Test & Evaluation (T&E) is the process by which a system or components are compared against requirements and specifications through testing.
The results of Test & Evaluation are evaluated to assess matters such as progress of design, performance, and supportability, etc.
Developmental test and evaluation (DT&E) is an engineering tool used to reduce risk throughout the acquisition cycle. Operational test and evaluation (OT&E) is the actual or simulated employment, by typical users, of a system under realistic operational conditions.
Test and Evaluation involves evaluating a product from the component level, to stand-alone system, integrated system, and, if appropriate, system-of-system and enterprise.
Since there are so many different types of testing, experts in this area recommend selecting the T&E that best fits the purpose. For example, identification of airborne objects will most likely require having to culminate in a “live” test. Selecting the right verification methods produce the correct results and will save both cost and time.
Professionals in Test and Evaluation methodologies also recommend planning the test strategy from the onset of the program and refining it throughout the program’s life cycle. Another key is involving the right stakeholders in the development and review of the test strategy and plans.
Of course, the basics should never be overlooked. It’s important to ensure that tests have been developed to be objective and capable of assessing compliance with a requirement.
Make sure that if one test is intended to validate many lower level requirements, you are sufficiently versed with the details of the system design and have the results of the component level tests available.
Where this is especially critical is in preparing for operation testing.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers Fundamentals of Test and Evaluation, a 2-day course that covers a wide range of test and evaluation concepts and principles. Participants will learn how T&E can assist in defining system capabilities and limitations, improving the system performance and optimizing system use and sustainment in operations.
Tonex also offers two related courses:
—Cybersecurity Test and Evaluation Workshop (3 days)
—Cybersecurity Test and Evaluation (T&E) Training (2 days)
Contact us for more information, questions, comments.