Retrofit for machine vision and existing software systems
Modernize existing systems instead of starting completely from scratch
Many applications for machine vision, measurement or data evaluation run stably for years and fulfill important operational tasks. At the same time, typical problems arise over time: outdated operating systems, libraries that are no longer maintained, missing drivers, new camera models or increasing requirements for speed, maintainability and security.
With our retrofit, we modernize existing solutions in a targeted and well-balanced manner. The goal is not automatically a complete redevelopment, but a technically sensible further development of your existing software – traceable, low-risk and designed so that existing domain knowledge, operating concepts and proven processes can continue to be used.
Typical reasons for a retrofit
Technical triggers
- Migration to new computers, cameras or operating systems
- Discontinued libraries, frameworks or drivers
- Transition to 64-bit and Unicode
- Performance bottlenecks with larger data volumes
- Problems with maintenance, build process or deployment
Domain-related triggers
- New product variants or changed inspection characteristics
- Additional documentation and verification requirements
- Integration into modern interfaces and data flows
- Improvement of stability and evaluation quality
- Extension with current AI or analysis methods
What we concretely improve in a retrofit
The focus is on clean technical modernization. This includes, for example, porting to current compilers, adapting to 64-bit environments, cleaning up outdated interfaces, updating libraries and improving build and test processes.
In addition, we assess whether runtime bottlenecks can be eliminated through parallelization, new hardware or targeted algorithmic improvements. Especially with older machine vision solutions, this often brings noticeable advantages in throughput, reproducibility and maintainability.
- Porting Delphi, C and C++ applications to current toolchains
- Transition to 64-bit, Unicode and modern runtime environments
- Replacing components and libraries that are no longer supported
- Optimizing performance, memory requirements and stability
- Connecting new cameras, sensors and interfaces
- Preparing tests, documentation and handover
Approach to a retrofit
- Analyze the current system: capture the code base, dependencies, platforms, risks and bottlenecks
- Define the target picture: which platforms, which performance, which interfaces, which constraints?
- Step-by-step modernization: improve toolchain, libraries, porting, tests and performance one after another
- Validation: secure results with reference data, regression tests and practical scenarios
- Rollout and handover: put operation, maintenance and further development on a clean basis
Especially in machine vision, it is important to assess changes not only technically, but also from a domain perspective. That is why we work with sample data, reference cases and clear acceptance criteria. It is often useful to carry out an upstream feasibility study or pilot operation.
When a retrofit makes economic sense
A retrofit is particularly useful when the existing system still has domain value, but the technical basis causes too many risks or limitations. In such cases, step-by-step modernization is often faster, cheaper and significantly less risky than a complete rebuild. At the same time, existing process knowledge is preserved.
If, on the other hand, fundamental requirements need to be reconsidered, a combination of retrofit and redevelopment can be sensible. We help you make this decision realistically and on a technically sound basis.