Consulting Software Architect
NI Consultant Partner

Allen C Smith

Building innovative systems for test, measurement, and control since 1992.

Training the next generation of LabVIEW developers since 2012.

Let's talk about your next project

Certifications

Certified LabVIEW Architect
LabVIEW Champion
Certified Professional Instructor
Certified LabVIEW Embedded Developer
Certified TestStand Developer
Actor Framework
AF Guild
NI Integration Partner

About

Allen C Smith

All

I am a creative system builder, working in the LabVIEW ecosystem since 1992. I bring together advanced architecture, sound software engineering practices, and effective workflow techniques to deliver successful applications. I am a globally recognized innovator, adept at applying new concepts to reduce complexity and drive solutions. I inspire technical excellence in peers through example and mentorship.

Experience

Project Experience

Projects

Modernized fire science research at Sandia National Laboratories by leading a 5-person cross-functional team that developed, installed, tested, and commissioned the control software for the Thermal Test Complex.

Batch Process Control TestStand Distributed Computing

Developed the tool suite for Actor Framework that ships with LabVIEW, including automatic message generation, desktop execution trace toolkit support, and packed project library support. Designed and published Network Endpoints, the Actor Hierarchy Inspector, and other tools and add-ons. Currently leading the Actor Framework Open Source project.

Developer Tools VI Scripting LabVIEW Project Providers

Designed control system in Actor Framework for a cell phone tester with robotic part manipulation and multiple, concurrently operating test stations. Implemented control logic for major portions of the system. Trained and coached development team on Actor Framework use and best practices.

Materials Handling

Developed software to automate testing crystal oscillators, utilizing a heterogenous mix of instruments and a plug-in architecture that permits customization by client staff. The software is currently deployed on a fleet of 25 test racks.

Hardware Abstraction

Created the CompactRIO supervisory controller for the materials handling system of a nuclear fuel rod scanner/tester. The controller coordinated the work of subsystems built with LabVIEW, C++, C#, Python, PLCs, and Postgres to guide fuel rods through irradiation, scanning, and disposition.

cRIO Supervisory Control LabVIEW Real Time Distributed Computing

Customer Training

Instructor for all LabVIEW and TestStand courses, specializing in advanced content.

Wrote Actor-Oriented Design in LabVIEW, the official Actor Framework training course. Updated the course in 2021 to incorporate LabVIEW interfaces and a better methodology for unit testing.

Community Initiatives

Empowering the LabVIEW Community

Actor Framework

Leading the Actor Framework Open Source initiative

I am a leading evangelist for Actor Framework, one of LabVIEW's most popular development frameworks. I currently lead NI's Actor Framework Open Source initiative; you can find the repositories below, alongside my tools and add-ons on VIPM's Actor Framework package list.

Presentations

I am a prolific public speaker, frequently presenting at GDevCon EUR, GDevCon NA, and NI Connect. Here are several of my past talks.

Additional talks are available on my Vimeo channel, Ready on the Wire.

Upcoming Events

Where to Find Me

September 22–24

GDevCon 7

I'm attending GDevCon 7 in Brussels as a Bronze Sponsor! Come find me if you want to chat about LabVIEW, Actor Framework, and the state of the industry.

gdevcon.com ↗
Thursday, November 12th

LabVIEW Architects Forum

The next meeting of Austin's award-winning user group.

Details ↗

Contact

Get in Touch

Available for project-based engagements and consulting. Use the form to get in touch.

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