6. Ways to reduce costs

Test benches are expensive systems, both to install and to operate. It is therefore imperative to make the test center as profitable as possible.

The installation of the model-building and engine-starting areas on their carts is part of this effort to make them as cost-effective as possible. Test cells are "super-measuring devices" that have to operate at maximum capacity, if possible 24 hours a day, but without shift personnel. Cell downtime during motor installation must be kept to a minimum, and motors "entering" the cells must be able to be connected to the measuring equipment and started up quickly.

Automatic operation also contributes to the cost-effectiveness of test facilities. Computerized control tools must enable the description of highly complex tests, and be able to monitor engines under test and test equipment. This function...