The Sente Group: Test Resource Management(TM) Solutions

Sente Test Resource Management Saves Millions for a Fortune 150 High-Tech Products Manufacturer (pdf - 492KB)

Sente Test Resource Management Saves Time and Reduces Spending for a Fortune 150 Defense Contractor (pdf - 428KB)

Who's Managing the Business Within Your Business?

Whether you realize it or not, there's a test equipment management business operating inside your business. Like any business without strong metrics and rigorous financial statements, the bottom-line results are poor. Since people don't see or understand this function as a business within a business, they only see the symptoms of problems on the bottom line of the total enterprise. The result: companies waste millions of dollars, lose weeks in the product development cycle and burden their engineering personnel with distractions. More

Data Gathering Worksheet
The purpose of this worksheet is to assist in the gathering of data for assessing the potential benefits of a Test Resource Management solution. This tool is intended to provide a low cost method for managers to determine if a Test Resource Management solution is something they should consider in their company.

STEP 1: CALCULATE YOUR UTILIZATION
Tools Required:
	1. Two tally counters

Procedure:
	1. Identify several representative engineering & design areas.In addition, low-volume operations areas can be used if they exist in your environment.

	2. Walk through the areas, assess the status of the test equipment (active or inactive) and count with the tally counters.
		a. ACTIVE: Using a tally counter, count equipment that is turned on and performing tests. Record the total at right.

		b. INACTIVE: Using another tally counter, count equipment that is not performing tests, including those that are turned on (even hooked up) but not performing tests. Record the total at right.

Notes:
	Assess all the individual pieces of test equipment (i.e. spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc.) whether they are standalone, in a bench setup with other test equipment or rack-mounted as part of ATE (Automated Test Equipment).

	Be conservative. If you are uncertain about the status of a specific piece of test equipment, count it as active. Make sure you look in all cabinets, store rooms, cribs and racks.

	UTILIZATION CALCULATION		U	%



STEP 2: GATHER ASSET SPECIFIC DATA
	NUMBER OF PIECES OF TEST EQUIPMENT OWNED		O
		Can typically be found in the calibration & repair database as well as fixed asset databases.

	ANNUAL TEST EQUIPMENT SPEND ($'S)		S
		One way to find this data is to look at your historical annual capital spend. Often you can sort your fixed asset database by acquisitions by year and total the acquisition costs. Financial controllers and analysts in your organization can typically help if you need assistance.



STEP 3: CALCULATE YOUR POTENTIAL SAVINGS.

	Print this page as a reference and then link to a proprietary benefits calculator at:

	Continue to the Financial Benefits Calculator