Integrating automation with continuous testing in a CI/CD pipeline

1. Transitioning Back to Normalcy with the Help of Technology

2. Introduction Singapore has started reopening educational institutes, public transport, and businesses in a phased manner. The city hopes to reopen most of its economy by the end of this month.  After months of public restrictions and lockdowns, several other countries are planning to lift the barriers and instill a sense of normalcy among the citizens. Although, we still haven’t controlled the COVID-19 virus completely, the reopening measures are being taken for recovering the impact on the economies across the world. As nations try to find the ideal balance between public health and economic health, technology becomes their savior.  Google and Apple are working together to develop a technology to contain the pandemic and streamline the shift back. Sundar Pichai and Tim Cook have reportedly said, “Through close cooperation and collaboration with developers, governments, and public health providers, we hope to harness the power of technology to help countries around the world slow the spread of COVID‑19 and accelerate the return of everyday life.” 

3. Contact tracing, social monitoring, and surveillance Social distancing is the key to preventing the spread of the pandemic and was the reason for enforcing the stringent lockdowns. Even though the lockdowns are being lifted, it is necessary to practice social distancing in public places. Several technologies are being developed to establish an efficient and secure way of contact tracing, social monitoring, and public surveillance. Contact tracing technologies can help track the spread of the virus and notify those who have come in contact with the infected person. These technologies are available in the form of apps and wearable devices, using Bluetooth or location information to aid the tracing process. Similarly, organizations are working on detectors that sends alerts if the social distancing protocols are not being followed. Combined with the security cameras as well as thermal cameras, the data gathered from the detectors can help chalk out a practical and rational way of repurposing or restructuring a public space like offices and schools. Thermal cameras also accelerate the screening of individuals in crowded areas. Unlike the hand-held infrared screeners that detect the temperature of one individual at a time, thermal cameras can detect up to 16 persons, thus speeding up the screening process at the entry points. 

4. Contactless payments and zero-touch technology • The retail scenario is all set to transform, with online orders take prominence due to safety concerns. Amidst the lockdown, when the brick-and-mortar stores were closed, online shopping and ecommerce popularity spiked. An impressive 146% increase has been reported in all online orders and a 68% year-over-year (YoY) growth in the online revenue was registered for the U.S. retailers by mid-April. As the physical stores open, they need to enforce smart solutions to make sure that customers feel safe and comfortable making an in-store purchase. In addition to the thermal screening and general hygiene protocols, retail stores should be looking at zero-touch technology solutions.    • Read Full Blog at: https://www.cigniti.com/blog/new-normal-covid-technology-digital-assurance/