Optimization of the Interlocking Software Testing

Highlights

Our regular client, a major player in the rail industry, utilizes a proprietary testing tool to validate interlocking logic for specific rail locations after updates. After several unit-testing projects we performed using this custom tool, the PSA team realized that the client spent extra time and budget on testing ATP source code through a limited and not user-friendly tool. Thus, we encouraged the client to perform updates.

Challenge

Client Challenge

Accelerate validation process for updated interlocking solutions while saving money.

Project Objective

Ensure the optimal testing process for the updated interlocking applications using a custom testing tool.

Solution

To have the testing completed, a proprietary testing tool had to provide a range of functions, such as converting, updating and executing test cases, creating and validating test case databases and specifications, as well as generating reports.

To have testing activities optimized, the PSA team had to enhance almost every function. At this point, we provided the following:

Eliminated issues related to converting files with interlocking logic. Clear tracking of line-to-line conversion
Enhanced GUI. Migration to a modern platform allowed for enhanced usability of the tool for testing teams
Enhanced functionality, including copying testing files and searching for min/max values
Creation of the installation package for the tool
Simplified validation of databases and specifications
Ensured availability of testing reports to be used for certification
Updated user manual correspondingly

These enhancements guarantee reliable outputs after the tests are performed – test specification with descriptions and values; test reports with results per test case; and the coverage report shows if all the lines of code are covered by tests and if all conditions are verified.

By the end, the client could optimize their plans for validation of interlocking applications, proofs of tests were performed, as well as an opportunity to easily install them on the working computers.

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