Do you practice DFT?

Greg Reed, Technical Editor -- Test & Measurement World, 12/1/2006

Although design for test (DFT) is a proven method, I'm often reminded that it is not universally employed. Whether commercial or military, most automotive and aerospace test projects yield payback on dollars invested in DFT as early as the prototype phase of product development. Yet, resistance to DFT persists, often because leaders focus too much on line-item test costs rather than on total product development or on a product's life-cycle benefits.

To implement test and evaluation phase changes, test personnel need to become engaged early in each new project and participate as members of the overall project selection committee. Common bottlenecks such as poor test design, late-cycle defect discovery, and incomplete development testing can be eliminated while test process enhancements like proper equipment, correct test procedures, and qualified test operators can be secured.

When included in the initial project selection team, test engineers deliver detailed documentation that guarantees integration of test functions with design, development, and manufacturing processes. The result is a more streamlined product-development process characterized by holistic knowledge management.

Even if your organization does not formalize DFT, the Internet offers a wealth of DFT information through online seminars sponsored by industry trade groups, consortia, and vendors. Try DFT on your next project—you may become a hero.