modernization
As system components age, replacement
parts become harder to find and more
expensive to purchase, and
unsupported systems are more vulnerable
to breakdowns and cyber security threats.
All too often, addressing diminished
support and scarce part availability caused
by obsolescence is an afterthought when
problems arise. These obsolescence
problems are typically further magnified
because many organizations are operating
monolithic systems using custom hardware
and propriety software. However, there are
ways to design systems that take a
proactive approach to managing
obsolescence, as well as methods for
maintaining existing outdated systems
that make managing aging systems far less
expensive and time consuming.
IGNORING WARNINGS
Like squeaking brakes, test and
measurement systems develop warning
signs when they are on the verge of failing
and potential victims of obsolescence. Two
68 SHOWCASE 2020 \\ AEROSPACETESTINGINTERNATIONAL.COM
HOW TO FUTURE
PROOF YOUR
TEST SYSTEMS
System obsolescence and the delayed need for
modernization is a big issue many aerospace and
defense organizations are facing
// DAVE BAKER
major indicators that a system is
approaching the need for modernization
include slower execution and more
frequent failures and errors. Ignoring these
two problems will eventually lead to
equipment breakdowns that can leave you
stranded as prolonged downtime is usually
needed to retrofit solutions to existing
components. Oftentimes, these changes
need to be made with limited support from
vendors for the mature equipment.
Another warning sign that your system
may be on the verge of needing an upgrade
is when compatibility issues prevent the
addition of new features into your system.
For example, an old operating system (OS)
may not support the addition of new
hardware that could accelerate your
productivity. Similarly, aging systems may
also experience security breaches or cyber
events because of an older OS or the fact
that the system is running on an
unsupported platform.
In short, from a managerial point of
view, all these signs of the need for
1
modernization come back to the fact that
the system is running slower and chipping
away at productivity. As a result, you are
spending more money on maintenance and
productivity decreases.
FUTURE PROOFING
Whether you’re just getting started with
building a new system or are performing a
technology refresh on an old system, it’s
best to make sure your system is designed
for longevity from the start. At G Systems,
a systems integrator with decades of
experience building and modernizing test
systems for the aerospace and defense
industry, engineers develop systems built
with obsolescence in mind from the
beginning. Test systems are designed to be
modular, with growth and driver updates
in mind. Abstraction layers are used so that
obsolete hardware and drivers can be
replaced without fundamental code
rewrites and so additional hardware and
software functionality can be added to the
system with minimal code rewrites.
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