Automating Validation on Legacy Linux System

---

A customer operated a legacy Linux system controlling critical equipment in a tightly constrained regulatory environment, which prohibited upgrading to modern systems. The system required extensive validation checks before each production cycle, but the process was manual, error-prone, and time-consuming. IT staff, often without deep Linux expertise, had to follow a binder of terminal commands and compare outputs against expected results.

When discrepancies were found, the only recourse was to reimagine the system, delaying production by up to a day. The challenge was to automate this process while complying with strict regulatory guidelines that limited the introduction of new software or tools to the air-gapped system. 

I developed a suite of customer shell scrips to automate the validation process. This solution adhered to the regulatory constraints by relying solely on tools and interpreters already installed on the legacy Linux system. Key features included:

Automated Validation Tooling

- Performed all required checks (e.g., configuration and checksum validation).

- Generated a detailed report of results, including any mismatches, which could be printed for regulatory audits.

Repair Tool

- Automatically reverted any modified files or settings to their accepted states, eliminating the need for system reimaging in most cases.

The entire solution was implemented with simple shell scripts, ensuring compatibility with the 20-year-old Linux distribution. 

As a result:

- Reduced validation time from over two hours to under two minutes, allowing cycles to begin much faster. 

- Minimized production delays by drastically reducing the need for system reimaging when validation failed. 

- Enabled non-technical IT staff to perform validation and repair tasks reliably, ensuring regulatory compliance without additional training.

Key Takeaways

This project demonstrates how thoughtful automation can:

- Modernize workflows in environments constrained by legacy systems and strict regulations.

- Save significant time and reduce operational delays by eliminating manual processes. 

- Enhance reliability and regulatory compliance while leveraging existing tools and infrastructure.

Have a similar challenge with legacy systems or tight regulatory requirements? Let's create a solution that works within your constraints!