Smart test solution for managing test processes

Leica Geosystems

Case introduction

Leica Geosystems was in the middle of developing a new product within Safety Awareness Solutions and needed a unified solution that could support both production software and test equipment in the final assembly and quality assurance phase. The task required not only technical expertise, but also a partner who could understand complex requirements and translate them into an intuitive, reliable solution that could be integrated directly into production. At the same time, it was necessary to ensure high quality, precision in the test results, and an efficient process that could work across teams and locations.

Based on these needs, GPower developed a tailored, modular solution built on its own standard components, including GPower SmartUI. By combining reusable software modules with custom integrations, a user-friendly interface was created that reduces complexity in the test process and makes it easier for operators to work efficiently. The solution was developed in close collaboration with Leica, with test equipment, measuring instruments, and test sequences integrated into a complete end-of-line setup. This approach ensured not only a robust, maintainable solution, but also a scalable platform that optimizes development time, reduces costs, and supports future needs.

Challenge

Leica Geosystems needed a flexible, integrable solution for production software and test equipment in connection with the launch of a new product. The solution had to ensure efficient assembly, high quality, and be able to handle complex test requirements across the organization and locations.

Result

Leica received an efficient, reliable end-of-line test setup that reduced test time, increased uptime, and improved quality assurance. The modular approach enabled faster development, lower costs, and easy scaling of production.

Technology

GPower developed a modular test solution based on, among other things, GPower SmartUI and TestStand. By reusing existing software modules and combining them with tailored integrations for test equipment, a flexible, scalable, and user-friendly platform for managing test processes was created.

During the development of a new product, we needed both production software and test equipment. GPower solved the task using, among other things, their SmartUI, which provided our operators with the necessary inputs for assembling units in a clear, intuitive interface.

GPower has been a great help—they worked closely with our team and, based on wiring diagrams and test specifications, developed a complete and fully functional end-of-line test setup.

– Jeppe Linde Hørup, Leica Geosystems

The solution

GPower developed a customized solution that includes a GPower standard product: GPower SmartUI. GPower SmartUI is a user interface for TestStand that provides operators with a consistent and intuitive way to manage the test process. The solution is designed to reduce complexity and remove unnecessary noise, making the test process simpler and more efficient in a modern user interface.

Instead of developing the entire solution from scratch, this project was based on SmartUI and the IO-Link toolkit for TestStand. This module-based approach made it possible to optimize both development costs and time, while ensuring a robust, flexible, and maintainable solution.

Several types of equipment, such as distance and pressure gauges, were integrated through close collaboration between Leica and GPower, creating a cohesive and efficient assembly process. In addition, GPower contributed significantly to the development of test equipment and the associated test sequences. Based on wiring diagrams and test specifications, GPower advised on building a complete end-of-line test setup. GPower provided technical sparring, commissioning, and troubleshooting to ensure that the solution performs optimally and meets the high quality requirements within, for example, functional safety and signal accuracy in the test results.

Reuse and scalability through modular software solutions

At GPower, we work strategically with reuse and standardization in our software development. That is, instead of creating unique one-off solutions for each project, we develop software modules that can be reused across customers and projects. This approach ensures high quality, consistency, easier maintenance, and optimal service life.

As a software company, we have the full capability to develop our own dedicated solutions, while also integrating them into individually tailored test equipment and end-of-line systems, so our customers get the best of both worlds. This means we can build a robust foundation of reusable components that can be assembled to meet specific needs without compromising stability or performance.

By using our modular systems, we create scalable, future-proof setups that minimize development time, reduce complexity, and deliver a high level of quality for our customers—every time.

The project and process in brief—and the resulting outcome

The project resulted in a solid, user-friendly production and test setup that increased both efficiency and quality assurance in assembly. GPower became an integral part of Leica’s organization and delivered flexible, reliable support throughout the entire project:

In connection with the development of a new product, Leica needed support for test equipment. An initial pre-analysis showed that reusing existing modules could reduce both risks and costs. By using SmartUI, processes were parallelized so that assembly and automated testing could run simultaneously, reducing test time and enabling scaling without major investments. Close coordination across teams and the use of modular software also made it possible to expand the project team efficiently and ensure that milestones were met.

– Marck Holm Hansen, GPower

At GPower, we were responsible for, among other things:

Development of a tailored production and test solution
Implementation of GPower SmartUI for managing test processes
Integration of test equipment and measuring instruments into the assembly process
Development of test sequences and a complete end-of-line test setup
Technical consulting, commissioning, and troubleshooting throughout the project

We chose GPower because their expertise and accommodating approach quickly gave us confidence that they were the right fit for the task. From start to finish, they acted as an extension of our organization—flexible, reliable, and committed to the project.

The collaboration has been professional and constructive throughout, and I would not hesitate to place even more responsibility with GPower in the future. We will definitely choose them again.

– Jeppe Linde Hørup, Leica Geosystems