NTEP Column
NTEP Certification of Software Programs or Standalone Applications Darrell Flocken NTEP Administrator
The goal of this article is to explain the approach that NTEP takes when certifying software programs or standalone applications that contain metrologically significant features and/or functions. At this point, you may be asking yourself, “What is a metrologically significant feature or function?” The easiest way to explain a metrologically significant feature or function is that its intended outcome impacts the weight or price that a customer sees or is charged for a commodity or service. A good example of this is when a Point-of-Sale System calculates a total price using the unit price times the net weight. Another example would be the calculation of a vehicle’s net weight based on the subtraction of the vehicle’s empty weight from its loaded weight. This is often referred to as a vehicle Weigh-In/Weigh-Out System. For NTEP to evaluate the software operation, it must be installed and running on the type of hardware that the software is intended to operate on in a real word application. If the application is intended to operate on an iPad or a Smartphone, the evaluation will be performed using the intended device and while the Certificate of Conformance will be issued for the software, it will also mention the specific operating system(s) and the minimum hardware requirements. In addition, the Certificate of Conformance will also mention the version of the software evaluated. The software version will be followed with the words “or higher” indicating that higher or newer versions of the software are covered by this Certificate of Conformance. While this is a correct understanding, the words “or higher” do not mean that you are not required to inform NTEP of any changes you make to the software. Remember the words “metrologically significant feature or function” explained at the beginning of this article? If the change made to the software adds a new feature or function or changes
an existing function that is metrologically significant, you are required to inform NTEP, in writing, of the nature of the change. Once informed of the changes, NTEP will review the information to determine if 1) the change is the addition of a new feature or function or 2) the feature or function is changed from how it previously operated, or if the change is a fix of a defect found in an existing feature or function. Features and functions that are new or operate differently than what was previously evaluated will require an evaluation. Bug fixes are not required to be evaluated. Once NTEP determines what, if any action is needed, the Certificate of Conformance holder will be notified, in writing, of the decision along with any required actions they need to take. One other thing that you should be aware of is that if your software is designed to operate on a generic hardware set such as a PC operating on Windows, no influence factor testing will be performed. If the software is operating on a specific hardware set it may be necessary for the system to undergo influence factor testing. Contact NTEP to discuss this possible need. For more information on this topic contact Darrell Flocken, NTEP Administrator at darrell.flocken@ ncwm.com or Jeff Gibson, NTEP Specialist at jeff. gibson@ncwm.com .
10 NCWM-News
2023 Issue 2
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