERP migrations and low-code/no-code tools.
- We explained the hidden costs of free tools and why they might not be the bargain they appear to be.
- We showcased how low-code and no-code platforms are transforming testing, combining accessibility with power.
- And we explored the shifting dynamics between vendors and clients in ERP migration projects, helping you navigate these complex transformations.
Read more:
- What are low-code, no-code, and process automation tools?
- Nothing for free: 4 hidden costs of free coded testing tools
- ERP migrations and the shifting dynamic between vendors and clients
We’ve talked about how to manage risk and testing importance
Software testing is about more than finding bugs—it’s about managing risks and ensuring your systems perform when it matters most. This year, we tackled topics like:
- Why inadequate testing can lead to disastrous consequences, from application failures to missed business opportunities.
- How to protect yourself from the next big outage with robust testing strategies.
- The importance of thorough testing in ERP transformations, where small errors can have massive impacts.
Read more:
- Protecting yourself from the next big application failure
- Could testing have prevented the CrowdStrike outage?
- Most ERP transformation projects fail—testing can change that
We’ve covered a few disasters
This year, we didn’t shy away from the dark side of testing—or the lack of it. We covered some major incidents that could have been avoided with robust testing practices.
- In Test Today or Be in the News Tomorrow, we highlighted how inadequate testing can lead to high-profile failures, reputational damage, and lost revenue – as it did for a major high street food retailer.
- We discussed the CrowdStrike outage, exploring how better testing could have prevented this significant disruption to service and customer trust.
These stories serve as stark reminders of why investing in testing is critical for every business.
Read more:
We’ve engaged with the testing community
Connecting with the software testing community has been a highlight of 2024. Through conferences, webinars, and events, we’ve shared insights, learned from peers, and celebrated the vibrant world of testing.
- At the M3 User Association event in Benelux, we explored the transformative potential of smarter testing practices.
- WIUG24 in Denver gave us the chance to meet with testing pros and industry leaders, exchanging ideas and best practices.
- And our SyteLine webinar brought users together from across the globe to discuss ERP testing challenges and solutions.
Read more:
- Original Software at M3UA Benelux 2024
- Original Software at WIUG24 Denver
- SyteLine Webinar September 2024
We’ve announced new and improved products and services
This year, we launched our brand-new software testing platform designed to revolutionize how testing is done. Instead of fragmented tools, our platform brings together all the elements of testing—planning, automation, and management—into one purpose-built solution. It’s intuitive, powerful, and built to help teams deliver better software faster.
Read more:
We welcomed some new customers to the Original Software platform
This year, we celebrated some incredible success stories from our customers:
- Benefact Group embraced no-code automation, enhancing their testing processes with ease.
- CertainTeed eliminated downtime and streamlined their regression testing.
- Royce Too optimized CloudSuite testing with Original Software’s tools.
- SVMinerals ensured quality in their shipping processes through robust testing.
Read more:
- Benefact Group: Embracing no-code test automation
- CertainTeed: Eliminating downtime through automated regression testing
- Royce Too: Pairing up with Original Software for CloudSuite testing
- SVMinerals: Shipping quality with Original Software
Happy holidays from Original Software
As we wrap up 2024, we want to thank you for joining us on this journey. Whether you’ve read our blogs, attended our webinars, or simply followed along, we appreciate your support and enthusiasm. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, rest, and maybe just a little bit of automated testing inspiration.
Here’s to more testing adventures in 2025—see you next year!
