Test automation: EXAM 5.0 now available

Version 5.0 of the test automation solution EXAM is now available from MicroNova. The tool, which remains free of charge, comes with numerous improvements, including an interface to the Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) tool Codebeamer. When redesigning the user interface, MicroNova worked closely with users of the solution for the automated creation of test cases, whose customers include the entire Volkswagen Group.

All previous functions remain, and new ones have been added: EXAM 5.0 represents the launch of a new major version of the test automation solution with numerous improvements. The latest version takes special account of the increasing number of variants in vehicle control units, because more and more variants that need to be tested require extra efficiency in test creation and management.

Therefore, the new parameter concept ensures high levels of user-friendliness, despite the constantly rising number of tests at manufacturers and suppliers. It can map variants even more clearly and at the same time is flexible and straightforward to use. Compatibility with earlier EXAM test cases is ensured by the distinction between LegacyTestCase and TestCase.

New features in ALM and reporting

A variety of test management applications are used to make test processes as efficient as possible when validating ECU software. EXAM had already created a standardized interface that makes it possible to connect the many different systems easily. With EXAM 5.0, the spectrum has been expanded again and Codebeamer can now be connected as an additional Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) tool via the tried-and-tested TestSpec Synchronizer (TSS). This means the latest version of a test specification can be synchronized with EXAM, along with correspondingly labeled versions.

The storage system for reports has also been updated: As an enterprise application, EXAM enables a centralized IT mode for test creation. In previous versions, however, reports were stored locally. In EXAM 5.0, this also becomes a central solution and data can be stored securely and centrally for all users. The 3-tier architecture ensures reliable and powerful storage and analysis of test results even between different sites and across national borders. In combination with the newly developed web application, reports can now be analyzed from any location – even without an EXAM client.

Operating concept

As well as increasing the number of features, MicroNova has also optimized the EXAM operating concept, taking into account feedback from more than 2,000 users. "We held a series of analyses and workshops together with users," explains Christoph Menhorn, Head of Test Automation at MicroNova. "One of the results is a new concept for perspectives and search. This makes test creation more intuitive and more efficient. Which means EXAM will continue to stand for uniform test processes, reusable test cases, and comprehensive testing."

As before, MicroNova also offers training for the current version of EXAM. The software itself can still be obtained free of charge from MicroNova; included libraries are subject to an open-source license. The download only requires registration, which is used for support purposes.