WTCS seamlessly integrates all subsystems of the test bed based on interface drivers. The drivers serve as a hardware abstraction layer (HAL) that isolates the individual subsystems and enables an easy exchange of the individual subsystems over the test bed's entire lifecycle. That means, the subsystems are kept independent of each other, which facilitates the commissioning of the subsystems as they can individually be tested and integrated into the system. In the event that one of the subsystems fails, the rest of the test bed remains operational.

The communication protocols of the individual subsystems vary widely. Here, WTCS is the mediator between the worlds: both established industry standards such as PROFINET and Modbus and proprietary protocols based on TCP/IP, for example, are supported or can be integrated individually.

By integrating the subsystems that control the test bed as well as the measurement systems for data acquisition, WTCS acts as the central instance that combines, monitors and controls all data and processes on the test bed.

WTCS provides different test sequencers for automatic sequences that are tailored to the respective use cases. Just like users with manual control, the test sequencers too can access all parameters. A combination of automated sequences and manual control is also possible. This means, for example, that test sequences can be stopped in the event of an error in order to make manual corrections and to resume the sequence again afterwards. Manual fine adjustments in automated sequences are also possible. Both manual and automatic specifications are recorded together to ensure full documentation of the actual test execution status at all times.

The powerful options of the test sequencer of WTCS also allow parallel processes that can be merged again based on synchronization points – thereby allowing for the mapping of concurrencies. In the background, sequence- and DUT-dependent monitoring operations can be performed, for example to influence or abort sequences.

Moreover, the development of test sequences as well-defined, fixed test methods by test field engineers suits to increase quality. The test bed operators just select the ready-made methods in order to parameterize them. This way of working increases efficiency as the susceptibility to errors is low and the work progress on the test bed is faster.

WTCS offers an integrated test management for local tasks at the test bed as well as interfaces that ensure connection with higher-level test planning and data management tools. So, WTCS can easily be integrated into higher-level company processes. WTCS works perfectly with Werum's test planning and process management system HyperTest. Using the existing interfaces, though, it can just the same be connected to other existing process management systems without any problem.

The WTCS Test Management module offers the complete description of tests including all metadata about the test, the device under test (short: DUT), the equipment used and other information that can be configured specifically for the application. A test project is logically divided into test sessions, which correspond to the period of time a DUT has on the test bed, and test runs, which describe the execution of a specific test procedure. In test runs, test steps can be used as sub-units for quasi-static measurements or profile repetitions in order to structure the data acquisition even more detailed.

The test management is a fully integrated database-based solution that provides templates for the efficient reuse of information and comprehensive research options for users. Comprehensive documentation of test execution and a complete change history make it possible to comply with important quality standards like ISO 17025 and to work in line with measurement regulations like WLTP.

WTCS supports simultaneous operation from several workstations. This allows close cooperation between test bed operators and development engineers in large test beds to achieve an efficient use of the available test bed time and an optimal provision of data to different user groups. For better user support, the presentation of information can be tailored to the individual user roles.

WTCS provides internal directory structures for data recording which correspond to the test organization structure of the test management. On the one hand, the data accruing in the test bed automation is recorded and, on the other hand, the data recorded locally by the measurement systems is automatically fetched from the measurement systems. To enable the measurement systems to adequately maintain the data, WTCS also makes the metadata of the test management available to all subsystems via corresponding interface drivers. The directory structures for data acquisition and storage can be structured in more detail by means of configuration, e.g. according to measurement data, evaluations, reports, photos etc.

The roles and rights system of WTCS manages the access to directories and files and ensures that only authorized users can view the data on the test bed. This also allows operation by different internal and external customers without data of the different user groups becoming visible to unauthorized persons. At the same time, users always have full access to the data of the current test. To ensure smooth customer operation on the test bed, access is provided in the simplest form via constant network shares. To increase efficiency and quality, WTCS supports automatic background processes for archiving and hard-disk cleanup, which relieve operating personnel of time-consuming routine tasks and avoid manual errors.

WTCS provides for seamless integration of evaluation tools into the work process. Standard tools like NI DIAdem™ are automated by WTCS in such a way that "post-test" evaluations and report generation can be performed entirely without manual intervention directly after the measurement data were acquired. Comprehensive basic scripts for file handling and data processing can be used to create individual evaluations efficiently and in no time. The test management starts the analyses directly at the end of test steps, test runs or test sessions. The metadata from the test management can also be included in the analyses. So it is possible, for example, to select the report language or to determine the range of evaluation steps depending on the test type.

In the evaluations, data can be normalized, merged or evaluated according to standard criteria, for example. PDF reports can be generated as part of the evaluation, which can be used as test certificates in the gapless documentation, e.g. according to ISO 17025 or for DUT homologations. If test certificates and documentation are kept in a higher-level system like HyperTest Boost, for example, or another test process management system, data and reports can be transferred to this system using the available interfaces of WTCS.

WTCS can be fully integrated into the corporate testing process. The automatic transfer of test orders from test management systems, e.g. from HyperTest Boost or any other test process management system, avoids manual transfer errors and takes tedious routine work off the users' shoulders. The bidirectional exchange of master data like persons, DUTs, test sequences or analysis procedures minimizes the maintenance effort and increases data consistency.

Connecting further systems like archive systems or data management systems guarantees a fully automated, error-free and seamless transfer of result data to corporate systems. All meta information of the test together with change history, comments, measurement data, evaluations, reports and any accompanying documents like photos, for example, are treated as one structured and comprehensive data set in order to ensure data consistency and quality.

WTCS offers a variety of practice-oriented standard functions for test configuration and execution. Interface processes can be used not only to integrate subsystems within the test bed. WCTS can also be connected to company-wide test management and data management solutions. In addition, the WTCS modules offer standard components to look after any aspects of manual and automated test bed control. Very specific use cases can be covered by implementing further additional components. For this purpose, programming interfaces (APIs) to all important core functions are available in common programming languages.

For use in a wide range of test beds and test fields, WTCS offers a high degree of customization options. In addition to the selection of the modules as the first individualization step, the modules themselves are also largely configurable. Users can further configure the modules in convenient administration dialogs and thus adapt them without spending a great deal of time and money.

Comprehensive automatic processes, such as data archiving, hard-disk cleanup and system monitoring, are largely automated and minimize administrative work. For the rest of the manual tasks, administrators are provided with convenient administration dialogs to complete the tasks as efficiently, intuitively and accurate as possible. As a result, WTCS-based automation systems can be supported directly by the specialist departments in many test areas without the need for service agreements with central IT departments. This ensures short decision-making paths and fast response times. A maintenance and support contract ensures availability and continuous further development.