The Dice Principle
blomesystem users only see one level - the worksheets! But within a worksheet, there are many views of queried or of registration data.
The Dice-Principle - A Pictorial Idea
The worksheets can be though of as dice having many different faces. After every throw of the dice, one gets a different view of the data the worksheet contains.
The data can be presented in different structures and are processed without any user intervention. The worksheet and the different views are user defined. The number of views is not restricted and each is simply selected from a list.
blomesystem worksheets are very powerful. They have functions, like those of a spreadsheet, but, as well as graphics, also support queries, reports and forms. The worksheets incorporate all these elements. By changing the view, i.e. another side of the dice, the data can be shown in many other configurations. The data can be shown graphically before being finally accepted.
The same worksheet can be used for query, data registration, as well as for the addition and editing of new records (tests, standing data, measurements, etc.).
During processing of data one can at any time add new tests or generate and delete test parameters (depending on the password level of the user).
One can present and process fields from different database tables simultaneously. Simply by pressing a key one can depict information from database tables linked on an ad hoc basis. This may then be retained or used in a formula.
Since the features within the worksheets are so powerful and flexible, it has given rise to the term “multifunctional worksheet”.
The Multi-Dimensional and Process Orientated Approach.
The data held in a worksheet (resulting from a query or new input) remain together for as long as it takes to complete a task or series of measurements.
Example
A certain parameter (characteristic) of a number of samples needs to be measured. From preparation right up to up to their release, the samples have a common fate. Consequently they should also stay together up to this time. All necessary presentation of the data for entry, calculations, expressions, QC information etc. for these samples is defined in the different views. This process orientated approach corresponds exactly with everyday practice in the laboratory following each sequence of steps taken by the analyst. It also increases the acceptance of the system by the users. Some examples are presented on the following pages.