Some lessons learned in testing hybrid systems

Building a solid testing strategy for hybrid embedded/cloud systems comes with unique challenges. Over time, specific practices have emerged as crucial for creating efficient and reliable test workflows. This article shares some key lessons learned to help teams streamline their processes and achieve robust results.

For a deeper dive into the fundamentals of hybrid systems, check out Hybrid Embedded/Cloud Systems Overview. Additionally, to understand how different test levels are structured and work together, refer to Test Levels for hybrid systems. If you're interested in Hardware In the Loop (HIL) testing, explore Hardware in the Loop (HIL) Testing for hybrid systems.

Lessons learned

1. Start testing at the lowest levels

Testing at lower levels, such as unit and integration testing, allows teams to catch defects early in the development lifecycle. By catching defects early at the unit and integration testing stages, we create a strong foundation that supports the higher-level tests, ensuring a smoother progression through the development lifecycle.

2. Isolate test activities

Minimizing overlap between test activities is critical to avoiding redundancy. Isolated testing of specific components helps ensure clarity in test results and reduces confusion about where failures originate. For example, before diving into system integration testing, testing the embedded system independently from the cloud minimizes unnecessary dependencies and allows each system to be stabilized in isolation. The same applies to testing the cloud independently: simulating real-world scenarios and evaluating the cloud's response is crucial before integrating it with the embedded system.

3. Automate as much as possible at lowest levels

Automation is a game-changer for testing efficiency, particularly at lower levels. With continuous integration (CI) pipelines, teams can automate daily regression checks to detect issues early and reduce manual intervention. Automated tests save time, increase consistency, and provide faster feedback during the development process.

4. Leverage Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing

HIL testing plays a crucial role in simulating real-world conditions during system and system integration testing. By using HIL platforms, teams can recreate edge cases, test real-world interactions, and identify potential defects early in a production-like environment. This reduces the risk of costly rework after deployment and ensures robust system performance under diverse conditions.

Final Thoughts

These lessons represent essential practices for building a robust testing strategy for hybrid embedded/cloud systems. By starting with low-level testing, isolating activities, and embracing automation, teams can create a strong foundation for higher-level tests. Validating systems independently before integration ensures smoother workflows, while leveraging tools like HIL allows for realistic and comprehensive testing of real-world scenarios. Applying these strategies consistently can help teams deliver reliable systems while minimizing wasted time and resources.