Why Is My Execution List Not Triggering on the TDS Execution Agent?

TOSCA is a leading automation testing tool widely used for testing applications efficiently and effectively. It provides a variety of features such as model-based testing, reusable test assets, and seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines. Among its core functionalities, the TDS (TOSCA Execution Agent) plays a vital role in executing automated test cases. However, many learners and professionals face a recurring issue: the execution list not triggering on the TDS execution agent.

In this detailed guide, we will explore the common causes of this problem, provide step-by-step troubleshooting methods, and share practical tips to ensure your test executions run smoothly. Whether you are enrolled in Best TOSCA Online Training or preparing for Tricentis Certification, understanding this issue is crucial for mastering test automation in TOSCA.

Understanding the TDS Execution Agent in Tricentis TOSCA

Before diving into troubleshooting, it is essential to understand the role of the TDS execution agent in Tricentis TOSCA.

The TDS execution agent is a background service responsible for executing test cases defined in TOSCA. It communicates with the TOSCA Commander, retrieves test cases, and runs them either on the local machine or on a remote system. The execution agent ensures that automated test cases run according to the defined execution list.

Key Responsibilities of TDS Execution Agent

• Fetching the execution list from TOSCA Commander
  
  

• Executing test cases based on defined parameters
  
  

• Logging execution results and updating TOSCA Commander
  
  

• Integrating with CI/CD pipelines for automated deployment testing
  
  

When the execution list fails to trigger, it usually indicates an issue with communication, configuration, or environment settings.

Common Reasons Why Execution Lists Fail to Trigger

Identifying the root cause is the first step toward resolving execution failures. Here are the most frequent reasons:

1. TDS Execution Agent Service Not Running

The TDS execution agent must be active to receive and execute the test list. If the service is stopped or paused, the execution list will not trigger.

Solution:

• Open the Windows Services manager (services.msc)
  
  

• Locate the Tricentis TDS Execution Agent service
  
  

• Ensure it is set to Automatic and is Running
  
  

• Restart the service to refresh connections
  
  

2. Incorrect Execution List Configuration

Sometimes, the execution list may not be correctly linked to the execution agent.

Solution:

• Check the Execution List in TOSCA Commander
  
  

• Ensure the correct test cases are included in the list
  
  

• Verify that the execution agent is assigned to the list under Execution Settings
  
  

3. Network or Firewall Issues

If the execution agent cannot communicate with TOSCA Commander, the test list will fail to trigger.

Solution:

• Ensure the machine hosting TDS Execution Agent has network access to TOSCA Commander
  
  

• Check firewall settings and allow communication on required ports
  
  

• Test connectivity using tools like ping or telnet
  
  

4. Permissions and User Rights

Limited permissions can prevent the execution agent from executing the list.

Solution:

• Run the execution agent with an account that has administrator privileges
  
  

• Ensure the account has read/write access to the test repository and result folders
  
  

5. Outdated or Corrupted TOSCA Version

Execution issues may arise due to mismatched versions or corrupted installation files.

Solution:

• Verify that TOSCA Commander and the TDS Execution Agent are the same version
  
  

• Reinstall the execution agent if corruption is suspected
  
  

• Apply the latest patches provided by Tricentis
  
  

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Here is a detailed, hands-on guide to troubleshoot execution list issues:

Step 1: Verify Execution Agent Status

1. Open Services on your system
   
   

2. Locate Tricentis TDS Execution Agent
   
   

3. Confirm it is Running
   
   

4. If not, start the service and set it to Automatic
   
   

Step 2: Check Execution List Assignment

1. Open TOSCA Commander
   
   

2. Navigate to the Execution Lists tab
   
   

3. Select the desired execution list
   
   

4. Check the Execution Agent assigned under Execution Settings
   
   

5. Reassign if necessary
   
   

Step 3: Test Connectivity

1. Open Command Prompt
   
   

2. Use ping to test connection to TOSCA Commander
   
   

3. Ensure no packet loss occurs
   
   

4. If connectivity fails, contact network administration to allow traffic
   
   

Step 4: Verify Permissions

1. Check the folder where test results are saved
   
   

2. Confirm that the execution agent account has full access
   
   

3. Run the execution agent as Administrator
   
   

Step 5: Review Logs

The TDS Execution Agent maintains logs that provide detailed error information.

1. Navigate to the logs folder: C:\ProgramData\Tricentis\TOSCA\Logs
   
   

2. Open the latest log file using a text editor
   
   

3. Look for errors like Execution List Not Found or Agent Connection Failed
   
   

4. Address issues based on the error description
   
   

Step 6: Reinstall or Update Execution Agent

1. Backup existing configuration
   
   

2. Uninstall the current TDS Execution Agent
   
   

3. Download and install the latest compatible version
   
   

4. Reassign the execution list
   
   

Real-World Example: Resolving Execution List Failures

A financial services company faced a recurring problem where scheduled execution lists for regression tests failed to trigger overnight. Upon investigation, the root cause was a firewall rule that blocked the execution agent from communicating with TOSCA Commander. By adding the necessary exceptions and restarting the service, the execution lists successfully triggered, ensuring timely test execution and accurate reporting.

Best Practices to Prevent Execution List Failures

Implementing best practices can significantly reduce execution list failures and improve automation reliability.

1. Regularly Monitor Agent Status

Check the TDS Execution Agent daily to ensure it is active and responsive.

2. Maintain Updated Versions

Keep TOSCA Commander and execution agents updated to prevent compatibility issues.

3. Configure Robust Execution Lists

Include only necessary test cases, remove obsolete ones, and assign the correct execution agent.

4. Manage Permissions Proactively

Ensure execution agents have proper access to repositories, folders, and network resources.

5. Implement Logging and Alerts

Set up automated alerts when execution lists fail to trigger to allow immediate action.

Integrating Execution Agent With CI/CD Pipelines

The TDS execution agent is critical for DevOps and CI/CD pipelines. Understanding how to integrate it ensures seamless automated testing.

• Use Jenkins or Azure DevOps to schedule executions
  
  

• Assign the correct execution agent in TOSCA Commander
  
  

• Monitor logs post-execution to ensure smooth pipeline integration
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my execution list show as "Pending"?

A "Pending" status usually indicates that the execution agent has not yet picked up the list. Check agent status, network connectivity, and execution list assignments.

Can multiple execution agents run the same list simultaneously?

Yes, but it requires proper configuration. Avoid conflicts by assigning separate test cases or splitting the execution list among agents.

How can I automate troubleshooting?

Use TOSCA’s built-in monitoring and alerting to notify users when execution lists fail or agents go offline.

Key Takeaways

• The TDS Execution Agent is essential for automated test execution in Tricentis TOSCA
  
  

• Execution list failures often stem from service issues, network problems, permissions, or misconfiguration
  
  

• Following structured troubleshooting and best practices ensures smooth and reliable test automation
  
  

• Regular monitoring, updates, and proper configuration prevent recurring execution failures
  
  

Conclusion

Understanding why your execution list is not triggering on the TDS Execution Agent is critical for successful automation in TOSCA. By following this guide, learners and professionals can resolve issues efficiently, improve test reliability, and enhance their automation skills.

Mastering these troubleshooting skills is a stepping stone for those pursuing Best TOSCA Online Training and aiming for Tricentis Certification.

Take charge of your automation journey today and ensure every test executes flawlessly with TOSCA.