How Standardization Improves Your Test Systems
A standardized test system is different from the impractical, universal system. The universal system claims to be able to do anything and therefore has to do everything. That is incredibly expensive and not an effective option. A standardized test stand uses a common code base, user interface, and hardware interface. This creates a standard platform for core functionality and allows for customization through software modules and hardware instrumentation to match the needs of the system.
Simplified Design
Though the initial design may be more complicated due to the fact that multiple systems’ possible capabilities should be considered, all future systems will have a much simpler design. The heavy lifting has been done upfront, so additional systems only require determining which modules are needed for this system and then customizing a few new modules that haven’t been used on any of the previous testers.
Ease of Operation
Because all of the test systems have a common user interface, the operators can be trained on one system and easily learn additional systems. This allows added flexibility between operators, technicians, and schedules.
Adding Features
If every test system you have is completely custom, imagine 5 years and 3 new testers from your first system and a new feature is needed, the developer will have to relearn everything about the system in order to implement the feature. With standardized systems, a new system build could be interrupted by an emergency feature add on an old system with minimal time required for context switching or for the developer to relearn system information.
Maintenance/Support
Similar to adding new features, a standard test fleet will be much easier to maintain. Technicians and Engineers can seamlessly jump between systems to repair, replace, or update systems as needed.
Consistency
Standardization goes hand-in-hand with consistency. The benefits stated above are all based on the consistency of your new standardized test systems. Consistency breeds efficiency and will ultimately lead to decreased cost and increased productivity of your individual test systems and the entire branch of the company.
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Haden Heath
Systems Engineer II, Business Development Engineer
Haden developed an interest in problem solving and looking for opportunities to innovate while studying at Brigham Young University. He earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering and a Business Management minor. During his schooling he worked on projects including a LabVIEW VI built to determine thermal properties using fluorescence from green lasers and a bullet-proof barrier for law enforcement that can be folded down and stored in the trunk of a vehicle.
Haden joined the Endigit team in 2018 immediately following his graduation from BYU and hopes to help expand the business while developing LabVIEW software.
Haden enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, especially when doing outdoors activities. Hiking, camping, boating, hunting, and sports are among his favorite activities.