Can I claim my software is certified to EIS standards?

We are keen to encourage the use of the EIS benchmarks, but we do not offer formal approval.

If you would like to include it in your product publicity we have a standard statement for you to use:

 

(Insert product) has been verified in accordance with the EIS Software Verification benchmarks as listed below: (Insert list of benchmarks used) Information on these verification benchmarks can be found on the EIS web site at http://www.e-i-s.org.uk/Software_Verification

If you wish to use it, please tell us, and if your publicity is web based, please include a link to the EIS benchmark home page.
 

 Can my company use these benchmarks to choose software systems?

Benchmark tests can never define what software is suitable for your specific needs. However, the tests can help confirm that the software is giving expected answers. In some cases the answers can vary, depending on the application and hence analysis methods used. The tests try to highlight the differences between the methods and the reasons. These may help you to make an informed decision.
 

 How can these benchmarks be used for staff development?

The tests themselves include specific issues that need to be analysed correctly. Some software will provide multiple options, which may affect the results (as well as the more obvious presentation formats etc). Understanding the differences is therefore very important.
 

 Can I contribute new tests?

Yes, we welcome new ideas and contributions from the engineering profession. Please send your ideas for benchmark themes, or specific tests within a theme, to the address on the contact page. The meetings are UK based - usually around the Midlands - and active new members of the committee are welcome.
 

 What if I do not agree with the answers?

We cannot guarantee to be error free, however we do try to check our answers with various software systems and against theoretical results. If you do not agree with an answer, in the first instance, please complete a standard report form and submit it as normal (in confidence) and we will try to offer suggestions.

If you are using commercial software, and suspect a problem, please contact that company's support service and bring the EIS Benchmarks to their attention.
They may be able to:

correct their software
offer us a corrected result
offer guidance on which software options need to be used for this type of problem
 

 You don't offer my standard file format. How do I get the data in?

Benchmark 1 was written specifically to address this issue - please try it.

We offer all input data in ASCII format, as this is generally the most transportable and easily understood. It is recognised that most software systems use binary files, for a variety of good reasons such as speed. Reading ASCII files into your software and converting data into the native format is usually easy, but requires some care to ensure the approach used is consistent, sample rates are specified etc.