Towards a Robust System Integration and Test Process

Lockheed Martin Systems Integration (LMSI) has developed an extension of the integration and test (I&T) process which aids in assuring the robustness of its integration activities. This process allows it to ask: • Where are We? • What’s Left to Be Done? • What Works, What Doesn’t Work (Current Capability)? • What’s the Maturity Level? The resulting process incorporates two unique features; the creation of Functional Test Elements (FTEs), and the use of a Problem Trouble Report (PTR) system/methodology. Integrated together through a series of data base tables providing increasing planning data resulting in a robust program infrastructure that provides: • Real-time metrics which can be used to assess the maturity of the system during I&T. • An integrated baseline management plan (configuration management) that allows for the prioritization and planning of PTR fixes into multiple individual product baselines integrated into an overall system baseline. • Ease of developmental and regression test planning and tracking. • Ability to focus development and test efforts on a required prioritized set of functionality versus the “big bang” development approach.