SystemLink provides a centralized interface for automating tasks such as software distribution, remote device configuration and system health monitoring, enabling more efficient operations while reducing maintenance costs. Current trends such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), 5G and increasing vehicle electrification combined with the need to continue to maintain legacy, distributed systems require new approaches to system management.

Networked and centrally controlled systems are no longer just theory or pilot projects, but are being implemented in large-scale, distributed deployments that create considerable added value. This added value comes from turning data into actionable insights that contribute to longer uptime, greater efficiency and driving product innovation. However, as companies adopt these new, connected technologies, they must also continue to maintain critical legacy systems with long lifecycles.

Systems for managing and maintaining smaller pilot systems or groups of systems are relatively easy to implement. However, the challenge now is to scale to large system deployments, managing different lifecycle stages and distributed test equipment and processing nodes across manufacturing sites and production facilities. This includes tasks such as remotely configuring software and systems, managing data and monitoring system performance. These challenges affect various industries such as aerospace, transportation and manufacturing.

SystemLink enables the networking, deployment and management of distributed NI and third-party systems from a centralized interface that can be accessed from anywhere. This enables users to configure and deploy software over the network, monitor the health and performance of devices and equipment, manage alarms and view application parameters. In addition, data transfer to user-defined dashboards and remote user interfaces can be automated.

"With SystemLink, we have less administrative overhead in software deployment and test system configuration management," says Daniel Huang, Head of Testing Technology at Siemens AG. "This allows our engineers to concentrate on the essential tasks."
To meet the test requirements of complex DUTs and ever-shorter test cycles, engineers need tools that are tailored to their needs and can be used to efficiently create systems for specific application requirements.

The software-centric NI platform, whose products are used by more than 300,000 users worldwide, offers tools for the various stages of application development and is now being expanded to include SystemLink. With LabVIEW system design software at its core and TestStand out-of-the-box test management software, the PlNI platform helps increase the productivity of test and validation systems across a wide range of industries. Each component of the platform is compatible with third-party software, enabling code/IP reuse, and can be customized with add-on packages and tools from the LabVIEW Tools Network.