How to keep your test process healthy

You can’t vacuum one floor and expect the entire room to be clean. There are still windows to wash, shelves to organize, and furniture to polish. Similarly, you need to focus your efforts on maintaining all areas of the test process. The process is made up of:

• Testing
• Organization
• Security
• Safety

Maintaining all these areas will help your process run smoothly. A blog post alread exists that explains how to keep your tester in good condition. The following ideas will help you keep the rest of your test process running smoothly.

Keep equipment organized using labels

Cables, fixturing, and all equipment can be organized using labels.
Once a cable is tested, most Cirris testers have the option of printing labels that provide cable signatures, test results, and other information for the tested cable.

Fixturing should also be organized in a way that makes it easy to reconnect the fixturing in the correct order. Cirris sells Smart-Lights™ that allow users to change the order of their fixturing and the tester will still recognize that particular cable.

Back up test programs

Some testers connect to a PC, others store test programs in the tester memory, but almost all testers have a method of backing up a test program. If not, companies will sell additional software that allows the Tester to connect with another machine and back up test programs. If you don’t know how to back up test programs, speak with your tester manufacturer to learn how the process is done.

Take advantage of security features in the tester software

Most Cirris testers have built in security features that allow users to customize passwords, limits access to different parts of the tester software, and other security privileges. Securing your tester gives fewer people opportunities to mistakenly erase or change programs.

Only allow authorized users access to testers

Along with securing your tester, limit the number of people allowed into the test area. This is especially important if using a high voltage tester. Only allowing authorized users into the test area keeps the tester and employees safe.

Pay attention to warnings

Warnings are placed on testers and in manuals for more than just legal reasons. For example, health warnings should be heeded to avoid hurting people with certain conditions such as pacemakers. Read and follow the warnings.

If you want to improve production in your cable or harness shop, try exploring different areas of your test process. Through testing, organization, security, and safety, you can clean up your process. Learn more about how to make your test process more efficient by exploring the Cirris Learning Center.