Cost of a delivered test solution can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, as described below. The low end is typically in the $10k - $20k range, with most tests coming in under $100k. Below are more details about costing so you can get a better gauge of your project.
Below is an example cost breakdown for a typical medium-complexity DUT.
| Line Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Test Planning | $3k - $8k |
| Test Development | $150/hr |
| Hardware per Fixture | $8k - $20k/each |
| Support | $5k/year |
First, evaluate what value you get from automating an ATP for your product.
(Consider things like labor, test support, product throughput, scrapped parts / rework, test coverage & reliability, operator error, customer support costs, damaged brand image, etc.)
Evaluate the effective cost savings over the life of the product that you would achieve by having the test automated. This typically sets the upper bound of what makes business sense to spend on automating the test.
Example of how automating a test can reduce cost:
| Description | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Cost Reduction by Automating Test per year |
$5k Test Labor $6k Customer Support $8k Returns $10k Brand Image Damage |
| Volume per year | 800 units |
| Potential Cost Reduction by Automating Test |
$36.25 / unit |
| Product Lifespan | 5 years |
| Total Potential Cost Reduction | $145k |
Many factors affect the price of automating a test. Below is a list that captures some of the major drivers.
Costing for a fixed cost contract is broken down into a number of sections. Each section is dependent on project requirements. Typical sections are listed below.
We prefer fixed price quotes, but we can also provide a Time & Materials quote if appropriate.
A fixed price quote can be provided after Requirements Definition & System Design. See the process page for details. Fixed price quotes are appropriate for DUTs that are in (or ready for) production, with thorough documentation, and have a known scope of test needs.
A Time & Materials quote can be provided at project outset, or after Requirements Definition & System Design. Working on a Time & Materials basis is appropriate if the DUT is still in design or immature in its lifecycle, has minimal documentation, or needs a flexible scope of test needs. If we are working on a Time & Materials basis, and the project gains enough definition, we can transition to a fixed price arrangement.