The LinkWare Live platform, announced by Fluke Networks in late 2014, is a cloud-based service that works with Fluke Networks Versiv testers, such as the DSX-5000 CableAnalyzer™, OptiFiber™ Pro, and CertiFiber™ Pro certification testers. To date, Fluke Networks customers have uploaded more than one million test results to the LinkWare Live platform. LinkWare Live allows users to upload, manage, and analyze complex certification test results from anywhere. New device management functionality makes it easier for project managers to track their testers and confirm device software and calibration status from a single cloud-based screen. As a result, project managers, cable installers, and contractors can improve efficiency and on-time project completion.
“Device tracking and management is a significant challenge for many of our customers. More than half of the customers we contacted reported project delays due to tester management issues,” said Jason Wilbur, Vice President and General Manager of Fluke Networks. “More than a third of contractors have experienced project delays or had to repeat tests because units weren’t calibrated. In addition, more than 40% of the customers we surveyed had to postpone projects due to testers being out of place, lost, or stolen. This compromises project timelines and puts contractor relationships with customers and partners at risk.”
LinkWare Live's new device tracking and management functionality is easy to use and powered by Google's Wi-Fi location services. In addition to tracking device locations, LinkWare Live helps contractors plan by keeping testers updated and calibrated as needed, ensuring everything is ready for every project. Device tracking and management is already available in most European countries, the US, and Canada*, with more countries planned for the coming weeks and months.
To ensure results are acceptable to customers and manufacturers, testers must be calibrated and use the latest test limits. LinkWare Live alerts help avoid costly delays and retests by reminding contractors when testers need updating.
“Our service center frequently receives frantic calls from customers who hadn’t realized their testers’ calibration period was about to expire. They call requesting updates or urgent service so they can use their devices on projects nearing their deadlines,” says Adrian Young, Product Marketing Engineer. “The worst calls come from contractors whose test results have been rejected because the testers have exceeded their calibration date, forcing them to retest all or part of the work. LinkWare Live’s notification feature will help contractors avoid these scenarios.”
"The greatest value of LinkWare Live is that the testing parameters can be configured in a central location and streamed via the cloud by both technical and administrative staff," stated CJ Santeford, Operations Manager at PowerCom. "We've eliminated the need to make trips back and forth to the office specifically to generate testing reports, resulting in more accurate reporting and faster project closure."
