PROVETECH NEWSLETTER Dear PROVEtech users and those interested, Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noël! Frohe Weihnachten! Just in time for Christmas the celebration of love, but also of the gifts the PROVEtech team brings you extensive release news and other interesting topics. The PROVEtech Toolsuite team has been preparing at full power. Our developers have achieved a lot and many new features now await you. In addition to the new features, the new Customer Support Area (CSA) has also been set up for you. The Release News once again features a selection of new functions of our PROVEtech:TA, PROVEtech:VA and PROVEtech:RE products. The Insights section tells you more about our Customer Support Area the new core of our customer communication. With this new web portal you, as a customer, can contact us directly and manage your licenses independently. But what would be Christmas without a wish list? Almost unimaginable! Please send your requests, ideas, suggestions and constructive criticism regarding our products to us at provetech@mbtech-group.com. Help us to we provide you with numerous under the PROVEtech Christmas tree in the coming year. We thank you for the good cooperation in 014 and wish you a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year! Your PROVEtech product team of the MBtech Group Release News New product features PROVEtech:TA PROVEtech:VA PROVEtech:RE Facts & Figures Out of our technology labor The PROVEtech product team in 014 5 Insights Developments & projects 5 New training seminars for PROVEtech:TA The new Customer Support Area (CSA) A job in the gambling industry Edition /014
RELEASE NEWS PROVEtech:TA DATABASE REPLICATION AND ADDITIONAL FEATURES TO INCREASE THE DATABASE PERFORMANCE A SELECTION OF THE NEW PROVETECH:TA FEATURES: Database replication Bundling SQL queries Special connection flag for slow network access Database replication high global availability of PROVEtech:TA Test Manager data Stored procedures avoid transferring intermediate results PROVEtech:TA 015 provides a lot of new features, improvements and optimizations focused on database performance. One of these features is the support of the open-source solution SymmetricDS for replicating databases. In addition, PROVEtech:TA 015 bundles SQL queries to reduce the transmission of SQL statements and intermediate results. The third step is a special database flag for slow connections that avoids executing SQL queries which are not mandatory for the main functionality. What is database replication and why is it important for PROVEtech:TA? The replication of PROVEtech:TA databases enables distributed teams around the world to collaborate easily. PROVEtech:TA users located in Germany, India, China and the US, for example, can now easily share the same code base and libraries without performance problems due to slow database connections. Multiple database servers are connected with each other over long distances. The Users in each particular distributed location or team are connected to a local database server and thus experience a smooth workflow. All changed data sets are replicated between the remote locations asynchronously in the background. The time delay ranges from hundred milliseconds to a few seconds. As a result, data changes do not block the application and there is no need to wait until the changes have also been replicated on the distant servers. The replication software SymmetricDS SymmetricDS is an open-source, web-enabled data synchronization software. It uses web and database technologies to replicate tables between relational databases in near real-time. SymmetricDS supports multi-master, is data set-based and works asynchronously. The software was designed to scale for a large number of databases, work across low-bandwidth connections, and withstand periods of network outages. It is inde- pendent from the database system. SAs such, the MS SQL Server, Oracle and PostgreSQL systems supported by PROVEtech:TA are thus also no problem for SymmetricDS. In addition to data replication, this solution offers you additional options such as data migration between different database systems. Of course, asynchronous replication of data always involves update conflicts when two users in different locations modify the same data at the same time. Our solution resolves these conflicts automatically through a simple Last update wins strategy. The SymmetricDS solution is free-of-charge SymmetricDS is free software licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), developed and maintained by JumpMind, Inc. The installation package for PROVEtech:TA 015 includes a user manual that guides you through a demo setup. If you require further commercial support, simply get into touch with PROVEtech support: provetech@mbtech-group.com. Bundling SQL queries In PROVEtech:TA 015 we reduced the amount of SQL queries by bundling them in stored procedures and packages. As a result, we have less network traffic, in particular by avoiding the transmission of intermediate results back to the PROVEtech:TA client. We use two methods. The first one consists of adapting the SQL queries to process more data in one instruction. The other method involves calling SQL functions stored on the database server. The initialization process of the Test Manager, for example, requires less than half the number of SQL queries in comparison to earlier PROVEtech:TA versions. This represents remarkable time savings when launching a PROVEtech:TA system connected to a remote database server. Special connection flag for slow network access Last but not least, PROVEtech:TA contains a flag for each PROVEtech Newsletter Edition /014
RELEASE NEWS PROVEtech:VA THE VEHICLE APPLICATION GOES ONLINE database connection which can be checked if data access is slow. The application then tries to avoid SQL queries that are not mandatory for the core functionality (such as managing test objects and test results as well as executing scripts). A typical example is displaying of the estimated execution time depending on earlier test runs. Calculating this value performs several SQL queries that are not necessary if you simply want to execute the test. In summary: Higher database performance when operating globally! We are pleased to have acquired a new partner in the measurement connectivity field, MM Germany GmbH. This enables us to automatically transfer recorded measurement data to an FTP server via UMTS/LTE. Once on the server, the measurement data can be viewed by various departments and analyzed. In future, we will further develop this concept in order to expand the range of functions. Within the scope of current non-disclosure agreements, the data transfer is carried out in a secure VPN network. The process continues to remain bidirectional, allowing remote project modifications such as trigger conditions, for example. In addition, GPS recording is also possible, allowing vehicles to be tracked via Google maps. A SELECTION OF THE NEW PROVETECH:VA FEATURES: Automated transfer of measurement data to an FTP server via UMTS/LTE We are especially proud of this new option as our consistent product diversification moves the Automotive Competence Center MBtech one more step forward. 3
RELEASE NEWS PROVEtech:RE INTEGRATION OF SIMULINK MODELS NEUES PROVEtech:RE- FEATURE: Simplified integration of Simulink models for more efficient work and reduced training time Input signals PROVEtech:RE Simulink model Control unit(s) Output signals I/O card + signal processing Connecting a Simulink model in PROVEtech:RE PROVEtech:RE requires models to simulate missing components in Hardware-in-the-Loop systems. For example, a system meant for testing a door control unit typically includes a simulation of the electric window lift motor. In this example the component to be tested would be the door unit control which controls the window lift motor in a real vehicle. PROVEtech:RE provides two options for integrating a model. The first option is by writing a generic application in C/C++, which processes output and calculates input signals. The second option consists of integrating a Simulink model in the form of an automatically generated Windows DLL. Previous versions of PROVEtech:RE required an additional XML file for using a Simulink model DLL. Creating the files required launching an additional tool (SignalGUI. exe), which converted the Simulink Coder output files into the XML file containing the signal information. The Simulink input/output signals had to be added to the XMLs filed in order to link them with PROVEtech:RE signals. Updating the Simulink model required generating a new XML file and merging it with the previous version in order to retain the signal connections. The new PROVEtech:RE version 015 simplifies the process of integrating Simulink models: The generation of a separate XML file is no longer necessary. PROVEtech:RE extracts the required signal information directly from the files generated by Simulink Coder. This is the same mechanism utilized in PROVEtech:TA. The signal connections are generated via a separate ASCII table. The signal paths correspond to the signal paths used in PROVEtech:TA. As such, they can be copied directly from the PROVEtech:TA signal window. Consequently, updating the Simulink model has no effect on this file as long as signal paths remain unchanged (keyword TOI library). In addition, this separate ASCII table also enables the connection of signals outside the Simulink model. Furthermore, PROVEtech:RE 015 no longer requires the <tick> setting anymore for defining the cycle time of the model calls. PROVEtech:RE now automatically extracts the cycle time from the Simulink settings. With prior versions, the used had to close PROVEtech:RE before generating a new Simulink DLL to enable Simulink Coder to overwrite the DLL. PROVEtech:RE 015 copies the DLL into a temporary directory before loading it. As a result, Simulink Coder can update the original DLL while PROVEtech:RE is still running. An additional advantage of copying the model DLL is the ability to include several instances of the same Simulink model. If the configuration contains several references to the same DLL, PROVEtech:RE creates multiple copies of this DLL which run separate simulations simultaneously. For example, you can simulate multiple window lift motors in parallel while using a single Simulink model. These PROVEtech:RE changes allow you to work with PROVEtech:RE more efficiently and reduce the required time for training due to the simplified Simulink model integration process. PROVEtech Newsletter Edition /014
INSIGHTS PROVETECH:TA TRAININGS MOVED TO THE NEXT LEVEL In the middle of October, the brand new PROVEtech:TA Advanced three-day-training took place in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. Nine employees from Visteon attended the event. They were trained in using all of the advanced features currently supported by PROVEtech:TA, for example: Automatic evaluation of data acquired from different sources Advanced test protocol formatting including charts based on modern web technologies Postprocessing test results Test and configuration management Access to other tools using the COM interface, Microsoft.NET, Dynamic-link libraries and the system command line During the training seminar, numerous exercises helped the attendants to practically try out the topics covered. The feedback from the participants shows that the training was a real success. Further training seminars are planned. The content of the training and the presentation were both excellent. [...] The practical demonstrations were accepted very well from the participants. [...] We were impressed by your motivation to lead efficient discussions within the group of 8 advanced users during the whole day. Feedback von Martin Zlatanov, Visteon Electronics Bulgaria IV CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT LINKED WORKPAGES Advantage of linked workpages Linked workages are typically used if the configuration consists of several different components which had been supplied independently, each with an own example workpage designed especially for the given component. Such workpages can be linked to form a set of workpages which can be used to control the whole system. 1 MBtech Group GmbH & Co. KGaA MBG FV195DE 1 1.11.014 An example slide from the training presentation ARE YOU INTERESTED? You can find more information material about our PROVEtech products at www.mbtech-group.com/provetech. In addition, our support team is happy to receive direct enquiries and will be pleased to personally respond to your questions and suggestions. Simply contact the team by sending a mail to provetech@mbtech-group.com or call them at +49 7031 686-3333. 9 4 7 33 1 3 81 85 9 9 8 3 01 3 65 8 7 1 7 8 53 7 9 1 4 3 7 1 8 4 93 5 1 FACTS & FIGURES The PROVEtech product team in 014 Coffee consumption: 81 kg Toilet paper: 1,400 m Electricity: 34.763 kwh Nerves: 4 5
INSIGHTS THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT AREA CSA The start page of the new Customer Support Area The Registered Computers View The Customer Support Area, or CSA for short, represents the new heart of our customer communication. This new portal combines both new and familiar functions. The most important new feature for our customers is the ability to view their licenses at any time and manage them independently. Overview of the individual functions 1. License management. Subscribe/unsubscribe to our newsletter and release e-mails 3. Download our tool 4. Access to our ticket system Manage orders and licenses The License Area menu item contains the license management tool. This allows customers to request new demo licenses and transfer existing licenses two new computers and update them. The License Area allows registered users to view the locations and departments for which they are authorized. Issued licenses are clearly summarized in Orders and assigned to the corresponding branches and departments. The orders and the license objects are then located on the sub-pages belonging to the corresponding department. Proposal View Once a location in a department has been selected, a sub-page opens displaying a list of every individual order. In addition to the real order objects, this view also displays objects for requested demo licenses along with demo licenses already issued. The objects contain a structured list of all of the necessary information regarding the licenses themselves along with an order s general metadata. The system automatically groups the license configurations based on the information from the corresponding orders. The system groups the assemblies logically, based on the module configuration level and tools. The order objects offer a structured view of all of the important information (the type of order, number of licenses per order, the corresponding module configuration of the individual licenses, which tool a license belongs to and much more information). Registered Computers View The Registered Computers View provides the registered user with a structured overview of all of the licenses belonging to a specific department and the computer to which the license is assigned. Clicking on one of the computers or license objects on the list opens a detailed view. The detailed view contains all of the important information about this license (module configuration, duration, maintenance). Furthermore, in the detailed view the user has the option of transferring an already registered license to a new computer, downloading the license again or deactivating it and returning the corresponding license to the pool of licenses available per department. The individual functions are subject to strict security rules in order to ensure that neither the licenses nor the individual functions can be misused. Download a new license The Download License menu provides the user with the licenses available from the pool of licenses per department for licensing a computer (this pool is automatically created out of the individual order objects). Registering a license on a computer requires the License Request Code which is generated by our PROVEtech tools and displayed the first time the tool is launched. PROVEtech Newsletter Edition /014
INSIGHTS Access to the support system The Support Tickets menu allows our customers to directly contact our customer support via a web interface. This access not only provides the registered user the option of creating new tickets but also allows the user to view all of the previous tickets (since January 014). In addition, the Company Tickets sub-menu also allows the user to view tickets which have been opened by colleagues. Convince yourself about the functions and new features which the Customer Support Area has to offer you. However, you will need to register before you can use the new portal. If you are interested, please contact our support team at provetech@mbtech-group.com. The Customer Support Area login In addition to the pure information offered by our support access, the web interface also provides an option for reacting directly to queries from Support rather than interacting with support via e-mail alone. Registration with information services We offer a range of different information material which we provide at regular intervals so that our customers constantly remain informed about our products and their features. This material includes this letter (issued twice per year) along with an e-mail summary of all of the new features per new release cycle. The Newsletter Subscription menu allows users to choose which topics they wish to be informed about. Overview of the available information services News Archive The News Archive section allows users to view all the release e-mails and both the current newsletter and past newsletters online and any time. The CSA download area Downloads The download area has also been revised and now offers new and standardized functions. The new area now provides access to all of the tools via a shared portal. The available downloads are grouped into our tools and include details about the individual versions. 6 7
INSIGHTS PROVETECH TOOLSUITE SUCCESSFUL DEPLOYMENT IN THE GAMBLING INDUSTRY Numerous companies in the automotive, rail and aerospace industries worldwide profit from the integrated solutions offered by AKKA Technologies. However, our services and products also suitable for areas outside the automotive industry, such as PROVEtech for gambling? We did not ask ourselves this question until after we had received an enquiry from Austrian Gaming Industries, a subsidiary of the Novomatic Group of Companies. The corporation is the world market leader in electronic multiplayer and the leading manufacturer of electronic gambling equipment. After successfully concluding the project with Novomatic we can say that they are a perfect match! were also very convincing. As a result, we were able to present an automated demo system with integrated customer components within three days. With the help of existing PROVEtech toolsuite components and the very good cooperation, a specifically designed test system was developed for the customer: Novo-HiL One. PROVEtech:µHiL was utilized to implement I/O solutions including fault simulation and integrated into the PROVEtech:TA test automation tool via the PROVEtech:RE runtime environment. In addition, interface cards, adapter boards and solutions for switching serial bus protocols were developed and set up. Then came the next question: How does a gambling system actually function? Essentially consists of a system with registers the player s reaction and feedback to the player. This is carried out via a central computer unit. Components such as coin controllers, screens and power supplies are connected to the computer, depending on the specific variant. Thanks to extensive interest and motivation of our customer and the project team in automotive testing technology the mutual knowledge transfer worked very well. In addition, the technical capabilities of PROVEtech:µHiL in conjunction with PROVEtech:TA and PROVEtech:RE The ability to integrate customer-specific protocols and tests components on the basis of generic applications in PROVEtech:RE proved its value as did the diverse range of options offered by PROVEtech:TA. The generic applications are software implementations for integrating hardware applications included in the scope of delivery or developed by the customer. Novo-HiL One utilized this to implement gambling-specific protocols. Combining the versatile range of PROVEtech toolsuite options precisely met the customer s requirements and the project was also accompanied by targeted training. We look forward to further successful collaboration! MBtech Group GmbH & Co. KGaA Measurement & Test Technology Steinbrechstraße 3 71106 Sindelfingen Tel. +49 (0)7031 686-3333 provetech@mbtech-group.com