Marenco: monitoring software in an agile environment

• Maiden flight on schedule, even with tightening requirements.
• Uninterrupted and reliable test runs thanks to an agile approach.
• Future-proofed system architecture, supported by Zühlke’s engineering expertise. 

Marenco Swisshelicopter Ltd relied on a LabVIEW-based system to collect, store and visualise sensor data during helicopter testing and commissioning. Data recorded in the aircraft was transmitted to a ground station, where Marenco engineers continuously monitored the test runs via the visualisation interface.  

However, Marenco required a more robust, scalable solution. As development progressed and new demands emerged, the existing monitoring software began to reach its limits. Zühlke was tasked with improving performance, implementing new features, and ensuring the software remained adaptable. 

With targeted LabVIEW optimisations, Zühlke increased the software’s performance so that it could cope with the large amounts of data generated during the test runs. Adjustments to the software architecture ensured that the measuring system was ready for future upgrades without structural rework. 

Additionally, error handling was re-engineered to simplify traceability, making it easier for engineers to identify and resolve issues promptly. A new modular programme library was introduced, allowing customers to extend the user interface with functions and visualisations as needed. 

Finally, to accommodate planned future upgrades, such as data transmission via the GSM network, a configurable data transfer was implemented. 

Through a flexible and fully agile workflow, Zühlke ensured that a fully functioning version of the software was available at all times. Daily collaboration with Marenco allowed requirements to be continuously refined and prioritised, while changes were tested continuously. This approach minimised risk and enabled Marenco to progress without interruption throughout development and testing.