Perform Automation Assessment: This is the initial step in software test automation. This is a milestone task, that decides, about going further with Automation or not. The AUT is assessed for, the technology used, O/S details, build and Release stability and Frequency, Number of Automatable Tests (to derive % Automatable), whether there is a really an ROI in Automation, Present Investment in Test Effort, possibilities of reducing the Present Cost, in the AUT’s present test effort. If this criterion proves positive, the Automation could be a feasible solution. 

Test automation planning:The major task here is to charter a plan that specifies the identified test automation focuses, objectives, strategies, requirements, schedule and budget.
Test automation Design: The primary objective of this step is to draw out the detailed test automation solutions to achieve the major objectives and meet the given requirements in a test automation plan.