The Project

The energy division of a global security & aerospace defense contractor needed consulting. They were in the process of developing battery prototypes. However, the tests on the battery prototypes generated a massive amount of data. Above all, this global needed a new data management system.

“Aciron developed a custom database to support our flow battery development program. This database helps us manage our testing materials inventory and generated test data and allows for faster and more uniform data analysis by our development engineers. Aciron was highly professional in their interactions with our staff. They communicated openly and clearly about project scope, cost, and progress. I would happily recommend Aciron to other companies looking to develop custom database applications to support their business operations.” –Research Scientist

The Challenge

To start, the data tests paired with metadata from the prototype apparatus. This was needed for analysis to be completed. Further, the company used multiple solutions to store the data. However, they found this process inefficient and frustrating. As a result, the organization contacted Aciron Consulting. And so, Aciron developed a solution for the collection, storage, and analysis of test data. Aciron gathered the requirements for the system. This initial phase allowed the client and the Aciron team to fully understand the scope. In addition, it allowed the teams to determine the advanced technical specifications.

Next, Aciron developed a clickable prototype of the system. Thus, the client understood the proposed layout of the application. This prototype was, through a series of meetings, developed iteratively. In other words, the client gave feedback prior to the actual development. For example, the prototype served as a clear road map for the system. Overall, it became invaluable for maintaining a reasonable timeline. Documentation was created, such as storyboards, process flow diagrams, and business rules. This ensured it would function as defined once the system was developed.

Aciron completed storyboards and process flow diagrams. Then, we moved the project into Phase 1. In Phase 1, the first three portions of the application were developed according to the defined needs. Once development and internal testing were complete, the application was deployed to a test environment. Therefore, it allowed the client to perform user acceptance testing (“UAT”). During UAT, the client identified necessary tweaks to the system. Moreover, this allowed it to be valuable to the company. The features identified during UAT were developed and implemented before the application was deployed to a live environment.

The Solution

In conclusion, Aciron developed a web-based application with a SQL server. This database allowed the client to track their battery component inventory, build batteries using components, and set up tests. In addition, it helped store, process, and manage the test data. In short, the database pairs the data with the apparatus metadata. Users can analyze this data via a search and reporting functionality. Thus, it improved the team’s efficiency with processing. The system was built around a robust security framework. The user-friendly interface of the front-end application allowed users to perform advanced functions. Users simply enter the criteria for the type of data they need. Then, the system presents the results in a user-friendly format.

To sum up, the custom analysis application helped the client organize their data management. The database improved collaboration and sharing of knowledge across departments. The system is currently in Phase 2 of development. This phase, however, included the test data processing components of the application.

Have an idea for a project? Want to see how your business can grow? It’s time to work with Aciron.