SeqMaster vs NI TestStand
See how SeqMaster compares to National Instruments TestStand - the industry standard for production testing.
The Modern Alternative
TestStand has been the gold standard for 25+ years. But it comes with a steep learning curve, expensive licensing, and requires dedicated Windows PCs.
SeqMaster delivers essential test sequencer functionality at significantly lower TCO, running on a €100 Raspberry Pi instead of an expensive industrial PC.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | SeqMaster | NI TestStand |
|---|---|---|
|
Development License
For sequence development
|
€999/yr
Includes central server
|
~€4,550/yr
LabVIEW+ Suite (DKK 33.940)
or €16,000 perpetual
|
|
Per-Tester Deployment
License cost per test station
|
€499/yr
Runtime license
|
~€850
Base Deployment (DKK 6.320)
Perpetual, one-time
|
| Hardware Cost (per station) |
€100-150
Raspberry Pi 5
|
€1.500-3.000
Industrial PC
|
|
Total 5-Year Cost (10 stations)
Software + Hardware
|
~€30.000
Incl. all licenses
|
~€50.000-55.000
Dev + 10× deployment + HW
|
| Operating System | Linux (Raspberry Pi OS) | Windows Only |
| Scripting Language |
Python
Easy to learn, huge ecosystem
|
LabVIEW / C# / Python
LabVIEW license extra
|
| User Interface |
Modern Web UI
Access from any browser
|
Desktop Application
Windows only
|
| Setup Time |
30 minutes
Flash SD, boot, done
|
Days to weeks
Install, configure, drivers
|
| Learning Curve |
Productive in hours
|
Weeks to months
|
| Sequence Editor | ||
| Hardware Auto-Detection | Partial | |
| Real-Time Analytics | Add-on | |
| REST API | Limited | |
| Multi-Site Sync | ||
| Remote Access | Built-in (Web) | Requires setup |
| Parallel Execution | ||
| Process Models | Not needed | |
| Mass Data Analysis | Built-in | Add-on (DIAdem) |
|
Label Printers, Scanners, HMI
Out-of-the-box support
|
Custom code | |
| Support | Email + Community |
Phone + Forum
Extra cost for premium
|
When to Choose What
Choose SeqMaster If...
- You're starting fresh or replacing legacy systems
- Budget is a concern (small/medium company)
- Your tests are mostly sequential (not massively parallel)
- You prefer Python over LabVIEW
- You want modern web-based interface
- You need quick deployment (days, not months)
- Space is limited (compact Raspberry Pi)
Choose TestStand If...
- You already have heavy LabVIEW investment
- You need complex parallel test execution
- You require certifications (DO-178C, ISO 26262)
- Budget is not a constraint (large enterprise)
- You need extensive NI hardware integration
Migrating from TestStand?
We understand switching platforms is a big decision. That's why we offer:
- Free migration consultation
- Sequence conversion tools
- Extended trial period (90 days)
- Dedicated onboarding support
Calculate Your Savings
See how much you can save by choosing SeqMaster