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Method and apparatus for testing custom-configured software/hardware integration in a computer build-to-order manufacturing process
| Details |
Inventors: Vrhel, Jr., Thomas; Barajas, Gaston M.; Maia, Paul J.; Nix, W. D. Todd;
Assignee: Dell USA, L.P. (Round Rock, TX)
Primary Examiner: Morse; Gregory
Assistant Examiner: Vo; Ted T.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Balconi-Lamica; Michael J. Haynes and Boone, LLP
A build-to-order manufacturing method for producing a custom configured computer system includes obtaining a customer order. Hardware for the custom configured computer system is assembled in accordance with the customer order. The assembled hardware is then tested using software tools and utilities. Next, software is downloaded to the computer system in accordance with the customer order, the software including an operating system (OS). Lastly, a fully integrated system test is performed, the fully integrated system test including the execution of an OS setup for fully integrating the hardware and software of the custom configured computer system and testing of the fully integrated hardware and software from the OS' perspective prior to shipment to a customer. |
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present embodiments include a new process referred to herein as Fully Integrated System Test (FIST).
FIST takes over after the old "spray and pray" process finishes, but before the custom configured computer system is shipped to the customer.
That is, subsequent to hardware installation, hardware testing, and software download, the custom configured computer system is rebooted, and the OS setup is run, along with any driver, utility, and application installations required, per the given customer order.
The computer system then executes a prescribed HardTack software program or module that investigates a registry enumeration tree (created during the OS setup) for problem and status codes to determine if any piece of hardware is not fully functional.
The prescribed HardTack software program or module furthermore checks the level of hardware/software integration that has occurred as the OS has been set up and attempts to recognize all hardware as specified in the customer order.
In addition to ensuring that all the hardware-related software components are installed properly and functional according to the OS, the FIST process will also identify any missing hardware.
To do this, the FIST process compares the elements in the given computer system to the elements in a respective customer order, the later being downloaded in a computer readable form onto the computer system being manufactured as part of the software installation process.
The FIST process also identifies any additional hardware that was mistakenly installed but not specified in the respective customer order.
In addition to the above, another major benefit of the FIST process is that the first boot at the customer site requires between two and five minutes, in contrast to 20 to 45 minutes previously required by the prior manufacturing process.
The customer's opportunity to perceive the computer system as being hung and the likelihood of the customer causing an interrupt in the setup process are thus significantly reduced
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