Engineering Data Acquisition and Analysis System
Collecting data using paper forms and then manually entering the results into a database is not only prone to manual transcription errors, but it can be a very time consuming and costly effort. Through the implementation of mobile data collection systems, several benefits may be realized. These range from reduced data collection costs since data is not entered twice (on paper and then into computer), increased accuracy due to reduction in manual input errors caused when data is transposed from paper into computer, and especially instant reporting and analysis capability while still in the field. The instant reporting capability allows engineering management to determine if more vehicles or areas of the vehicles require surveying before leaving the site. Similar hardware configurations, coupled with our survey and analysis software has led to several successful projects with a major automotive corporation:
- Corrosion Analysis System - CAS is a state of the art system allowing engineers to compare field data to accelerated testing data. ADR also efficiently and accurately converted years worth of old data so it could be used for historical analysis. In making this comparison, engineers are able to reduce their test cycle and sooner determine if their design met their real life goals. Millions of dollars have been realized utilizing this solution. The original investment is less than 1/10 of the savings realized. This system has 5 modules total. The "Field Survey" module and the "Accelerated Test" module both utilize handheld computers. The other 3 modules utilize a desktop PC, they are the "PC Manager Database" module, the "Text Reporting" module and the "Graphics Reporting" module. Please reference ADR's Corporate Profile for a more detailed description and a graphic of this system.
R&D Accelerated Testing Data Acquisition
This application was designed to efficiently collect data not only while it is on the ground, like the data collected below in the field surveys, but another handheld software module was designed to collect other data while the vehicle is up on the hoist. The engineer proceeds around the vehicle from underneath electronically recording data. This accelerated test data acquisition is one of the 5 modules utilized in the above Engineering Data Acquisition and Analysis System.
Vehicle Field Survey Data Acquisition
A typical data acquisition solution created by ADR is composed of the following areas:
- Handheld computer as the primary data collection device
- PC Manager (PC or laptop) which is used to manage pick lists, administer communications between itself and the handheld client, and allow for collected data browsing and modification
- Wireless LAN cards and associated hardware to facilitate data transfer. As a less costly solution, RAM cards or USB memory sticks, may be employed.
- Printer for reporting.
Each survey is designed and developed with the survey process in mind. The software is written to align with the way the engineer walks around the vehicle while surveying it. This reduces the amount of time the engineer spends with each vehicle.
- Corrosion Analysis System - CAS is a state of the art system allowing engineers to compare field data to accelerated testing data. In making this comparison, engineers are able to reduce their test cycle and sooner determine if their design met their real life goals. Millions of dollars have been realized utilizing this solution. The original investment is about 1/10 of the resulting savings.
- Chip Survey - A system that allows engineers to collect paint chip data on various sections of pre-specified passenger vehicles. Compiled data is used to compare vehicles to the entire industry. Engineers also learn of locations on particular vehicles that are prone to chipping.
- Dent Survey - Allows engineers to collect dent data on various sections of specified passenger vehicles. Compiled data is used to compare vehicles to the entire industry. Engineers also learn of locations on particular vehicles that are prone to denting. An add-on to this package is DentReporting which utilizes the collected data to build categorized graphs based on dent severity index.
- Paint Survey - Engineers analyze paint fading, scratching and wear. At the end of the survey year, the data is compiled into an array of graphics comparing the paint on all vehicles to that of the industry.
R&D Engine/Transmission Measurement Management System
Developed for another major automotive company, this application allows for organized keyboard and automatic entry for the labs numerous engine measurement recording Devices. The input logic is specifically designed for each engine test. All data can be exported to Microsoft Excel for further analysis. In some cases, the data is automatically transferred from the measurement device or equipment directly into the software application. This efficient mobile data acquisition process reduces the amount of time required to input data as well as reduces the manual data entry errors, ultimately reducing costs.
