2016
Design of the CROSS project proof of concept. An initial proof-of-concept is developed for recording platform operations. At this stage, the CROSS project comprises only electronic components, with no connection to a web server. The aim was to electrically control equipment on the micro and nano manufacturing platform (CMNF) at the IEMN, in order to restrict access to unauthorized users.
February 2018
CROSS box goes into production for the first time. The first box is installed on some of the equipment on the IEMN CMNF platform. The PoC is integrated into a plastic case with a touch screen, enabling the equipment to be controlled. An initial web server is set up to record the box data and check that the user is properly trained on the selected equipment.
September 2022
Resumption of development to structure the CROSS project. The program is redesigned to manage all CMNF equipment at the IEMN, while preparing for future deployment on other RENATECH network platforms. All non-standard parts are removed to make the solution more generic. This marks the end of "proof-of-concept" development and the start of a larger-scale project, with a new data architecture, the use of a framework, and the recruitment of a web developer on a fixed-term contract.
July 1, 2023
Production launch of the first version of CROSS within the CMNF of the IEMN for the launch of the new billing period. Numerous developments have been made to optimize the application, transaction storage and pricing management. The tool is now capable of automatically calculating the cost of an operation, based on recorded data and auditable pricing defined by the platform, the unit and the regional delegation. At the same time, the electronic part of the system has also been enhanced for greater robustness and simplicity.
2024
Redesigned web server speeds development. The redesign of CROSS' first web server has enabled faster, more efficient development of essential functions, such as the generation of statistics and quotations. Estimates are produced in the form of Excel spreadsheets, listing all project operations over a given period, with details and total costs. They can then be exported as PDF files in A4 portrait format, for quick and easy transmission to partners.
2025
Industrialization of the CROSS solution. The development of this product is moving into an industrial phase, with the assembly of the housings entrusted to an external service provider. This step will enable larger quantities to be produced for deployment on other CNRS Ingénierie platforms, such as the Micro and Nanotechnologies platform at LAAS-CNRS and Mimento at FEMTO-ST. It also cuts costs, thanks to outsourcing of parts sourcing and the use of plastics processing to mass-produce housings.
