LMS Test.Lab: The System for Laboratory Automation
At the Messcomp Exhibition in Wiesbaden, Germany, LMS International launched LMS Test.Lab, a new family of testing and analysis systems designed from the outset for ease-of-use and laboratory automation. Based on the LMS SCADAS III multichannel front-end and running in native Windows NT, Test.Lab is capable of handling the most sophisticated of testing situations. However, the design emphasis was not to produce a ’next generation’ product-line to replace LMS CADA-X, but one that complements it by providing a process-centric tool that focuses on helping a technician perform a specific application - such as engine run-up testing, closed-loop vibration screening or modal testing - quickly, accurately and with the minimum of fuss.
LMS Test.Lab is based on 20 years testing experience and over 100 man-years investment in a new and very sophisticated software architecture that is fully Windows NT/2000 compliant. The design goal was focussed on one goal: within a day of starting, a technician, an untrained engineer, or even a complete novice will be able to be able to run the most advanced of tests and publish their report onto the web. Clearly the traditional open-ended menu-driven testing and analysis system, even those based in Windows operating environment, is far too complicated to learn - and use effectively - in such a time. The way of interacting with LMS Test.Lab is very different. In effect each system is not a general purpose tool, but is set-up by the test-lab manager to become a precision process-centric solution that captures user workflow and is tailored to a given task or application.
Now, instead of having a document that tells what the software is capable of doing and training the operators in executing the procedures correctly, it will be the software itself that guides the operator. The procedure to follow is embedded in the software, but more than that, the workflow is managed by the system itself. Procedures (engine testing etc) are defined in ’templates’ by the lab manager which clearly describe what to do next. These can be more than a list of tasks to do, they can use embedded graphics, pictures, video, and sounds that really help anyone understand and accomplish their tasks. Users are guided through an enforced procedure, each step in the task process described in their own language and using familiar terminology. As such, an operator could perform a sophisticated test sequence after a minimum of training.
Although intended for ease-of-use, the LMS Test.Lab still packs an awesome measurement performance - at least equal to that of LMS CADA-X. It runs on the LMS SCADAS III multichannel measurement front-end and is scalable all the way from a few channels to hundreds of static and dynamic measurement channels working over the full vibro-acoustic frequency range. It runs on a standard PC workstations - and can even take advantage of the latest multi-processor PC systems and distributed DSP power within the front-end itself for maximum performance.
Naturally all data can be transferred to Windows Office for a complete report at the local testing station. Test.Lab data are seamlessly compatible with other LMS products, so, for example, run-up data collected by a technician could be analyzed over the network minutes later by an engineer performing a transfer path analysis of the full vehicle in LMS CADA-X.
The first Test.Lab modules - Signature Testing and Signature Processing are already available and have been installed at some major user sites. Sine and Random Vibration Control will be released by the end of this year, which is the beginning of a product roadmap release that foresees a major product release every six months. The next release will include Structural Testing (Impact & Broadband) workbooks, and completely new workbooks for Signature Engine Testing and Environmental Test.
The General Manager of the LMS Test Division, Willy Bakkers, stated "LMS now has a compelling range of integrated solutions for any aspect of testing and analysis: LMS CADA-X, provides the ultimate in flexibility and application scope - and will remain the LMS flagship for many years to come; LMS Roadrunner is tuned to mobile testing and analysis in a rugged field environment; LMS Test.Lab adds the dimension of laboratory automation for the technician; and the newly announced LMS DSA300 provides a low cost multichannel FFT analyzer for those simple tasks best handled by the traditional instrument."
At the Messcomp Exhibition in Wiesbaden, Germany, LMS International launched LMS Test.Lab, a new family of testing and analysis systems designed from the outset for ease-of-use and laboratory automation. Based on the LMS SCADAS III multichannel front-end and running in native Windows NT, Test.Lab is capable of handling the most sophisticated of testing situations. However, the design emphasis was not to produce a ’next generation’ product-line to replace LMS CADA-X, but one that complements it by providing a process-centric tool that focuses on helping a technician perform a specific application - such as engine run-up testing, closed-loop vibration screening or modal testing - quickly, accurately and with the minimum of fuss.
LMS Test.Lab is based on 20 years testing experience and over 100 man-years investment in a new and very sophisticated software architecture that is fully Windows NT/2000 compliant. The design goal was focussed on one goal: within a day of starting, a technician, an untrained engineer, or even a complete novice will be able to be able to run the most advanced of tests and publish their report onto the web. Clearly the traditional open-ended menu-driven testing and analysis system, even those based in Windows operating environment, is far too complicated to learn - and use effectively - in such a time. The way of interacting with LMS Test.Lab is very different. In effect each system is not a general purpose tool, but is set-up by the test-lab manager to become a precision process-centric solution that captures user workflow and is tailored to a given task or application.
Now, instead of having a document that tells what the software is capable of doing and training the operators in executing the procedures correctly, it will be the software itself that guides the operator. The procedure to follow is embedded in the software, but more than that, the workflow is managed by the system itself. Procedures (engine testing etc) are defined in ’templates’ by the lab manager which clearly describe what to do next. These can be more than a list of tasks to do, they can use embedded graphics, pictures, video, and sounds that really help anyone understand and accomplish their tasks. Users are guided through an enforced procedure, each step in the task process described in their own language and using familiar terminology. As such, an operator could perform a sophisticated test sequence after a minimum of training.
Although intended for ease-of-use, the LMS Test.Lab still packs an awesome measurement performance - at least equal to that of LMS CADA-X. It runs on the LMS SCADAS III multichannel measurement front-end and is scalable all the way from a few channels to hundreds of static and dynamic measurement channels working over the full vibro-acoustic frequency range. It runs on a standard PC workstations - and can even take advantage of the latest multi-processor PC systems and distributed DSP power within the front-end itself for maximum performance.
Naturally all data can be transferred to Windows Office for a complete report at the local testing station. Test.Lab data are seamlessly compatible with other LMS products, so, for example, run-up data collected by a technician could be analyzed over the network minutes later by an engineer performing a transfer path analysis of the full vehicle in LMS CADA-X.
The first Test.Lab modules - Signature Testing and Signature Processing are already available and have been installed at some major user sites. Sine and Random Vibration Control will be released by the end of this year, which is the beginning of a product roadmap release that foresees a major product release every six months. The next release will include Structural Testing (Impact & Broadband) workbooks, and completely new workbooks for Signature Engine Testing and Environmental Test.
The General Manager of the LMS Test Division, Willy Bakkers, stated "LMS now has a compelling range of integrated solutions for any aspect of testing and analysis: LMS CADA-X, provides the ultimate in flexibility and application scope - and will remain the LMS flagship for many years to come; LMS Roadrunner is tuned to mobile testing and analysis in a rugged field environment; LMS Test.Lab adds the dimension of laboratory automation for the technician; and the newly announced LMS DSA300 provides a low cost multichannel FFT analyzer for those simple tasks best handled by the traditional instrument."
Background
Most companies are currently reviewing their engineering processes in order to shorten design cycles, cope with environmental legislation, and respond to increased competitive pressures. In general, the current processes are rapidly evolving from ’test-analysis-and-fix’ towards a ’design-right-first time’ approach - where a balanced use of testing and simulation throughout the development process leads to products that are closer to targets first time.
Testing is not only limited to the validation and troubleshooting phase of the development. It is routinely used to assess competitive products for benchmarking and target setting purposes. It is routinely used to provide loading information and feedback to update the CAE models. It is systematically used to provide test-derived models of components and sub-assemblies that will be added into hybrid CAE models at the full assembly level. And of course, it is still used for final production validation and monitoring throughout the lifetime of the product. This requires a massive increase in standardized, simplified, and semi-automated tests where the typical user will not be an engineer as it was in the past - but a technician who will have to execute pre-defined measurement tasks with a minimum of training. The focus of LMS Test.Lab is to address these needs.
Testing is not only limited to the validation and troubleshooting phase of the development. It is routinely used to assess competitive products for benchmarking and target setting purposes. It is routinely used to provide loading information and feedback to update the CAE models. It is systematically used to provide test-derived models of components and sub-assemblies that will be added into hybrid CAE models at the full assembly level. And of course, it is still used for final production validation and monitoring throughout the lifetime of the product. This requires a massive increase in standardized, simplified, and semi-automated tests where the typical user will not be an engineer as it was in the past - but a technician who will have to execute pre-defined measurement tasks with a minimum of training. The focus of LMS Test.Lab is to address these needs.
About LMS International
LMS is an engineering innovation partner for companies in the automotive, aerospace and other advanced manufacturing industries. LMS enables its customers to get better products faster to market, and to turn superior process efficiency to their strategic competitive advantage. LMS delivers a unique combination of virtual simulation software, testing systems, and engineering services. We are focused on the mission critical performance attributes in key manufacturing industries, including structural integrity, handling, safety, reliability, comfort and sound quality. Through our technology, people and over 25 years of experience, LMS has become the partner of choice for most of the leading discrete manufacturing companies worldwide. LMS, a Dassault Systèmes Gold Partner, is certified to ISO9001:2000 quality standards and operates through a network of subsidiaries and representatives in key locations around the world.
LMS is an engineering innovation partner for companies in the automotive, aerospace and other advanced manufacturing industries. LMS enables its customers to get better products faster to market, and to turn superior process efficiency to their strategic competitive advantage. LMS delivers a unique combination of virtual simulation software, testing systems, and engineering services. We are focused on the mission critical performance attributes in key manufacturing industries, including structural integrity, handling, safety, reliability, comfort and sound quality. Through our technology, people and over 25 years of experience, LMS has become the partner of choice for most of the leading discrete manufacturing companies worldwide. LMS, a Dassault Systèmes Gold Partner, is certified to ISO9001:2000 quality standards and operates through a network of subsidiaries and representatives in key locations around the world.
