Design Reviews

Design reviews are standard practice on all DMC projects. Senior engineers and peers review system designs and developed code. Design reviews serve as checkpoints and create an active feedback cycle during development. They improve quality, leverage team experience, mitigate risk, and allow early detection of system-critical items that may require broader attention. 

Application Testing and Project Quality

All custom application software requires testing. DMC integrates application testing throughout project development, from early-stage concept and simulation testing to onsite functional validation. While testing times vary based on system complexity, every project dedicates a substantial amount of effort to verifying application functionality against the project requirements. To uphold these standards, each project includes a designated quality lead responsible for quality control measures.    

In addition, DMC’s Test & Measurement team maintains an ISO 9001 certification, taking extra steps that align with internationally recognized quality standards. We are also recognized as a National Instruments Center of Excellence (NI CoE), following best practices for LabVIEW and system development. Beyond software, DMC applies the same rigorous quality approach to hardware and turnkey projects. Systems built in our fabrication studio are produced in compliance with ISO 9001 production requirements, ensuring that complete solutions meet the same high standards of quality and reliability our clients expect. 

Build and Release Management

Standard software release processes involve the compilation and distribution of a binary (stand-alone) application, along with deployment to field systems (i.e., PCs, embedded controllers, or other targets). Time required for these activities varies with the scale of an application and its deployment scope. Regardless of the project size, successful installation and configuration of software on field systems is a critical task during the final stages of a project.  

In addition to deployed application builds, DMC includes full source code as part of the project deliverables.  By delivering the complete, maintainable codebase, DMC ensures our clients have long-term control over their systems, the flexibility to make updates or enhancements, and independence from any single vendor.

Project Communication

At DMC, open and active communication is central to our project approach and reflects our core values of responding to the customer, sharing information, and telling it like it is. During active development, we provide regular status updates covering progress, schedule, and upcoming milestones, while also flagging any potential risks or issues early. By keeping our clients informed at every step, we help them plan effectively, reduce surprises, and ensure that we make things happen.  

As appropriate, DMC conducts conference calls and in-person meetings with client engineering and management teams to review technical information, hardware and software designs, budget status, and schedule. By bringing stakeholders together regularly, we foster technical alignment, shared ownership of project success, and leverage the expertise of our talented team to deliver results. 

Additionally, our engineering teams hold regular internal meetings to align technical strategies, synchronize deliverables, and maintain rigorous quality standards across all disciplines. This structured yet adaptable approach ensures projects run smoothly, reduces risk, and keeps all team members informed and accountable. By fostering collaboration, transparency, and problem-solving, we create a culture that makes things happen, shares information, and has fun while tackling challenges together. This results in a cohesive, high-performing team that consistently delivers reliable, high-quality solutions for both commercial and government clients. 

Project Management

At DMC, our project managers oversee every aspect of a project to ensure smooth execution, accountability, and successful delivery. From the very start, they coordinate the transition from sales to project execution, gathering critical information to establish a clear foundation and align expectations. 

Our project managers provide top-level strategic direction, monitor progress and quality, and ensure that schedules and budgets are on track. They make sure each project is properly staffed, team roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, and the right team with the right expertise is in place to meet our clients’ project goals. We track key project metrics throughout the lifecycle, keeping teams aligned and focused on delivering results that meet our clients’ expectations. 

For projects with Time and Expenses components, DMC can provide periodic financial summaries. These reports, generated at key milestones or intervals, give clients clear, up-to-date visibility into budget status, including both invoiced costs and work completed but not yet billed. This transparency allows clients to plan effectively, make informed decisions, and maintain confidence in project financials as the project progresses. 

Compliance is a top priority at DMC. Project managers ensure that all work meets contractual, regulatory, and client-specific requirements, while also establishing the tools, processes, and resources needed for the team to execute efficiently. 

Leadership and risk management are integral to the process. Project managers foster a positive and collaborative team environment, resolve issues as they arise, and proactively identify and mitigate risks to minimize surprises. Scope is carefully managed so the team focuses on agreed-upon work, with any changes or additions communicated clearly with the client. 

At project closeout, DMC ensures all activities are completed, client sign-off is obtained, and warranty coverage is documented when applicable. Custom engineering can affect timelines and budgets, but DMC’s strategic oversight, proactive communication, and careful management ensure projects are well-run and transparent, giving clients confidence and peace of mind every step of the way.  

Conclusion 

While the practices outlined above represent DMC’s standard approach to project management, every project is unique — just like our custom engineering solutions. We tailor our project management methods, communication strategies, and supporting services to meet the specific needs, complexity, and requirements of each client and project. By combining proven best practices with a flexible, client-focused approach, DMC ensures that every project is executed efficiently, aligned with client goals, and delivered with the highest standards of quality and reliability. 

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NI Connect is a technical conference hosted by National Instruments (NI). The annual event features technical sessions, keynotes, networking opportunities, and tech demos featuring the latest in NI and test technology. 

DMC has worked closely with NI for more than 25 years. As an NI Preferred System Integrator and one of 12 teams recognized as a Certified Center of Excellence, DMC looks forward to this yearly opportunity to connect with our partners on the NI team and stay up to date on the latest developments in NI hardware and software.

In addition to attending technical sessions and keynotes, DMC will participate in the Leadership and Partner Forums. 

We also look forward to providing a demo of our Battery Production Tester (BPT) built with NI Technology. Please visit us and say hello at the demo in the NI Transportation area in the Exhibit Hall.

Registration

Register here for NI Connect 2024.

Will you be attending NI Connect 2024? Reach out and let us know!

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We are excited to showcase demonstrations of the DMC Battery Production Test and Battery Cell Quality Test systems at the Expo Hall. We will also be participating in 4 presentations and panel discussions throughout the conference.

As an NI Preferred System Integrator, DMC will also be participating in the Leadership and Partner Forums.

Come visit us on the Expo floor with the Transportation and Portfolio Business Units! Click here to register for NI Connect 2023, and reach out to us if you’d like to connect with us in Austin!

Learn more about DMC’s partnership with NI, and contact us today for your next project.

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With this core value in mind, DMC is proud to announce that our Test and Measurement team recently completed ISO 9001:2015 recertification. This shows our commitment to a high-level of quality and quality management. This also speaks to two other core values: Share Information and Make Things Happen.

What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001, the International Standard for Organizational Quality, is an internationally recognized standard for quality management. It is a set of requirements that a company must meet to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products or services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

Applying ISO 9001 to Engineering Services

For us, the first step was to learn the ISO 9001 standard and how it can benefit our operations as an engineering services company. ISO 9001 is often used by manufacturing companies, where standardization clearly benefits manufacturing processes, though it was not as clear how these structures would apply to the creative solution-building environment at DMC.

In developing our Quality Management System, we were deliberate in identifying our "product," which can look very different for the variety of DMC clients and projects. Ultimately, our product is a successful solution, and we defined our quality system to ensure the right steps take place — including iterative design, development, and review/testing.

In this process we were also driven to think clearly about how we execute our key organizational processes — including leadership, quality, training, sales & communication, design & production, and purchasing.

Once we had a strong grasp of the ISO 9001 requirements, and a clear understanding of our de facto processes, we could exercise our core value of Make Things Happen and get to work building and adapting our quality procedures, then roll them out to the team.

What This Means for DMC

While ISO 9001 certification is a benefit for DMC, it is also a benefit for our customers. Our quality system drives better solutions, and ultimately helps us improve the customer experience.

The certification also gives us the opportunity to Share Information. Customers can now see the commitment we put into our quality management and tracking systems, along with how we are committed to following best practices, meeting requirements, and reducing inefficiencies.

Achieving ISO 9001 is a significant milestone for DMC, demonstrating continued growth as a company and commitment to customer success.  

Learn more about DMC’s Test & Measurement Automation and contact us today for your next project.
 

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NI TestStand

TestStand is a flexible platform designed to make developing, debugging, and deploying test systems quick and easy. The ready-to-run test management software allows users to integrate code modules written in other programming languages to their test sequences in TestStand.

Becoming a Certified TestStand Architect (CTA) is the final step in the two-part TestStand certification process. First, candidates must achieve the status of Certified TestStand Developer (CTD). This includes having an average of 12 to 18 months of experience developing, debugging, and deploying applications in TestStand and passing a four-hour exam demonstrating best practices.

After earning the CTD, candidates are eligible to earn certification as a CTA. The Certified TestStand Architect exam verifies expertise in architecting test systems based on TestStand from high-level specifications. Certified Architects are technical leaders. They coach the developers on their team to become more efficient and to follow best practices.

"Being recognized as a TestStand Architect is the pinnacle of certification for a TestStand Developer," said DMC Project Engineer Steven Dusing. "It acknowledges an engineer's deep understanding of NI's core test executive framework and their capability to leverage it effectively. Receiving this certification will give our customers trust that we know the ins and outs of TestStand and can deliver a high-quality test executive framework that can both scale and adapt to rapidly changing business needs."

DMC and NI

One key element of a CTA is their agility at integrating LabVIEW with TestStand. DMC has developed numerous LabVIEW operator interfaces using TestStand. Combining these two platforms allows us to leverage years of investment by NI into TestStand's sequencing abilities in addition to the flexibility of LabVIEW to customize that power and tailor it to specific customer needs.

DMC has worked with National Instruments since 1997, earning recognition as an NI Alliance Member, NI Center of Excellence, NI Vision Specialty Partner, Migrations & Upgrades Partner, and a SystemLink Specialty Alliance Partner. Our experienced team of certified architects, developers, and trainers includes the most LabVIEW Certified Architects in the Midwest. Our LabVIEW solutions include test and measurement, product development, research and development, and high-tech manufacturing.

Learn more about DMC's partnership with National Instruments and contact us for your next project.

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NI TestStand

TestStand is a ready-to-run test management software designed to help you quickly develop, debug, and deploy your test systems. This flexible platform allows users to develop test sequences in TestStand integrating code modules written in other programming languages.

To become a Certified TestStand Developer, candidates must demonstrate a broad and complete understanding of TestStand features and functionality. They have an average of 12 to 18 months of experience developing, debugging, and deploying applications in TestStand. During a four-hour exam, candidates use provided specifications to create a test stand sequence that implements functionality in the spec while following best practices.

"Being certified in TestStand means we can develop, debug, and execute sequences in a way that follows NI's best practices," said DMC Project Engineer Cecilia Brookshier. "It proves that we can develop in a modular, maintainable, and easy to configure way. We can make recommendations for our clients on their test sequences that demonstrate NI's best practices."

DMC and NI

DMC has worked with National Instruments since 1997, earning recognition as an NI Alliance Member, NI Center of Excellence, NI Vision Specialty Partner, Migrations & Upgrades Partner, and a SystemLink Specialty Alliance Partner. Our experienced team of certified architects, developers, and trainers includes the most LabVIEW Certified Architects in the Midwest. Our LabVIEW solutions include test and measurement, product development, research and development, and high-tech manufacturing.

Learn more about DMC's partnership with National Instruments.

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Battery Pack and Module Validation Demonstration and Q&A

See NI Alliance Partner DMC give a demonstration of the NI Battery Test System (BTS) including custom operator interface options with LabVIEW, test system I/O and equipment configuration in VeriStand, test scripting and reporting with TestStand, and systems and data management in SystemLink.

NI developed the Battery Test System to optimize battery test workflows and give test teams the access and flexibility they need to respond to rapidly changing test requirements. The BTS can help you stay ahead of requirements churn and drive test efficiency improvements to accelerate schedules, increase test coverage and quality, and reduce the total cost of test.

After the demonstration, Cecilia Brookshier and Jesse Batsche of DMC and members of the NI BTS team will answer your questions during a live Q&A session. 

Event Info

The NI Automotive Exchange 2020 virtually connects engineers, business leaders, and partners in the Automotive industry. Discuss critical industry challenges, like managing test systems for rapidly evolving technology, integrating massive data volumes from multiple sensors, and developing cohesive software test systems for automotive ECUs.

The event offers a mix of live and on-demand sessions ranging from 15-20 minutes so you can optimize your time. If you miss a live session, they will be available on-demand after the event.

Topics will include:

• ADAS and Autonomous Vehicles
• Electric Vehicles
• Infotainment and Connectivity
• Electronic Test

Benefits of attending:

• Live and on-demand sessions to fit your scheduling needs
• Hear bold perspectives from NI and other Automotive industry leaders
• Interactive sessions with live Q&A
• Live demos of the latest Automotive technologies
• Connect with Automotive Industry leaders

Registration

This global virtual event will take place on November 18 with a wide offering of live and on-demand content delivered across multiple regions in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Register for your preferred time zone. We look forward to virtually seeing you at the event!

Learn more about DMC’s partnership with National Instruments. 

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Come collaborate with LabVIEW software and NI hardware users in the Greater Chicago, IL area to improve on your current projects and get fresh ideas.

Discussion Topic

Presentation of DMC's SEA Monster and OO-based Framework
DMC will be presenting on the evolution of the frameworks used at DMC over the last decade. We will highlight the “SEA Monster,” a state machine built on a queued message handler with different States-Events-Actions. This framework has been used for over a decade on many of DMC’s projects.

We will discuss the SEA Monster's numerous benefits, which have led to its longevity.  We will also identify some of the drawbacks that have incentivized more recent efforts to utilize Object-Oriented (OO) programming. Unlike traditional OO programming in LabVIEW, DMC has gravitated toward a by-reference model of programming, which we will explain and demo. 

Come hear from DMC on these two frameworks and how they contribute to scalable and maintainable solutions over time. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on state machine and OO-based architectures.

Registration & Additional Information

This user group will be held virtually via Zoom.

Find out more details about this great event and register to join in.

Learn more about DMC's LabVIEW experience.

The post DMC to Host Virtual Chicago LabVIEW User Group on May 21 appeared first on DMC, Inc..

Enrollment is open to anyone on the National Instruments website. 

October 22, 2019
1 – 5 p.m.
2222 N. Elston Ave, Ste. 200
Chicago, IL 60614

Learn more about DMC's partnership with National Instruments. 

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Enrollment is open to anyone on the National Instruments website. 

August 19, 2019
1 – 5 p.m.

DMC, Inc.
8 Greenway Plaza
Suite 250
HOUSTON, TX 77046

Learn more about DMC's partnership with National Instruments. 

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