Results

This section reports on the results of the testing and validation procedures in relation to the PRIME prototype implementation period. The principle objective of the work performed during this period was to assess three main aspects of the PRIME system:

• Its functional and technical performance in relation to the underlying principles and specifications of the modules and the PRIME system as a whole.
• Its accuracy, computational efficacy, algorithmic calibration; and interoperability.
• Its hardware-software integration.

The foundation for the testing was laid down during the creation of the system validation specifications which introduced a number of simple procedures and parameters to be applied at all participating PRIME sites in order to achieve a complete delineation of the operational effectiveness and modular compatibility of the PRIME system. The whole approach has been component-orientated, with a secondary emphasis being placed on the site's application of components. This two-tier structure has strengthened the testing of the system, by allowing the sites to verify and assess the functionality in conjunction with their existing infrastructure and other components according to a uniform and standardised set of criteria and test procedures, thereby regulating the system testing in different configurations. The strong performance of the components in these various configurations subsequently confirms the value of the modular approach on which the system was based.

The testing focused on the performance of the modules and their respective sub-modules, namely: