Numerous studies have shown that as project complexity grows, hardware availability & software/firmware integration are two key barriers to keeping development times short & cost low. Simulation techniques offer real gains in these critical areas.

ANDs design & development experience has led to the development of the 'virtual prototyping' technique, where a working simulation of a product is developed for the client on the PC using custom software running in the Windows environment. Not only does this allow for features to be trialled long before a physical model could be built, but the code driving the simulation/virtual prototype will actually be used in the final product, so testing can take place at an advance stage.

Testing & debugging

Structured, rigorous testing of developed software/firmware is paramount to delivering a high quality product. At AND, the testing specification is given then same emphasis as the requirements specification & if not already in existence, is developed directly after the requirements specification. While both these documents are not always set in stone & subject to change as a result of new requirements, discoveries, etc., at AND they are rigidly linked to each other, ensuring the customer is delivered a reliable, robust design.

AND define test cases, or scenarios, using known input data that checks the logic of the software/firmware against expected results. By recording anomalies at various planned stages throughout the design cycle, discrepancies are found early on & corrective action can be made quickly, easily & importantly cost-effectively.