Test automation tools are essential for ensuring that products function correctly from an end-user perspective, even if existing metrics indicate all systems are operational. The main challenge with implementing functional monitoring is test stability, as unreliable tests can lead to unnecessary alerts. Effective functional monitoring should involve a continuously running smoke test suite that alerts the relevant parties only when there is a genuine issue, ensuring that critical functionalities like purchasing or registration are operational. Notifications should be sent through various reliable communication channels, such as Slack, email, SMS, and phone, to ensure timely responses to issues that could significantly impact business operations.