EXAM ALM Synchronizer Ensures Traceability in the Test Process
Synchronization of test cases and test results between ALM systems and test automation
The software and systems vendor MicroNova presents a new expansion to its test automation solution EXAM. The "EXAM ALM Synchronizer" enables continuous and automatic reconciliation between test automation and ALM systems at automotive manufacturers – thereby ensuring a reliable and consistently traceable test process.
Application Lifecycle Management systems (ALM systems) are used by car manufacturers for the development, improvement, operation and support of ECU software. They are designed to help make test processes as efficient as possible when validating software. Test automation solutions such as EXAM must therefore communicate with these ALM tools in order to receive test specifications and to be able to feed back results accordingly.
However, manually maintaining this data reconciliation between the test automation solution and the ALM tool is frequently prone to errors and is too time-consuming for larger test volumes. The EXAM add-on "EXAM ALM Synchronizer" enables the fully automatic transfer of the test specification for the software under test between the respective ALM application and EXAM. This speeds up the process and reduces the error rate.
How the EXAM ALM Synchronizer works
First, the test specification is synchronized with EXAM. Specifications, attributes and test descriptions are transferred from the ALM tool to the test automation solution and serve as a basis for test case creation. During this synchronization, differences can be displayed and transferred back to EXAM.
The test cases are then implemented and executed in EXAM. At the end of the test run, the EXAM ALM Synchronizer transfers the test results back to the ALM system.
Always synchronous and traceable
Since this means test specifications can be transferred from the respective ALM system to EXAM without manual effort, the specifications can be kept synchronized at all times. Attributes also make it possible to make additional information available in both tools. The synchronization also shows the differences between the specification statuses of the respective systems and thereby assists in a targeted adaptation of test cases.
The EXAM ALM Synchronizer ensures continuous traceability in the test process. This is because automatic synchronization ensures that a unique ID, including attributes, is used for each test case from the ALM system through automation to the result and back to the test management system. The traceability achieved in this way is necessary for successful performance in the assessments for Automotive SPICE and ISO 26262. In addition, the automated, continuous process reduces the susceptibility to errors during synchronization, thereby contributing to quality assurance.
Cost reduction and versatility through automation
Christoph Menhorn, Head of Test Automation at MicroNova, summarizes it perfectly: "Time-efficient automatic synchronization not only avoids errors, but also reduces costs compared to manual data reconciliation." Furthermore, the high degree of automation offers another advantage, Menhorn continues, "Since the test specifications automatically get to EXAM, the use of the EXAM ALM Synchronizer forms the perfect basis for the use of the Test Case Generator – which is another expansion for EXAM that automatically creates test cases through a keyword-driven approach. Our goal is to make EXAM even more versatile with add-ons like this that all work well together, giving test engineers a user-friendly solution for their tasks."
Supported tools and licensing model
Currently, EXAM ALM Synchronizer supports the following ALM tools: IBM Engineering Test Management (ETM), PTC Windchill and Siemens Polarion. Other ALM systems can be connected as required.
EXAM ALM Synchronizer is available under a floating license for rental and purchase.
MicroNova at the Automotive Testing Expo Europe in Stuttgart
The Testing Solutions team will be informing interested visitors about MicroNova's extensive portfolio at booth 1228 in hall 10 from June 21 to 23, 2022. This year, the focus will be on virtual processes that enable the testing of ECU hardware and software in the early stages of development. In a live demo, the team will demonstrate the seamless integration of a Device Under Test (DUT) for validation in the cloud.
Other innovations include the cell simulation board with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the upcoming major release 5.0 of the test automation solution EXAM. The experts on site will also provide comprehensive advice on MicroNova's consulting services.
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About MicroNova
MicroNova has been a software and systems vendor since 1987 and offers products, solutions and services in four business areas: testing of automotive electronics, technology consulting, management of mobile radio and communication networks including energy management solutions based on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) as well as the distribution of IT, digitalization and project management solutions. 400 experts work with technological competence and passion at the headquarters in Vierkirchen near Munich and at eight other locations in Germany and the Czech Republic. Numerous customers such as Audi, BMW, Continental, Telefónica Germany, Vodafone Germany and Volkswagen rely on MicroNova's expertise.
