10 Essential Steps of Complex Hardware Testing with Epsilon3
Hardware testing is crucial to ensuring the reliability, functionality, and safety of machinery or equipment. These tests are designed to detect potential defects and malfunctions early on, reducing the risk of costly delays, injuries, and operational issues. By conducting thorough testing procedures, organizations can uphold quality standards, meet regulatory requirements, and maintain customer satisfaction.
Testing is one of the most critical phases of the hardware development lifecycle. It validates the successful assembly and integration of the system or product. Here at Epsilon3, we recognize that hardware teams are struggling to scale their testing and QA programs. Inefficient test management tools—like paper checklists, Excel, and outdated internal software—often lead to problems with repeatability and traceability.
Epsilon3 was purpose-built to help engineering, manufacturing, and testing teams streamline and optimize daily operations. With our procedure and test management solutions, organizations can plan, execute, analyze, and document every step of the hardware development process. Below is an example of a 10-step hardware testing procedure executed with Epsilon3.
Step 1: Preparation. Ensure all safety protocols are followed and necessary equipment is ready for use. Epsilon3 also provides inventory & tool management capabilities to further streamline this step.
Step 2: Visual Inspection. Examine the hardware for any visible damages or irregularities. Add notes or upload pictures during this step to ensure visibility and accountability.
Step 3: Requirements Check. Verify that all minimum hardware and system requirements are met before startup. Some Epsilon3 customers utilize our integrations with hardware design requirement tracking software.
Step 4: Power On. Turn on the machinery and observe initial startup behavior. Initial startup evaluation aids in identifying any immediate concerns with the hardware's functionality.
Step 5: Functional Testing. Perform basic operations to check if the hardware functions as expected. Easily document test results and flag any issues or nonconformance within Epsilon3.
Step 6: Load Testing. Apply varying levels of workload to assess performance under stress. Subjecting the hardware to varying workloads assists in identifying performance constraints and ensuring reliability.
Step 7: Calibration Check: Confirm that sensors, gauges, and other measurement tools are accurately calibrated. Ensuring precise calibration guarantees accurate measurements and dependable hardware performance.
Step 8: Environmental Testing. Assess the hardware's performance under different environmental conditions. Epsilon3 makes it easy to analyze performance and risk based on specific variables and parameters.
Step 9: Software Verification. If applicable, ensure that any associated software operates seamlessly with the hardware. Checking software compatibility guarantees seamless integration and optimal performance of the hardware-software system.
Step 10: Post-Testing Documentation. Record test case results, observations, and any issues encountered. Comprehensive documentation facilitates traceability of results and ensures informed decision-making for future actions. This can all be done with Epsilon3!
Want to see how Epsilon3 can help your team streamline processes and achieve operational excellence?
About Epsilon3:
We’re a US-based software company on a mission to help teams manage complex operations in highly regulated industries like aerospace, energy, robotics, and manufacturing. Our web-based tools are used by NASA, Blue Origin, Redwire, and AeroVironment to plan and execute mission-critical procedures. The company and platform were purpose-built by engineering leaders from SpaceX, NASA, Northrop, and Google.
