WATIS2: design and application of an environment simulation system for test improvement of control software for automatic logistic systems

Control computer systems for automatic logistic systems contain reactive modules, which are usually tested on-site, in conjunction with the real environment. This leads to high test costs and unsatisfactory test coverage. Environment simulation models offer an execution environment for customizable, in-house testing. The architecture and process model of WATIS², a flexible, efficient and expansible environment simulation system for automatic logistic systems are presented. Experiments in an industrial environment show a high model reuse rate and a significant improvement of baseline software development regarding software quality and project cost, in this way justifying a systematic application of WATIS²