Outsourcing ATE Development
by Matthew Kennedy, Bloomy Controls Engineering Manager

Introduction
If you lack the time or resources to develop automated test equipment (ATE), a systems integrator can provide assistance. Systems integrators can develop both ATE and test program sets, enabling you to reuse your existing ATE. Systems integrators also can provide strong software development experience, electrical engineering skills, fixturing and cabling knowledge, and test equipment and instrumentation knowledge, helping you to test and introduce your product to market faster.

Need a Systems Integrator?
Determining whether or not it makes sense for you to involve a systems integrator on any given ATE project is an important question to ask. Key decision-making factors fall into the following categories:
· Project timetable
· Resource availability/experience
· Project budget.

The first two factors are closely linked. The ability to meet the deadline to have the new product test system up and running hinges primarily on the availability of resources to design, develop, and deploy the system. Since it is typical that the need for new ATE comes without warning and while other such projects are underway, it is rare that in-house staff with the proper expertise will have the available bandwidth to jump onto the new project and meet the required completion date. In this scenario, a systems integrator acts as a relief valve, handling the overflow and becoming an extension of the test department manager’s team.

Aside from cases where availability of in-house staff is an issue, systems integrators typically are able to complete projects in a much shorter time frame than otherwise would be possible. The systems integrator’s ability to focus exclusively on the project at-hand as well as their time-proven methodologies for software development and deployment are the primary reasons for this. In-house test group staff members typically wear many hats and often are called upon to put out fires. This affects their ability to efficiently spend time on any given project.

The last factor in determining whether a systems integrator makes sense is budget. One common misconception is that using systems integrators costs more than doing projects with in-house staff. In fact, having systems integrators work on specific projects on an as-needed basis costs less than maintaining a full-time, qualified staff of test development engineers to address these same needs. Again, a systems integrator’s ability to focus and complete each project in a short timeframe facilitates this.

Selecting a Systems Integrator
As in the case above, selecting the right systems integrator is based on several key factors:
· Reputation/industry affiliations
· Stability and resources
· Related experience
· Geographic location.

First and foremost, you want to establish a relationship with a systems integrator that is based on trust and confidence. While this comes with time and first-hand experience, you can do some background checking to establish some minimums. Ask for references and make some calls. Try to find an impartial third- party that can speak to the systems integrator’s reputation in the industry. Look into industry affiliations and strategic relationships maintained by the integrator. By taking these steps you will start to build some confidence or possibly uncover some areas of concern! Determine how long the company has been in business and if the business is growing. This is a key indicator to whether or not the company provides quality services – companies that deliver poor services generally don’t grow that fast.

Be sure to ask the systems integrator being considered to provide you with a corporate resume that identifies the size and backgrounds of their technical staff.

Lastly, you want to select a systems integrator that can quickly respond to your needs. Choosing a nearby systems integrator that has adequate resources to support your systems when needed ensures that any problem that might arise can be dealt with promptly. It also facilitates frequent design reviews, access to equipment, and reduced expenses.

Working Effectively with a Systems Integrator
Once you’ve selected a systems integrator, you should expect certain things. But be aware that the systems integrator also will be expecting things from you!

Clearly defined, well-documented system requirements (specifications) and a properly managed project plan are the most important factors in the success of any ATE project.

You should expect your systems integrator to ensure that system requirements are defined in adequate detail so that the system can be developed efficiently and will achieve your goals. While the integrator has expertise in developing and deploying ATE, they are not necessarily experts in your particular product. Therefore they will depend on you to provide timely and thorough test requirements information.

For ATE projects, it is typical for the systems integrator also to provide project management services. This will include creating a project plan with specific milestones to be met, developing a system verification or test plan, and identifying resources needed to meet the project completion target date.

Again it will be your responsibility to team with the systems integrator in the development and execution of such a plan. The resources, information, or equipment identified in the plan that you provide must be made available when needed. Otherwise, the plan cannot be executed as originally intended and must be modified to reflect the impact of such events.

Benefits of Working with a Systems Integrator
The sections above already have alluded to the more apparent benefits of working with a systems integrator:
· Rapid project completion
· Increasing bandwidth of test group staff
· Reduced time to market
· Cost-effective and efficient use of resources.

However, one of the common concerns about working with a systems integrator is the perceived loss of in-house knowledge. With a good systems integrator, this should never happen. In fact, the use of a systems integrator always should result in a knowledge gain for in-house staff.

Professional systems integrators recognize that the success of their business is based on helping customers to be successful. These integrators will ensure that the software they develop is thoroughly documented and adheres to professional industry standards. Beyond this, good integrators will provide training, not only in the operation or use of the systems they’ve delivered, but also in the development techniques and methodologies employed. This positions their customers to maintain, expand, and re-use the software they’ve delivered. By leveraging the expertise imparted by the systems integrator, companies recognize repeated return on their investment in the future.

###