Data Integration is key to Efficiency and Cost Savings
Why Integrated Test Data Matters More Than Ever

In electronics manufacturing, time lost is money lost. But for too many teams, test data is buried in spreadsheets, isolated systems, or scattered across subcontractors. That makes early detection nearly impossible — and root cause analysis painfully slow.

It’s not just frustrating. It’s expensive.

Disconnected data leads to delayed decisions

Across global production and supply chains, test data is often locked away in silos. Different test systems use different formats. Metadata — part number, serial, revision, date, time — might be there, but the actual test results? Not always.

Without a common system, answering a basic question like “how many units failed this test?” can mean hours of manual digging. Worse, you might miss early warning signs that affect hundreds or thousands of units downstream.

Standardization reduces risk and reveals patterns

When test data is standardized, issues become visible faster. A failing power supply test in one unit could point to a broader batch issue. Without consistent structure across test steps and stations, those patterns stay hidden.

WATS makes this easier by pulling test data — from different locations, suppliers, and tools — into a single format. Whether you're using NI TestStand, ATEasy, LabVIEW, Python, or C#, WATS handles the conversion and organizes the results. This means values and limits appear in a consistent view, no matter the source.

Automation beats manual data wrangling

If you can’t convert and send the data into WATS, you can’t see it. That’s a problem. In too many factories, valuable test data is sitting idle on disconnected PCs. When an issue surfaces, teams scramble to gather the right files, translate formats, and reconstruct the timeline.

Root cause analysis becomes reactive, not proactive.

With an integrated system like WATS, this changes. You get real-time access to test results, yield metrics, and failure trends — across your entire product flow. Instead of waiting for reports or chasing subcontractors, you can focus on what matters: finding and fixing issues early.

Early detection saves time and cost

The earlier you catch a problem, the less it costs to fix. The 10x cost rule still applies: a defect that costs $10 to correct at the test station could cost $100 in system assembly, or $1,000 if it reaches the customer.

WATS helps you find those problems at the first point of failure — not the last. You get immediate insight into which components are failing, how often, and in what conditions. That means less time spent chasing symptoms, and more time solving root causes.

Integrated test data builds confidence across the chain

Whether you’re sourcing from subcontractors or testing in-house, data gaps create uncertainty. If a part slips through due to a missed or misread test, the impact cascades. Rework, repackaging, retesting — all add time and cost.

WATS gives you end-to-end traceability, including sub-assemblies. It connects data from different sites, so your teams — and your partners — can speak the same language. That makes collaboration easier and escalations faster.

Bottom line:

Disconnected test data slows everything down — from production to problem-solving. Integrating your data with WATS helps you move faster, reduce costs, and make smarter decisions at every step.

It's not just about finding the problem. It's about fixing it before it becomes one.

Key Takeaways

• Standardized, automated test data enables faster root cause detection.
• WATS helps you spot early signals of failure — across factories and suppliers.
• The earlier you act, the lower your cost of repair, rework, and warranty.

If you're still spending hours stitching together test logs from Excel — it's time to consider a better way.