The system is known as 'PASS' (PVD Automated Software System),
PVD (Product Verification Department) being the department within Sharp responsible for all handset in-house and field testing.

PASS consists of the following main modules:

• NS - Network Services, which stores test results and allows for graphical analysis.
• BUG - Bug reporting system and graphical analysis.
• HAT - Holidays and Attendance to manage staff holidays.
• LOG - Desk Logger to monitor staff at their desks.
• NOT - Notice board system to broadcast messages in the department.
• S4- Temporary staff management system for time sheets and invoices.

Each module provides a constant interface for the users. PASS monitors log-ins and provides secure access to the team members, and implements a tiered security level system to allow restricted access to sensitive data and functionality.

The NS module allows for the storage and analysis of tests carried out on handsets. The module allows for the input of both static (in-house) and field (on a live network) tests for calls and data transfers. Users can enter many criteria concerning the tests (Fig 1), and then easily review and compare tests using the WEB interface (Fig 2). Additionally users have the ability to enter details about software releases, types of network and many other fixed values that can later be selected during test result input. This allows for quick selection of data values in fields, plus it allows PASS to ensure that data entered is valid and complies to fixed rules.

One key element of the NS module is the analysis function. This allows the user to specify many criteria on which to generate an analysis graph (Fig 3). PASS will process the criteria and generate a graphical display of the analysis results. The user can then proceed to print the results (including in PDF format), and send them for confirmation to other departments.

The analysis system within PASS is intelligent enough to make decisions on how many charts need to be generated based on the many input criteria.

The Bug Reporting module allows for the storage and analysis of faults reported during testing. Users can enter many criteria concerning the bugs (Fig 4). The analysis function allows the user to specify many criteria on which to generate an analysis graph (Fig 5). PASS will process the criteria and generate a graphical display of the analysis results. The user can then proceed to print the results (including in PDF format), and send them for confirmation to other departments.

The analysis system within PASS is intelligent enough to make decisions on how many charts need to be generated based on the many input criteria.

The Holiday & Attendance module allows for the storage and review of staff holidays within the department (30+ people). It is used to allow all staff to see who will not be available during testing periods etc. The system utilises the security levels assigned to staff members, allowing staff to see only those staff that they are in the same 'group' as in the department.

Individual staff members can also view a calendar page showing their own attendance for a specified year.

The Desk Logger module is used to allow users to see who is at their desk at any one time. This is not a staff monitoring system used to monitor staff performance. Its purpose is to allow everyone to see if a staff member is currently in the office and at their desk. The PVD department has many roving teams of test engineers who can be on-site, off-site, in the lab, or at other Sharp offices at any time during the day. The Desk Logger module helps everyone quickly see where people are currently located.

Technically the software for this module requires additional applications on the client PC to detect when users log out from their machine etc. The software also allow users to make short notes about there they are going when they log out. There are two applications that are installed locally on the client PC. The first (written in Visual Basic) is a 'Tray' application that allows the user to write short comments about their location, and in the background it communicates the current log IN/OUT state with the main SEL server database. The second application is a DLL written in C++ that installs as a Windows Service and attaches to the low level system user login state system. The DLL then communicates system events to the Tray application as required.

The Notice Board Module is a common 'forum' for posting messages and files within the department and groups. Users can upload and download attached data files, so it also forms a central repository for common data files. Notices can have restrictions placed on them to control who within the team can view and edit the notices.

The Source 4 module allows a 3rd party staff management services company (currently Source 4), to monitor and maintain temporary staff member's time sheets. During heavy testing periods, Sharp employ many (40+) temporary staff members. It is a job in itself to monitor and control these staff members.

The module allows the temporary staff manager to enter details about each temporary staff member, in addition to their clocking IN/OUT times. Then all of this data can be see in the overview screen (Fig 9), and reports can be generated to create invoices and time sheets for all active staff members.