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Just as continuous improvement is important to the success of businesses, it is also important to the success of software development. To continuously improve software, updates need to be made to address the evolving needs and challenges of end-users and to support new platforms in an environment of rapid change. Software updates are made with the intention of optimizing both the functionality and performance of the software to keep it cutting edge, resulting in more productive businesses and happier customers. However, the intention is not always the result. Sometimes, software updates are worse for the end-user, not better. Current functionality may get lost along the way or become more difficult to use.
To ensure quality software updates, software developers employ software hardening. Software hardening optimizes an application by addressing program inefficiencies and vulnerabilities. Its tools and techniques stress-test and strengthen the software by attempting to poke holes in it and uncover opportunities for improvement. Hardened software has fewer bugs, streamlined features, and leaner code.
Successful software hardening practices equip both internal and external parties with tools to identify inefficiencies or vulnerabilities within the software. End-users are given external reporting options to submit bugs and enhancement requests. Developer tools enable internal auditing to identify and remediate bugs.
Wayne Stewart, director of software development at CMMS Data Group, says bug reports help strengthen MVP Plant™, the company’s flagship CMMS, by uncovering system flaws.
“It may be uncommon for a software engineer to say they like bug reports, but I do. It means two things. One, it’s nice to know the software you wrote is being used and someone cares enough to want to make it better. Two, it gives us an opportunity to harden the system against errors so they never happen again.
— Wayne Stewart
Software hardening is an essential practice that proactively improves software by optimizing features and correcting flaws to ensure that a program can adapt to unforeseen business and customer requirements. This leads to stronger, more efficient software, and a better end user-experience.
Ruth Hughes, founder and CEO of CMMS Data Group, says hardening is vitally important to the continuous improvement of MVP Plant.
“We want customers to test MVP Plant to the nth degree so it can be as reliable, secure, and efficient as possible.
— Ruth Hughes
MVP Plant was built from years of customer feedback and is updated every quarter. It delivers powerful decision-support to maintenance / facilities teams enabling them to increase reliability and save time and money. Learn more about MVP Plant™ by selecting the following button:
