3SL are pleased to announce the dates for this year’s third training course – Requirements Management October 2020
“A great opportunity for small teams, or a couple of new team members to get started with RM and Cradle”
Online Course
Businesses that are introducing Cradle and full Requirements Management processes into their operations, can book training for all aspects of the roll-out, from the basics through to specialist administration courses – See here. These courses are tailored and held at your premises and are ideal for getting a team up and running.
Public Requirements Management Training Course October 2020
If, however, you have one or two people new to a project or only have a very small team, this may not be a viable solution. With 3SL’s public online courses, you’ll benefit from all the normal learning, but will have the chance to network and share with other virtual attendees from other industries. This can be a cost effective solution to get you up to speed with Cradle and Requirements Management.
PC/Laptop – internet browser & Cradle installed **
Soft copy course materials, and printed certificate
If you would like to be kept in touch with the details for this Training Course – Requirements Management October 2020, please send an email to salesdetails@threesl.com
Swap Ideas Day 10th September 2020 is all about sharing your thoughts and ideas. This could be with colleagues, friends or working partners. However, it may even be that you have a great idea, that does not quite fit into your industry – so why not post it and share it with others? It could be the spark of something beautiful.
If you have a great idea and want to share it you could tweet us @threesl or you could email us at social-customer@threesl.com. If we like it we may update this post and list it, so be sure to include your company contact details if you want them included.
What if I want to comment on a design, process or implementation detail?
Companies that are involved in design, production, through or end-life support should have a documented way to communicate ideas. Sometimes it is easy to miss the obvious, be blinkered by “that’s the way we have always done it” or get stuck without the vision of how to see ‘outside the box’.
White-boarding / Mind-mapping / Idea pooling / Video chat discussion
Whatever you want to call them these are intended to encourage imagination and creativity. To spark conversation, to record thoughts and to gather ideas. This is the most common point to share.
Review
A formal or informally conducted critique or consideration of a piece of work. This may be with colleagues, customers and/or other stakeholders. It’s aim is to promote comments and question, and thereby to ensure involved are happy with the development at this point in time. The depth of the review will depend on the stage in the lifecycle and the criticality of the decisions and potential negative impacts if the work is not correct. It can range from a cursory glance at an email to ensure all the facts brought up in a discussion have been covered, to a minute atomic step through Fagan Inspection.
Change Control
As a product moves through the cycle there may be a need to react to new requirements or changes in project constraints. This could be the results of another review, a technology demonstration, test measurements or supplier issues, which can also lead to a need to change. To prevent a loss of control, this must be a considered and documented process. This could range from a simple agreement by email, or a formal request and review board approval.
Comments / Feedback
There always needs to be a way to react to changes, new ideas, issues raised by the user or customer. These may be positive “what if” or “could we also” or negative “it doesn’t” or “it really should”. However these arrive, as emails, comments on a social media platform, user feedback sessions, or questionnaires, our process should allow the feedback loop to feed back into the design cycle for consideration.
Tools Support
You’ll no doubt have heard us mention the need to make sure you have the ‘right tools for the job‘ a number of times. So it will be no surprise that we have made sure Cradle supports these idea stages.
Idea Gathering.
Create an item type that records any meetings you have. You can assign frames to hold images, documents or any other binary data you like. Add some categories with values such as “Status” with values “Candidate” “Dismissed” “Future“. Add a Group or additional category to collect similar topics.
Review
User definable workflows allow reviewsto be a simple recording mechanism with one approver, or to require majority, unanimous etc. decisions. This gives full traceability of the decisions and when and who made them.
Change Control
Cradle supports formal Change Requests CHRs and Change Tasks CHTs. Which, combined with the review mechanism and workflows, allow you to ensure alterations follow you process and procedures.
Comments
Discussions are an ideal way to add comments to any item in the Cradle database. They can be agreed / dismissed and follow a conversational thread style.
Your Ideas:
If we receive any ideas they will be updated on our blog post here:
Our August 2020 newsletter takes you back in time 65 years ago this month….
Do you remember the Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation? They completed production of Japan’s first portable transistor radio the TR-55. It contained 5 transistors, which they developed themselves. Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K. was renamed in 1946 to the more familiar Sony. The success is attributed to having that base level control – the design and development of their own transistors in addition to the circuit board. Transistors at the time didn’t have the characteristics or reliability or stability that they needed.
These days it is unlikely a consumer product manufacturer would set out designing their own discrete components. Customisation is done at a much higher level, as specifications to component manufacturer or firmware / software control on top. Knowing where to draw the line is crucial, knowing your own strengths and weaknesses is vital to your product’s success. On one hand there is no point re-inventing the wheel, but neither is there any point using less than optimal components if that is crucial to your design.
It is important to think about the problem first, rather thinking in terms of a solution. As we note in this article on Functional and Non-Functional requirements there are a number of ways to cross a road. There is little point designing a Belisha Beacon based system only to find that there is no power available at the site! However, if the specification does require lights your solution may need to include solar power – but it is unlikely you’ll be designing your own cells. However, if you are designing an electric vehicle, making your own batteries may be a world leading break through. Happy designing!
JOSCAR
JOSCAR
3SL were pleased to announce their JOSCAR accreditation . Using JOSCAR can determine if a supplier is “fit for business”. It is a collaborative tool used by the aerospace, defence and security industry to act as a single repository for pre-qualification and compliance information.
A Word from 3SL
3SL Cradle
Whether it is remote access to a SaaS solution, or building new processes or designing new products 3SL and Cradle are here to help. We’re ready and waiting to take your email / webinar request / call. In other words, it’s business as almost usual at 3SL. Just because the staff are not all in the physical office we’re still ready and waiting to make sure Your project + Cradle = Success
Social Media
Twitter
UK Power Plug
We looked at the precursor to today’s 3 pin UK power plug. This initial design BS 546, was born out of the need to have a safety earth. The modern square pin version is still one of the safest plug designs in the world. We reminded users there are different ways to view your data in lists, tables, trees or document views.
JOSCAR (the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register) is a collaborative tool used by the aerospace, defence and security industry to act as a single repository for pre-qualification and compliance information. 3SL are pleased to be JOSCAR accredited.Using JOSCAR can determine if a supplier is “fit for business”.
By being accredited by JOSCAR, our clients and prospective clients can be assured that we at 3SL meet the highest standards and are a “good fit” for your organisation. Our skills, experience and dedication are assured in delivering the best and most suitable product and support possible.
JOSCAR accreditation means that you can reduce the time, cost and resources and duplication needed to access the information you need to make a buying decision.
Benefits to Buyers
Demonstrates to clients and other stakeholders that we are “fit for business”
JOSCAR provides immediate access to a single source of accurate, comprehensive and high quality data
Reduces time and cost associated with pre-qualification, assurance and ongoing compliance
More effective identification and management of supply chain risks and brand reputation
Facilitates increased supplier development and performance
Enhanced management information reporting on key supplier measures
Benefits to Industry
Improved overall standard, quality and performance of suppliers to the industry
Encourages innovation and new suppliers, especially SMEs, to enter ADS markets
Demonstrates internationally the efficacy of UK suppliers and supply chains
3SL are proud to add JOSCAR to the list other credentials on our accreditations page
“I’ve got it, yes it’s so clear now. It was just when you said…….”
Water-cooler
What we might call a water-cooler moment – a discussion with a colleague, sometimes about something completely unrelated, gives that neural spark. An idea for a new project, a way to solve the current conundrum, these interactions are often the start of a new path forward. Aside from the fact, here up North in England, we call a ‘Water cooler’ the ‘Tap’, because that’s where water comes from. No fancy machine with a bottle atop! With many people isolated in spare rooms and on dining tables some of these interactions will inevitably be lost. Arranging a video call is much more formalised and sterile compared to the often relaxed off the cuff old brew table.
How is your business ensuring ideas keep flowing? Are you back at work attempting to hold conversations 2m apart, or speaking muffled through a mask, or still working remotely? Zoom, Skype / Teams, GoToMeeting etc. may have seen a surge in use, but can they truly replace the water cooler interaction?
We think it is important to maintain social interaction as well as formal meetings. Some ideas you could try:
Set up a Skype Group Chat amongst the office staff, called “Morning” and ask everyone to type “Hello”/”Morning”/”Yo!” when they ‘arrive’ at work, mimicking arriving at the office. You’ll inevitably get a few other light hearted text conversations which can help the team stay in touch.
Choose to make an audio call to a colleague rather than a text or email. If you would normally have wandered over to a colleague’s desk to chat about an issue, then make the call. It is often easier to judge reaction by tone of voice than tone of text in an email ping-pong. Follow up with a summary email for traceability if applicable.
Consider a virtual lunch. If you use video conferencing, once a week opt to have an open meeting. Make it clear this is definitely NOT a working lunch and just use it to mimic the break we should all be taking to replenish. However, if you want to discuss last night’s telly, or what Susannah has in her sandwiches today that’s perfectly fine.
Play lists, if you are working from home the usual restriction of a music licence for the work premises would not apply, why not suggest your top 10 work-a-long songs?
We often leave notes for colleagues, whether as a sticky yellow square, or a text or social media message. Whilst these are very useful to record thoughts and reminders, they lack context. Cradle Discussions allows you to add thoughts and point to note database items. Whether it an action to complete, a question about the colour of a part or a lightweight review and approval mechanism, you’ll find them more comprehensive than a simple sticky.
Training
Public Requirements Management Course coming in October, and Document Publisher in November – For this year’s calendar see Public Training Courses 2020 Of course if you would like your own bespoke training, we can arrange it, please contact support@threesl.com
Twitter
Syncroness / popsci.com Tweet
We were reminded we have been tweeting about #3SL, #Cradle and general engineering for 11 years! Why not choose you favourite engineering Tweet and copy us in @threesl using the #LoveEngineering
We marvelled at the ability to receive a signal 0.1 billion-billionth of a watt from Voyager I.
3SL recognise trade marks of Zoom - Zoom Video Communications Inc, Skype - Microsoft and GoToMeeting LogMeIn Inc. No association is either made or implied.
Life is certainly different since the last Newsletter. We’ve been locked away in bedrooms and dining rooms ensuring 3SL can continue to develop the upcoming 7.6 release and provide email support and webinars. A good thing about not having a webcam on your work computer, is that we can get away with t-shirt and shorts rather than normal office attire! Some staff are looking a little different, beards down to their knees, as they feel no need to shave, and that’s just the women……. We hope you too are coping with the changes.
Coming Soon……
Cradle 7.6 Teaser
As mentioned above Cradle 7.6 is lining up for release. We can’t wait to show you some great new facilities in Risk Management and Test Execution & Recording. Keep an eye out for release notifications.
A Word from 3SL
3SL Cradle
As lock-down eases, you’ll be getting to grips with the ‘new normal’, and making choices about the future of your business.
We just wanted to let you know we are right by your side, to help you navigate what’s next, with experience, support and technology to help. From remote access to a SaaS solution, to building new processes or designing new products in Cradle.
We noted that engineering is not just about making the product it is also about making the machines to help assemble it.
And Finally
Did you know June 23rd is Typewriter day? (The anniversary of the granting of the U.S. patent to Christopher Latham Sholes in 186). Do you clatter away on a responsive full travel 101/102 or 104/105 Key layout or a 78-80 key light travel laptop key or a flat touch haptic button. Are you a single finger prodder, a one hand and one finger keyer, or a fully trained typer? Why not have a go at uniqcode.com/typewriter/
3SL are pleased to announce the dates for this year’s second training course – Document Publisher June 2020 “Once you have managed your requirements and development, producing a comprehensive report automatically based directly on the project data, provides an essential deliverable”
Online Course
Businesses that have Cradle for their Requirements Management or Systems Engineering process can benefit from additional Cradle tools.
Document Publisher is a Windows® bases publishing tool that allows professional documentation to be produced directly from the data within you project’s database. Fully understanding how to configure templates and data manipulation will offer the best output for you to provide to your stakeholders and customers, regulators and other interested parties.
Public Document Publisher Course June 2020
Often the document production task is run by an individual or a very small team. This public online course will offer a cost effective way of providing training. You’ll benefit from all the normal learning, but will have the chance to network and share with other virtual attendees from other industries. However if you have a larger team courses can be tailored and held at your premises or online at a date and time to suit See here.
PC/Laptop – internet browser & Cradle installed **
Soft copy course materials, and printed certificate
If you would like to be kept in touch with the details for this Training Course – Document Publisher June 2020, please send an email to salesdetails@threesl.com
This day celebrates the formal acceptance, by the World War II Allies, of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces in, 1945.
2020 marks the 75th year since this historic agreement was reached, ending years of battle of an unprecedented scale. However, it was a further three months before fighting ceased in Japan.
There are many fewer people these days with personal memories of the conflict and the final resolution. These special days help us remember the sacrifices made by so many on behalf of the countries for which they fought. Hopefully we learn from the problems of the past and use it to guide us to a peaceful future.
Today VE Day 2020 – 75 Years
Today, of course, we have a different solider, the care worker, battling a different kind of enemy. So please make your celebrations of VE day known, but do so safely #StayHomeSaveLives. In memory of all those who, fought and died 3SL salutes you.
Whether you intend to mark respect with silence. Hold a tea party at home in place of the street party that should have been, or clear your throat to sing “We’ll meet again”. Here is the UK timetable.
11am: A two-minute silence to honour the service and sacrifice of the wartime generation and reflect on the impact of coronavirus across the world.
It’s 50 years since the launch of Earth Day, and now nearly 200 countries coordinate a celebration of our fabulous home, with an important message that we need to look after it.
We may be the current custodians of this planet, but we share it with many. To them and ourselves, we have a duty of care. This year more than ever has demonstrated our own fragility. It’s demonstrated how we’re maybe not as invincible as we like to believe. Nature can be a strange beast. Whilst we may not be able to control nature, we can do our bit to care for what we have and ensure we don’t damage it.
As designers, manufacturers and producers we need to consider how and whether what we engineer is beneficial and as non damaging to the environment as possible.
Whether you decide to; pick up that bit of litter on your exercise walk; choose a lower carbon or no meat meal; print double sided paper; leave the light off and the curtains open longer we can all make a difference. If the project you are working on uses resources, make sure you build environment requirements into your design. Make sure they assess and where possible lower the impact of the solution you choose.
Whilst during lock-down, it is not the most opportune time to be thinking about face to face training, we were interested to spot this little training aid. It should make classrooms and training seminars a lot easier for the tutor and teacher.
About-Face
Computer
When a teacher or tutor approaches a student, they are often faced with their keyboard and screen upside down. This makes it very difficult to type and aid the student. However, with the release of the new open-source font Lip-Flaoor, the tutor is able to use the keyboard as if it is the right way round and the right characters will appear to the student. It is available from most good font factories.
Review
✅The font face looks very like Arial on the screen, so if perfectly readable.
✅The student does not have to type any differently as they do not hold the <ctrl> key, so their experience is no different.
✅If the tutor can type well, the dual mapping works wonderfully, they say it is like using any standard QWERY layout the right way up.
❌The tutor, if not a competent typist may struggle as their fingers may not hit the “right” keys
❌The need to hold the <ctrl> key while typing to enable the switch can be a bit awkward.
This day celebrates the formal acceptance, by the World War II Allies, of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces in, 1945.
