Assembly Process Test Platform with Test Data Management

Leica Geosystems Technology A/S needed a test system to provide complete process control (enforced routing) and traceability for all manufacturing processes.

A generic test station with modular system modules and instrumentation

Leica Geosystems Technology A/S needed a test system to provide complete process control (enforced routing) and traceability for all manufacturing processes. At the same time, it should be easy to add new product variants and new methods to the platform.
DSE offered a solution based on a generic test station with modular system modules and instrumentation, which makes it easy to adapt for future products at a low cost. The system secures minimum maintenance and has excellent repeatability.

DSE Easystand making Teststand easy

The software platform consists of an NI Teststand sequencer platform with application and instrument-specific drivers programmed in NI LabView. The GUI (Graphical User Interface)application can easily be customized based on the customer’s needs. DSE names the customization EasyStand. EasyStand is also used for the operators, who have working instructions and manuals available at the test station, giving paperless checklists and reporting.

WATS Test Data Logging for real-time test data

We choose WATS as the Test Data Logging system as it provides real-time test data for monitoring and improving product quality and manufacturing processes. WATS was integrated into the NI Teststand to log data to the WATS server. After a manual process has been completed, the operator needs to approve, and this is logged in the WATS system, giving even better quality assurance. Reports are generated for all DUTs (Devices under test), giving Leica Geosystems Technology A/S access to detailed test results for each test step, such as voltage measurements and limits. Access via a web-based application.

Fast exchange of Device-Under Test

The chosen hardware consists of key features such as a generic platform built of standardized modular systems and instrumentations, reusable for other products - easy and fast system maintenance, quick exchange and integration of Device-Under-Test, and specific cable or fixture.

Significantly reduced test time

Besides the fulfillment of 100% traceability, Leica Geosystems also achieved significantly reduced test time, better quality assurance, a more operator-user-friendly system, excellent repeatability, low maintenance, and easy platform adaptation to new products. All logged data is stored so any user can log in and view reports, giving excellent tools for continuous quality improvements.

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