expert LabVIEW code evaluation?

[Broken_Arrow]

Does anyone know of a place (or person) that will do LabVIEW code evaluation? - To look at the actual block diagrams and give advice? I realize that's what we do here to a large extent, but I'm referring to an email exchange of info regarding a fairly large, completed and running program.

[Jim_Kring]

If you are willing to pay for this advice, you can always go to an alliance member. Most do LabVIEW consulting and this sort of thing is right up thier alley. You can also try going to a LabVIEW user group meeting and talking to people there. Chances are that someone would be more than happy to give your application a quick look. It might also make for a good group discussion.

Good luck,

-Jim

[Ben]

In addition to Jim's suggestions, you could try sending it to Greg McKaskle (alias Click, of Click and Drag). If they decide to feature the code in one of their shows, you know the code was bad! :>))


Ben

[Brian_Beal]

What kind of application is it? Does it involve motion? Vision? DAQ? You will want to find someone with experience in your type of application. How large is it? Somebody in this forum may be willing to tackle it(for free) if it isn't too big.

[Broken_Arrow]

Thanks Jim. I have dealt with one alliance member but they didn't want to do actual advice/consulting, just group training.
LabVIEW user group meeting.. hmmmmm. Those aren't like the AOL meetings at the corner bar are they? 🙂

[Broken_Arrow]

Brain, here's some specs:
I use 6i. I interface to Serial devices, so all of my "outside world" interfacing is with the Serial port vi's only (at least at this time). Most of my programs control fluidics devices, and they may talk to spectrometers and the like, but again, it's all fairly simple serial port string sends. My GUI's can get fairly complex, with controls that mimick pumps and valves and the like. I also do a lot of file writes and reads, which are used to make the devices peform a series of tasks with one click. My main complaint about my code is that it's bulky. I'm always saying to myself "there's got to be an easier way!"

[Photon_Dan]

Each Alliance Member is unique in some way. Many of them have limited LabVIEW expertise which is OK since NI makes more than LabVIEW. My company has a core compentency in LabVIEW and I would be happy to look at your application. Believe me, there is a better way!

We offer all levels of code review / cleanup / get past that roadblock type of services.

Daniel L. Press
dan.press@primetest.com
Certified LabVIEW Developer
PrimeTest Corp.
www.primetest.com

[Jim_Kring]

If your lucky enough to live in a region with a LabVIEW Advanced Virtual Architects (LAVA) group, you will find that they draw a high-caliber crowd.

I've never been to an AOL meeting 😉

-Jim

[Brian_Beal]

My company contracted with an alliance member to do some vision development. They failed miserably, in large part due to the fact that they were too busy giving training sessions.

[Photon_Dan]

I don't think the training sessions had anything to do with the Alliance Member's failure. The Alliance Member failed because they lacked the expertise in vision systems to complete your application. Perhaps that fact was compounded by poor time management as well. I find that a good approach is to bring in the Alliance Member / consultant for a limited period, say 2 or 3 days. You let them attack part of your application or problem and from that you can gage their level of competency. If they are no good, then you've only spent a few k$ and probably learned a few tricks. There are lots of us out there. You are sure to find one that can meet your needs.

I'm obviously biased, but I have had the unfortunate experience of looki
ng at code / work-product left behind at customers of other Alliance Members. Most of the time I don't like what I see. Unfortunately, NI inside sales and the NI field sales force are not in general equipped to judge software expertise. The relatively new Certification program helps immensely, so look for the CLD (Certified LabVIEW Developer) credential. The higher-level CLA (Architect) may become a good benchmark too, but you're likely to pay a bit of a premium (rightfully so).

Alliance Members can be very helpful and we produce brilliant solutions on a daily basis. Like I always say, we do this stuff every day. There's just no substitute for that. Give us a chance (or two) to prove how useful we can be and to show you the full potential of LabVIEW.

Daniel L. Press
PrimeTest Corp.
www.primetest.com