scholarly journals Lessons Learned Applying Commercial Off-the-Shelf Products

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Brownsword ◽  
Patrick Place
Keyword(s):  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Commercial Off The Shelf

Designing for Usability with Cots: How Useful is a Style Guide?

1998 ◽  
Vol 42 (18) ◽  
pp. 1295-1299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Hoffman ◽  
Catherine A. Cook
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Software Development ◽  
Human Factors ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Computer Interface ◽  
Human Computer Interface ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Recent Increase ◽  
Cots Products ◽  
Commercial Off The Shelf

The recent increase in the use of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) equipment and software in future military procurements creates a variety of challenges for human factors practitioners to address. There is a need to tailor our approach in order to provide suitable human factors tools to support the design of COTS-based systems. The human factors approach adopted, and experiences gained, in the development of a command planning aid are reported. This system, which is currently under development, utilises a large number of COTS products together with significant bespoke software development. It is one of the first major procurements in the United Kingdom to be based heavily around the use of COTS. A major challenge has been to optimise the usability of the overall system by providing future users with as seamless as possible integration of the various COTS products, rather than a series of unrelated, separate applications. One of the main activities has therefore been the design of the human-computer interface (HCI). A comprehensive Style Guide was developed against which the proposed COTS products could be evaluated, and new bespoke software could be designed. This paper evaluates the utility of a Style Guide in this context, and reports a number of lessons learned from our experiences.

Lessons Learned From 30 Years Experience With Renewable Energy Technologies at Fort Huachuca, Arizona

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Stein ◽  
Roch A. Ducey ◽  
Bruce R. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Wood Chip ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Electric Generator ◽  
Commercial Off The Shelf ◽  
Solar Water Heating System

Fort Huachuca, AZ, located 60 mi Southeast of Tucson, has had over 30 years of experience with various renewable energy systems. This session discusses lessons learned from the successes and failures in that experience, including: an indoor pool solar water heating system (installed 1980); a solar domestic hot water (DHW) system (installed 1981); a grid connected Photovoltaic system (installed 1982); transpired air solar collectors (Solarwalls,™ installed 2001); day-lighting (installed 2001); a 10-KW wind turbine (installed 2002); photovoltaic powered outdoor lighting (installed 1994); a prototype Dish/Stirling solar thermal electric generator (installed 1996); two 30-KW Building Integrated Photovoltaic systems (installed on new membrane roofs in 2009); and a 36-KW Photovoltaic system moved from the Pentagon in June 2009 and became operational November 2009 at Fort Huachuca. Also discussed is an experimental solar attic system (first installed in 2003 and now being fully monitored) that collects hot air in an attic, and via a heat exchanger and tank, produces solar DHW. This paper discusses system design, installation, metering, operation and maintenance, and also work in progress on the installation of commercial, off-the-shelf 3-KW Dish/Stirling solar thermal electric generators and solar thermal/natural gas-to-electric systems at a central plant. Discussions include biogas (methane from a wastewater digester) and biomass (wood chip boiler) being installed at a central heating/cooling plant.

scholarly journals The Pan-and-Tilt Hyperspectral Radiometer System (PANTHYR) for Autonomous Satellite Validation Measurements—Prototype Design and Testing

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieter Vansteenwegen ◽  
Kevin Ruddick ◽  
André Cattrijsse ◽  
Quinten Vanhellemont ◽  
Matthew Beck
Keyword(s):  
Near Infrared ◽  
Hyperspectral Data ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Offshore Platforms ◽  
Satellite Mission ◽  
Data Archiving ◽  
Future Evolution ◽  
Software Upgrades ◽  
Autonomous Operation ◽  
Commercial Off The Shelf

This paper describes a system, named “pan-and-tilt hyperspectral radiometer system” (PANTHYR) that is designed for autonomous measurement of hyperspectral water reflectance. The system is suitable for deployment in diverse locations (including offshore platforms) for the validation of water reflectance derived from any satellite mission with visible and/or near-infrared spectral bands (400–900 nm). Key user requirements include reliable autonomous operation at remote sites without grid power or cabled internet and only limited maintenance (1–2 times per year), flexible zenith and azimuth pointing, modularity to adapt to future evolution of components and different sites (power, data transmission, and mounting possibilities), and moderate hardware acquisition cost. PANTHYR consists of two commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hyperspectral radiometers, mounted on a COTS pan-and-tilt pointing system, controlled by a single-board-computer and associated custom-designed electronics which provide power, pointing instructions, and data archiving and transmission. The variable zenith pointing improves protection of sensors which are parked downward when not measuring, and it allows for use of a single radiance sensor for both sky and water viewing. The latter gives cost reduction for radiometer purchase, as well as reduction of uncertainties associated with radiometer spectral and radiometric differences for comparable two-radiance-sensor systems. The system is designed so that hardware and software upgrades or changes are easy to implement. In this paper, the system design requirements and choices are described, including details of the electronics, hardware, and software. A prototype test on the Acqua Alta Oceanographic Tower (near Venice, Italy) is described, including comparison of the PANTHYR system data with two other established systems: the multispectral autonomous AERONET-OC data and a manually deployed three-sensor hyperspectral system. The test established that high-quality hyperspectral data for water reflectance can be acquired autonomously with this system. Lessons learned from the prototype testing are described, and the future perspectives for the hardware and software development are outlined.

Systems Requirements and Prototyping

2006 ◽  
pp. 122-136
Author(s):  
Vincent C Yen
Keyword(s):  
Job Scheduling ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Automated System ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
Scheduling System ◽  
Microsoft Access ◽  
Commercial Off The Shelf ◽  
Systems Requirements ◽  
Critical Components

This case study is based on a multi-year information systems plan for a marketing firm. Initially, the investigation was enterprise-wide. We describe the critical components of the enterprise system, including the software and hardware architectures. For the application systems, the accounting system and the job scheduling system receive top priority. Since the accounting system was a commercial off-the-shelf product, our focus was on the development of the job scheduling system. We explain the manual job scheduling process and how the automated system might be developed. The justification for adopting Microsoft’s Access, SQL server, Exchange, and Project as the development tools is presented. Microsoft Access was used just for the prototyping. Eventually, the job scheduling system will be implemented on the Project software with some rewriting of Visual Basic codes. To date, a prototype using Access had been developed and demonstrated. It received favorable comments and has been approved for the next development phase. The case study concludes with remarks on the advantages, issues and lessons learned from the project.

Integrating COTS technology in defense systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 493-523
Author(s):  
Timothy G. Hawkins ◽  
Michael J. Gravier
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Product Usage ◽  
Defense Systems ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Cots Products ◽  
Commercial Off The Shelf ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Militaries face increasing budget pressures, high operations tempos, a blitzing pace of technology, and adversaries that often meet or beat government capabilities using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies. The integration of COTS products into defense systems has been offered to help meet these challenges, yet such integration suffers mixed results. The purpose of this paper is to offer a knowledge-based conceptual framework for understanding COTS technology integration in the defense sector. Design/methodology/approach A literature review of 62 sources was conducted with the objectives of identifying antecedents (barriers and facilitators) and consequences of COTS adoption. Findings Research implicates the importance of knowledge management to successful COTS integration. COTS appropriateness should be gauged, and it is impacted by 14 enabling and five deterrent factors. Research limitations/implications The conceptual framework of COTS technology usage enhances understanding of COTS performance. The framework and its propositions should focus, and thus, stimulate increased future research of COTS performance. Limitations common to qualitative methods are disclosed. Practical implications By identifying factors that shape COTS appropriateness, practitioners know the factors to manage to hedge toward successful COTS integration. Managers should be aware of the importance of market knowledge for defense COTS innovation, especially for commercial companies that work as system integrators. COTS integrators need to better manage the lessons learned from COTS integration programs. Originality/value This research is the first to develop a conceptual framework of COTS product usage and a scale to measure COTS product appropriateness.

scholarly journals Personal Comfort Node: Prototyping of a Comfort Sensor for HVAC Control

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Rosenberger ◽  
Austin Coffman ◽  
Prabir Barooah
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
User Interaction ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Indoor Climate ◽  
Real Time Control ◽  
Climate Control ◽  
Time Control ◽  
Occupant Comfort ◽  
Commercial Off The Shelf ◽  
Future Work

This paper presents the design of a Personal Comfort Node (PCN), a platform for sensing and user interaction, meant to be part of an indoor climate control system that can provide personalized occupant comfort in commercial buildings. The paper describes the lessons learned during the design and prototyping of an individual node. The hardware components are of commercial-off-the-shelf variety and the software design is based on open source tools that are freely available, so that it is possible to replicate the device at low cost. The goal of this article is to aid such replication. The design and testing of a network of these devices, along with their use in real-time control of indoor climate, will be reported in future work.

Biological Validation of a Chemical Effluent Decontamination System

2020 ◽  
pp. 153567602093796
Author(s):  
Christopher K. Cote ◽  
Jessica M. Weidner ◽  
Christopher Klimko ◽  
Ashley E. Piper ◽  
Jeremy A. Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Contact Time ◽  
Fetal Bovine Serum ◽  
Biological Indicators ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Biological Validation ◽  
Time Translation ◽  
Fetal Bovine ◽  
Bacillus Spores ◽  
Commercial Off The Shelf ◽  
Laboratory Waste

Introduction: Failure of an existing effluent decontamination system (EDS) prompted the consideration of commercial off-the-shelf solutions for decontamination of containment laboratory waste. A bleach-based chemical EDS was purchased to serve as an interim solution. Methods: Studies were conducted in the laboratory to validate inactivation of Bacillus spores with bleach in complex matrices containing organic simulants including fetal bovine serum, humic acid, and animal room sanitation effluent. Results: These studies demonstrated effective decontamination of >106 spores at a free chlorine concentration of ≥5700 parts per million with a 2-hour contact time. Translation of these results to biological validation of the bleach-based chemical EDS required some modifications to the system and its operation. Discussion: The chemical EDS was validated for the treatment of biosafety levels 3 and 4 waste effluent using laboratory-prepared spore packets along with commercial biological indicators; however, several issues and lessons learned identified during the process of onboarding are also discussed, including bleach product source, method of validation, dechlorination, and treated waste disposal.

Lessons Learned From Coaching Postsecondary Students With Traumatic Brain Injury

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-96
Author(s):  
Mary R. T. Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Exhaustive List

Purpose The purpose of this clinical focus article is to provide speech-language pathologists with a brief update of the evidence that provides possible explanations for our experiences while coaching college students with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Method The narrative text provides readers with lessons we learned as speech-language pathologists functioning as cognitive coaches to college students with TBI. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but rather to consider the recent scientific evidence that will help our understanding of how best to coach these college students. Conclusion Four lessons are described. Lesson 1 focuses on the value of self-reported responses to surveys, questionnaires, and interviews. Lesson 2 addresses the use of immediate/proximal goals as leverage for students to update their sense of self and how their abilities and disabilities may alter their more distal goals. Lesson 3 reminds us that teamwork is necessary to address the complex issues facing these students, which include their developmental stage, the sudden onset of trauma to the brain, and having to navigate going to college with a TBI. Lesson 4 focuses on the need for college students with TBI to learn how to self-advocate with instructors, family, and peers.

Experiences With and Lessons Learned From Developing, Implementing, and Evaluating a Support Program for Older Hearing Aid Users and Their Communication Partners in the Hearing Aid Dispensing Setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3S) ◽  
pp. 638-647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janine F. J. Meijerink ◽  
Marieke Pronk ◽  
Sophia E. Kramer
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Research Note ◽  
Support Program ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Communication Program ◽  
Communication Partners

Purpose The SUpport PRogram (SUPR) study was carried out in the context of a private academic partnership and is the first study to evaluate the long-term effects of a communication program (SUPR) for older hearing aid users and their communication partners on a large scale in a hearing aid dispensing setting. The purpose of this research note is to reflect on the lessons that we learned during the different development, implementation, and evaluation phases of the SUPR project. Procedure This research note describes the procedures that were followed during the different phases of the SUPR project and provides a critical discussion to describe the strengths and weaknesses of the approach taken. Conclusion This research note might provide researchers and intervention developers with useful insights as to how aural rehabilitation interventions, such as the SUPR, can be developed by incorporating the needs of the different stakeholders, evaluated by using a robust research design (including a large sample size and a longer term follow-up assessment), and implemented widely by collaborating with a private partner (hearing aid dispensing practice chain).

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