60-Second Guide · 16

When Can Automated Tests Be Used as Validation Evidence?

Establish that automated tests are suitable, controlled, traceable, and capable of detecting the failure relevant to the validation decision.

Author
Sandip Thorat
Published
12 September 2026
Last reviewed
12 September 2026
Duration
About 1 minute
Content type
Video learning
Topics
Automated testing · Validation evidence · Test tool assessment

Transcript

Automation is a method, not automatic evidence

Automated testing can be excellent validation evidence for stable, repeatable behavior. First define the G X P function, requirement, failure scenario, expected result, environment, data, and execution record. A green pipeline alone does not explain what was tested or whether the test could detect the important failure.

Show that the test is suitable

Control the test tool, code, libraries, selectors, data, access, and environment. Derive expected results from the approved requirement, not from the same application behavior. Deliberately introduce or simulate a relevant failure and confirm that the automation fails with a useful record.

Review failures and control change

Investigate a failed execution before rerunning. Retain inputs, outputs, logs, version, result, reviewer, deviation, and traceability. Assess changes to the application, test code, tool, dependency, data, and acceptance criteria. Automation supports validation when its own intended use and controls are demonstrated.