Regression Testing of Information-Modeling Systems for Solving Technological Problems in Blast-Furnace Production

The development and implementation of the “ARM technologist of blast furnace shop” automated information system is carried out in the blast furnace shop of PJSC “Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works”. This system includes a set of subsystems (software modules) that implement a complex of mathematical models of UrFU-MMK. The system helps the engineering staff to solve a complex of technological problems, aimed, ultimately, at increasing the efficiency of blast furnace smelting. The experience shows that one of the main conditions for creating high-quality software is the process of its testing. Currently, in most cases of program development employs the iterative technology, which involves both the development of new software modules, and the improvement of existing ones. In this regard, it is necessary to create a large number of unit tests. However, writing unit tests is time consuming. The most optimal test coverage is 70-80% of the program code. With the development of the project, the number of tests that must be performed when each new version is released increases. The costs of maintaining the development process increase significantly. Therefore, the creation of regression tests are required to minimize time and human resources spent on testing. The article briefly describes the technology and software tools used by the authors to develop the regression testing system “ARM technologist of blast furnace shop”.