PrepMaster Analytics: Recording, display, processing of analysis results

Automatic data acquisition

PM Analytics enables the automatic collection of analysis data from a variety of analysis devices via network connections (SMB, TCP, FTP). Pre-configured interfaces are available for the most frequently used analysis devices. Interfaces that are not yet available can easily be added and adapted to the customer's requirements.

Clear representation

The analysis results are presented in tabular form. Numerous functions are available to select or sort the data by analysis values, analysis device and time interval. The order and selection of the displayed chemical elements or other measured values can also be easily changed according to the operator's wishes.

The analysis results can be displayed graphically in different ways like, e.g., with the help of a time series diagram. In addition, simple statistical evaluations of the analysis data are possible by calculating the mean value and standard deviation and displaying the value distribution by means of a boxplot diagram.

Processing of analysis data

Provided the necessary rights are available, the operator can also edit data. All data changes are logged, so that the change history of all individual values can be tracked at any time. In a special audit module, all changes to analysis results and system settings are recorded centrally and can be tracked based on user data and change times.

Automatic processing and forwarding of data

All recorded analysis values can be further processed according to certain rules specified in the configuration menu. This allows for example the automatic calculation of "pseudo elements" or the weighting of analysis results by multiplication factors.

The analysis data can be automatically forwarded to a higher-level Level 2 system after acquisition based on previously defined rules. Alternatively, the data can be forwarded only after it has been released by an authorized user.

Automatic monitoring

PM Analytics enables the automatic monitoring of analysis data against defined or transmitted limit values. The status of individual samples (within the limits, violation of warning limits, violation of error limits) is displayed graphically in a separate dashboard in a clearly arranged form. If desired, authorized persons are automatically informed about limit violations via email.

Dashboard with extended functionality

Optionally, a dashboard with numerous other functions is available for data display. This dashboard offers, for example, the possibility of grouping the data according to heat and sample types. In addition to the analysis values, the analysis times as well as the used analysis device can be displayed. These data are obtained from the interface to the SCADA system (PrepMaster Core or Entry). Limit value violations can be detected at a glance thanks to a configurable color coding. In addition, specific information is displayed in the transmission lines, such as the current transmission version. 

Authorized operators can directly edit the analysis values in the transmission lines and change the sample allocation. Of course, all changes are logged and trackable at any time.

Overview of Key Performance Indicators

The most important key performance indicators of the automation, such as current analysis results, number of samples, processing times or errors that have occurred, can be summarized in an overview dashboard. Such, performance of the automation and deviations from normal operating conditions can thus be identified at a glance.

Reporting

PM Analytics includes an optional reporting module that generates automatic reports on analysis data, processes and condition of the automation. Content, time period, frequency and recipients of the reports can be easily configured. The reported items such as analysis results, sample throughput, preparation and analysis times, errors, warnings or maintenance effort can be displayed either as a graph or table. The reports are automatically sent by email to authorized persons.

In addition, data can be exported from many PM Analytics dashboards for further processing or archiving. For example, data from the Sample Vita module of a single sample can be exported as a pdf file. Other data can be saved in xls or csv format and imported by other programs for further analysis.