Unlike conventional approaches to test equipment asset management—including off-the-shelf or custom asset management software—Sente's Test Resource Management™ (TRM) solutions account for the dynamic of People, Practices & Tools that drives all test-related activities in engineering cultures. By implementing solutions that account for all three of these key elements, Sente's customers have achieved business performance improvements that far exceed market standard.

Tailoring The Solution That Works For You
Since our inception, we've worked with customers to tailor TRM solutions that work in their distinct engineering and operations environments. Our stepped approach to implementation lets you ramp up to breakthrough performance in a prudent manner, while quantifying ROI all along the way.

STEP 1: Test Environment Assessment (30 days to 6 months) – A staged approach to identifying and quantifying opportunities for improvement in your test environment. The exact duration of Step 1 depends on your focus in gathering data for the assessment. The following are offered free of charge to minimize the costs to your organization prior to Sente demonstrating a compelling ROI:

• Fact Finding: In this stage, Sente provides a Self Assessment Guide to help you organize data gathering, including on-line tools. Sente interprets the data and provides a preliminary assessment of the opportunity in a subsequent teleconference. If the results suggest there's an opportunity for significant improvement, a Sente representative will schedule a Site Visit to your location.
• Site Visit: A Test Resource Management expert will visit your location to tour labs, meet key functional representatives and finalize an assessment and business case for your company to move forward with a TRM Solution.

Some companies contact us because they're already certain that the potential for improvement demands quick action. These organizations begin with Step 2, and by doing so, typically accelerate their annual financial results by more than 10%.

STEP 2: Customized Blueprint For Action™ (60 Days) – Sente provides a detailed characterization of your unique test environment and quantifies ROI opportunities for all viable implementation options. Specific components of the typical Blueprint For Action include:

• Detailed business case outlining financial and operational impacts
• Specification of critical elements to the solution
  • Tools
  • Practices
  • Roles and organizational integration
  • Performance metrics
• Change Management Strategy
• Detailed Implementation Plan
• Various Implementation Support Options from Sente

STEP 3: TRM Blueprint Implementation Options – Sente provides the support you need to implement a winning Test Resource Management solution in your company's test environment. Specific options include:

• Customer-Staffed Solution (180 Days) – Your personnel staff TRM roles, with Sente providing installation assistance that includes:
  • Custom tailoring the practices and tools (including software tools and databases) that are essential to the success of your program
  • Assistance in selecting team members
  • Installation, training and TRM certification, including expert-assisted solutions in which Sente professionals train and certify your personnel in effective TRM practices

  Real results are produced and the program typically breaks even financially during this phase. After the initial 180 days, Sente provides Ongoing Support to help your teams maximize ROI. Sente's expertise keeps you on-track and helps you continuously improve your TRM solution following the initial implementation. Specific options for ongoing support include:
  

  • Tune-ups to certify and provide analysis of your TRM operations
  • Training and certification of TRM roles
  • Networking with other accomplished TRM practitioners
  • Systems integration of appropriate systems
  • Continuous improvement and maturity of practices and tools
  • Sharing of best test practices, methodologies and technologies
  • Technology plans and/or support
  • Inventory process management including access to and leverage of Sente's buying and selling network
  • Governance participation
  • Help desk support for test technology, TRM practices and tools

• Sente TRM Turn Key (Ongoing) – Sente teams of experienced practitioners reside on-site in your test environment
  • Performance to financial and operational improvement commitments established in the Blueprint-for-Action and formalized in the contracting process
  • Strategic direction and monitoring of results take place through a formalized governance process that includes Sente and customer management.
  • Customer management can turn their organization's attention to other strategic concerns and projects where their unique skills are required and allowing Sente to focus in their core
  
  
• Other Customized Options – Staffing for roles is split between your personnel and Sente's, with Sente personnel becoming a virtual part of your TRM team.