At DMC, we know that the success of a project depends on more than expert engineering. On each project, communication, project management, and quality best practices are built into our standard project process. Our teams integrate these critical supporting services to ensure clients receive a product that meets their expectations. Below are some of the key supporting services clients can expect on every project.
Design Reviews
Design reviews are standard practice on all DMC projects. Senior engineers and peers review system designs and developed code. Design reviews serve as checkpoints and create an active feedback cycle during development. They improve quality, leverage team experience, mitigate risk, and allow early detection of system-critical items that may require broader attention.
Application Testing and Project Quality
All custom application software requires testing. DMC integrates application testing throughout project development, from early-stage concept and simulation testing to onsite functional validation. While testing times vary based on system complexity, every project dedicates a substantial amount of effort to verifying application functionality against the project requirements. To uphold these standards, each project includes a designated quality lead responsible for quality control measures.
In addition, DMC’s Test & Measurement team maintains an ISO 9001 certification, taking extra steps that align with internationally recognized quality standards. We are also recognized as a National Instruments Center of Excellence (NI CoE), following best practices for LabVIEW and system development. Beyond software, DMC applies the same rigorous quality approach to hardware and turnkey projects. Systems built in our fabrication studio are produced in compliance with ISO 9001 production requirements, ensuring that complete solutions meet the same high standards of quality and reliability our clients expect.
Build and Release Management
Standard software release processes involve the compilation and distribution of a binary (stand-alone) application, along with deployment to field systems (i.e., PCs, embedded controllers, or other targets). Time required for these activities varies with the scale of an application and its deployment scope. Regardless of the project size, successful installation and configuration of software on field systems is a critical task during the final stages of a project.
In addition to deployed application builds, DMC includes full source code as part of the project deliverables. By delivering the complete, maintainable codebase, DMC ensures our clients have long-term control over their systems, the flexibility to make updates or enhancements, and independence from any single vendor.
Project Communication
At DMC, open and active communication is central to our project approach and reflects our core values of responding to the customer, sharing information, and telling it like it is. During active development, we provide regular status updates covering progress, schedule, and upcoming milestones, while also flagging any potential risks or issues early. By keeping our clients informed at every step, we help them plan effectively, reduce surprises, and ensure that we make things happen.
As appropriate, DMC conducts conference calls and in-person meetings with client engineering and management teams to review technical information, hardware and software designs, budget status, and schedule. By bringing stakeholders together regularly, we foster technical alignment, shared ownership of project success, and leverage the expertise of our talented team to deliver results.
Additionally, our engineering teams hold regular internal meetings to align technical strategies, synchronize deliverables, and maintain rigorous quality standards across all disciplines. This structured yet adaptable approach ensures projects run smoothly, reduces risk, and keeps all team members informed and accountable. By fostering collaboration, transparency, and problem-solving, we create a culture that makes things happen, shares information, and has fun while tackling challenges together. This results in a cohesive, high-performing team that consistently delivers reliable, high-quality solutions for both commercial and government clients.
Project Management
At DMC, our project managers oversee every aspect of a project to ensure smooth execution, accountability, and successful delivery. From the very start, they coordinate the transition from sales to project execution, gathering critical information to establish a clear foundation and align expectations.
Our project managers provide top-level strategic direction, monitor progress and quality, and ensure that schedules and budgets are on track. They make sure each project is properly staffed, team roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, and the right team with the right expertise is in place to meet our clients’ project goals. We track key project metrics throughout the lifecycle, keeping teams aligned and focused on delivering results that meet our clients’ expectations.
For projects with Time and Expenses components, DMC can provide periodic financial summaries. These reports, generated at key milestones or intervals, give clients clear, up-to-date visibility into budget status, including both invoiced costs and work completed but not yet billed. This transparency allows clients to plan effectively, make informed decisions, and maintain confidence in project financials as the project progresses.
Compliance is a top priority at DMC. Project managers ensure that all work meets contractual, regulatory, and client-specific requirements, while also establishing the tools, processes, and resources needed for the team to execute efficiently.
Leadership and risk management are integral to the process. Project managers foster a positive and collaborative team environment, resolve issues as they arise, and proactively identify and mitigate risks to minimize surprises. Scope is carefully managed so the team focuses on agreed-upon work, with any changes or additions communicated clearly with the client.
At project closeout, DMC ensures all activities are completed, client sign-off is obtained, and warranty coverage is documented when applicable. Custom engineering can affect timelines and budgets, but DMC’s strategic oversight, proactive communication, and careful management ensure projects are well-run and transparent, giving clients confidence and peace of mind every step of the way.
Conclusion
While the practices outlined above represent DMC’s standard approach to project management, every project is unique — just like our custom engineering solutions. We tailor our project management methods, communication strategies, and supporting services to meet the specific needs, complexity, and requirements of each client and project. By combining proven best practices with a flexible, client-focused approach, DMC ensures that every project is executed efficiently, aligned with client goals, and delivered with the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Learn more about DMC’s Test & Measurement Automation expertise and contact us for your next project.