Continuing on from the previous post in the “Feature Focus” series, I’ve decided to highlight another great feature within FlexiLOG that is not always used but can provide insight into the current data that is captured within the logs.

Trending, the way it has been implemented within FlexiLOG, allows you to create a template with a section that deals with manual numeric data entry. The data being captured will create a visual indicator as to whether the current value is higher, lower or the same as the previous value captured. Below is an example of this is action.

But we do not stop there. Showing an indicator from the previous values captured is all good and well, but would it be more useful to have a trend over time of the data captured?!?

By clicking on the actual indicator (coloured arrow), a chart is generated which will show the previous ten values captured. Below is an example of this in action.

Having all this additional information at hand, would definitely provide any user with context to make better decisions on running his plant or any other situation that they might find themselves in.

It should be noted that the “Extended Validation” is part of Operations Suite 5.0, which is currently undergoing final development, and will be available during 2010.