{"id":14702,"date":"2019-04-10T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-04-10T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dmcinfo.com\/our-work\/automatic-and-manual-automation-modes-in-dmcs-flex-framework\/"},"modified":"2025-05-29T22:41:21","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T22:41:21","slug":"automatic-and-manual-automation-modes-in-dmcs-flex-framework","status":"publish","type":"our_work","link":"https:\/\/www.dmcinfo.com\/our-work\/automatic-and-manual-automation-modes-in-dmcs-flex-framework\/","title":{"rendered":"Automatic and Manual Automation Modes in DMC\u2019s Flex Framework"},"content":{"rendered":"

DMC\u2019s Flex Framework is built around the philosophy that many types of users will interact with the system and Device Under Test (DUT); be those technicians, operators, or engineers.\u00a0 Accordingly, the Flex Framework has two core modes of interacting with the system: manual mode and automatic mode.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

These modes can be thought of as \u2018states\u2019 of the overarching application lifecycle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Manual Mode<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Manual mode provides a sandbox in which a test engineer can use the components of the system (such as power supplies, CAN ports, digital multimeters (DMM), etc.) to interact with the system or DUT.\u00a0 Manual mode is meant to have minimal checks and limitations; allowing engineers to perform advanced engineering diagnostics, probe or investigate a DUT, or simulate a to-be-programmed test sequence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

This application mode puts engineers in total control of the system and enables conduct the testing and measurements needed to verify and validate a DUT.\u00a0 Often the Grid Viewer is used to construct a testing interface while in Manual Mode, enabling engineers to control devices and see live data as a manual test is run.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Below is an example of a user using Manual Mode to toggle relays and pass a power supply output across a DMM.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"DMC<\/figure>\r\n\r\n

Automatic Mode<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Automatic mode allows operators and technicians to run a pre-programmed set of steps.\u00a0 These sequences are set up by an engineer and consist of building blocks which, when assembled, define the desired automated process or test.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n

While in automatic mode the operator can interact with the system through dialog prompts but otherwise isn\u2019t able to manually toggle relays or activate devices.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Automatic mode\u2019s routines can be set up using the\u00a0Sequencer and often utilizes the\u00a0Results Manager to display results to the operator, allowing for effective, automated End of Line (EOL) testing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Why Multiple Modes?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Flex Framework has these two automation modes to allow for users of varying access levels to interact with the system or DUT.\u00a0 Day-to-day operations of an EOL tester may not require the full diagnostic capability of Manual Mode.\u00a0 Instead, a pre-determined, automated sequence of steps need to be completed to properly test a product.\u00a0 A case such as this is perfect for Automatic mode, where the goal is to complete a pre-prescribed test and control how the user can interact with a system.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Conversely, a Research and Development engineer may be designing a test sequence and may require\u00a0the full diagnostic capability of the test system.\u00a0 This is a perfect case for Manual Mode where the user would have complete control over the test instruments.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Allowing for multiple automation modes enables users to have the test system work as a deeply technical in-depth diagnostic tool when required or as a structured, controlled test executor with reporting capabilities all with no code changes by programmers!<\/p>\r\n\r\n

These features are part of a powerful suite of tools called the DMC Flex Framework.\u00a0Find out more about all of these tools here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Learn more about DMC’s\u00a0LabVIEW programming expertise<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

DMC\u2019s Flex Framework is built around the philosophy that many types of users will interact with the system and Device Under Test (DUT); be those technicians, operators, or engineers.\u00a0 Accordingly, the Flex Framework has two core modes of interacting with the system: manual mode and automatic mode. These modes can be thought of as \u2018states\u2019 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":14700,"template":"","meta":{"customer":"","summary":"

As an engineering consulting company, DMC often works with clients to automate their manufacturing or testing processes. One frequent challenge is how to provide diagnostic tools and capabilities for engineers while providing a simple, one-click testing solution for operators on the same test station.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

DMC’s Test and Measurement team has a common toolchain called the Flex Framework. A group of automation modes (namely a ‘"Manual" Mode and an "Automated" Mode) within this Flex Framework help customers interact effectively with their products.<\/p>\r\n","description":"","customer_benefits":"