IntraStage – Cyth Systems LLC

Overview

IntraStage is a Data Management tool which allows LabVIEW and TestStand users to store data in a normalized manner, which allows for a simple programming interface and a common reporting system for a variety of test scenarios.

A Data Storage system designed with your help

IntraStage was created to store industrial test data after considering the common needs of many clients. Experiences with a large number of companies exposed a large diversity of data content, but also common data-types and concepts. To best store data with a cohesive strategy, rules and frameworks were chosen which resulted in easier interfaces and clear naming conventions. Additionally, some users encountered demands imposed by FDA requirements and ISO Standards which governed storage and security strategies. Finally, many departments like Quality and Research exposed different needs for viewing or analyzing similar data.

IntraStage was designed to handle all these issues! In the same way as public protocols or standards are defined for universal use, so were the inputs and outputs of IntraStage defined

Normalized Structures

With IntraStage you will have a four-part system designed to receive, secure, and present data and take into account all the parameters mentioned above. The system is delivered in four modules which combine into an intuitive and easy-to-use system for programmers, engineers, and managers alike. Now users anywhere can learn a data management system which can work for all the tests and processes in any company, and can be implemented with minimal customization.

The Database

The IntraStage database has been designed to be a black-box to users who need not understand the construction or know any database technique in order to realize all the benefits. Instead, you will find clear and understandable data which is common to every kind of test. A test hierarchy was developed to keep data aligned in a basic way. Common data like username, date/time, stations, and other items are standardized. However, the need for custom fields and data-types were recognized and a zero-programming customization scheme was included to enable and encourage programmers to store any kind of data as needed. Other database features, like backup and security, are handled using off-the-shelf frameworks which lend IntraStage their world-class performance and reliability.

The Application Programming Interface (API)

The interface for programmers to enter data into IntraStage uses all the power of common database functions but keeps those behind simple commands which can be easily understood by an engineer or programmer. The API allows adding tests and measurements using basic terminology and is designed to receive data very intuitively, with simple methods like “CreateTest” and “StoreMeasurement”. This framework works intuitively in LabVIEW, TestStand, and Visual Studio, and is compatible with any other .net or COM friendly language.


Figure 1: The DLL functions are available as simple tasks, shown here in LabVIEW

Reporting System

IntraStage ships with a collection of reports that present the information most companies need. The reporting system allows users to choose from standard reports and see results like “Pass/Fail Summary” and “Failure Pareto Charts”. Since the data in the database is normalized, users can apply existing reports from the library against all their unique data. Each report has options available to personalize the data or to choose a specific population of data to view. Those reports can be modified using the options, or used as a starting point for writing new reports. In either case, the API provides a simple interface to load parameters, and will keep users from having to fuss with SQL or other code. If user’s have reports they run routinely, they can save those reports and parameters and rerun them with a single click. Finally, users can output the reports to HTML, PDF, or export results into any program desired using TXT or XML files.

Intranet System

IntraStage uses a simple HTML interface for system administration; the interface is similar to the web interface which allows users to setup and maintain a consumer router or firewall. The Intranet System simplifies administration of lists, users, and imports data from other files or systems such as part numbers from an ERP system. It also provides a user-friendly interface to the reporting system and allows the owner to present or export content. Finally, the entire interface can be customized with selection of skins, and users can post messages or custom content such as announcements, performance statistics, or pages to share information between groups. All this can be done with no knowledge of HTML or web management.

Integrate with NI’s TestStand

TestStand uses its own underlying database to store the results of sequence steps. IntraStage was designed to be very compatible with this TestStand database, and therefore data can be migrated without any custom programming. Simply configure the Transfer Wizard to move data on a set schedule, and the data is migrated and tracked. Records will be copied to the IntraStage system and checked to avoid duplicates or failed imports.

Integrate with NI’s DIAdem

DIAdem is one of the most powerful data analysis tools available and is available as a plug-in for IntraStage. Engineers and scientists can use data selected from IntraStage to do powerful analysis in DIAdem and to create HTML reports. Once that report is satisfactory a script can be generated to repeat the analysis. IntraStage can incorporate that report and launch DIAdem, then provide new or updated datasets according to user’s selections, and run the script to produce the similar output from new data.

Your Enterprise Data Management is Ready

It is common for both novice and professional test engineers alike to search for a way to store data which suits their company. Databases like Oracle and SQL are options, but they require lots of expertise and months of setup; and that system, once designed, can be easily outgrown when the company develops new products or processes. Other systems may exist for storing data, but they are usually too rigid, and don’t take into account future changes or allow custom data. Others may have canned reports but those don’t cover the unique ways you need to see your data. Those systems are a good start, but only IntraStage completes the last steps.
From our surveys, we’ve learned that the test system, API, and reports you need for your business are about 90% to 95% complete with IntraStage off-the-shelf. Ask for a demo and that demo might include another 5% of customized content to meet your needs. The last 5% may be your unique and special requirements, but even before that minimal customization is done you will be able to use reports during meetings and have immediate benefit from it.

Send a message to info@intrastage.com or visit www.intrastage.com for more information and to view and interact with the system live.

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