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Engine testing runs on tight schedules, expensive test cells and careful cost tracking. A global engine and power systems manufacturer was holding it all together with multiple Excel trackers and manual approvals. MXTechies built an end-to-end Test Operations Automation application on Mendix that handles everything from the first test request to the final invoice, with real-time visibility of tests, cells, engines and budgets.
Test operations software runs a test lab’s work from request to invoice in one system. In this project, the solution centralises and automates engine test operations in one Mendix web app. Test requests, quotations, test cell scheduling, lab operations, shift reports, fuel reconciliation, downtime reversal, PO/PPN tracking and finance workflows all run through role-based screens, automated approvals, business rules, dashboards and notifications, replacing Excel trackers and manual calculations.
- Client
- A global engine and power systems manufacturer
- Replaces
- Multiple Excel trackers and manual approvals
- Covers
- Test requests, quotations, scheduling, lab operations, shift reports, fuel reconciliation, downtime, PO/PPN tracking, invoicing
- Visibility
- Test status, test cell availability, engine utilisation, PO/PPN balances, customer approvals
- Platform
- Mendix web application
- Delivered by
- MXTechies, Mendix Certified Partner and Siemens Certified Partner
The challenge
Test operations were spread across spreadsheets and disconnected steps:
- Excel overload: separate trackers for requests, scheduling, quotes, finance, shift reports, fuel and downtime.
- Manual data entry: the same information was typed into several places.
- No live view: test status, test cell availability and engine utilisation weren’t visible in real time.
- Finance gaps: PO/PPN balances and customer approvals were hard to track.
- Error-prone calculations: manual maths and approvals increased the risk of mistakes and delays.
- Inconsistent reporting: different teams reported in different ways.
The solution
MXTechies developed an end-to-end Test Operations Automation web application on the Mendix low-code platform. It brings every part of test operations into one system, from the moment a test is requested to the moment it is invoiced.
Role-based access gives each team the right view. Automated approval workflows and business rules handle the calculations and sign-offs that used to be manual, and dashboards and notifications keep everyone up to date.
Key features
01Test request management
- For the team
- Requests are raised, tracked and approved in one place.
02Quotation generation
- For the team
- Quotes are produced from the request details.
03Test cell scheduling
- For the team
- Cell availability and bookings are visible to everyone.
04Lab operations
- For the team
- Day-to-day test activity is recorded in the app.
05Shift reports
- For the team
- Each shift’s work is logged digitally.
06Fuel reconciliation
- For the team
- Fuel usage is reconciled automatically.
07Downtime reversal
- For the team
- Downtime is recorded and reversed with approval.
08PO/PPN tracking
- For the team
- Purchase order and PPN balances are always current.
09Finance workflows and invoicing
- For the team
- Billing follows the work, without re-keying.
10Dashboards and notifications
- For the team
- Real-time status and alerts for every role.
How it works
- RequestA customer or internal team raises a test request.
- Quote and approveThe app generates a quotation and routes it for approval.
- ScheduleThe test is booked into an available test cell and engine.
- RunLab teams log test activity, shift reports, fuel use and any downtime.
- ReconcileFuel, downtime and PO/PPN balances are reconciled with business rules.
- InvoiceFinance workflows produce the invoice from the recorded work.
The same manufacturer also uses Mendix for lab sample and testing automation.
Outcomes
- One system, not a pile of spreadsheets: test operations run end to end in Mendix.
- Real-time visibility: status, test cells, engines and balances are visible at a glance.
- Fewer errors: business rules replace manual calculations.
- Faster approvals: automated workflows remove email chasing.
- Consistent reporting and traceability: every team works from the same data.
Why build this on Mendix
- Spreadsheets to app, fast: Mendix turns Excel trackers into a governed application.
- Business rules, not manual maths: calculations and approvals run automatically.
- One data model: scheduling, operations and finance share the same records.
Who this is for
Engine, powertrain, automotive and industrial equipment manufacturers that run test cells or test labs, bill tests against POs, and track fuel, downtime and utilisation.
Frequently asked questions
What is test operations software?
It manages the full life of a test, from request and quotation to scheduling, execution, reconciliation and invoicing.
Can it schedule test cells?
Yes. The app shows test cell availability and manages bookings.
Does it handle fuel reconciliation and downtime?
Yes. Fuel usage is reconciled and downtime is recorded and reversed through approval workflows.
How does finance stay in sync?
PO/PPN balances, customer approvals and invoicing are tracked in the same app as the test work.
What did it replace?
Multiple Excel trackers, manual data entry and offline approvals.
About MXTechies
MXTechies is a Mendix Certified Partner and Siemens Certified Partner with delivery teams in India, the USA and the UAE. We build enterprise apps on Mendix, the low-code platform from Siemens, for manufacturing, banking, real estate and retail. See more of our case studies.
Last updated October 2026
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