Communications Robustness Testing Creates Value
Communications robustness testing reveals bugs in software before it is released to production or shipped to customers. Any bugs that are not found before production or shipping are called escaped bugs and it is usually a matter of time before a customer or end user triggers them. On average, it costs 10 to 1,000 times more to fix an escaped bug than a pre-release bug. In addition to the immediate impact, escaped bugs have other negative consequences.
- Increased overhead costs from higher volume of customer support requests.
- Unexpected costs associated with patch distribution, service pack updates, or bug-fix releases.
- Loss of customers and revenue to competitors due to plant disruption, outages, bad overall experience, negative publicity or word-of-mouth.
- Lawsuits for injury or damage resulting from system failure in an operational environment.
By performing rigorous communications robustness testing before release, these costs can be avoided.
Benefits of Achilles Testing
Benefits range from financial savings to strategic advantages that are essential to the growth and success of an organization.
- Increase productivity and effectiveness during product development. The Satellite is an automated test tool, which reduces testing resource requirements throughout the development lifecycle. Automated testing is faster than manual testing, does not require the same level of expertise, and ensures that test traffic can be reliably and accurately recreated. Automated testing makes stress and stability testing feasible: many bugs are triggered only when a system is tested with a high input rate or run continuously for many hours.
- Reduce time-to-market for new products, versions or features. Automated testing helps to make a product market-ready in a reduced amount of time. The competitive nature of the automation equipment industry demands that products are delivered to market early. Typically, early entry translates into a greater share of the market, which in turn translates to lower unit costs, higher quantity discounts from suppliers, and better operating efficiency. This is particularly important if a product requires third-party component integration, which is common in industrial automation. Early introduction usually results in increased total revenue and a higher rate of return on initial product investment and other investment ratios. As revenue is realized sooner, manufacturers can accelerate investment recovery for the product, reaching break even and target ROI earlier.
- Leverage communications robustness as product differentiator. The Satellite is a globally recognized testing platform and many manufacturers leverage use of the tool to demonstrate commitment to providing robust industrial products, thereby differentiating their products and generating more revenue.
- Meet customer procurement requirements. Many end user procurement requirements include Achilles Certification. Manufacturers that do not meet these criteria do not qualify for preferred vendor lists and may be unable to bid on new project opportunities.
- Prepare for emerging standards. Government regulations and international cyber security standards (ANSI, ISA, SP99) are moving towards communications robustness requirements. By investing early in robustness testing technology, manufacturers can reduce expenses associated with product certification and conformance.