Improving Test Automation Process by Sharing Knowledge between Sites

Abstract

This study aims to propose a road map for improving the test automation process of the scattered sites of a global medical device manufacturer by sharing knowledge between the sites. Currently, the case company has very specialized and valuable skill sets but the knowledge set is scattered across the globe and cannot be utilized by other sites due to the lack of knowledge sharing activities between the sites. Hence, the case company needs a system in place to exchange knowledge and skill sets of the automation sites to address the knowledge need faced by the automation sites.

The research approach used for this study is case study. The research data was collected by conducting discussion interviews with automation specialists of five automation sites for making a current state analysis. A proposal for the study was drafted based on a literature review, current state analysis and suggestions from key automation representatives of the sites. The proposal was then validated with the stakeholders of the automation sites to finalize the proposal based on the feedback collected from stakeholder discussions.

This study proposes a road map for a centralized knowledge management system (KMS) to collaborate knowledge sharing activities between the sites for improving the existing test automation process in practice. The proposed KMS facilitates knowledge sharing collaboration between the sites for reutilizing the existing test automation knowledge of other sites. Moreover, it also helps to reduce the waiting time to fix the issues which concern the expertise of other sites. Hence the proposed KMS will eventually improve the quality as well as velocity of service of test automation sites.