Modern engineering quality software must have its foundations in fundamental software best practice. For solutions in the realm of quality assurance, the software component of a hardware system is becoming the enabler, and as such should be carefully considered when initiating or adding to an organization’s toolset. Here we review essential software specifications and cover how those attributes can be leveraged when considering computer-controlled physical product testing equipment in the lab or on the shop floor.

In today’s market, the manufacturing sector is becoming increasingly data-driven and digitized. Even the smallest, specialist organizations are having to embrace the principles of Industry 4.0 to remain agile and competitive. No matter how experienced a business is in its unique sector, it must evolve to keep its reputation and ensure its survival. Software is often the enabler in meeting this challenge—either in enhancing existing tools or extending the connectivity and communication of data to other areas within its business or external supply chain.