Test Equipment and Product Efficiency at the Start of Product Integration

The demand for accelerated product development and integration is continuing to grow in the marketplace. To achieve an efficient integration schedule, it is necessary to have a fully defined and implemented test system engineering methodology prior to the start of product integration and test. A well-disciplined methodology results in improved levels of preparation at the start of integration. Too often, integration teams are developing and detailing test methodology after product delivery. This leads to long integration times and significant impacts to project schedules. By implementing a disciplined test system engineering methodology that develops testability artifacts early in the development cycle, integration schedule pitfalls can be avoided. Testability artifacts that decompose test capabilities into detailed test requirements allows for concurrent resource development, ensuring mature product delivery to a given test event. This paper defines a process that achieves these goals and provides detailed recommendations to achieve efficiencies when integrating a product. Additionally, the paper provides the necessary artifacts required to align all design activities needed to achieve a successful integration outcome. Test methods and detailed implementation requirements are documented and provided as part of the Process. Implementing a disciplined test system engineering methodology achieves significantly reduced product integration and verification schedules.