🧪 Automated Test Framework (ATF) in ServiceNow

CASE STUDY 1:🌐 1. Introduction to ATF

The Automated Test Framework (ATF) in ServiceNow is a powerful testing tool designed to:

• Automate functional testing of applications

• Validate form, list, and workflow behavior

• Reduce manual testing effort during upgrades or deployments

Why ATF?

• Ensures platform stability during changes

• Saves time and cost with repeatable automated tests

• No additional tools required – fully built into ServiceNow

💡 Key Benefit:
You can test without breaking production, improving confidence in upgrades, patches, and customizations.

⚙️ 2. Core Components of ATF

1. Test

   • A collection of steps that validate a specific function or scenario.

   • Example: Verify that a newly created incident is auto-assigned to the correct group.

2. Test Step

   • The smallest execution unit in ATF.

   • Examples:

     • Open a form

     • Set field values

     • Submit a record

     • Validate field values

3. Test Suite

   • A collection of tests that run together.

   • Useful for full regression testing.

   • Example: A Change Management Test Suite with multiple tests:

     • Create Change

     • Approve Change

     • Close Change

4. Test Runner

   • The engine that executes tests in a browser.

   • Uses a client test runner to simulate real user actions.

5. Test Results

   • Displays pass/fail status, execution time, and detailed logs.

   • Helps in quick debugging of failed test cases.

CASE STUDY 2:📥 Basic Example of ATF Usage

Scenario: Validate that a Priority 1 Incident auto-assigns to the Network Team.

Step 1: Create a Test

• Name: P1 Incident Assignment

• Table: Incident

Step 2: Add Test Steps

1. Open a new record for Incident

2. Set field values:

   • Short Description = Network Down

   • Priority = 1

3. Submit the record

4. Validate that Assignment Group = Network Team

Step 3: Execute Test

• Run test in the Test Runner

• Check results for Pass/Fail status

⚡ Advanced ATF Concepts

1. Server Test Steps

   • Test server-side logic without opening UI forms.

   • Example: Validate that business rules update a field correctly.

2. Client Test Steps

   • Simulate real user actions on the UI.

   • Example: Set field values, submit forms, check if the UI policy hides/shows fields.

3. Parallel Testing

   • Run multiple tests simultaneously to save execution time.

4. Data-Driven Testing

   • Use input variables or data sources to run the same test with different data.

5. Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

   • Combine ATF with Jenkins or Azure DevOps to automate testing during deployments.

6. Cloning and Upgrades

   • ATF ensures that customizations work after instance cloning or version upgrades.

🛠  Real-World Use Cases

1. Incident Management Validation

   • Ensure incident auto-routing, notifications, and SLAs work correctly.

2. Change Management Testing

   • Validate approvals, tasks creation, and closure rules.

3. Service Catalog Testing

   • Submit catalog items, validate workflows, and check fulfillment process.

4. Regression Testing During Upgrades

   • Automatically verify that critical functionality remains intact after patching.

5. Custom App Testing

   • Validate forms, client scripts, and server logic for custom ServiceNow apps.

💡  Best Practices for ATF

• ✅ Start with critical process tests first (e.g., Incident, Change, Catalog)

• ✅ Use Test Suites for complete regression testing

• ✅ Combine Server and Client steps for end-to-end coverage

• ✅ Use data-driven testing to cover multiple scenarios quickly

• ✅ Run ATF tests after upgrades to ensure platform stability

• ❌ Avoid overloading UI tests—they take longer to execute

Conclusion

The Automated Test Framework (ATF) in ServiceNow is your quality gate for ensuring platform reliability:

• Automates testing for faster releases

• Reduces manual effort and risk

• Supports continuous improvement with CI/CD integration