A software engineer must first understand and be able to follow an appropriate software technique. Next, must know how to use the tool before using a new tool.
Software engineers should first attempt any new software techniques by hand to convince their self and their management that the technique before investing time and money in tools to automate the technique. If the technique doesn't work without automation, it won't work with automation.
Reference:
Kemerer, C., "How the Learning Curve Affects Tool Adoption," IEEE Software, May 1992.
