1    Functionalities of the "Part selection database" dialogue

This document describes the functions of the "Part selection database" dialogue. Only the basic functions in version 13 are described below. Information on the basic database functionality as well as various other functions that are useful when working with the database can be found in other documents on our homepage https://www.q-das.de/service/support-hotline#faqs||.

This document is in no way a substitute for training. If you would like information about our training courses, you can find them on our homepage at https://www.q-das.de/training/.

Using the function described below, you have the option of limiting the selection of test plans so that the user can start recording measurement data by pressing a button.

         By specifying search criteria (part identification), the selection in the "Part selection database" dialogue can be limited and thus the required inspection plan can be found more quickly.

         The additional data required for the test plan for measurement data acquisition can be specified by automatic completion (Autofill). The default can be defined as a suggestion or as a fixed default without the possibility of changing it.

         Some of the additional data fields can be used to limit the loaded measured values. For example, only the measured values of a specific machine can be loaded for the pre-filtering of the test plans.

2    Preliminary considerations for configuration distribution

The settings made in the "Part selection database" dialogue are stored in the configuration database in a user- and module-specific manner. This means that each user can use his or her own settings. To avoid different representations for different users, it is recommended to use the configuration management to distribute the "Part selection database" dialogue and to withdraw the right "Load user-specific settings" from the user groups in the user administration.

For the Q-DAS applications, the following inheritance applies in principle:

When using the "Part selection database" dialogue, it is recommended to set the configuration settings at the user group level. If a user group is not granted the right "Load user-specific settings", not the user settings but the settings of the user groups, quasi of the next higher level, are loaded. The only exception to this right is the replay of content already entered in the "Part selection database" dialogue. The last search content entered continues to be saved user-specifically.

Detailed information on the topic of configuration management can be found in our FAQ section at https://www.q-das.com/en/service/support-hotline#faqs|||.

To avoid chaos with different user and user group filters as well as different distribution types, consider in advance how the filter settings are to be distributed and create a user for the filter distribution. Detailed information on the distribution of filters can be found in the chapter Apply Filter .

3    "Part selection database" dialogue call

The "Part selection database" dialogue is displayed in the Q-DAS applications with the following symbol.

The dialogue can be called up from different areas of the application.

         Quick Launch Bar

         Directly via the File menu

         Under File | Database ...

4    Dialogue "Part selection database

The "Part selection database" dialogue can be used to limit the selection of inspection plans so that the users or user groups only receive the relevant inspection plans for selection. Furthermore, various additional data can be specified here.

Essentially, the dialogue consists of four areas

         Part fields, which are used to filter the inspection plans

         Additional data fields which serve as defaults for the recording of a new measurement

         Overview of the test plans that meet the filter criteria

         Control panel

4.1     Test plan symbols

Different symbols are used for the test plan status.

Free test plans
The test plans for which measured values can be recorded belong to the free test plans. These are shown with a blue wave symbol like the test plan with the part number 4711.

Blocked test plans
Blocked test plans are test plans that are blocked for the recording of measured values. They are shown with a red wave symbol like the test plan with the part number 4712.

Test plans locked by a user
Test plans that are being processed by another user do not count as locked test plans. These are shown with a lock symbol like the test plan with part number 4713.

Test plans with own window layout
If the window layout of a test plan is saved to the data set, the layout stores which graphics are at which position as well as the assignment of characteristics and measured values to the graphics. Test plans with their own window layout are displayed with a window symbol like the test plan with the part number 4714. However, this only applies to test plans with their own (saved) window layout, which was saved using the old layout configuration before version V13.

If the window for the data set is saved for a test plan, the saved layout only contains the assignment to the Overview/Input window without special graphic settings. Test plans with their own window are displayed with the same symbol as the test plans with their own window layout.

5    Configuration dialogue

The "Configurations" button is used for the individual adaptation of the dialogue with regard to functionality, display and behaviour. All users with the authorisation level "System configuration" have the right to adapt this dialogue. For users with other authorisation levels, the "Configurations" button is hidden.

The "Part selection configuration" dialogue window is divided into various tabs.

5.1     Filter tab

The "Filter" tab contains the setting options for selecting the part fields that can be used for pre-filtering, as well as the default for limiting the test plan selection.

5.1.1     Filter out exact conformance

The option "Filter out exact conformance" can be used to specify the type of search. If the option is not set, it is possible to search for a partial term or to use wildcards for the search. With the wildcard "*" no or any number of characters are replaced, while with the wildcard "?" exactly one character is replaced. If the option is set, the exact search string must be entered in the pre-filtering.

5.1.2     Presetting the part fields for filtering

The table in the "Filter" tab contains the subfields that can be used for pre-filtering in the main window. Here you can also specify whether a selection list or a fixed default is to be used for pre-filtering.

In a standard installation, it is the part fields part number (K1001), part description (K1002) and operation (K1086) configured without a selection list or fixed defaults.

5.1.2.1     Adjust the order of the part fields for the default

The order of the displayed fields can be individually adjusted by dragging and dropping. To do this, the line number to be moved is held down with the left mouse button and dropped at the desired position.

5.1.2.2     Deleting the part fields for the default

An already defined field can be deleted by clicking on the symbol with the red cross. The deletion takes place immediately upon clicking without a message or query.

5.1.2.3     Hiding the part fields for the default

If you do not want to delete a field but it is not available for selection in the main dialogue, use the option in the column "Active".

5.1.2.4     Catalogue selection

The use of catalogues in pre-filtering serves to speed up entries and also as a kind of spell check. If a catalogue has been stored for a part field, the examiner has a selection list that can be used for pre-filtering. Free input is then no longer possible.

Basically, all catalogues and catalogue columns are offered by the application. The content of the catalogues is only available for selection if the catalogue selected via File | Configurations | Catalogues contains a content.

The columns "Catalogues" and "Column" are used to include the catalogues in the part fields for pre-filtering. First select the desired catalogue and then the column whose content is to be used for pre-filtering.

Catalogue selection for defined K-fields

Some of the K fields are predefined by the Q-DAS application. A list of these can be found in the manual "Q-DAS_ASCII-Transfer-Format" in the chapter "Fields with defined field content" https://www.q-das.de/service/datenformataqdef/.

It is not recommended to define a catalogue for the defined K-fields, as the assigned catalogue content for these fields does not match the application defaults and therefore cannot be filtered for this content.

If you want to use defined K fields for pre-filtering, this is only possible by entering the internal list number. A plain text default cannot be used here.

Due to the frequent use of the predefined K-field inspection plan status (K1017), the option "Do not display parts" was additionally created. This option can be used to configure the consideration of the inspection plan status. You will find a more detailed description in the chapter Consider test plan status .

5.1.2.5     Entry for a filter field present

A default can be configured for each of the filter fields. A default entry is only visible to the user when it is activated, i.e. when the option "active" or the option "lock" is set. By activating the option "lock", a default field can additionally be defined as a fixed default. This means that the user cannot make any entries or selections.

5.1.2.6     Create new filter field

To create new fields for filtering, click on the "Add Filter" button. Here you can drag and drop the K-fields from the "Field selection" window into the "Part selection database" window. Alternatively, you can add a field by marking the desired K-field in the "Field selection" window and confirming with the "OK" button. (applies to the Parts and Characteristics Filter tab)

5.1.2.7     Apply Filter

Filters can also be used to limit the preselection. A distinction is made here between the filters that are assigned to the user groups when reading from the database and the filters that were saved by the distributing user.

Filters assigned to user groups

Via the dialogue "Read from database", the part filters of the distributing user can be assigned to different user groups. The application of these in the "Read from database" dialogue takes place directly with the assignment. If you want to use the user-assigned filters also in the dialogue "Part selection database", the option "Apply user groups filter" has to be set.

Filters assigned to stations

Another way to restrict the inspection plan overview is to use SPC inspection planning, where the inspection plans are assigned to the wards. To ensure that the user group only sees the assigned SPC test plans when using SPC test planning, the right "All test plans visible at workstation" is withdrawn. If you use SPC test planning and want to make the test plans assigned to the wards visible in the "Part selection database" dialogue, the option " Apply user groups filter " must be set.

Saved filters

Complex part and feature filters of the distributing user, which were created via the "Read from database" dialogue, are offered via saved filters.

A part filter lists all parts (test plans) in the database that meet the filter conditions. When loading, the whole part, i.e. all characteristics, are loaded.

If a parts filter is combined with the characteristics filter, the parts that correspond to the filter conditions are listed in the pre-filtering. When loading these parts, only the characteristics that match the characteristic filter are loaded by the characteristic filter.

If only feature filters are used, all parts are available in the pre-filtering. The feature filter is only applied when a part is loaded. It is therefore possible that parts are loaded that do not have any characteristics due to the characteristic filters. In this case, the following message is output after loading:

5.1.2.8     Consider test plan status

Inspection plans with corresponding inspection plan status (K field 1017) can be hidden in the selection list.

         Locked test plans
Locked test plans are test plans that are blocked for the recording of measured values. They are displayed with a red wave symbol. Test plans that are being processed by another user do not count as blocked test plans.

         Free test plans
The test plans for which measured values can be recorded belong to the free test plans. These are shown with a blue wave symbol.

         Completed test plans
This type of test plan is used in the SAP environment. Test plan and measured value recording are locked after opening.

         Evaluated inspection plans
This type of test plans is used in the SAP environment. Test plan and measured value recording are locked after opening.

5.2     General tab

The "General" tab can be used to limit the number of measured values to be loaded and to define the display of the main window.

5.2.1     Read in

The "Load" option can be used to limit the number of measured values that are loaded by selecting a test plan. The default setting here is 125 measured values, as the loading of measured values in procella serves to show the user a history within the acquisition graphics.

The settings made here should match the requirements in the evaluation strategy.

It is recommended to set the number to 120 when using the option "Measured values", as this value is divisible by 2, 3, 4 ,5 and 6 and thus corresponds to the most frequently used sample sizes.

The restriction of the measured values to be read in can also be done via the number of samples or via the specification of different time periods.

When limiting the measured values to be read in via period selection, the measured values that correspond to the completely closed time unit and additionally the measured values that were recorded between the closed time unit and the starting point at the time when the filter was executed are loaded.

In the Q-DAS applications, the tag is viewed differently for different options. Basically, there are two ways of looking at it.

         Day as calendar day
In this case, the day is considered from 0 a.m. to midnight

         Cross-date day
In this case, the day is considered as a 24-hour unit across dates

If you use the time unit day when limiting the measured values to be read in, this is regarded as a calendar day. For example, with the setting "1 day", the measured values from the current day and the day before are loaded. With the default "0", only the current day is loaded.

Language usage in the dialogue "Read from database" is "Last 1 day complete with residue".

When loading the measured values on the basis of the samples, the number of measured values corresponding to the sample size specified in the characteristic multiplied by the number specified in the Part selection database dialogue is loaded.

If the option "Sort values after date/time" is additionally activated when reading in, all measured values in the database are first sorted before the specified number is read in. This option is useful if the measured values are not available in sorted chronological order.

5.2.2     Miscellaneous

If the option "Do not remember last input" is set, the search entries are reset each time the "Part selection database" dialogue is called up. If the option is deactivated, the search terms are saved user-specifically and suggested as search terms the next time the "Part selection database" dialogue is called up.

With option set With option deactivated

5.2.3     Display

The display and updating of the test plan listing can be configured under Display.

         Update
The time specified under Update refers to the updating of the raster graphic in which the test plans are listed. With the default setting "0 seconds", the listing is only updated when the dialogue is opened.

The update is useful, for example, for displaying the test intervals of the last and the next test. This use case is described in the chapter Display and sort inspection intervals .

         Font of the main dialogue
Use the "Font" button to configure the font, font size and font colour for the entire main dialogue "Part selection database".

         2nd colour
For a clear presentation of the listed test plans, a colour change of the raster graphic lines can be defined via the button "2nd colour". The default setting here is yellow.

         Preview
If the option "Preview" is activated, the stored picture appears in the right part of the dialogue "Part selection database" when selecting a test plan for which a picture has been stored in the field drawing number (K1046) in the part mask.

When selecting the test plans without a stored drawing, the preview remains empty.

         Show last inspected characteristic
If an inspection plan is recorded via procella or O-QIS procella, it is given a time stamp for the last measured value recording.

By activating the option "Show last inspected characteristic", the last checked characteristic is listed in the raster graphic in the main window "Part selection database".

5.3     Additional data tab

The tab Additional data can be used to set which additional data in the main dialogue "Part selection database" are to be used as defaults when recording or which additional data are to be used for filtering the measured values to be loaded subsequently.

5.3.1     Order

The order of the additional data listed in the main window can be individually adjusted via the Order button.

After a field has been selected in the "Additional data sequence" dialogue, it can be moved by clicking on the arrows. To save the configuration, exit the "Additional Data Sequence" and "Part Selection Configuration" dialogue boxes with "OK".

5.3.2     Default and filter

The additional data can be used for pre-filtering the test plan listing, quasi for limiting the listing of the test plans in the "Part selection database" dialogue. Furthermore, the additional data entry can be automated during the measurement data acquisition by means of an automatic completion (Autofill).

In the Q-DAS applications, the additional data are fixed. A distinction is made here between free and catalogue-based additional data. Detailed information on the data format for additional data can be found on our homepage https://www.q-das.com/en/service/data-format-aqdef. For the non-catalogue-based fields, free alphanumeric entry is possible. In this case, it is important that the user knows his inspection plans, i.e. the parts and additional data, to some extent in order to make the correct selection. For the catalogue-based fields, a catalogue entry can be selected in the selection field. If there is no suitable additional data for the selected test plan, it will be loaded with zero measured values.

Default

The options "Default" and "Fixed Default" are used for the automatic completion of the "Enter Additional Data" dialogue. This means that the default and filtering used here should be coordinated with the "Configuration Data Recording" dialogue

(File | Configurations | Other Settings | Data Collection - Default).

         Default
By setting the option "Default" for a certain additional data field, the entry used when loading the test plan via "Part selection database" is suggested to the user in the dialogue window "Enter additional data". However, the user has the possibility to adapt the entry.

         Fixed default
If the option "Fixed default" is set, the option "Default" is automatically activated. If this option is activated, the user has no more possibility to adapt the additional data after a test plan has been loaded via the dialogue "Part selection database". The additional data specified in the "Part selection database" dialogue are used for the recording of measured values.

Filter

Some of the additional data fields can be used to limit the loaded measured values by setting the "Filter" option. For example, only the measured values of a certain machine can be loaded for the pre-filtering of the test plans.

If the option "Filter" is activated, the option "Default" is also set. This means that the filtered additional data is automatically set as default for the newly entered values. Whether the additional data is used for pre-filtering is shown in a plain text message directly next to the additional data field in the "Part selection database" dialogue.

5.3.3     Multiple selection

The button "All additional data" activates the option "Default" for the additional data fields available in the selection.

The button "No additional data" deactivates the option "Default" for all additional data fields.

5.4     Selection list

Via the "Selection" tab, the display of the raster graphic can be individually configured in the main dialogue "Part selection database".

To save the configuration, exit the "Selection list" dialogue with "OK".

5.4.1     View

The fields listed under Display are the K-fields which are displayed as columns in the raster graphic. For a standard delivery, these are the part number, part description and operation.

Arrangement

The order of the K fields can be adjusted individually. To do this, the corresponding field is marked and its order shifted by clicking on the navigation buttons, shown here as arrows.

Add or remove fields

To create new K-fields for the raster graphic, click on the "+" button. Here you can drag and drop the K-fields from the "Field selection" window into the "Selection list" window. Alternatively, you can add a field by marking the desired K-field in the "Field selection" window and confirming with the "OK" button.

The "-" button can be used to remove a previously marked K-field entry from the "Display" listing.

Sort

With the option "Sort" you can determine by which K-fields the pre-filtered inspection plans are to be sorted in the main dialogue "Part selection database". If you select several K-fields here, the sorting is sequential.

Part number followed by part designation

5.4.2     Display and sort inspection intervals

If the check boxes for displaying the last or next test are activated, the corresponding time stamps are displayed in the grid graphic of the "Part selection database" dialogue. This display shows when the last test of a test plan took place and when the next test is due.

For the correct use of these options, the check intervals must be set at the part level in the "Configuration Data Acquisition" dialogue (File | Configurations | Other Settings | Data Acquisition - Standard). If the display is to be updated while the "Part selection database" dialogue is loaded, the display update time must also be specified in the "General" tab of the "Part selection database" dialogue.

Inspection plans that are not yet to be inspected due to the inspection interval are highlighted in green in the grid graphic, while inspection plans that are due for inspection due to the inspection interval are highlighted in red.

The pre-filtered inspection plans can also be sorted according to inspection intervals. If sorting by test interval has been activated, sorting by K-fields is ignored.

The sorting can be selected either by "Last test" or "Next test". If the option "Last test" has been activated, you can also sort the pre-filtered test plans in descending order.

With the selection between relative and absolute, you can choose how the time until the next test is to be indicated.

         Relative
Countdown to the next test or the time since when the test was exceeded.

         Absolute
Timestamp when the next exam is to take place.

5.4.3     Option

If the option "Mark last opened part" is activated, the last used test plan is marked when opening the dialogue "Part selection database".

5.5     Combined input

The "Combined input" tab supports the reading of part or additional data via a barcode scanner, such as barcodes from a goods receipt/issue slip.

The use of the combined input facilitates data entry in the "Part selection database" dialogue by avoiding incorrect entries and favouring the loading behaviour. Thus, the defined specifications for data entry can be automated as well as the provision of the correct additional data.

If a barcode is read in with a commercially available scanner, the character string of the scanner input is divided among the defined K fields. The filtering of the test plans and the subsequently loaded measured values as well as the specification of the additional data follows the corresponding settings.

By activating the option "Use combined input", the field "Scanner input" is shown in the dialogue "Part selection database" and the configuration made can be used.

The configuration of the combined input is divided into Mode area, Configuration transfer and Configuration fields.

         Mode
The mode defines the structure of the individual fields in the barcode. Here you can choose between fixed positions or defined separators. In addition to the usual separators such as commas, you can also use your own separators. If a separator is used, it must also be entered at the end of the barcode content, as a closing character, so to speak.

         Configuration transfer
The option "Assign data at" determines when the field configuration should take effect. Here you can choose between three options.

         Number of characters
The "Number of characters" option is to be used in conjunction with the "Fixed positions" mode. Here, the total number of characters contained in the barcode is specified.

         Number of Separators
The option "Number of Separators" is to be used in conjunction with the mode "Separators". The total number of separators contained in the barcode is specified here.

         Exit input field
This option can be used for the "Fixed positions" mode as well as for the "Separator" mode. The text read in via the scanner is only transferred to the configured fields after leaving the "Scanner input" field.

         Fields Configuration
Depending on which mode is used, the configuration display is different.

Basically, it can be defined whether a K-field is a partial field for the pre-filtering of the test plans or an additional data field for the pre-filtering of the measured values to be loaded or for the specification of the additional data contents.

Under "Field selection", the K-field into which the content is written is specified.

If the mode "Fixed positions" is used, the fields "Start" and "End" are displayed. Here the positions in the barcode are indicated which refer to the start and end characters for the defined K-field.

The order of the displayed fields can be individually adjusted by dragging and dropping. To do this, the line number to be moved is held down with the left mouse button and dropped at the desired position.

5.5.1     Example combined input with fixed positions

The following example defines the combined input for reading out a barcode with fixed character positions. The order of the K-fields defined here can be defined differently from the barcode content and the input order in the main window "Part selection database". The correct assignment is made by specifying the exact position and the K-field definition.

Configuration of the "Combined input" tab

In addition, the additional data field "Machine number" is defined as a filter for limiting the measured values to be loaded.

The barcode for this example is a Data Matrix (ISO 16022) with the following content
Part description: Shaft, Part number: 47, Contractor Number: X2333N444, Batch number: S / 20150505 / 1, Machine number: 3, Cavitiy number: 1

If the barcode is now read in via the "Scanner input", the defined K fields are automatically completed.

If one of the pre-filtered test plans is loaded, only the measured values with the corresponding machine number, in this example 3, are loaded. The additional data entered in the "Part selection database" dialogue are suggested in the additional data window when new measured values are recorded.

5.5.2     Example combined input with separator

In the following example, the combined input for reading out a barcode is defined with a comma as the separator. The order of the K-fields defined here depends on the order of the barcode content. The sequence can be defined differently from the input sequence in the main window "Part selection database". Here the correct assignment is made by the K-field definition.

The barcode for this example is a Code 128 (ISO 15417) with the following content
47,Shaft,X2333N444,S / 20150505 / 1,1,3,
Since the exact sequence is used when using barcodes with separators and the barcode example contains content that is not to be read in, an 'empty' K field is defined for the third separator.

Configuration of the "Combined input" tab

If the barcode is now read in via the "Scanner input", the defined K fields are automatically completed.

5.6     Influence of the database options on the inspection plan overview

In contrast to the "Read from database" dialogue, the "Part selection database" dialogue is primarily to be seen as a selection dialogue for the recording of measured values. Therefore, all options that load a test plan in read-only mode have no effect in the "Part selection database" dialogue, e.g. the option for merging the mother-child test plans ("When loading superordinate test plans, automatically load all subordinate ones and merge them into one test plan").

However, there are database options which are always used in the "Part selection database" dialogue. These are essentially the options "Maximum number of parts" and "Accept changes made by the user to the sorting of characteristics".