Model Operations Processing System

Not much progress in percentage terms this week; although the software has been made improved for a number of reasons:

1 – a difficulty on one of the modules caused a rethink to an approach on validation of data; this has now been cascaded down to all the other completed modules.  The revised approach is simpler, more logical and easier to maintain;

2 – work is under way on creating a semi-automatic test bed.  This has already improved the quality of the software, and being re-runnable it means that any later tweaks can be thoroughly tested.

In addition, work has been taking place on the User Guide: this will enable the User Guide to be tested alongside the system when it’s ready for a full test.

Finally, a further ‘helper’ has been added to the system.  Because this is a command-driven system, it’s not always easy to remember what parameters are required on unfamiliar or infrequently used commands.  By entering the command followed by a question mark, MOPS will indicate what data is required; this should make the system a little easier to use.

All of this may mean that the estimated completion date for the Reference Data Processing may be missed; but this software is being built to a standard rather than a deadline…  An updated schedule will be posted next week.