Developing an ESS automation tool

Recent US Department of Defense initiatives have placed greater requirements on equipment manufacturers to deliver hardware which has been debugged to the greatest extent possible. The author addresses the methodology for making the transition from a statement of need, to requirements definition, and finally to the development of a piece of software specially designed to help fulfil the need for delivery of defect-free hardware. He describes the rationale and approach used in developing a computer program to assist in the planning, analysis, and control of environmental stress screening (ESS).<>