The Container
The Container Function
The container holds a snapshot of a worksheet. If this function is activated, the worksheet (or part of it), its data and the different views can all be stored as a unit under a temporary file name. If the user wishes to continue working with this data, he simply calls up the container and gets the worksheet complete with all its data, without having to search the database again.
If a container function is required then this is defined when the worksheet is first created. When a container is activated, access to it depends on the level of the password used.
Additional operations can be then be performed when the data is updated or the container is stored:-
1 Should the data be stored automatically into the database or when the user presses a button?
2. Which fields in the worksheet must be committed to the associated data base tables when the container is closed?
3. Which fields must automatically be updated from the data base when the container is activated (e.g. calibration constants).
The Lab Journal
Example 1:
Serial Measurements
The laboratory notebook idea is available simulated within a worksheet. Thus, alongside the actual result column, are columns for raw data, weights, dilution factors, etc.
All active samples can be selected into a single worksheet, for example where determination of oxygen demand is required.
Since all raw data are not available simultaneously, in practice a staggered data capture takes place, i.e. data input depends on when test results become available and this may be spread over several days. In this case the container-function will be found to be invaluable. Thus, having entered initial data, the user can save the state of play as a container. When the next values are available, the container is reloaded and the user can add the new data.
Control samples can be inserted in any position. The method sheets and quality control charts can also be available as separate views in the worksheet. (That’s like seeing the different sides of the dice).
As soon as the data are released, the container disappears.
The combined results are subject to analytical quality control (AQC) flags and maintenance of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
Containers and worksheets can be opened automatically at the start of the working day or by pressing a button and are there in the background ready for processing. The respective worksheet is activated through a mouse-click.
Production Data
Example 2:
Production-data entry
Production control in a factory (or on a machine) is a matter of operating routine controls on a number of different products each with a certain measuring envelope. The data for a product in a batch or within a certain time period should be instantly available.
For comparison purposes and for calculations, it would be necessary to display the data for previous measurements.
Having selected a product, the user calls up the corresponding container (worksheet with data and views) and immediately all the statistics become available (for example Min, Max, Cpk, Cmk, etc.). In addition, the corresponding control charts can be displayed, all as defined in the worksheet.
Each container can be ascribed to a button on the worksheet.
In this example, the container principle combines the advantages of a card index system (quick and simple) with those a powerful computer. The data are held centrally in the data base and all relevant data are immediately at the disposal of the manager including any necessary charts.
If the workstation is not on a network then the container (the worksheet) may be transferred using a diskette. All required additional information, for example limits, are held in the container.
Mobile Database Entry
Example 3:
Mobile Data Entry/Electronic Sampling
Parameters are measured with external samplers on site and the data captured stored in portable or hand-held computers (e.g. lap-top, palm-top).
The sampling schedule with all additional information, is stored as containers on diskette (along with the complete multifunctional spreadsheet in the container with all its functions and views). The container is loaded off the diskette into the portable computer and the data read. All addition information, e.g. limits, become available and the user can immediately run through all the necessary calculations after the inputting the data. The completed container is then saved back onto the diskette.
After completion of the work, the diskette is taken to the LIMS where the data is read off, validated and finally written to the database.
Physical transfer of data on a diskette is not necessary if the portable computer has a network-connection, when the container is available automatically. For additional operations on the format of the file - such as management of transmission control characters - the container may be temporarily linked into the database from the workstation.
Special Functions
Active limit-control
Several limits can be controlled simultaneously.
The limit violations can be shown.
Depending on the limit violation (if the value is the same, less or greater) this can trigger actions automatically:-
- The analysis of the sample can be extended to include another parameter.
- New samples can be generated (sub samples).
- User-defined programs can be called.
- “Automatics” can be started.
The control can refer to limit intervals, so that different possible actions can be initiated depending on the interval.
The features above also apply to comparison of limits that are in text form.
Multilingual
Worksheets (user-interface) can be created with their definitions in a number of different languages. The language is automatically selected when the InfoLAB software is launched.
On the database level:
The matching master data name is used depending on the language used. There are additional columns in the corresponding master database tables for language-dependent names (tests, product-names, etc.).
Special Functions
History-function
The history function shows previous values for a parameter from the same product or sampling point. Upon pressing a key, qualifying criteria can be displayed. For example, having entered a measurement for a particular parameter, its value can be checked before it is finally accepted.
The qualifying criteria and the number of prior measurements are freely selectable. Such displays are required for monitoring purposes and form the framework that checks results before they are passed.
Automatics/routine-operations
Worksheets can be stored as ‘Automatics’ with attached queries and statements for controlling the fate of the data. These can be activated manually, as well as automatically by ‘Events’ (for example on a limit violation).
Calling external programs
External programs can be called via a keystroke whereupon variables and data can be exchanged.
Automatic formatting depending on intervals
In many externally regulated industries (e.g. water) there is a requirement for the decimal point to vary with the measuring interval (for example 2 decimal points for 1 - 10 mg/l and 1 decimal point for the range >10 - <20 mg/I). In this case the software can automatically format the data corresponding to the range.
Arithmetic with the < sign
Arithmetic with the less-than-sign with corresponding adjustment factors is supported by the software. Adjustments take place at the parameter level, i.e. each parameter can have a separate factor.
Audit trailing
The system administrator decides which data (tables) should be provided with an audit trail.The audit trail distinguishes between new entries and those that are alterations.The documentation of a new entry is in the form:- first value, user name, date & time plus a comment field if required.The documentation of a change is in the form:- old value, new value, user name, date & time plus comment.The audit trail is automatically updated within its own database tables which can then be read by the worksheets.It provides for a free form representation of the history of each record entry.
Pattern-sensitive field screening
The content of a field in a worksheet can operate as a singular field or it can be screened so that it can refer to several fields.
Example:
In a selectable field, there might be a number of different sample types (e.g. water, food, hygiene). The worksheet changes automatically depending on the sample type, to accommodate different input fields that might need to be made available for the different sample types.
Advantages for the user:
It allows for the definition of a worksheet for different work areas.The fields are clearly represented, since only those that are really required are shown.Avoidance of input mistakes, since only the required fields are open for input.
Data Capture
Data Capture ON-/OFFLINE
Data transmission (ASCII file) can take place in two ways:-
1. Transmission from external files.
2. Transfers of data from the data base into other systems.
With data capture from external equipment, the necessary transfer protocols are selected from a menu and no programming is required. The settings are stored in the system and are available at any time.There are generally no constraints regarding the structure of the ASCII file.There are no restrictions regarding delimiters, carriage returns, etc. as one can choose the appropriate settings within the file parsing system.During the definition of the transmission protocols and/or the file parsing system, a number of test routines are available for the user to try the settings out.The transmission routines can be placed in the form of buttons in the worksheet so that the operator can use them routinely.