ServiceNow’s Automated Test Framework (ATF) is a helpful tool that makes testing updates, customizations, and integrations easier. By automating tests, businesses can reduce uncertainty and avoid the risks of changes that might disrupt essential workflows. More than just a time-saver, ATF helps keep your system stable and reliable.

However, ATF alone isn’t enough without a clear testing strategy. If testing isn’t well-planned, issues can go unnoticed, causing delays, system glitches, and performance problems that affect daily operations.

QaaS (Quality as a Service), a cloud-based testing approach, can significantly enhance ATF's capabilities Just like services such as SaaS (Software as a Service), QaaS provides testing tools and support over the internet when needed. This helps companies test their software without building or maintaining their own testing setup. Instead, they can use ready-made tools and expert services from the cloud, saving time, effort, and cost.

A strong QaaS-integrated ATF strategy is key to keeping your ServiceNow applications running smoothly. This guide shares eight simple best practices to help you get the most out of ATF and ensure hassle-free operations.

Overview of ServiceNow Automated Test Framewor

ATF is a built-in tool in ServiceNow that helps automate application and process testing. It lets developers and QA teams create and run tests on forms, buttons, scripts, workflows, and more without needing to write complicated code.

ATF Process Overview:

  1. 1. Create Tests: Define individual test steps to simulate user actions, like opening a form, entering data, and submitting it.

  1. 2. Group Tests into Test Suites: Combine related tests into a test suite to run them together (e.g., for a specific module or update set).

  1. 3. Configure Test Parameters: Set conditions like which user runs the test, or specific records to test with.

  1. 4. Run the Tests: Execute tests manually or automatically as part of a deployment or CI/CD pipeline.

  1. 5. Review Results: Check test results to quickly identify what passed or failed, and fix issues before they reach production.

Also, read How ServiceNow developer Uses ITA for testing?

Pros of ServiceNow ATF

  1. 1. Saves Time and Effort

  • Reduces the need for repetitive manual testing.
  • Speeds up regression testing during upgrades or deployments.

  1. 2. Improves Test Accuracy

  • Ensures consistency and eliminates manual mistakes with automated testing.
  • Ensures reliable test results every time.

  1. 3. Faster Development Cycles

  • Allows for quicker feedback during development.
  • Helps teams detect and fix issues early.

Also, read Accelerate Sign-Offs: Streamline Testing with Automation

  1. 4. Supports CI/CD and DevOps

  • Enables continuous testing through smooth integration with DevOps pipelines.
  • Supports automated testing within deployment workflows.

  1. 5. Reusable and Scalable

  • Create test steps once and reuse them across multiple tests.
  • Scale testing for larger projects without additional manual effort.

Also, read Why QaaS is the Future of Scalable Quality Assurance Solutions?

  1. 6. Better Test Coverage

  • Helps cover more scenarios in less time.
  • Encourages frequent and thorough testing across modules.

  1. 7. Safe Platform Upgrades

  • Ensures your customizations and applications still work after platform upgrades.

Cons of ServiceNow ATF

  1. 1. Limited Browser Support

  • ATF works best in Chrome and Firefox. It does not support Internet Explorer or mobile browsers.

  1. 2. Cannot Test External Applications

  • ATF is designed to test within ServiceNow only. It cannot automate testing of external systems, integrations, or third-party websites.

  1. 3. No Parallel Test Execution

  • Sequential test execution in ATF leads to longer test cycles.

  1. 4. Not Suitable for Production

  • Tests modify data, so they should only be run in sub-production environments (dev/test).

  1. 5. Service Portal Testing Is Limited

  • Service Portal tests can be flaky or limited, especially for complex widgets or customizations.

  1. 6. Limited Visual/UI Validation

  • ATF does not support visual validation (like image comparison or pixel-perfect UI testing). It can only assert field values or element visibility.

  1. 7. Learning Curve for Non-Technical Users

  • Although no scripting is required for many test steps, test creation often needs technical knowledge, which can be a barrier for business users.

  1. 8. Scripted Steps Need Scripting Skills

  • Custom or advanced testing scenarios often require JavaScript and knowledge of the ServiceNow platform.

  1. 9. Not Meant for Load or Performance Testing

  • ATF is not suitable for performance, stress, or load testing.

  1. 10. Data Dependency and Cleanup

  • Test data created during execution needs cleanup manually or through teardown scripts, or it can pollute your test environment.

Also, read QaaS vs. Traditional QA: Which One is Better

Best Practices for Implementing ATF

To get the most from ATF, following these strategies can help overcome common challenges for faster, more reliable software delivery:

1. Define Clear Testing Objectives

Start with a strategic approach: define what to test, why it matters, and the expected outcome. Clear goals streamline the test design process.

2. Design for Modularity and Reusability

Break down test cases into reusable test steps and templates to avoid duplication and ease maintenance.

3. Adopt Data-Driven Testing

Create flexible test cases that can run with different datasets, improving test coverage and relevance whenever possible.

4. Select an Appropriate Test Environment

Run ATF in a dedicated sub-production environment that closely mirrors production to ensure realistic and accurate results.

5. Run Tests in Parallel

Optimize execution time by running tests in parallel, especially during regression testing cycles.

6. Create Atomic Tests

Design tests to focus on one functionality at a time. Atomic tests make it easier to identify failures and isolate issues.

7. Monitor and Resolve Issues Promptly

Integrate dashboards and automated alerts to detect failed tests and investigate issues quickly.

8. Maintain and Update Test Scripts

With frequent ServiceNow updates, keeping your test scripts up to date is essential to prevent failures due to UI or logic changes.

Also, read How to Automate Control Testing in ServiceNow GRC

Overcoming ATF Challenges with QaaS

While ATF is powerful, managing many test cases, environments, and updates can become difficult. This is where QaaS can help.

It offers testing as a managed service, providing tools and expert support to automate, manage, and improve your testing process. One such tool is AutomatePro, a low-code/no-code testing automation platform that supports its models and is purpose-built for ServiceNow.

How AutomatePro Helps:

  • Pre-built test libraries: Use ready-made tests for faster implementation.
  • Easy-to-use interface: Business users can create tests without coding.
  • Advanced reporting: Get detailed dashboards and insights into test results.
  • Automated documentation: Generate process documents automatically.
  • Integration with DevOps: Seamlessly fits into CI/CD pipelines.
  • Faster upgrades: Makes testing during ServiceNow upgrades quicker and safer.

With QaaS and AutomatePro, you can go beyond what ATF offers and ensures high-quality, consistent testing across all your ServiceNow projects.

Conclusion

ServiceNow's Automated Test Framework is a great starting point for testing your customizations and workflows. However, as your platform grows, so do the testing challenges. QaaS, especially with tools like AutomatePro, can fill the gaps by providing a smarter, faster, and more scalable test method.

 

By combining ATF's best practices with QaaS' advanced capabilities, your organization can reduce testing time, improve release quality, and achieve greater confidence in every ServiceNow deployment.

 

Explore how inMorphis leverages the benefits of integrating QaaS into your ServiceNow workflows and optimizes your business outcomes.

 

Contact inMorphis to take your ServiceNow testing to the next level.