File Abstraction Layers for Data Storage

Calibration systems are intimately linked to their data storage mechanisms. The file storage must have many different capabilities, and these can vary depending upon whether the calibration is being done in a lab or in the field. Handling and/or changing the multiple ways the data can be stored or accessed can result in a lot of change in the top level calibration code. However, placing a file access abstraction layer between the calibration code and the file access code allows for upgrade and modification of the file access code without changing the calibration code. This allows such things as switching between a local and remote database depending upon whether a lab or field calibration is being performed. But it also requires more planning when implementing the file access.