Integration of Multiple Tools for Efficient Test Data Manipulation
Ralph D. Brillhart · Sound&Vibration · 2002
There are many software tools that can be used to define and measure a wide variety of test data. Sometimes these software tools can encompass most of the capabilities required for an entire test program, from planning to end results. It is seldom, however, that a single software package provides all of the capabilities required to complete an entire test program. As a result, there may be duplication of effort as data are entered in multiple locations and test data are passed from one software application to another. Inefficiencies and errors can result as information is transferred. The test engineer needs to find methods that allow minimal effort in integrating the various tools available while providing high-quality test results. This article presents some approaches for integrating a wide variety of software packages to allow more effective testing activities to take place. Many of the software packages in use are commercial products. In some cases, special applications have been developed to allow commercial packages to work together more efficiently. Adding these special applications to the test engineer’s tool kit can substantially improve test data quality and efficiency in test conduct. Specific software utilized and described in this article includes Microsoft Excel ® , MATLAB ® , Labview®, MTS I-DEAS Pro®, and some special applications developed to integrate information from these software applications. The key to effective integration is the capability of software packages to share data. The integration of these various software products is intended to take advantage of each of their individual strengths so that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.