LABWORKS 6.9 Admin Guide

Labworks, LLC
230 North 1200 E #202

Lehi, UT 84043
Phone: 844 452-2967
www.labworks.com
LABWORKS LIMS v6.9

Admin Guide
Last Updated: May 2019

Notices
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

Except as specifically set forth in its terms and conditions of sale, LABWORKS makes no warranty of any
kind with regard to this document, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose.
LABWORKS shall not be liable for errors contained herein for incidental consequential damages in connection
with furnishing, performance or use of this material.
Copyright Information
This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright.

All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever or translated into any
language without the prior, written permission of LABWORKS, LLC.
Copyright © 1998-2019 LABWORKS, LLC.
Portions copyright © 1996 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved
Produced in the U.S.A.
Trademarks
Registered names, trademarks, etc. used in this document, even when not specifically marked as such, are protected
by law.
LABWORKS is a registered trademark of LABWORKS, LLC.
LABWORKS is a trademark of LABWORKS, LLC.
Microsoft, MS, and Microsoft Visual Basic are registered trademarks and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft
Corporation.
Customer Support
This software is supported by LABWORKS Informatics Support.
LABWORKS LLC. | For the Better

https://labworks.com/contact/
LABWORKS LIMS v6.9 Administrator Guide
Table of Contents
Contents
Notices .............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Copyright Information ....................................................................................................................................................... 2
Trademarks....................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Customer Support............................................................................................................................................................. 2
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................................... 1
1. System Administrator Reference ........................................................................................................................ 1
Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Data Fields Setup.......................................................................................................................................................... 3
Error Codes and Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................. 8
Translation Tool ............................................................................................................................................................ 9
Automatic Email Reporting ......................................................................................................................................... 16
BarTender Label Setup ............................................................................................................................................... 25
Utilities ......................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Archive Setup and Configuration ................................................................................................................................ 39
LABWORKS INI File ................................................................................................................................................... 49
Glossary ...................................................................................................................................................................... 78
Additional Reference Material ..................................................................................................................................... 81
SYSMGR/System Manager Settings .......................................................................................................................... 92
2. LABWORKS Sample Login - Sample Reporting (“Paperwork”) ....................................................................... 95
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................. 95
LABWORKS Sample Login ......................................................................................................................................... 95
Sample Login Configuration ........................................................................................................................................ 96
Sample Configuration.................................................................................................................................................. 98
List Screen Configurations .......................................................................................................................................... 99
User Program Configuration ..................................................................................................................................... 102
Group Configuration .................................................................................................................................................. 104
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Paperwork Configuration .......................................................................................................................................... 104
Sample Login Reporting Overview – The Complete Process .................................................................................. 108
New Paperwork Template Design or Modification .................................................................................................... 109
LABWORKS Reporting ............................................................................................................................................. 113
Data Model Configuration ......................................................................................................................................... 116
LABWORKS Sample Login – Logging in Samples ................................................................................................... 118
Sample Login Complete Report Rendering Process ................................................................................................ 121
Persisted Groups in LABWORKS ............................................................................................................................. 123
3. LABWORKS Crystal 11 Report Designer ....................................................................................................... 132
About the Program and Getting Started.................................................................................................................... 132
Create/Edit Reports Using Exported Data ................................................................................................................ 134
Create/Edit Reports Using Direct Connect ............................................................................................................... 144
Menu Items and Special Editing Features ................................................................................................................ 151
Record Selection ....................................................................................................................................................... 163
Sorting and Grouping Data ....................................................................................................................................... 171
Running Totals .......................................................................................................................................................... 183
Multiple Section Reports ........................................................................................................................................... 188
Formatting ................................................................................................................................................................. 197
Charting ..................................................................................................................................................................... 206
Cross-Tab Objects .................................................................................................................................................... 224
Using Formulas ......................................................................................................................................................... 231
Creating Formulas with Basic Syntax ....................................................................................................................... 240
Creating Formulas with Crystal Syntax ..................................................................................................................... 272
Parameter Fields ....................................................................................................................................................... 306
Subreports ................................................................................................................................................................. 314
4. QA/QC Module Technical Reference ............................................................................................................. 324
Technical Prologue ................................................................................................................................................... 324
QA/QC Module Execution ......................................................................................................................................... 324
QA/QC Application Specifics .................................................................................................................................... 326
Common QA/QC Problems ....................................................................................................................................... 339
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5. QA/AC Module Setup and Configuration Reference ...................................................................................... 340
Overview and Setup .................................................................................................................................................. 340
QA/QC Template Builder .......................................................................................................................................... 343
QA/QC Batching and Other LIMS Modules .............................................................................................................. 364
Additional QA/QC Common Terminology ................................................................................................................. 370
6. Discharge Monitor Technical Reference .................................................................................................................... 382
Technical Prologue to DMR Usage ........................................................................................................................... 382
Existing Users: Legacy Migration .............................................................................................................................. 388
DMR Calculation Installations ................................................................................................................................... 393
DMR Configuration Settings ..................................................................................................................................... 402
Common DMR Problems .......................................................................................................................................... 403
7. Discharge Monitor User Reference ................................................................................................................ 405
Labworks-Discharge Monitor .................................................................................................................................... 405
Getting Started .......................................................................................................................................................... 406
Workflow ................................................................................................................................................................... 413
8. Automated Results Posting ............................................................................................................................ 448
Introduction to Automated Results Posting ............................................................................................................... 448
Automated Results Posting Tools: Configuration and Usage ................................................................................... 457
The AUDIT Step: Automated Results Posting .......................................................................................................... 473
The Result Conditioning Step: Automated Results Posting...................................................................................... 475
The Specifications Check Step: Automated Results Posting ................................................................................... 494
Appendix A: The Complete List of System Control Options in SYSMGR/System Manager .......................................... 503
Appendix B: The Complete List of LABWORKS.INI Settings......................................................................................... 521
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1. System Administrator Reference
Overview
General Overview
Philosophy and Function
LABWORKS is a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). It is a database used for recording sample
information and test results in a laboratory environment. LABWORKS essentially involves logging in a sample,
entering test results for the sample, validating the sample, managing quality assurance for the sample, and providing
invoices and/or reports for the sample. This chapter provides the System Administrator with the following information:
• Overall philosophy and function of LABWORKS
• General overview and terminology involved in the LIMS
• Various LABWORKS database options
Please note that additional instructions on how to set up and use most aspects of LABWORKS are contained in the
Online Help for the product.
General Overview and Terminology
LABWORKS is a modular application. Each set of related functions in LABWORKS is contained in a subset or
smaller streamlined programs. For example, a sample may be logged in by launching Multi-Sample Login, but
sample results may be entered by launching Spreadsheet Results Entry or a related program. Each of these modular
programs is specialized for its function to reduce redundant code and reduce the size of the applications while
maintaining an efficient and easy-to-maintain code base. This allows the software programmers to update or modify
the individual programs without affecting the functionality of other areas of the LIMS.
LABWORKS Database Options

LABWORKS is a client/server application. This means that client application us used to send, filter, and read data to
and from the LABWORKS database. Additionally, the LABWORKS uses services that run on a server computer to
authenticate users and provide and received data. The server resides on the server computer that is running
LABWORKS Services. The file server is a computer that contains files common to all users. The LABWORKS base
files are stored on the file server. The LABWORKS database is access from a database server. The database options
are:
SQL® Server
SQL Server is from the Microsoft Corporation. This option requires a database administrator who can set up and
maintain the database. It also accommodates a very large user base and can easily handle a large number of active
samples and their related data.
Oracle®
Oracle® offers basically the same functionality and a much larger capacity than the SQL ®server. It also requires
dedicated maintenance and setup in the form of a database administrator.
© Copyright 1998-2019 LABWORKS, LLC. All rights 1 of 524

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Default LABWORKS logon

After installing LABWORKS, the LABWORKS User Logon window is displayed for you to log on. LABWORKS
provides a default User ID and password for initial log on. This User ID and password can and should be changed
later either by the User or the System Administrator. The default log on User ID is USR, and the default Password is
1 (number one).
Default LABWORKS logon
If this is a brand new install, when you log onto LABWORKS for the first time, LABWORKS provides a default User
ID and password for initial log on. This User ID and password can and should be changed later either by the User or
the System Administrator. The default log on User ID is USR, and the default Password is 1 (number one).
Note: The first time you attempt to log into LABWORKS from a workstation, a dialog appears that prompts you to
type in the name of the server you wish to connect to.
1. From the LABWORKS User Logon window, enter USR as the User ID.
2. Enter 1 (the number 1) for the Password.
3. Click OK.
Troubleshooting
Even though every attempt has been made to accommodate every conceivable situation, there are times when the
installation process might not complete as expected. If you have trouble with the installation process and the
documentation does not answer any of your questions, then please call LABWORKS Technical Support promptly for
assistance.
Installing and Configuring BarTender

The BarTender software program is used to create custom labels within LABWORKS. If your laboratory plans to use
BarTender, the BarTender installation manual provides a brief, but to the point, and detailed guide for its installation.
However, it is important to note that the Enterprise version of BarTender requires installation of a license server
component called the Seagull License Server. This component must be installed to a computer that allows access at
all times by the workstations that will be printing labels from LABWORKS.
To install BarTender:
1. Install the Seagull License Server as detailed in the BarTender manual.
2. Install the BarTender component on each workstation that will be printing labels per the BarTender
installation manual instructions.
NOTE: Since this is a third-party component, LABWORKS representatives can only provide limited support for the
actual usage of BarTender itself.
The information for defining paperwork settings at login and creating a BarTender label format can be found in the
LABWORKS LIMS Laboratory System Administrator Manual. Refer to that manual for details.

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Data Fields Setup
Introduction
Data organization is a key factor when installing and setting up LABWORKS. The System Administrator must
organize data in a manner that allows necessary access to sample data by users and customize the data in
LABWORKS to meet company requirements. Data organization includes file location, user data accessibility, sample
data ownership, defining sample-related data fields, establishing an analysis list and a location code/sample point
list, and updating and maintaining information as needed. Data organization of user fields and database tables are
described in this chapter.
LABWORKS allows the creation of extra sample-related data fields. These fields can be text, dates, or numeric. This
feature allows the System Administrator to establish data fields that may not be available by default in the LIMS or to
create fields necessary to meet their particular laboratory requirements. Field size is limited to 160 characters, and
field names are limited to 16 characters and should not contain spaces or non-DOS filename characters.
In order to create user fields, two tables in the LABWORKS database must be edited. The two tables are titled
SUSERFLDS and USERFLDS. The properties of the tables are listed below.
NOTE: The examples used below contain sample user fields for illustration only. Your tables will vary.The fields that
are required by LABWORKS and that will remain static are SAMPNO inSUSERFLDS and LOCCODE in USERFLDS.
NOTE: If you do not know how to access and edit the SUSERFLDS and USERFLDS tables, obtain assistance from
someone in your company or contact LABWORKS Technical Support.
User Field Setup
USUSERFLDS Table
The SUSERFLDS table contains actual data assigned to each LABWORKS sample.
Name Type Size (characters)
SAMPNO Text 7
OUR_DASH_No Text 14
INSPECTOR_REF Text 11
SHIPDATE Date/Time 8
DISPDATE Date/Time 8
CATEGORY Text 13
LATITUDE Text 10
LONGITUDE Text 10
SAMPTYPE Text 3

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SAMPFREQ Text 3
SITECODE Text 3
Permit_No Text 15
Discharge_No Text 10
Time Date/Time 8
Matrix Text 16
MSDS_REF Text 16
MAP_REF Text 16
NOTE: The first User-Defined Field you create should be the most queried field that does not already exist in
LABWORKS – second to the sample ID and Location Code.
USERFLDS Table
The USERFLDS table contains default values for each user field for all location codes.
Name Type Size (characters)
LOCCODE Text 8
OUR_DASH_No Text 14
INSPECTOR_REF Text 11
SHIPDATE Date/Time 8
DISPDATE Date/Time 8
CATEGORY Text 13
LATITUDE Text 10
LONGITUDE Text 10
SAMPTYPE Text 3
SAMPFREQ Text 3
SITECODE Text 3
Permit_No Text 15
Discharge_No Text 10
Time Date/Time 8

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Matrix Text 16
MSDS_REF Text 16
MAP_REF Text 16
Actual values in these tables are populated by LABWORKS.
New User Field Setup
A maximum of 50 user-defined fields may be set up in LABWORKS. Fields closer to the top of the list have priority in
the user interface for searches and other functions; so place the most commonly used fields at the top. User field 1
also has extended search and formatting capabilities. When defining the field name, be descriptive but be aware that
LABWORKS limits the field name to 16 characters. Field size is limited to 160 characters, and field names are limited
to 16 characters and should not contain spaces or non-DOS filename characters. Careful pre-planning of the user
field setup is a necessity.
1. Type in the new field name, type, and size in both tables, making sure the field has the same properties in
other tables. These fields can be text, date/time, or numeric.
NOTE: Limit the new field name to 16 characters, since this is maximum number of characters allowed for this field
in LABWORKS.
2. Make sure the fields are in the same order in both tables.In the above example, for instance, notice that
LONGITUDE follows LATITUDE and precedes SAMPTYPE in both tables.
3. Set up the data fields to accept blank entries, since samples may be logged in without data in one or more of
the user fields.
NOTE: Fields must have the same properties and be in the same order in the SUSERFLDS and USERFLDS tables.
Other Setups
Trend plot program setup
Use of the trend plot program requires the presence of tables TPPLOT and TPHEADER in the LABWORKS
database and the privileges TRENDRUN (Display trend plot groups) and TRENDSETUP (Define and configure trend
plot groups) in the PRIVS table of the database.
Document reference maintenance program setup
The Document Reference Maintenance Program requires that two user privileges must be present in the PRIVS
table of the database so that they can be assigned to the program users.
In order to reference MSDS documents, a text type user defined field named MSDS_REF must be added to the
LABWORKS database. To reference map documents, a text type user defined field named MAP_REF must also be
added to the database. User defined fields are created by adding columns to tables USERFLDS and SUSERFLDS.
See the New user field setup section for instructions for adding user defined fields. No special user defined fields are
required to support SOP document referencing.

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System Maintenance
Maintenance Functions
Introduction
An integral part of the System Administrator’s responsibilities is the on-going maintenance of LABWORKS and the
associated databases. As company and users’ requirements change, the system functionality must be updated and
altered to meet demands. System security and assurance that data files are not lost in case of computer failure are
extremely important. A method of maintaining, backing up, and securing data is crucial. Maintenance and backup are
discussed in this section.
LABWORKS Backup Strategy
LABWORKS is a database application that is generally shared by several people in a work environment. As such, it
may be difficult to control the environment in which LABWORKS resides, and frequent backups are always
recommended. Although LABWORKS provides utilities for archiving old data, the archive function is not a
replacement for backing up the programs and data paths.
What to Back Up
When backing up LABWORKS, remember that even if your data is stored in SQL® Server, or Oracle®, there are
many other data related files and folders that should be backed up. As a general rule, it is best to backup your
database, plus the entire LABWORKS datapath, and the LABWORKS program path. If this is done on a regular
basis, restoring the system to its working configuration is as easy as restoring the backup. Backing up the programs
and database also adds the convenience of removing the need for running the LABWORKS administrative install in
the event of a problem that requires restoring the backup.
NOTE: It is best to backup your database, plus the entire LABWORKS datapath, and the LABWORKS program path
on a regular basis.
When to Back Up
Although LABWORKS is considered to be very stable, many other variables are introduced when it is placed in a
working environment. These variables, such as a network operating system, hardware integrity, user proficiency, and
even the state of each computer running LABWORKS, all have an effect on the data system. If any one of these
variables introduces a problem, the data may be corrupted, necessitating restoration of a backup. As a general rule,
remember that if you backup each day, you should never lose more than a day’s work, but if you backup only once a
week, you may potentially have to re-enter a week’s worth of data.
Most backup programs or packages have a suggestion for a good backup strategy. Following one of the suggested
strategies should be sufficient. Additionally, if you have an IS department, the individuals in that department may be
able to assist you in setting up a backup system or suggest a strategy.
A popular weekly cycle schedule includes a full backup on Monday and partial backups Tuesday through Friday.
NOTE: If you backup each day, you should never lose more than a day’s work if your system fails to function
properly.
Useful Database Maintenance Utilities
LABWORKS is primarily a database. It incorporates many complex and varied programs, but the heart of the system
is the data that the LIMS maintains. As with any database, LABWORKS data must be periodically maintained and

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managed. Since the underlying data structure varies with different versions of LABWORKS (SQL® Server, Oracle®),
the LIMS manager is responsible for determining the best management and maintenance strategies for his/her
specific installation. This section of the chapter attempts to propose a few options and provide a few helpful hints for
maintaining LABWORKS.
Database Optimization
Most databases offer specific tools for optimizing the data. These tools should be used regularly to ensure optimum
performance of the LIMS. A regularly scheduled database diagnostic is recommended (once a month at minimum,
but more often depending on how heavily the LIMS is used – this is dependent on each individual installation of
LABWORKS). Additionally, any errors should be repaired as soon as possible to maintain the speed and data
integrity.
Network Speed
Networks vary greatly in their hardware and software implementation. They also vary greatly in the way they transfer
data packets; this can affect the speed at which applications transfer data. The speed of LABWORKS is dependent
in part upon the speed of the network.

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Error Codes and Troubleshooting
Technical Support
Even though every attempt has been made to accommodate every conceivable situation, there are times when the
installation process may not complete as expected. Please refer to this chapter for possible causes. If you go through
the following sections and still need assistance, call LABWORKS Technical Support.
To contact LABWORKS, LLC. Technical Support:
 https://labworks.com/contact/
Error Logs
If errors are experienced during normal use of LABWORKS, check your user and program paths for errolog files. If
the LABWORKS client can make a connection to the database these errorlog files are read and the contents added
to the ErrorLog table. These files/database records detail errors received in LABWORKS under normal use. See the
Frequently Asked Questions section below for questions and answers concerning errors and error logs.
If you try all the solutions in the above sections and rerun LWSysConfig.exe and are still having trouble with
installation, please make detailed notes about the problems and email them to LABWORKS Support at web site at
https://labworks.com/contact/

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Translation Tool
Introduction to the Translation Tool

The Translation Tool is supplied with your LABWORKS application software and it enables you to customize the
application to run in the language of your choice. You can use this tool to create, modify, review, import and/or
export a language.
LABWORKS is shipped with a set of standard languages; however, if you find that you need to run LABWORKS in a
different language, or that you need to modify an existing language to better reflect your organization’s laboratory
work flow and business practices you can use this tool. Once you have customized or created a language you can
select to run the application in the language of your choice from the LABWORKS login screen.
The LABWORKS Translation Tool is a very flexible translation editor and the rest of this chapter will show you how to
use this tool. The LABWORKS Translation Tool is installed in the “Server” folder as part of the server install.
The Main Translation Tool Window
The Title Bar at the top of the window displays the name of the product and the standard Windows buttons -
minimize, maximize and close.
The Menu Bar contains the menu commands that enable you to work with the
Translation Tool, as described below:

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Menu Command Description
File New Language > New … Opens the Add New Language dialog so that you can create
Save language Saves the language currently being edited.
Export Language… Opens a dialog that allows the user to export a language
Import Language… Opens a dialog that allows the user to import a language
Exit Closes the Translation Tool.
Edit Cut Cuts text from an edit cell and places it in the clipboard.
Copy Copies text from an edit cell and places it in the clipboard.
Find Finds the defined text/number in the selected field.
Paste Pastes the contents of the clipboard into a cell.

reserved.
Edit Language… Opens dialog that allows the user to select a language for editing.
Delete Language Opens dialog that allows the user to delete a custom language.
Switches the Tool Bar on and off. A checkmark is displayed

View Tool Bar
when the Tool Bar is switched on.
String ID Switches the String ID column on and off.
Actions Sort by String ID Sorts the language by string ID.
Sort by Reference language Sorts the language by reference language text.
Sort by New language Sorts the language by new language text.
Sort by Language ID Sorts the language by ID number.
Review Language
Opens Updating Language table dialog.
Update
Copy language to new

Opens Copying language tables to new database dialog.
database
Help Contents Displays the Help window.
About
Displays the About box.
LABWORKS
The Toolbar, located below the menu bar, contains icons for standard interactions that will be performed frequently.
All of the commands on the tool bar are also available through the menu bar.
Create a New Language
There are two ways you can create a new language. You can create an entirely new language, while using a
previously created language as a reference, or you can create a new language from an existing language.
To create a new language:
1. From the Translation Tool screen select File > New Language or click

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.
2. The Add New Language dialog appears and a Language ID for the new language is automatically assigned.
3. Enter a Name for the new language.
4. Enter a Description for the new language.
5. Select a Reference Language.
Note: The Reference Language is the language that you will base your new language on. As you are translating the
Reference Language’s strings into your new language, you may find it necessary to see how or where a particular
string is used in the application. If you click FindText from the Translation Tool’s toolbar, the LABWORKS application
will open in the selected reference language. The application will also display the string number associated with
each string, so that you can browse through the application until you find the string number that corresponds to the
string you wish to translate.
6. Click OK. You are returned to the main Translation Tool screen. The spreadsheet for the Translation Tool
now shows the String IDs for each string, the Reference language column is now labeled according to and
populated with the Reference Language you selected, and the New Language column is now labeled
according to the name you gave the new language.
7. Enter your translations in the Edit New Language column.
8. Click File > Save to save the new language.
Now, when you log into LABWORKS, you can select this new language from the log in screen in order to have the
LABWORKS application display in the new language.
To create a new language from an existing language:
1. From the Translation Tool screen select File > New Language > From Existing or click and select
From Existing.
2. The Add New Language dialog appears and the Language ID for the new language is automatically
assigned.
3. Enter a Name for the new language.

4. Enter a Description for the new language.
6. Click OK. You are returned to the main Translation Tool screen. The spreadsheet for the Translation
Tool now shows the String IDs for each string, the Reference language column is now labeled according
to and populated with the Reference Language you selected, and the New Language column is now
labeled with the name you gave the new language; however this column is first populated with the strings
contained in the Reference Language.
7. Make your edits in the Edit New Language column.

8. Click File > Save to save the new language.
Now, when you log into LABWORKS, you can select this new language from the log in screen in order to have the
LABWORKS application display in the new language.
How Languages are Assigned an ID

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Languages 0-99 are controlled by LABWORKS LLC. These are the languages that come standard with your system.
The ID numbers 100-999 are assigned by the Translation Tool when you create a new language. LABWORKS
automatically assigns the next available ID when you create a new language or make a copyof an existing language.
Export a Language
If you wish to create translations for a new language outside of LABWORKS, you can export a language directly into
an Excel spreadsheet and use Microsoft Excel as your editing environment.
To export a language:
1. From the Translation Tool screen select Actions>Export Language. The Export Language dialog
appears.
2. Select a language to export from the Name drop down menu.
3. Click OK.A file selector dialog appears.
4. Enter a File name and location for the language you are exporting.
5. Click Export.The selected language is exported.
Import a Language
If you have created translations for a language in a properly formatted Excel spreadsheet you can import the
contents of that file directly into LABWORKS.
To import a language:
1. From the Translation Tool screen select Actions > Import Language. The Import Language dialog
appears.
2. Enter a Name and Description for the language you wish to import.
3. Click OK.A file selector dialog appears.
4. Select the file you wish to import.
5. Click Import.The selected file is imported.
Edit a Language
1. From the Translation Tool screen click Edit > Edit Language. The Edit Language dialog appears.
2. Select a language from the Name drop down menu.
3. A description of the selected language appears in the Description field.
5. Click OK. You are returned to the main Translation Tool screen. The spreadsheet for the Translation
Tool now shows the String IDs for each string, the Reference language column is now labeled according
to and populated with the Reference Language you selected, and the New Language column is now
labeled and populated with the name of the language you selected for editing.
6. Edit the strings contained in the Edit Language column.
7. Click File > Save to save your changes.
Copy Language Tables to a New Database

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1. From the Translation tool screen click Actions > Copy language to new database.
2. The Copy language tables to new database dialog appears.
3. From the From drop down menu, select the database that contains the tables you wish to copy.
4. From the To drop down menu, select the database that you wish to copy the tables into.
5. From the Languages to Copy section, click on the languages you wish to copy and then click
. The selected languages now appear in the drop down menu on the right-hand portion of
the screen. OR
6. Click to copy all available languages. All of the languages now appear in the drop down
menu on the right-hand portion of the screen.
Note: To deselect a language, select the language(s) listed in the right-hand portion of the screen and click
. The selected languages are returned to the drop down list on the left-hand portion of the screen; or
click to move all of the languages on the right-hand portion of the screen over the left-hand portion of
the screen.
7. Click OK.
Note: You may receive a message that states: “Copying a language will overwrite the selected language in the
target database. Do you want to continue?” If this message appears click Yes to overwrite the target database.
Update the Language Tables When There is a New Software Release
When you receive an update to the LABWORKS software, part of the installation process involves updating the
language tables to accommodate for any changes that have been made to the user interface. When you install a
LABWORKS update, the software will compare the current database tables to the previous database tables and any
differences are placed into an exception table, which you can review in order to view the new translations and decide
whether or not to keep the translations or customize them.
To review updated languages:
1. From the Translation Tool window select Actions > Review Language Update. The Review Language
Update window appears.
2. From the Database drop down menu, select the name of the database you wish to review. The
Languages to review list is populated with a list of available languages.
3. Select the languages you wish to review and then click .The selected languages now
appear in the drop down menu on the right- hand portion of the screen.
OR
4. Click to select all available languages. All of the languages now appear in the drop down
menu on the right-hand portion of the screen.
Note: To deselect a language, select the language(s) listed in the right-hand portion of

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the screen and click . The selected languages are returned to the drop down list on the left-hand
portion of the screen; or click to move all of the languages on the right-hand portion of the screen over
the left- hand portion of the screen.
5. Click OK.You are returned to the Translation Tool window, and the editing portion of the window is now
populated with four columns. The four columns are as follows:
String ID – This column contains a string ID for each string.
Language – This column contains the name of the language.
PKI Language – This column contains the new translations that are shipped with the software.
Local Language – This column contains any changes you have made to the standard language. Initially, this
column is highlighted in Red. Items highlighted in red require action.
6. To select a string for use in the database, click in a cell in either the PKI Language column or the Local
Language column.The cell color changes to green to indicate that you have selected that string to use in
the database.
Note: If you change your mind you can click on the unselected sell and transfer the selection to it.
7. When you are done reviewing language updates click File > Save.
Note: If you do not complete the review session, but still click File > Save, then the next time you open this review,
the previously reviewed and selected cells will not appear; only the cells that require action.

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Automatic Email Reporting
Automatic Email Reporting Installation

Automatic Email Reporting is an optional LABWORKS feature that enables you to automatically send emails to
clients for sample confirmation and results reports upon demand. If you have the Automatic Email Reporting tool set
up and configured, then once samples have been logged into the LABWORKS database, emails containing a
confirmation number and due date for receiving sample results, are sent to the sample submitter. Customers can
then request reports by replying to the confirmation messages. The reports are then sent to the submitter’s email
address as PDF files.
This section shows you how to set up and configure LABWORKS for Automatic Email Reporting.
Installation Requirements
In order to configure LABWORKS for automatic email reporting you must have the following components:
• Microsoft Outlook must be properly configured and setup with a mailbox
Note: Microsoft Outlook must be Version lower than 2002 due to the security features that require one to answer
whether or not the program can access Outlook.
Once you have the client installed you will need to perform the following steps, which are described in this
document:
• Add new user defined fields to the USERFLDS and SUSERFLDS database tables
• Enable/disable the automatic email reporting privilege for the correct users
• Configure the System Manager Settings from the AER_Daemon6.exe program
• Configure a Multi-Sample Login template to include the new user-defined fields specified for email and the
user program AER_LOGIN6.EXE
• You must have a sub-directory called AER_RPORTS in the LWDATA Directory
• You must have a sub-directory called EMAILTEMPLATES in the
• LWDATA\Crystal directory.
• Within the Crystal directory mentioned above, you must have at least one AER type confirmation .RPT file
and one AER type confirmation .CEF file. i.e. AER_CONFIRM.RPT and AER_CONFIRM.CEF
Note: The email reporting is designed to run UNATTENDED. The daemon checks only UNREAD messages in the
inbox. If you open an email intended for LABWORKS processing, the daemon will not process this message
because it will see the message as READ. If you accidentally open a message, mark the message as UNREAD
(right mouse-click ).
Enable Email Reporting
In order to run the Automatic Email Reporting tool users must be assigned the privilege to “Run automatic email
reporting.” The following section describes how to enable or disable this privilege.
1. From the LABWORKS Desktop click Utilities > System Manger. The System Manager Password screen
appears.
2. Enter the System Manager password.The System Manager screen appears.

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3. Click Privileges.
4. Enable or disable email reporting for each user by selecting the user and then checking or unchecking the
“Run automatic email reporting” privilege.
Configure System Manager Settings for AER_DAEMON Table
You are now ready to map the user defined fields you added to the USERFLDS and SUSERFLDS tables to the
System Manager Settings for Automatic Email Reporting.
1. Open the LWEXE directory and click on AER_DAEMON6.exe. The automatic Email Report Server opens.

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2. Click Tools > System Manager Settings.The System Manager Password screen appears.
3. Enter the System Manager password.The System Manager Settings (AER_Daemon) screen appears.
When you access this screen for the first time the Key Names will appear in bold and next to the name will be (New).
When you are defining these settings you need to associate a user defined field (listed in the Text Value drop down
menus) with a Key Name so that the LABWORKS application displays the user defined field as a representation the
actual Key Name.
Below is an explanation of the System Manager Settings:

AER_ADDRESS_FLD: From the Text Value drop down menu select a user defined field for the name of the email
address user field.
AER_CONFNUM_FLD: From the Text Value drop down menu select a user defined field for the name of the
confirmation number user field.
AER_CONFMSG_FLD: From the Text Value drop down menu select a user defined field for the name of the
confirmation message user field.

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AER_CUSTOMER_FLD: From the Text Value drop down menu select the appropriate label for sample designation.
Acceptable values are as follows:
SIDN: Lab Sample ID field LCOD: Location code DSCR: Ssample description PORD: Purchase order PROJ:
Project code
SCOL: Sample collector
USnn: User defined field #nn
REPBATNUMBER: In the Number Value cell enter the batch number to assign to the next set of generated
automatic email reports.
AER_DEFAULT_MSG: From the Text Value drop down menu select a default template for confirmation messages.
These templates are located in the LABWORKS Data Directory > Crystal > Email Templates. If you wish to create
your own template, then both the crystal .rpt and the .cef file for each template must exist and be stored in the Email
Templates folder. If both the .rpt and .cef files are present, the report template name will appear in this drop down
list.
AER_DEFAULT_RPT: From the Text Value drop down menu select a default Crystal Report template for completed
samples. These templates are located in the LABWORKS Data Directory > Crystal. If you wish to create your own
template, then both the crystal .rpt and the .cef file for each template must exist and be stored in the Email
Templates folder. If both the .rpt and .cef files are present, the report template name will appear in this drop down
list.
AER_SHOW_MODE: From the Text Value drop down menu select whether or not the Automatic Email Reproting
post login user program shows itself. Your options are:
ALL Show for all login batches
AERTYPE Show for any samples with a nonnull entry in theAER_CONFMSG_FLD field
AER_REQUEST_MARK: In the Text Value cell enter in the text that you wish to appear in subject line for report
request emails. Defaults to <LAB CONFIRM>.
AER_CONFIRM_MARK: In the Text Value cell enter the text that will preceed the confirmation number. Defaults to
CONFIRMATION NUMBER:
AER_SAMPID_MARK: In the Text Value cell enter the text that will preceed the LABWORKS sample ID list.
Defaults to LAB SAMPLES:
AER_DEFAULT_SUBJ: In the Text Value cell enter the default text for the subject line of a confirmation message
email.
AER_INTERVAL: In the Number Value cell enter the number of wait minutes between daemon processing cycles.
Valid range is 1 –1440
AER_LAB_ADDRESS1: In the Text Value cell enter your laboratory address line 1 for confirmation messages.
AER_LAB_ADDRESS2: In the Text Value cell enter your laboratory address line 2 for confirmation messages.
AER_LAB_ADDRESS3: In the Text Value cell enter your laboratory address line 3 for confirmation messages, Text
AER_CHECK_ANL_ST: In the True cell for AER_CHECK_ANL_ST, check the checkbox to check the status of
each analysis assigned to samples whose sample status indicates that they are ready to report,. Uncheck the True
cell for AER_CHECK_ANL_ST, to check only the sample status. This setting is used to prevent reporting of samples
marked inactive by the Process Scheduler even though their analyses are all still pending.
Once you configure the settings listed on this screen and click Save, these keys will be added to the System
Manager database table.

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Configure Multi-Sample Login Template
In order to use the Automatic Email Reporting tool you must create a Multi- Sample login template that includes the
following fields in the template:
• AER_EMAIL_ADDRESS
• AER_CONF_MSG
You can also add the following optional fields to the template; however, these fields should be treated as read-only.
• AER_CONF_NUMB
• AER_SEND_WHEN
In addition you configure the Multi-Sample Login Template to run the AER_Login program after samples have been
logged in. The following section describes how to configure the login settings associated with the Multi-Sample
Login Template you just created.
Configure User Program
The Automatic Email login program (AER_Login6.exe), needs to be executed as a user defined program after
samples are logged in. Therefore, the multisample login template that you are using for automatic email reporting
must be configured to run AER_Login after all samples have been logged in.
To configure your Multi-Sample Login Template for Automatic Email Reporting:

1. From the Multi-Sample Login screen select Config > Configure Login Settings. The Login Settings screen
appears.
2. Click located at the end of the first User Programs field to select the executable program. The Find User
Program window appears.
3. Click on AER_Login6.exe, and then click Open.
4. Click located at the end of the User Programs field that now contains the AER_Login6.exe path.The
User Program Options window appears.

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5. Select Normal with focus from the Run Style drop down window.
6. Select After all samples from the Run Type drop down menu.
7. Select None from the Password drop down menu.
8. Check the following options:
 Wait for program to end before continuing.
 Send Sample ID
 Send Log Batch

9. Click OK.You are returned to the LABWORKS Login Settings window.
10. Click Save.
Using Automatic Email Reporting
Tell me about the Automatic Email Report Server window
The Automatic Email Report Server is an application that essentially runs in the background and it is responsible for
picking up entries in the message queue and processing them and examining the inbox for replies to email
confirmations. You can access this program from the LABWORKS executable directory by clicking on
AER_DAEMON6.exe.

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Tell me about the menu commands
Select to have the Automatic Email Reporting Server program

Process Tasks
File immediately process the inbox for replies to requests and send out
Now
confirmation messages or sample results.
Select to pause the Automatic Email Reporting Server program. The

Pause/Resume program goes into “sleep mode”
If the program is Paused, click Resume to resume processing.
Exit Closes the application.

Temporary
Tools Opens the Automatic Email Report Settings window.
Settings
System Manager Opens the System Manager Settings

Settings (AER_Daemon) window.
Help Quick Help Displays context sensitive Help.
About Displays the LABWORKS About box.
How do I customize the Automatic Email Report settings?
1. From the Automatic Email Report Server click Tools > Temporary Settings.The Automatic Email Report
Settings dialog appears:

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2. Check Monitor inbox to enable Inbox monitoring.

3. Check Send confirmations to enable Sample confirmation
4. Check Send reports to enable Report processing.
5. Select the amount of time the application spends going through the message queue and inbox from the
Processing interval (minutes) spin box.
6. Select the amount of time that the application sleeps before resuming the tasks of message queue
monitoring and inbox monitoring from the Minutes remaining until next processing cycle spin box. The
default/minimum is 1 minute, maximum is 1440 minutes.
How do I use automatic email reporting?
1. From the LABWORKS Desktop select Multi-Sample Login. The Multi-Sample Login Template screen
appears.
2. Select the Multi-Sample Login Template Configured for Automatic Email Reporting. The Multi-Sample Login
screen appears.
3. Select Location Codes and fill out the Multi-Sample Login Template. Click Login.
Once you have logged in samples you are presented with the Automated Email Response Service dialog. This
dialog lists the sample numbers, email address (if available), sample login date, types of confirmation messages
available, and types of results reports to send.

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4. From the Automated Email Response service dialog select a Results Report template from the Result
Formats drop down menu for each sample you wish to email and a Report Type from the Report Type drop
down menu.
5. Select the samples you wish to email by checking the box next to the sample number.
6. Enter or edit the correct email, confirmation message, and due date for each sample you wish to send.
7. Click Send Mail.
8. A confirmation message is sent to the specified email addresses. This confirmation message includes a
unique confirmation number.
How does the recipient get their report?
In order to receive the response, the recipient needs to reply to the confirmation email by simply pressing REPLY
and not adding content to the confirmation e- mail. The LABWORKS mailer daemon will check the Outlook inbox for
the reply and then parses the email for the confirmation number, sample ids, and email address. This information is
then verified against the LABWORKS database to ensure that the message was not tampered with. If the message
has not been tampered with, then the LABWORKS Mailer Daemon program creates a new message queue entry for
this confirmation number. The daemon then searches the LABWORKS database to see if results are available for
these samples. How often results are sent out to the customer depends on the value set in the AER_SEND_WHEN
field.
Where are the reports stored after they are created for the lab?
The confirmation reports are stored as .PDF files in the LWUSER directory. The actual report is stored in the
LWDATA\AER_REPORTS directory as a PDF document. The PDF document has the file name of the confirmation
number, followed by a sequence number of what number the report was generated. This number is seen in the AER
Daemon System Manager screen in the REPBATNUMBER field.
The information about when the Confirmation and Final Report was completed can be found in the
MESSAGEQUEUE table and the e-mail address that the reports were sent to can be found in the SUSERFLDS
table.

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BarTender Label Setup
Installing and Configuring BarTender
BarTender Setup for LABWORKS 6.X
Setting up BarTender labels in LABWORKS requires three main steps:

• Installing and configuring BarTender to operate properly on your system
• Setting up paperwork settings at login to create SAMPLE.DAT
• Creating a BarTender label format and linking it to SAMPLE.DAT The BarTender software program is used
to create custom labels within LABWORKS. If your laboratory plans to use BarTender, the BarTender installation
manual provides a brief, but to the point, and detailed guide for its installation. However, it is important to note that
the Enterprise version of BarTender requires installation of a license server component called the Seagull License
Server. This component must be installed to a computer that allows access at all times by the workstations that will
be printing labels from LABWORKS.
To install BarTender
Install the Seagull License Server as detailed in the BarTender manual. Install the BarTender component on each
workstation that will be printinglabels per the BarTender installation manual instructions.
NOTE: Since this is a third-party component, LABWORKS representatives can only provide limited support for the
actual usage of BarTender itself.
Set up Paperwork Settings at Login
BarTender can be used to create any static label format, but in order to utilize the BarTender software effectively in
LABWORKS, BarTender needs to have the data present at each login and updated automatically. To facilitate this,
the current version of LABWORKS creates a file called SAMPLE.DAT in the LABWORKS user path each time a
group of samples are logged in and the BarTender label option is checked on in the paperwork settings in login.
A few steps are needed to create the file SAMPLE.DAT in the LABWORKSuser path:
To create SAMPLE.DAT file
1. Run LABWORKS Multi Sample Login.
2. Click the CONFIG menu on the Multi-sample Login screen.

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3. Click Configure Paperwork in the CONFIG pull-down menu and note the setting to create BarTender labels
in the center of the screen.
Make sure the Bartender Labels button is clicked and that the number of labels is set to one or more.
4. Click Save to save the setting.
5. Locate the labels, receipt, routing sheet, and worksheet buttons at the lower left of the login spreadsheet.
6. Make sure the Labels option is selected and “on” as shown in the screen shot.

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7. Log in one sample.

8. Retain the sample ID so that it may be deleted later.
9. Look in the LABWORKS user path using Windows Explorer for SAMPLE.DAT file. You should see a file
called SAMPLE.DAT in the user path. If the Windows setting for “files of known type” is set to hide file
extensions, the file will appear to be only named SAMPLE.
Create BarTender Label Format

Once you have a SAMPLE.DAT file, you then need to create a label format in BarTender that will extract data from
SAMPLE.DAT, and print at login automatically. SAMPLE.DAT is a database file containing sample header fields that
BarTender can read, and place on labels. The BarTender documentation explains how to link the label format to the
database file; however, this section provides the basic steps.
Create a link to SAMPLE.DAT file
To create a link to SAMPLE.DAT file

1. Launch BarTender.
2. Click File > Database Setup.

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3. Use the database wizard in BarTender to link to SAMPLE.DAT.

4. Make sure you select Text File as the database type on the Add Data base Wizard – Type screen.
5. Use the browser/file dialog in BarTender to locate your SAMPLE.DAT file.

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6. Select mixed quote and comma as the delimitation type.
7. Since there are headers in the DAT file, select Yes on the Add Database Wizard – Fields screen to indicate
that the first record of the text file is a header.

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8. Click Finish.
9. Click OK on the next screen.
You have now added the data in SAMPLE.DAT for use with the BarTender label format. You will see a list of fields
available for the label on the left. For a description of these fields, see the LABWORKS LIMS System Administrator
Reference – Additional Reference Material appendix at the end of this chapter.
To create label format:
1. Drag and drop the desired fields onto the BarTender formatting screen. Refer to the BarTender
documentation for setting up label formats.
Preview, print, and save format
1. After creating the format, click the Print Preview icon on the menu bar to preview the label format; edit as
needed.

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2. Click the Print icon to print the label while editing to make sure it prints correctly on your printer(s).
3. Click the Save icon to save the format and save the file as SAMPLE.BTW in your LABWORKS data path in a
folder named Labels.
If the Labels folder is not already present, create it. The example below shows proper naming and placement of the
file.
If the preceding instructions are followed correctly, your BarTender label will print the next time samples are logged in
to LABWORKS.
Utilities
Setup and Customization

The Laboratory System Administrator (SA) is the individual responsible for setting up and customizing LABWORKS
for its intended use. The Laboratory System Administrator uses the Utilities functions to customize LABWORKS as
needed to establish system controls; to customize data fields for generating results and reports; and to set up
authorized User access information and privileges.
The steps for accessing and using the following Utilities functions are outlined within this section:
System Manager Mode
Configuration
Before customizing LABWORKS information within the Utilities function, it is to the Laboratory System
Administrator’s advantage to obtain and have on hand certain information and data required for filling in the screen
fields. Information to obtain before setup includes:
Next invoice number (if using the Invoicing functionality).
Next sample identification number.
Next sequential Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Control (QC) batch number for the samples.
Data field name preferences for reports and output.
Names of Users.
List of or facts about activities performed by Users for setting up User privileges.
System Manager Mode
Access the system manager mode
To access the system manager mode:

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1. Click on Utilities on the LABWORKS menu bar.

2. Click on System Manager Mode in the menu. When the popup login window appears, enter a Password.
LABWORKS has installed the default Password “MASTER” for demonstration purposes and for use by the
Laboratory System Administrator during installation. The Laboratory System Administrator may use the “MASTER”
Password for initial set up, but it is recommended that the password be changed at some point if not now.
Note: If you change the Password, write down the new password so it will not be forgotten. If the Password is
forgotten or lost, it is impossible to recover it and regain access to the LABWORKS information beyond this point.
3. Press Enter.
The system loads information privileges associated with the Laboratory System Adminstrator status.
Set up system controls
The System Control function is used by the Laboratory System Administrator to establish the desired controls for the
system. It is used to activate the audit trail function; to set up the invoicing number sequence, sample identification
number sequence, and Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) batch number sequence; and for changing
the master password using the locking/unlocking master password function. System control function is used to set up
the initial LABWORKS system settings and to perform maintenance after using LABWORKS for some time.
To set up system controls
1. Click on System Control.

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2. If you will be using the Invoice functionality of LABWORKS to send invoices to customers, enter the next
invoice number in the Next Invoice Number field.
The Next Invoice Number can be changed to any integer, but cannot be set to a number lower than the current
one.This information must be obtained before set up from the person responsible for invoicing. LABWORKS enters a
default entry of 101. This number may be changed later but must be changed before invoicing.
3. If you will not be using the Invoice functionality of LABWORKS, ignore the default entry in the Next Invoice
Number field.
4. To go to the next field, press the Tab key or click in the field.
5. In the Next Sample ID field, enter the next sequential identification number for the next sample.The
LABWORKS Sample ID is preceded with two alpha characters. Initially, the first Sample ID is AA00001. The
next Sample ID is AA00002 and so on as the samples are logged in. When the Samples reach AA99999,
the next Sample ID becomes AB00001. The alpha character changes after the digit character of the ID
reaches 99999, and the digit character increases when samples are logged in. The Next Sample ID can be
increased but not decreased. This information must be obtained before set up.
6. In the Next QA/QC Batch Number field, enter the next sequential Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Control
(QC) batch number for the samples. The Next QA/QC Batch Number can be changed to any integer but
cannot be decreased. This information must be obtained before set up.
7. Click (check) the box next to Turn on Audit Trail if LABWORKS is to be used to track changes in the
system for audit purposes.
Basically, the Audit Trail function is about accountability, e.g., who changed or deleted previously entered data and
when these data transactions occurred. This function is particularly valuable if more than one person has write
access to make data changes in the system. By turning on this function, the Laboratory System Administrator can
determine if data has been deleted, when it was deleted, and by whom. Deletion or revision of data or system
information may be necessary for corrective action, such as deleting duplicated sample data entries, or for updating
the database to reflect new sample parameters. This function allows the Laboratory System Administrator to track
data updates to ensure entered sample data generates the intended results and reports. The intent is to enhance the
system by recording sample data revisions and providing the Laboratory System Administrator with a revision history.

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Ownership
Samples are logged in based on Location Codes. Location Codes are assigned OWNER values in order to define
default OWNERS for Samples. Once items are turned on through System Control, saved, exited, and then returned
back to the System Manager screen, a new button appears in the System Control
section that allows the Laboratory System Administrator to set up Ownership. See section entitled Sample
Ownership for a description.
Customize data field names
The Data Field Names function is used to customize how results and reports are to appear in LABWORKS. By
changing the information in the LABWORKS standard fields here, the Laboratory System Administrator changes data
fields throughout LABWORKS.
To customize field names
1. Click on Field Names.
Notice that the system enters the default Location code in the top field and corresponding default entries in the
fields below.
Note: As you become more familiar with LABWORKS and the various reports it generates, you may be tempted to
further customize these fields later. However, it is recommended that these custom names not be changed often,
because doing so may result in confusion, necessary retraining of users, and having to modify reports containing the
old field names.
EXAMPLE
Your company uses invoicing rather than billing. Select Billing address from the pull down menu in the top field.
Change the default entries to reflect invoicing versus billing, such as:
• For menu field – change Billing address to Invoicing address.
• For text reports field – change Billing to Invoicing.
• For column headings field – change BillAddr to InvAddr.

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• Export and report formatting field – change Bill_addr to Inv_addr.

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Set up user information
The User Information function is used by the Laboratory System Administrator to identify the system Users, assign
User access passwords, and remove Users as needed. The Laboratory System Administrator may define individual
Users for establishing individual system privileges or define a group of individuals using the Clone User function.
Individuals who basically perform the same tasks and will, therefore, be assigned the same access and User
privileges can be “cloned”. The Clone User function allows the Laboratory System Administrator to copy a user’s
privileges and other parameters to a new user account.
For instance, if one user has already been defined and a new user is to be created that is nearly identical to the first
user, the first user’s account can be “cloned”. This results in a new user account that is setup exactly the same as
the first user.
Creating templates for different job functions is suggested to simplify assigning privileges and cloning users. For
example, you may create templates for the following positions:
Technician
Chemist
Sr. Chemist
Sample Receiving
Report Writer
Supervisor
By creating these templates with the associated privileges, you can clone this template for any new employee that
fits that job title without having to remember which privileges that job needed.
To create new users
1. Click on the User Information tab.

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2. Click the Create New button.
3. Enter the User information in the fields on the New User Information popup window as follows:
Passwords assigned at this point may be changed later by the user.
4. Click Create button to save data.
5. If you do not want to save the data, click Cancel to exit without saving.
6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until User Information has been entered for all Users.
To clone users
The Clone User function is used to define a new account for a User who has the same requirements as a previously
defined User. This function is advantageous if you have many Users who all require the same access privileges in
the system. You may want to look ahead to the Privileges section of this chapter to view the privileges and determine
which Users would be assigned the same privileges. Having that information is beneficial in using this function. See
the next section entitled Privileges to help determine the Users who will be assigned the same privileges and can be
cloned.
1. In the Users list box, click on the name of the User whose account privileges are to be copied (cloned), and
then click the Clone User button.
2. In the New User Information popup window, enter the new User’s name and password.
3. Click on the checkboxes for copying the User’s privileges to the new “cloned” account.
4. Click Create button to save data.
To remove users
1. Click on the User’s name to be removed.
2. Click the Remove button.
3. When the system asks if you want to remove (delete) this User, select YES to permanently delete the User
from any access to LABWORKS data.

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Privileges
LABWORKS is designed so that each individual user account may be allowed or denied certain privileges within the
various LABWORKS program modules.
The Laboratory System Administrator can select among these privileges andtailor individual accounts so that the
users are presented with only those privileges that are directly related to their job functions. The Laboratory System
Administrator may define individual User privileges or define established privileges using the Clone User function.
The Clone User function can save time in set up (see Clone User in the User Information section above). The
privileges are located in the PRIVS table of the LABWORKS database, and a listing of those privileges and a brief
description of each privilege follows:
PRIVS
URVALUE PRIVDESCR
AER_RUN Auto Email Reporting Option
ANALVALIDATE Validate analysis results
ANLLOCKOVERRIDE Bypass analysis locks
ANLOBJECTCHANGE Modify/delete previously loaded analysis objects
ANLOBJECTLOAD Load analysis objects
ANLOBJECTVIEW View analysis objects
AUDITRUN Display or print audit trail
BACKLOGRUN Generate backlog reports
BARCODERUN Print barcodes lists (option)
BATCHSETUP Perform QA/QC batching tasks
CALCSETUP Setup analysis result calculations
… …
To assign privileges:
1. New privileges may be added during updates.

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2. Click on the Privileges tab.Notice that the Users list contains the names of the Users created by the User
Information function.
3. Click on the User’s name to select it.
4. If the User, such as the Laboratory System Administrator, requires the ability to perform all the listed tasks in
the Privileges list, click the Select All button located below the Privileges list to select all privileges.
5. For individual Users who require limited privileges, click on the box to insert a checkmark in the Privileges
field next to the appropriate activities that the User needs to perform his/her work tasks.
6. You may also click on the Select All button to select all the privileges and then click to deselect the activities
that do not apply to the User.
7. If several Users require the same privileges, these may be assigned by using the Clone User function (see
Clone User in the Set Up User Information section) or by right clicking and Copy/Paste Prvileges.
8. Assign the privileges associated with these Users by selecting the appropriate activities from the list in the
Privileges field.
Exiting system manager mode
When you have finished customizing the System Manager Mode functions, click the Exit button.
You are returned to the LABWORKS Desktop screen.
If additional changes are needed, click Utilities > System Manager Mode; make changes and save to overwrite
current settings.
Archive Setup and Configuration
Prerequisites
1. Microsoft .Net framework 4.0 on server and clients
2. LABWORKSServer6.4
Configuring the Sample Archive Database

This database will keep a catalog of all sample movement/copy transactions. This database is also where Archive
configuration data is stored.
1. Create a blank 6.4 database

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2. Run the UpdateTool and apply the sampleArchive.xsp against the new database.

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3. Run the LWSampleArchive.exe application found at \\<server install>\Server\LWSampleArchive.exe
Select “Change configuration settings” and enter the details about connection to the archive catalog database.

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The endpoint address is the connection to the LWDataServices64. In the example, the server name is
SHLRL0256.
Once the configurations are done, save and close the configuration.
4. Execute the sample archive application once again and the application is ready to use.
Using Sample Archive and Restore

Login to the LWSampleArchive.exe application.

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Creating New Archive configurations
1. Enter the archive configuration name and description.

2. Then select the database type and the Archive option.
a) Copy makes a copy of the records into the destination database.
b) Move removes the data from the source database and moves to the destination database.
3. Then click ‘Next’.
Enter the specifics for the source database.
a) Enter the Server name. This is the SQL/Oracle Server name.

b) Enter the database name (actual database name on the database server).
c) Enter the database access credentials, user ID and Password.
4. Then Click ‘Next’.
5. Next, enter the destination database parameters.

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6. Click ‘Next’.
Here you can specify what samples will be included in the archive.
1. Select a criterion.
2. Enter the operator type.
3. Enter the appropriate values.
4. Select AND/OR. (Even if you are only selecting one criteria, you need to select AND/OR). The QueryBuilder
will build the correct query.
5. Click ‘Add’.
6. When you have all of the criteria entered, click “Build Query” to see the database query.
7. Then click ‘Preview’ to see the list of samples to be included in the archive set.

reserved.

reserved.

reserved.
Searching Archive
The Archive catalog can be searched to find archive sets containing particular data.
1. Click ‘View Catalog’.
The archive list is displayed, including destination database.
Rules of Archive Data Movement

Rules for Copy
a) Copies to new destination
The archive utility copies the data from source to destination when there are no matching records exists.
b) If data already exists, what happens?

This is handled through validation in utility as follows:
If data already exists in destination table, the application compares mod date column values in source and
destination table for each row. If the value in source table row is found latest then it overwrites data in
destination table.

reserved.
LABWORKS INI File
LABWORKS INI File

LABWORKS employs a text file that contains customizable settings for most LABWORKS programs. This file is the
LABWORKS.INI file, and it is located in the LABWORKS program path by default. However, you can also have
copies of the whole file, or sections of the file, in either the user paths or the data path. The settings are searched for
in the user path first, then the data path, and, if not found in either of those locations, settings are read from the
global INI file located in the LABWORKS program path.
Most settings are documented in the INI file itself, but this chapter lists the INI file by section and summarizes each
section’s function.
Note that many lines begin with the single quote character ( ‘ ). This indicates to LABWORKS that this line should be
ignored; it is a comment line. Lines beginning with a single quote are ignored by LABWORKS and are usually there
as an explanation or example line.
The Process Scheduler program should also be configured in the LABWORKS system. For details for configuring
and using the Process Scheduler program, refer to the Process Scheduler Manual.
Special Modifications to the INI File
Modifications for Project Analyte Management
There are two modifications that can be made to the LABWORKS INI file to control Project Analyte Management
usage. One is required, and one is optional.
To set up required modification
Make the required modification in the LABWORKS.INI file section
[ALOGINO].
Set the key, PROJECT_ANALYTE_GROUP, to one of the following values:
LCOD (location code)
SCOL (sample collector)
PORD (purchase order number) PROJ (project code)
USxx (user defined field where xx is replaced by the two digit field number 01, 02, etc.)
This key specifies which field (whose value is taken from the location list or filled in during login) will be used to hold
the name of the PAM group to use for the sample.
During sample login, the specified field will be read.
If it contains the name of a valid PAM group, that group will be applied to the sample.
To set up optional modification
Make the optional modification in the LABWORKS.INI file section
[Spread_Result_Entry] to key ADJUST_PROJECT_REPORT_LIMITS.
Set this key to Yes or No.

reserved.
A Yes value indicates that the reporting limits should be multiplied by the dilution factor of the analysis at results entry
time.
Modifications for Exception Reports
The Laboratory System Administrator must perform the steps in this section to ensure that the email program works
properly if your laboratory plans to send exception reports via email. To accomplish this, you must modify the
LABWORKS.INI file as described in this section.
In order to be able to automatically send exception reports by email, the LABWORKS program needs to know the
name or IP address of the mail server and what email address to show as the sender of those reports.
To modify the LABWORKS.INI file
NOTE: These steps are to be completed by the Laboratory System Administrator.
Insert a new section “[Email]” in the LABWORKS.INI file to provide this
information. An example appears below: [EMail]
'specifies the name of the e-mail server in use at the workstation
EMAIL_SERVER = 111.222.333.444
Exception_Report_Sender = lims@laboratory
[EndEMail]
NOTE: In the example above, EMAIL_SERVER is assigned as its value the IP address of the mail server. The name
of the mail server could also be used as in this example:
EMAIL_SERVER = MAILMANAGER_01
The exception report sender entry is required by the email services but does not need to be an actual email address.
It can be any string containing an internal @ character. In the example above, automatically generated exception
reports received via email are labeled as having been sent by lims@laboratory even though such an address does
not exist.
If someone is to process the replies to emailed exception reports, set the Exception_Report_Sender to the address
where those replies are to be sent.
Modifications for LABWORKS Explorer
Location code description

To display location description in place of location code Set up the following setting in the LABWORKS.INI file:
SHOW_LOCDESCR = YES
To set up configuration settings in LABWORKS.INI file
Configure/edit the INI file as follows. [LABWORKS_EXPLORER] SHOW_SQC = YES SHOW_EXCEPTION = YES
‘ Show Location Descriptions instead of Location Codes. This field is not normally indexed in the LABWORKS
database. If using this setting, LABWORKS recommends creating an index on the field
SAMPLE.LOCDESCR, non unique.
SHOW_LOCDESCR = YES
‘ Show the result validation status, PLV = Pending Laboratory Validation

reserved.
SHOW_VALID_STATUS = YES [ENDLABWORKS_EXPLORER]

Save the INI file to save your settings.
LABWORKS INI File Settings
MC result MDL
This section is used to determine where the MDL is obtained for multicomponent results that are imported via
LABWORKS instrument interfaces.
[MC_Result_MDL]
' specify whether to use instrument or analysis list MDL for result' loading
' options are: ANLIST, INSTR (default), HIGHER, LOWER
' specfy as MDL_ + InstType = Option
' example: MDL_GRF = HIGHER this sets .grf file imports to use the
' higher mdl
MDL_GRF = ANLIST
[EndMC_Result_MDL]
Certificates of Analysis (CERTOFANALYSIS)
This section contains the settings for the optional Certificate of Analysis option for LABWORKS. Default options and
custom settings for COA formats and optional COA parameters are set here.
[CertOfAnalysis]
' default settings for certificate of analysis option (DOS version)
' coa_version specify as : NEW or OLD (default is NEW)
COA_VERSION =
'specifies a .cbf for default (LCOD, SCOL, PORD, PROJ, USXX)
'CUST_BASE_DEFAULT=PROJ
'how to build a lot number (NONE / BASF or SCOL / BASF1 / US01 / US02 /default)
' NONE (no lot number)
' SCOL or BASF (use sample collector)
' SIDN (use sample number as lot number)
' US01 (user field 1)
' US02 (user field 2)
' BAS1 (ponumber-project-coldate)
' default (numeric_part_of_sampno-project-coldate)

reserved.
LOTNUMBER =
' limit coa to 1 lot sample (default NO) or allow multiple lot
' samples (YES)
'print notice of violation on standard format coa (yes / no (default)
PRINT_VIOL_WARNING=NO
'disable printing of coa if violation (yes / no default)
DISABLE_ON_VIOL=NO
MULTISAMPLE =
' review / modify results on screen before printing coa
RESULT_REVIEW =
' specify sample for coa header info if multisample – LOWEST (default) / HIGHEST / SELECT
' HEADER_SAMP = HIGHEST
'is a blank (empty or pending) result for a numeric or non-numeric spec a violation? (Yes / No Default is Yes)
VIOL_IF_BLANK =
'is a non-numeric result for a numeric spec a violation? (Yes / No Default is Yes)
VIOL_IF_NOT_NUMBER =
'preview custom format coa before printing (default = NO)
CUSTOM_PREVIEW =
' pause for envelope printing (hp laser only) (default = NO YES or #)
ENVELOPE =
'printer bin for feeding envelopes (if ENVELOPE = YES)
' 5 if automatic envelope loading is available on printer

' 6 if envelopes are manually fed into printer (default)
ENVELOPE_BIN = 6
'envelope size option
' 20 Envelope #10 (4 1/8 x 9 1/2) default
' 19 Envelope #9 (3 7/8 x 8 7/8)
' ENVELOPE_SIZE = 20
' method reference prefix substitutions for COA
' specify as: METREFx = PREFIX
' example: METREFA = ASTM- (changes "A" to "ASTM-")
METREFA =

reserved.
'parameters control as shipped history display (SQL compliant only)

'number of most recent results points to display default is 10 min is 3 max is 100
HIST_POINTS = 10
'sort order for as shipped history display (ASCENDING / DESCENDING) default is ASCENDING
HIST_SORT_ORDER = ASCENDING
'path for saving excel workbook files after printing
'EXCEL_COA_COPY_PATH =
[EndCertOfAnalysis]
Single sample login
This section contains default settings for the LABWORKS Single Sample Login program. History list settings, login
record group settings, custom program settings, and login display settings are all located in this section.
[Windows_Single_Sample_Login]
' To turn saving entries into History Lists, set the
' following variable to No
UPDATE_HISTORY_FILE=No
' text description to display on special button.
' example: Button_Text = "Select Sample". Button_Text =
' Special button assignment
' can be one of the following:
' "Sample Description", "Project Account Code", "User Field 1",
' "User Field 2".
' example: Special_Button = "Sample Description". Special_Button =
' Set "Use_Login_Record_Group" equal to "Yes" if you want to add/create
' a sample login group. Use_Login_Record_Group = No
' to create a custom login record group set "Custom_Login_Record_Group" to the exe program.
' be sure to include the entire path to the program. CUSTOM_LOGIN_RECORD_GROUP =
' Information to display when sample login completed. Up to 5 fields
' can be displayed.
FIELD1 = Sample ID: = SIDN
FIELD2 = Location Code: = LCOD
FIELD3 = Submit Date: = SDAT
FIELD4 = Due Date: = DDAT

reserved.
' FIELD5 = User 1: = USR1

'FIELD's should be set to the 4 character LABWORKS data item
' from the list below.
'TDAT = Current Date
'SIDN = Sample ID
'LCOD = Location Code
'DSCR = Sample Description
'SCOL = Sample Collector
'CDAT = Collection Date
'CTIM = Collection Time
'SDAT = Submit Date
'STIM = Submit Time
'DDAT = Due Date
'PORD = P.O. Number
'PROJ = Project Code
'RFOR = Report Format
'LUSR = Login User
'LBAT = Login Batch
'RAD1 = Report Address 1
'BAD1 = Billing Address 1
'USR1 = User Field 1

reserved.
'COM1 = Comment Line 1


' Turn on adding samples to process scheduler
ADD_TO_PROCESS_SCHEDULER=NO
[EndWindows_Single_Sample_Login]
Multi sample login
This section contains default settings for the LABWORKS Multi Sample Login program. History list settings, login
record group settings, custom program settings, sample selection methods, behavior of the enter key, and login
display settings are all located in this section.
[Windows_Multi_Sample_Login]
' To turn off saving entries into History Lists, set the
' following variable to No
UPDATE_HISTORY_FILE=No
' text description to display on special button.
' example: Button_Text = "Select Sample". Button_Text =
' To change the way due dates are calculated for tests, set this entry to
' One of the following: LOCCODE (default) COLDATE SUBDATE
Test_DueDate_BaseDate = COLDATE
' Special button assignment can be one of the following:
' "Sample Description", "Project Account Code", "User Field 1",
' "User Field 2".
' example: Special_Button = "Sample Description".
Special_Button =
' Set "Use_Login_Record_Group" equal to "Yes" if you want to add/create
' a sample login group. Use_Login_Record_Group = Yes

reserved.
' to create a custom login record group set "Custom_Login_Record_Group"

' to the exe program name.
' be sure to include to entire path to the program.
CUSTOM_LOGIN_RECORD_GROUP =
' this entry is used to transport the login record group information
' from a custom program back to login. Setting it to a complete filespec
' will change the way the data is passed back to login. The filespec will
' be passed to the program as a command line parameter with " Result:" preceding
' the file name. If it is empty or missing, the transfer will take place as
' normal, through the keyboard.
LOGIN_RECORD_FILE_TRANSFER =
' Setting this entry to YES will cause login to create a file
' containing the location codes that are about to be logged in.
' The filename will be passed as a command line parameter with "Export:"
' preceding the filename.
EXPORT_LOCATIONS =
' Information to display when sample login completed.Up to 5 fields
' can be displayed.
FIELD1 = Sample ID: = SIDN
FIELD2 = Location Code: = LCOD
FIELD3 = Submit Date = SDAT
FIELD4 = Due Date = DDAT
' FIELD5 = User 1 = USR1

'SIDN = Sample ID

reserved.
'SDAT = Submit Date

'STIM = Submit Time
'DDAT = Due Date
'PORD = P.O. Number
'LUSR = Login User
'LBAT = Login Batch
' Indicates to MultiLog the maximum number of samples that can be logged in.
' Default is 50

reserved.
MAX_Samples = 50
' ENTER_KEY_ACTION determines the movement of the cell pointer when the ENTER key is pressed.
' current options are "DOWN" and "NEXT".
ENTER_KEY_ACTION = NEXT
' FIELD_LOCKED allows data to only be selected using the history lists .
' Use the four character codes to specify which field is to be

' locked. In order for the lock to take place the field must
' be placed on the spreadsheet.
' USE USXX, (US01) for userfields
FIELD_LOCKED =
' FIELDS_FROZEN allows data to remain on screen when scrolling horizontally.
' Set the value equal to the number of rows to be frozen
' starting from the first editable column (not the row number
' column).
FIELDS_FROZEN = 0
' These are the fields for selecting location codes using the "Custom Selection
Screen"
' up to five fields can be used. the first column is the field number, the second column
' is the description to display on screen, and the third column is the name of the field
' contained in the database using the syntax "TableName.FieldName" If the field name
' contains spaces then it must be surrounded with brackets "[]" such as
USERFLDS.[Analysis number]
' Field Counter - Description - TableName.FieldName
' Select_Field = Example 1 = USERFLDS.USER1
' Select_Field = Example 2 = USERFLDS.USER2
' Select_Field = Example 3 = LOCLIST.DESCR
' Turn on adding samples to process scheduler ADD_TO_PROCESS_SCHEDULER=NO
[EndWindows_Multi_Sample_Login]

reserved.
Spreadsheet results entry
This section contains parameters for the LABWORKS Results Entry program. Calculation settings, MDL settings,
automatic validation, sample selection, and other related settings are located here.
[Spread_Result_Entry]
enables custom program to run after results are saved
' path defaults to programs path, extension defaults to .EXE
'POST_RESULT_PROGRAM = ProgramName ProgramParams (optional)
'POST_RESULT_PROGRAM = SHELTEST
'specifies preferences for windows spreadsheet results entry routine.
'specifies result labels to be used for 0 and quantities below mdl in single component instrument imports
'replaces environmental variables SCND and SCMDL used in DOS for same purpose
SCND = Not detected
SCBDL = Present < MDL
'specifies result labels to be used for 0 and quantities below mdl in multicomponent instrument imports
'and defaulted manual entries in results entry (RENTERO.EXE rev 4 only)
'replaces environmental variables used in earlier versions for same purpose
MCND = Not detected
MCBDL = Present < MDL
' specifies option for auto validation of sample upon completion of results entry
' Set to 'NO_VIOLATION' to automatically validate samples with no exceptions
AUTO_VALIDATE_RULE =
' This setting defaults to 20 and controls the number of the most recent samples
' considered current when selecting them by sample designation and entering
' either a location code or user field 1 value.
' CURRENT_SAMPS = N
CURRENT_SAMPS = 20
' This setting controls whether results entry will automatically bring up the
' current samples from a location code or user field 1 value, bypassing the sample
' selection screen.
' SELECT_CURRENT_SAMPS = Yes/No
SELECT_CURRENT_SAMPS = No
This setting specifies program response to enter key in sample designation text box
' OK (default) - pushes OK button NONE - no action SPACE - adds space to end of currently entered text
' used to allow multiple barcode scans into text box before loading samples

reserved.
' SAMP_DESG_ENTER_ACTION = SPACE/NONE/OK

SAMP_DESG_ENTER_ACTION = OK
'specifies adjusting project analyte reporting (PAM) limits for analysis be dilution factor
'sql compliant only. Values: Yes / No (default)
ADJUST_PROJECT_REPORT_LIMITS = Yes
'specifies if Excel spreadsheet appears during calculations - YES (default) or NO
'EXCEL_CALC_VISIBLE = YES
' Set SpecSound = ON to enable the playback of WAV files for spec violations
' (requires sound card and windows multimedia drivers)
SpecSound =
'specify .WAV files for each type of violation that may occur
UpperSpec_Sound =
UpperWarning_Sound =
Target_Sound =
LowerWarning_Sound =
LowerSpec_Sound =
[EndSpread_Result_Entry]
Single component results import
This section configures single component results import through LABWORKS single component instrument
interfaces. This section determines how LABWORKS handles negative values or non-numeric results. Each interface
can be configured separately as shown below.
[SC_Result_Import]
'what to do if instrument reports negative values
' INSTRTYPE_NEG = ZERO change negative result to 0
' INSTRTYPE_NEG = OMIT don't report negative result
' INSTRTYPE_NEG = MDL report negative result as default MDL value for analysis
' INSTRTYPE_NEG = <MDL report negative result as 'less than ' default MDL value
' INSTRTYPE_NEG = RESULT report negative result as is
' INSTRTYPE_NEG = other report negative result as 'other' ASCII_NEG = 0
' PE_5100 = 0
' PE_ELAN_NEG = ZERO
' PE_OPTIMA_NEG = ZERO
' how wide to make result review columns in spreadsheet

reserved.
' (default = 8 chars).

' INSTRTYPE_COL_WIDTH = 14:
' make columns 14 characters wide for INSTRTYPE results review
ASCII_COL_WIDTH = 12
' PE_5100_COL_WIDTH = 11
' PE_ELAN_COL_WIDTH = 11
[EndSC_Result_Import]
Interim result transfer
This section configures the custom interim results transfer program.

[Interim_Result_Transfer]
' specifies if results being saved get sent to results directory for
' immediate transfer
' dos rev 3.40 and vb (dos 3.3 rev used l:lwks.ini for this feature) INTERIM_RESULT=
' settings for windows interim result export program
RESULT_EXPORT_FREQ=3
RESULT_EXPORT_OUTFILE=Z:\DATA\LW300\ACCESS\SITEWIDE.DAT
RESULT_EXPORT_PROG=X:\APPS\LAB340\SITEWIDE.EXE
[EndInterim_Result_Transfer]
Multi component
This section configures the multi component import through multi component instrument interfaces. Settings for
installed data systems and results types, dilution factors, and other multi component related defaults are set here.
[MC_Result_Import]
' specifies installed data systems and defaults for windows
' mc result transfer.
' Examples:
'GRF - LABWORKS GRF format
'TURBO41 - PE Nelson TurboChrom 4.1 (.RST)
'TURBO40 - PE Nelson TurboChrom 4.0 (.RST)
'TURBO33 - PE Nelson TurboChrom 3.x (.RST)

reserved.
'PEN2600 - PE Nelson 2600 (.ATB)

'QMASS - PE Q-Mass (.QPT)
'HPCHEM - HP PC Chemstation (.TXT)
'HPMSD - HP MSD (.REP)
'HPMS_CSV - HP MSD CSV (.CSV)
'HPMS_RR - HP MSD Reduced Result File (.RR)
'AC_SRP - AC PIONA/Reformulyzer (.SRP)
'ACSIMDIS - AC HT-750 SIMDIS (.REP)
'ACPIONA - AC PIONA Analyzer (.REP)
'ADA - Precision ADA (.???)

'DIONEXAI450 - Dionex AI-450 (.R??)
'EZCHROM - EZChrom (.SQC)
'LABQUEST - Tremetrics LabQuest (.SQC)
'VSTAR - Varian GC Star (.RPB)
'CHROMPERFECT - ChromPerfect (.Axx)
'MILLENNIUM - Waters Millennium
'VG_MINICHROM - VG MiniChrom
DataSystem=GRF
DataSystem=
DataSystem=
DataSystem=
DataSystem=
DataSystem=
DataSystem=
ResultPath=c:\
DSType=GRF
NDResult = Not Detected
BDLResult = Below Det Lim
ResultType = A
DilFactor = 1
RenameOption = N
[EndMC_Result_Import]

reserved.
Serial Instruments
[Serial_Instruments]
' ANL & Analysis Name = Instrument_Name (in InstrumentLibrary) for results entry
' ANL_-TSSTARE = BALANCE_01
' ANL_-TSSFWT = BALANCE_01
' ANL_TAREWT = BALANCE_01
' ANL_FINALWT = BALANCE_01
' ANL_PH = PHMETER
' SEQ_WEIGHT_ & INSTR CODE = Instrument_Name (in InstrumentLibrary) for sequence loading
' SEQ_WEIGHT_PE_5100 = BALANCE_05 [EndSerial_Instruments]
Invoicing
This section sets up default fields that can appear on invoices in addition to the invoice number.
[Invoicing]
' specifies additional fields to appear in invoices.prn line
' fields appear in order specified immediately after invoice number, before
' the other standard fields
' options currently supported: PROJ, SCOL, SBAT, US01-USxx
' PRN_FIELD = PROJ
' PRN_FIELD = SCOL
' PRN_FIELD = US01
[EndInvoicing]
Windows standard labels
This INI file section configures the standard labels printed at login and sample modification. The fields to be
displayed, text size, and captions are set up here. Additionally, the printer to be used to print labels is setup here
also.
[Windows_Standard_Labels]
' KEY WORDS or the line syntax must not be changed.
' all key words must be followed by an equal (=) sign.
' List of current KEYWORDS supported:
' FIELD1
' FIELD2

reserved.
' FIELD3
' FIELD4
' FIELD5
' PRINTER_NAME
'SIDN = Sample ID
'SDAT = Submit Date
'STIM = Submit Time
'DDAT = Due Date
'PORD = P.O. Number
'LUSR = Login User
'LBAT = Login Batch

reserved.

'Barcodes and barcode text can be toggled on or off depending on user preference.
'The parameter BARCODES turns the barcode on and off on the label, and the parameter
'BARCODE_TEXT turns the caption under a barcode on or off. Note that the barcode
'option for LABWORKS must be installed for these parameters to work. Default settings
'are ON for both these parameters.
'BARCODES = OFF
'BARCODE_TEXT = OFF FormFeed = N
FIELD1 = Location: = LCOD
FIELD2 = Description: = DSCR
FIELD3 = Submit Date: = SDAT
FIELD4 = Due Date: = DDAT
FIELD5 = My Field: = USR1
Printer_name = "SELECT"
'HP LaserJet 4/4M
'Epson FX-850
[EndWindows_Standard_Labels]
User field increments
This section is used to configure user field incrementing. User defined fields can be set to increment within a g roup
of sample logged in at Multi Sample Login. This allows use of incremental numbers or codes to keep track of the
order of samples logged in.
[User_Field_Increments]
' Only USER FIELDS support Incrementing.

reserved.
' Each field must start with a seed.

' The seed will be used as the first number and will be incremented each
' time it is used.
' Seeds may include numbers and letters.
' Make sure you include enough digit positions in the seed to cover your
' needs.ex: if your seed is 1 then it will increment up to 9 and roll
' over back to 0.If you want to increment up to 10000 then make your
' seed equal to 00001.
' You can not use spaces at the beginning or end of the seed.
' Fields must be setup using the following syntax with the word Seed being
' replaced by your actual seed data:
'USER1 = AA-AAA-00091
'USER2 = Seed
[EndUser_Field_Increments]
Exception report
[Exception_Report]
'specifies date/time to use for sorting and displaying exception trail
'COLDATE (collection) SUBDATE (submittal) ANSDATE (anl start) ANEDATE (anl end) VIOLDATE (violation posting
- default)
'EXCEPTION_DATE = COLDATE
[EndException_Report]
Validation
This section specifies default settings for the validation routines in LABWORKS. You can turn the search for QA
samples on or off here, which may affect the speed of loading samples in validation. Event logging for validation is
also controlled here.
[Validation]
'parameters for windows sample validation program
'should a search be done for qa/qc results for validation samples (ON / OFF default is ON)
'QAQC_SEARCH=OFF
'specifies event logging to lwuserpath\validato.log
LOGACTIVE=YES

reserved.
[EndValidation]
QA batching
This section controls the behavior and defaults for the QA batching programs inLABWORKS.
[QA_Batching]
' settings control default behavior of Windows QA/QC batching routines
' sets default batch size for all analyses (if not set here default is 10 samples)
' DEFAULT_BATCH_SIZE = 15
' sets default batch size for a particular analysis
' BATCH_SIZE_analcode = nn
' BATCH_SIZE_CD = 20
[EndQA_Batching]
Result scan
This section sets the defaults for automatic results scanning from certain instrument interfaces. This is an optional
program.
[ResultScan]
'default settings for automatic instrument result scanning and loading
'post log entries during operation (default is 'NO')
'LOGACTIVE = YES
'how often to load data in minutes
LOAD_FREQ=3
'loading modes:
' "MULTI" parse all result files at once then post to database (default)
' "SINGLE" parse and post each result file one by one
'LOAD_MODE = SINGLE
'SCAN_INSTR = inst_codedata_pathrlt_file_template addtest (optional)

reserved.
nochange (optional)norename (optional)

'"NORENAME" option applies only to single load mode causes file to be renamed AFTER posting rather than before
parsing (default)
' Philips PW-1480 XRF (imports PW1480 results from c:\results\xray\*.lst files with result changes but no work order
additions)
'SCAN_INSTR = IAI_PHILIPS_X40D:\DATA1\*.SAV
'SCAN_INSTR = IAI_CANNON_VISCD:\DATA2\ CAVDAT.DAT SCAN_INSTR = IAI_ASCII C:\data\lw300\user *.rlt
SCAN_INSTR = IAI_ASCII C:\data\lw300\user *.asc
[EndResultScan]
ALOGINO
Sets defaults for the Power Programmer package option ALOGINO.

[ALOGINO]
'settings for ole power programmer login routine
'specifies event and resource logging to lwuserpath\alogino.log
LOGACTIVE=YES
'specifies a project analyte reporting group for default(LCOD, SCOL, PORD, PROJ, USXX)
'enterprise with sql compliant databases only
PROJECT_ANALYTE_GROUP = PROJ
[EndALOGINO]
History display
This section sets the defaults for the history display found in Results Entry and other areas of LABWORKS. Default
entries for sorting and grouping of results are set here.
[History_Display]
'parameters control history display (rev4 only)
'number of most recent results points to displaydefault is 10 min is 3 max is 100
POINTS = 10
'date to sort history by (supercedes HISTSORT environmental variable)
'values (COL / SUB / ANL) coldate / subdate / analysis_date - default is COL
' SORTDATE = ANL
'display earliest or latest point at top (EARLY / LATE)default is EARLY
'TOP = LATE
TOP = EARLY

reserved.
'display secondary result also (YES / NO) Enterprise and ES - default is NO

RESULT2 = No
'display qualifier also (YES / NO) Enterprise and ES - default is NO

QUALIFIER = No
[EndHistory_Display]
Sample modify
The sample modify section contains settings used to determine how the sample modify/delete module behaves in
LABWORKS. Here, settings for auto- validation are stored. Also, the default setting for the number of samples to be
displayed in modify/delete is set in this section.
[Sample_Modify]
'parameters for windows sample modification programs
'should sample be auto validated when no test is pending
'Auto_Validate_Rule=No_Violations
' specifies number of samples (default=20) considered current for modification by sample designation of loccode or
user field 1
CURRENT_SAMPS = 14
'specifies the base date option to use for calculating due dates of analyses added during sample modification
'ADD_TEST_BASEDATE = LOCCODE (default) COLDATE SUBDATE CURDATE
ADD_TEST_BASEDATE =
'specifies program to run after each modified sample in single sample modify
'include full path and extension or program path and .exe are assumed
'SINGLE_SAMPLE_USER_PROG = SHELTEST
'specifies program to run after multisample modifications are saved
'include full path and extension or program path and .exe are assumed
'MULTI_SAMPLE_USER_PROG = SHELTEST

reserved.
[EndSample_Modify]
Progress report
Defaults for the Windows Progress report program are stored here. Settings for the default number of samples, the
[Progress_Report]
'parameters for windows progress report
' specifies number of samples (default=20) considered current for progress report by sample designation of loccode
or user field 1
CURRENT_SAMPS = 14
' specifies if automatically selects current samples (default=No)
'SELECT_CURRENT_SAMPS = YES
[EndProgress_Report]
Custody tracking
This section sets defaults for the custody tracking programs in LABWORKS. Report labels for null values, default
initial location for containers, etc., are set here.
[Custody_Tracking]
'parameters for sample container custody tracking
' specifies report label for null (not entered) contained location(default = Unspecified)
'NULL_LOCATION = Not in custody
'specifies default initial location for all container types
'INITIAL_LOCATION = Receiving
'specifies report description for location of sample containers before login
PRELOGIN_LOCATION = Not in house
'specifies initial locations for specific container codes which supercede default
'IL_@TCOL = Bact receiving
'IL_@WET = Chem receiving
'IL_@VOA = Orgn receiving

reserved.
'IL_@VOAD = Orgn receiving

'IL_@VOAS = Orgn receiving
'IL_@VOAT = Orgn receiving
'specifies reason to be associated with initial placement of all container types during login
INITIAL_REASON = New sample submitted to laboratory
' specifies number of samples (default=20) considered current for tracking by sample designation of loccode or user
field 1
CURRENT_SAMPS = 12
' specifies if automatically selects current samples (default=No)
'SELECT_CURRENT_SAMPS = YES
'specifies if reason must be entered for moving sample container (default=No)
FORCE_MOVE_REASON = YES
'specifies if entered reason for moving sample container is saved to list (default=Yes)
SAVE_MOVE_REASON = YES
'specifies if entered destination for sample container move is saved to list (default=No)
SAVE_MOVE_DESTINATION = No
[EndCustody_Tracking]
Analysis selection
This section specifies optional selection fields to be displayed in the analysis selection dialogs throughout
LABWORKS.
[Analysis_Selection]
'optional fields to display in analysis selection dialog (analysis code and name are standard)
'options are: DEPT (department) REF (reference) MDL UNIT PRICE
'FIELD = REF
'FIELD = UNIT
[EndAnalysis_Selection]
Process Scheduler
[Process_Scheduler]
' Settings for Security Mode
' GLOBAL or DISCRETE SECURITY_MODE = GLOBAL
' Settings for optional process scheduler

reserved.
' Preview time = # of minutes before sample requested time sample displays in list
PREVIEW_TIME = 59
' Preview_Hours_Daily = Number of hours prior to schedule hourly samples will be displayed, max = 23
' PREVIEW_HOURS_DAILY = 12
' Preview_Days_Weekly = Number of days prior to schedule weekly samples will be displayed, max = 6
' PREVIEW_DAYS_WEEKLY = 4
' Preview_Days_Monthly = Number of days prior to schedule monthly samples will be displayed, max = 28
' PREVIEW_DAYS_MONTHLY = 20
' Restrict Preview for pre/logged in samples, Show all samples or Only Samples with request time in preview window.
RESTRICT_PREVIEW = NO
' Refresh Interval is frequency data is updated
REFRESH_INTERVAL = 5
' Retain Window the number of hours a sample is displayed after Production OK
RETAIN_WINDOW = 1
' Validation Type, NONE = results finished only, SAMPLE = sample validation, LAB = manual lab validation
VALIDATION_TYPE = SAMPLE
' ADD_TIMED_SAMPLES, adds samples in time scheduled database, only one machine need to run this
ADD_TIMED_SAMPLES = YES
' AUTOLOG_TIMED_SAMPLES , automatically logs in Timed Samples
AUTOLOG_TIMED_SAMPLES = YES
' LOGIN PASSWORD , User password for Autologin of Samples
AUTOLOG_PASSWORD = 1
' PRIMARY_SYSTEM is the LABWORKS Machine ID for the system doing autologin and adding of timed samples
PRIMARY_SYSTEM = PF-DELL650
' Progress Report Format ' format for displaying progress report
PROGRESS_FORMAT = DEFAULT
' Result Entry Format ' format for displaying results entry
RESULT_FORMAT = RESULTS
' View results format , if native then one sample at a time , No is native, YES = Progress Report, default
VIEW_PROGRESS = YES
' User field descriptions / Leave blank to omit field
'USER1_DESC = Collect Type
'USER2_DESC = Location

reserved.
'USER3_DESC = QC Type USER4_DESC = NUSER1_DESC = NUSER2_DESC =

' User field to LABWORKS Field Mappings
'USER1_ASSIGN = USR15
USER4_ASSIGN =
'USER1_COMBO = YES
USER2_COMBO = NO
USER3_COMBO = NO
USER4_COMBO = NO
USER1_REQUIRED = NO
USER2_REQUIRED = NO
USER3_REQUIRED = NO
USER4_REQUIRED = NO
' PROJ
' DSCR
' PORD
' LBAT
' RAD1
' USR1 - USR20
LOGIN_PRIORITY = 1
LOGIN_DEPT = LOGIN_NOPROMPT = YES
'LOGIN_DEPT_FIELD=PROJ
LOGIN_INITIAL_STATUS = 2
'0 = NOT READY
'1 = READY TO COLLECT
'1.5 = COLLECTED
'1.8 = IN TRANSIT
'2 = WAITING ANALYSIS LOGIN_USELRF = YES
' Show Description displays the location code description instead of the location code in the main display.
'SHOW_DESC = YES
SHOW_REQ = Yes
SHOW_COLOR = NO

reserved.
SHOW_COL = NO
SHOW_WAITINGANALYSIS = NO
SHOW_ANALYSISCOMPLETE = NO
SHOW_LABOK = NO
SHOW_PRODOK = NO
SHOW_VIOLATION = YES
SHOW_PSID = NO
'display earliest or latest point at top (EARLY / LATE) default is EARLY
'TOP = LATE
TOP = LATE
' uses status collected between ready to collect and login
USECOLLECTED = NO
' Logs sample in at Ready to collect for label printing
LOGIN_AT_READYTOCOLLECT = NO
' Show Collected samples in Backlog, Default is NO, Sample is inactive until lab receipt
COLLECTED_IN_BACKLOG = NO
SHOW_COLLECTED = NO
' REQUIRE_PRODUCTIONOK default is YES, Must be reviewed by requester, NO and Last status is LABOK
REQUIRE_PRODUCTIONOK = YES
' Default Number of Labels
DEFAULT_NO_LABELS=1
' Eliminate Login OK Prompts / make barcoding easier
NO_PS_PROMPTS=NO
' Show Barcode Enhancements
SHOW_BARCODE = YES
' Include Status Transit to Lab
USE_IN_TRANSIT=NO
' Use Bottle/Analysis Definition in PSCONTAINER table
USE_PSCONTAINER = NO
' Use Bartender Labeling Software
USE_BARTENDER = NO
' Days of Audit Trail to keep - Default is 30

reserved.
PSAUDIT_DAYS_TO_KEEP = 30
' For pen computers used left or right click
LEFT_CLICK = NO
' Sample Collector is required by default when assigning LABWORKS SampleID
' Default COLLECTOR_REQUIRED = YES
COLLECTOR_REQUIRED = YES
' Show Coc
SHOW_COC = YES
' Use Multi-Sample login for Sample Login
USE_MULTILOG = YES
USE_SINGLELOG = YES
SHOW_PRELOGBATCH = NO
SHOW_LBPROMPT = YES
' ' to create a custom login record group set "Custom_Login_Record_Group"
' ' to the exe program name.
' ' be sure to include to entire path to the program.
'
' CUSTOM_LOGIN_RECORD_GROUP =SAMNUMB.EXE
[ENDProcess_Scheduler]
LABWORKS explorer
[LABWORKS_EXPLORER]
SHOW_SQC = YES
SHOW_XREF = YES
SHOW_EXCEPTION = YES
' Show Location Code Description
SHOW_LOCDESCR = NO
' Show Pending Validation Status
SHOW_VALID_STATUS = NO
[ENDLABWORKS_EXPLORER]

reserved.
DMR
[DMR]
' entry to tell DMR to change COMP24 to 24HC
SMP_TYP = COMP24 = 24HC
Smp_Frq = Continuous = CONT
Smp_Frq = INSTAN = RCORD
[ENDDMR]
EPA control chart
[EPA_CONTROL_CHART]
' The user field associated with the matrix
MATRIX_FIELD = SAMPTYPE
' The default number of points in a chart group
NPOINTS = 25
' The number of standard deviations for calculating control limits
STDEV = 3
' The default starting data for looking for new datapoints.
STARTDATE = 1/1/95
[ENDEPA_CONTROL_CHART]
Email
[EMail]
'specifies the name of the e-mail server in use at the workstation
'EMAIL_SERVER =
'Exeption_Report_Sender =
[EndEMail]
GPS
[GPS]
' The GPS data is stored in two user defined fields, these fields are defined below
' as GPS_LAT_USERFIELD and GPS_LON_USERFIELD.
' Set each keyword equal to the field number to use.

reserved.
' Ex: GPS_LAT_USERFIELD = 3 will place the Latitude data in user field 3
GPS_LAT_USERFIELD = 11
GPS_LON_USERFIELD = 12
[EndGPS]
BarTender labels
[BARTENDER_LABELS]
' this section is for labels using bartender and COC's using Access
' Label types
' 1 = all analyses on one record
' 2 = one record for each department
' 3 = one record for each bottletype.
' 4 = one record for each pscontainer
' 5 = one field for each analysis department
LABEL_TYPE= 1
SHOW_PRINT_DIALOG = NO
[ENDBARTENDER_LABELS]
[BARTENDER_LABELS]
PRINTER_SEARCH = DMX
Will loop through connected printers looking for a match. This is useful in a Citrix configuration when the path will
be different but the printer name will be the same.
CRYSTAL_COC = YES
Use crystal report file COC.RPT as format for COC
[ENDBARTENDER_LABELS]

reserved.
Glossary
Analysis Code
One to 24-character code that uniquely identifies each analysis in LABWORKS. If QA/QC analyses will
exist in the database, only use 22 characters for each analysis that will have a QA/QC analysis associated
with it. The analysis code cannot contain characters such as periods, commas, question marks, asterisks,
or internal spaces.
Analysis Hold Days

Specifies the time, in days, used for calculating the analysis due date. The analysis due date base is
specified in the Location Code list database.
Analysis Name
One to 40-character field that describes the analysis. This description appears on most reports.
Billing Address
The Billing Address contains the address to which invoices should be sent if invoicing is to be used. It
contains as many as five lines with each line having as many as 40 upper- and lowercase characters.
Billing Rate
The billing rate sets the percentage of list price used for calculating charges for work performed on samples from the
location code if invoicing is to be used.
Check Specifications
Check specifications function allows the user to choose whether specification checking should be
performed on the sample from the sample point.
Component Abbreviation
The component abbreviation is used for instrument interfacing and must match the component
designation in the instrument result file for correct matching of LABWORKS analytes with instrument
results.
Component Name
The LABWORKS component name is the full name of an analyte and can contain forty characters. This is
the analyte name that is used on reports.
Default MDL
The Minimum Detection Limit (MDL) is a numerical expression of the lowest concentration that the analysis
can quantify (or the smallest measurement increment that the analysis can distinguish), expressed in the
analysis reporting unit. See Round Off For Calculations for details about using the MDL as decimal places
for rounding when transferring data from instruments and performing analysis result calculations.
Department
24- character field that defines which laboratory department receives orders to perform a particular analysis.
Backlog and final reporting can use this field for sorting or grouping. All characters are converted to
uppercase and spaces are not allowed.

reserved.
Disk Copy Final Report
Disk copy final report specifies whether to print a DOS standard final report to disk. This field is only used by
native database systems operating with both DOS and Windows® workstations.
Due Date Based On

The Due Date Based On option allows analysis due dates to be calculated as hold days from the collection
date or submittal date.
Hold Days
The sample holding days value specifies the time in days between sample collection or sample submittal
date and the sample due date. This value may be any integer from 0 to 999. A value of zero specifies that
the sample analysis is due on the same date at the collection or submittal.
Invoiceable
Indicates if the analysis is billable on invoices.
Invoice Name
The invoice name is used to specify custom DOS invoice formats if a format other than the standard
one is to be used.
Invoice Samples
Invoice Samples allows the user to choose whether to invoice samples for the location code or bypass
invoicing.
LIMS
Laboratory Information Management System
Location Code
The Location Code is the alphanumeric code assigned to all samples entered into the LIMS. From this
point on, Location Code will be known as Sample Point.
Method Reference
Sixteen-character field used to specify the sources of procedures being used for analyses.
Minimum Detection Limit (MDL)

The Minimum Detection Limit is a numerical expression of the lowest concentration that the analysis can
quantify (or the smallest measurement increment that the analysis can distinguish), expressed in the
analysis reporting unit.
Multicomponent Analysis
Code must start with a dollar sign ($).
Narrative Text Analysis

Code must start with an exclamation point (!).
Price
List price expressing the basic price per analysis.

reserved.
Project Account Code

The Project Account Code is a re- nameable field that allows samples to be treated as a group for purposes
of processing or billing. Groups may comprise all of the samples for a particular research project or all
samples being processed under one contract. Multiple locations may share a single project account code.
The Project Account Code consists of as many as 24 uppercase alphanumeric characters, including all
printing characters except the asterisk.
Reportable
Indicates if the analysis is reportable in final reports. Analyses used in calculations are not report-able,
but the final calculated analysis will be reported.
Report Hard Copies

The Report Hard Copies field is used by LABWORKS to specify from 0
to 9 final report hard copies. Entering 0 causes LABWORKS not to print a final report, and causes the
sample to bypass the final reporting queue.
Reporting Address
The reporting address field contains the address where reports of results on samples from the location code
are to be sent. The address may contain as many as five lines with each line having as many as 40 upper-
and lowercase characters.
Reporting Units
Fourteen-character field defines the measurement unit used to store results of a particular analysis.
Report Name
The Report Name field is used by LABWORKS to specify the final report format for a sample.
Round Off For Calculations

Two different methods for rounding off results are available when importing data from instruments.
Significant figures indicates that results will be rounded to the number of significant figures indicated
Use MDL places indicates that results are to be rounded to the number of decimal places used in the
MDL.
Use Ranges indicates that specific rounding rules are defined for specific value ranges.
Sample Description
A Sample Description characterizes the location from which a sample is collected. It may consist of as
many as 60 upper- and lowercase characters.
Sample Point
One to 24-character code that uniquely identifies each location/sample point/client in LABWORKS. The
location code may contain any printing characters except an asterisk, a question mark, a comma, a colon,
an internal space, a slash, a backslash, or a period, or the characters <, >, or |. The system manager can
rename the location code field. Some examples are sample point, client code, etc.
Single Component Analysis

Code does not require a special prefix.

reserved.
Special Info Form

Special info form allows the user to specify the name of a special information screen to be
associated with this sample point.
Special Price List

If a price list other than the standard one is to be used for specifying final prices for analyses performed on
samples from the sample point, the name of the alternate price list can be entered here.
Study Group Analysis

Code must start with a pound sign (#).
Laboratory System Administrator (LSA)

The individual responsible for maintaining the LIMS and is the contact person for all technical support
issues.
User Program
User program field can be used to specify an executable program or batch file which is to be run before a
sample is logged in, after a sample is logged in, before all samples are logged in or after all samples are
logged in.
Validate Samples
Validate Samples allows the user to specify whether to validate samples from the location code or bypass
validation.
Work Units
Time in any units desired used to perform an analysis.
Additional Reference Material
Ownership Groups for Controlled Data Access

When implementing a multi-site Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or a single site LIMS with
multiple business units, one necessity is the ability to segregate the data so that designated users can view only the
data specific to their operation. This can be done by either separating the data into multiple databases or by
restricting the available data on a per user basis. The merits of each of these two choices are based on business,
legal, and infrastructure issues. This section presents the theory and application of Ownership Groups in
LABWORKS Version 6.
LABWORKS applies ownership to Location Codes and their related Samples, Analysis Codes, and Reports.
LABWORKS Users
LABWORKS Users have a User ID and Password as well as specific privileges.
Groups
LABWORKS maintains a list of Owner Groups. An Owner Group has Group ID, Group Description, and Group Active
properties. Groups are created with members. The members may be individuals or other groups.

reserved.
Group membership
LABWORKS maintains a list of Groups of which a user is a member. A User can be a member of one or more
groups.
Trusted groups
A Group Supervisor can permit other groups to access samples he/she owns, thereby, setting up a Trusted
relationship with the other group.
The following example shows details for the group SAMP_DIST (Distribution Samples). This group has a member,
Josh Hanson, and also trusts the members of the group SAMP_ALL.
Sample ownership
The base level of ownership in LABWORKS is the Sample. The sample inherits its ownership setting based on the
Location Code that was used when that sample was originally logged in.
In LABWORKS 6, another ownership setting can be associated with the Location Code itself, which can be used to
limit the users who are permitted to access the definition of the Location Code.
Thus, the settings related to both Sample Ownership and Location Code ownership are maintained in the Location
Code Maintenance module.
Ownership for Location Codes and Samples has multiple parameters to configure for operation.

reserved.
There are 3 owner fields that are set in the Location Code Record:
• Location Code Definition Owner
• Sample Owner
• Location Code/Sample Read Owner
Location Code Definition Owner
This owner group is uses who can modify the location code. This ownership remains at the Location Code definition
level and is not inherited by the sample.
Sample Owner:
This owner group is users who can load the sample in results entry in edit mode or for sample modify. However, the
privileges to Run Results Entry or Modify Samples are still required. Ownership only provides visibility to the sample,
whereas privileges are required to perform an action.
Location Code/Sample Read Owner:
The Location Code/Sample Read Owner is available for users who need access to the location code or sample but
with opening them for modify. For example, Sample Login personnel can be members of this group, where they
have access to the location code, but not to modify them, only to create samples from those location codes. Another
example is the use by a Client Services group. This group requires only read access to view results or generate
reports.

reserved.
.
Sysmgr Settings for Location Code/Sample Ownership
There are System Manager settings that control Location Code/Sample ownership.
LOCCODE_OWNERSHIP_ACTIVE Yes/No
LOCCODE_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC Yes/No
SAMPLE_OWNERSHIP_ACTIVE Yes/No
SAMPLE_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC Yes/No
Details on these settings are

provided below:
LOCCODE_OWNERSHIHP_ACTI
VE
This parameter turns on and off Location Code Ownership. In many configurations location code ownership
can be turned off, and still use sample
ownership. A configuration like this would not restrict location codes used at login, but still enforce sample
ownership where results are concerned.
LOCCODE_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC
The parameter controls the visibility of location codes that don’t have ownership defined. When location
ownership is turned on, by default location codes without owners defined are visible to all users. When
LOCCODE_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC is turned on, location codes without owners defined are not
visible.
SAMPLE_OWNERSHIP_ACTIVE
This parameter turns on and off sample ownership. Sample ownership is used to limit visibility of samples
and associated results to specific users. (Replaces 5.8 OWNER_ACTIVE)
SAMPLE_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC
The parameter controls the visibility of samples that don’t have ownership defined. When sample
ownership is turned on, by default samples without owners defined are visible to all users. When
SAMPLE_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC is enabled, samples without owners defined are not visible.
(Replaces 5.8 OWNER_PESSIMISTIC)

reserved.
Analysis Ownership
Analysis ownership configuration is similar to Location Code/Sample ownership. There is Analysis Code
ownership as well as Analysis ownership. Analysis code ownership works with analysis code definitions.
Analysis ownership works with Analyses that have been assigned to samples and can contain results.
In the preceding example the Group LAB_WET has full visibility to PH analyses. The LAB_MGRS
group is configured as the group that can maintain the definition of the PH analysis code, and
CLIENT_SERVICES has read access to the PH analysis

reserved.
Sysmgr Settings for Analysis Ownership
There are System Manager settings that control Location Code/Sample ownership.
ANLCODE_OWNERSHIP_ACTIVE Yes/No
ANLCODE_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC Yes/No
ANALYSIS_OWNERSHIP_ACTIVE Yes/No
ANALYSIS_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC Yes/No
ANLCODE_OWNERSHIHP_ACTIVE
This parameter turns on and off Analysis Code Ownership. In many configurations analysis code
ownership can be turned off, and still use analysis ownership. A configuration like this would not
restrict analysis codes used at login, but still enforce analysis ownership where results are concerned.
ANLCODE_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC
The parameter controls the visibility of analysis codes that don’t have ownership defined. When
ANLCODE ownership is turned on, by default analysis codes without owners defined are visible to all
users. When ANLCODE_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC is turned on, analysis codes
without owners defined are
not visible.
ANALYSIS_OWNERSHIP_
ACTIVE
This parameter turns on and off analysis ownership. Analysis ownership is used to limit visibility of analyses
linked to samples and associated results to specific users.
ANALYSIS_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC
The parameter controls the visibility of analyses that don’t have ownership defined. When analysis
ownership is turned on, by default analyses without owners defined are visible to all users. When
ANALYSIS_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC is turned on, analyses without owners defined are not visible.
Report Ownership
Report Ownership is configured using Object Publisher. Object Publisher is a new feature for LABWORKS
6.0. It is used to manage report ownership and report state. With LABWORKS 6.0 the types of items
managed by Object Publisher are:
• Access Reports
• Crystal Reports
• Word Reports
• Export Formats

reserved.
Before a report is visible in LWExplorer (.NET) version or in Process scheduler it must be published
by Object Publisher. Then using rules similar to Samples and Analyses ownership can be
configured.
Sysmgr Settings for Report Ownership
There are System Manager settings that control report ownership.
REPORT_OWNERSHIP_ACTIVE Yes/No
REPORT_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC Yes/No
REPORT_OWNERSHIP_ACITVE
This parameter turns on and off report template ownership. Report ownership is used to limit visibility of
reports templates available for report generation
REPORT_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC
The parameter controls the visibility of report templates that don’t have ownership defined. When report
ownership is turned on, by default report templates without owners defined are visible to all users. When
REPORT_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC is turned on, report templates without owners defined are not
visible.
Data Model for LABWORKS

The LABWORKS database contains several main tables of information as well as tables which are
only used by add-on applications. This document is an overview of the main tables and their
relationships.
Location Code Related
LOCLIST

reserved.
The LOCLIST table is used to store Location Code information. Location Codes can be used as Sample
Points, Customers, Products, Formulations, or uses to describe information about a sample. The default
Location Code information is stored in the LOCLIST table. At the time of sample login this information is
copied to the SAMPLE table. Changes to the default information made at the time of login are stored with
the sample. The LOCLIST table has ancillary tables used to store defaults specific to an analysis or that
location code.
Required Fields:
LOCCODE
LABOBJECTCOM
MENTS
The LABOBJECTCOMMENTS table stored the default comments for a location code. At the time of
sample login the default comments for the location code are loaded so they can be edited and stored as
sample comments after login is completed.
LOCTESTS
The LOCTESTS table stores the list of tests for a location code. These tests are the default tests
assigned for the location code for sample login.
Required Fields:
• LOCCODE
• ACODE
Foreign Key:
• LOCLIST.LOCCODE
• ANL_LIST.ACODE
LABOBJSPECINFO
The Special Info Default (LABOBJSPECINFO) table stores information used with special information
forms. A special information form permits the creating of a data structure, which is specific to one or more
location codes. The defaults for the special information form are stored in this table. After login the special
information associated with a sample is stored in the SPECINFO table.
USERFLDS
The User Fields (USERFLDS) table stores user defined information common to all location codes and
samples. The USERFLDS table stores the default user field data for a location code and the SUSERFLDS
stores the User Field data associated with a sample
Required Fields: LOCCODE
Foreign Key: LOCLIST.LOCCODE
Analysis Code Related
ANL_LIST

reserved.
The Analysis List table contains a list of all of the available analyses and their properties. There are
entries in the ANALYTES table for each analyte in every analysis.
Required Fields: ACODE
ANALYTES
The analytes table contains one record for each analyte in a multi-component in the
ANL_LIST table. Required Fields:
• ACODE
• ANLNAME (Analyte Name)
Foreign Key:
ANL_LIST.ACODE SGTESTS
The SGTESTS table stores lists of analyses in sample analyses groups (#XXXXX) Required Fields:
• ACODE
• SGACODE
Foreign Key: ANL_LIST.ACODE
LABOBJSPECINFO
The Special Analysis Info Default (LABOBJSPECINFO) table stores information used with special
information forms. An analysis special information form permits the creating of a data structure which is
specific to one or more analysis codes. The defaults for the special information form are store in this table.
Results Entry
The process of entering results into the LABWORKS database requires look-ups from several
tables to do specification checking, calculations, and analyte substitution.
Standard Results
When entering results the user can enter an abbreviation and LABWORKS looks up the complete
result from the standard Results picklist “RLTCODES” Example: If the RLTCODES picklist contains the
line: "POS", "Positive", and the user enters “POS” as the result, then “Positive” is stored as the result.
Specification Checking
Each analysis code has storage for specifications. These are Lower Control, Lower Warning, Target,
Upper Warning, and Upper Control. These values are stored in the RESULTSPECS table.
Specifications generic to the analysis code are stored with the value “&GENERAL” for the location
code. Specifications specific to a location code are stored with that location code, analysis code, and
analyte name as the key.

reserved.
When entering the sample results for an analysis, the program checks the RESULTSPECS table for
specifications matching the location code, the analysis code, and analyte. If no entries are found, the
program checks for specifications that are generic to the analysis code.
Calculations
LABWORKS has two calculation engines, native and Excel.

• LABWORKS Native Calculations
As LABWORKS loads analysis codes for results entry, it inspects each analysis to determine if it has
calculation inputs and if all of the defined inputs are present (Analysis Codes INVAR1-
10). After results are entered for an analysis, the software rechecks the sample to determine if all
inputs are completed and then performs the calculation.
• LABWORKS Excel Calculations
As LABWORKS loads analysis codes for results entry, it inspects each analysis to determine if it has
calculation inputs from the XLPARMS table and if all of the defined inputs are present. After results
are entered for an analysis, the software rechecks the sample to determine if all inputs are completed
and then performs the calculation.
Results Data
• Data Tables (see next section)
• SAMPLE
• ANALYSIS
• LABOBJCOMMENTS
• RESULTS
• LABOBJSPECINFO
• SUSERFLDS
• AUDITTRAIL
SAMPLE
The SAMPLE table stores data about logged in samples. As a sample is logged in, a unique SampleID is
generated and stored in the SAMPNO field. The LOCCODE information is copied into the SAMPLE table
with the ability to modify the LOCLIST table during the login process. De-normalizing data makes sure that
sample specific information is retained even if the LOCLIST table is modified.
Required Fields: SAMPNO
Foreign Key: LOCLIST.LOCCODE ANALYSIS
Tests assigned to logged in samples are stored in the

reserved.
ANALYSIS table. Required Fields:

• SAMPNO
• ACODE
Foreign
Keys:
• SAMPLE.SAMPNO
• ANL_LIS
T.ACODE
COMMENTS
Sample and analysis comments are stored in the COMMENTS table. The value of the field ACODE is
“_SAMPLE_” for sample comments and the actual analysis code for analysis comments.
Required Fields:
• SAMPNO
• ACODE
• Foreign Keys:
• SAMPLE.SAMPNO
• ANL_LIST.ACODE (Analysis
Comments Only) LABOBJCOMMENTS
The Narrative Text Results (LABOBJCOMMENTS) contains the results of narrative tests (!XXXXX). These
are free form text results for tests requiring a narrative, such as an observation.
RESULTS
This is the main results table. It stores results and violation information. For single component tests,
the Analysis Name (not code) and ANALYTE field are the same. For multi-component tests, the
ACODE and ANALYTE fields contain their described values.
Required Fields:
• SAMPNO
• ACODE
• ACODE
Foreign
Keys:
• SAMPLE.SAMPNO
• ANL_LIST.ACODE
• ANALYTES.ANLNAME (Multi-
component tests) LABOBJSPECINFO

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This table stores information from the special information fields.

Required Fields: SUSERFLDS
The sample user fields, SUSERFLDS, table stores user defined information common to all location
codes and samples. The USERFLDS table stores the default user field data for a location code, and the
SUSERFLDS stores the User Field data associated with a sample.
Required Fields:
SAMPNO Foreign Key:
SAMPLE.SAMPNO
SYSMGR/System Manager Settings
System Manager Options added/updated in LABWORKS 6.4
SYSMGROPT Description Type Values Notes
Sample Login
LOGBATCHIDFORMAT Possible Login ID formats
IT MMDDYYHHNNSS Supported login
batch id formats.
MMDDYY_HHNN
MMDDYY MMDDYYYY
MMDDHHNN
YYMMDDXXX
YYMMXXXXX
YMMXXXXX
YYMMXXXX XXXXXXXX
YYYY-MM-DD-XXX
MMDDYYXXXX XXXXXX
USR-YYYY-MM-DD
YYJJJXXX
Default is: yyMMddhhmmss
Permit the user to modify 0: FALSE

LOGINBATCHID_MODIFY IB
the login batch format -1: TRUE
Login Screen
MAX_SAMPLES IL 0-1000
number of rows.

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Controlling visibility of “Add
Unspecified Parameters”
PG_ALLOW_AD_HOC_GR checkbox in Parameter Bool
OUP_PARAMETERS Configuration screen in ean
Sample Login application
Controlling visibility
following controls in Sample
Login application
1) “Add Unspecified
Documents”
checkbox in
Document Object
PG_ALLOW_AD_HOC_GR Bool
Configuration
OUP_PROPERTIES ean
screen
2) “Add Unspecified
Documents”
checkbox in Special
Information
Configuration
screen
New Sample Login
Number of rows to be
displayed in Sample Login
SAMPLELOGIN_MAX_SAM Screen of Sample Login Num
PLES application. eric
Sample Login and Process

Scheduler
-1: True Adds sample to
ADD_TO_PROCESS_SCHE PS Add Sample during login IB
0: False process scheduler
DULER
during login
ProcessScheduler Department for
LOGIN_DEPT department for samples IT String samples from
from Login login to use for
process
scheduler
ProcessScheduler initial Initial Process
LOGIN_INITIAL_STATUS status for samples from IT 0 Scheduler status
Login for samples from
Login
ProcessScheduler Priority Value matching entry in
LOGIN_PRIORITY IL
for samples from login PSPRIORITY TABLE
Results Entry
Permit users to
-1: True manually enter
ALLOW_CALC_RESULT_M IB
0: False results into a
ANUAL_ENTRY
calculated field.
Default is False
WebTop

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BARTENDER_DOMAIN DomainName
WebTop:
BARTENDER_PASSWORD Password Account for
running Bartender
BARTENDER_USERNAME UserName Application
WebTop:
LABELPRINTERSEARCH IT Name of label

printer to search
from in users
printer list.
Controlling visibility of
Export button of Report
SHOWCRYSTALEXPORT Bool
viewer page in WebTop
ean
application
Refer to “Appendix A: The Complete List of System Control Options in SYSMGR/System Manager” for the
complete list of all system control options available in System Manager in LABWORKS 6.5.
System Manager Options added in LABWORKS 6.5
SYSMGROPT Description Type Values Notes
Controlling Analysis codes

SL_ACODE_LIMITING not to be displayed in String
Controlling Location codes

SL_LOCCODE_LIMITING not to be displayed in String
Controlling Submit,
Collection and Due dates to
SL_VALID_DAYS_BACK be go number of days back Numeric
in Sample Login
application
Controlling Submit,
Collection and Due dates to
SL_VALID_DAYS_FORWA be go number of days Numeric
RD forward in Sample Login
application
Refer to “Appendix A: The Complete List of System Control Options in SYSMGR/System Manager” for the
complete list of all system control options available in System Manager in LABWORKS 6.5.

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2. LABWORKS Sample Login - Sample Reporting (“Paperwork”)
Introduction
This document is a supplement to the user manual of LABWORKS Sample Login that focuses on the
reporting aspects of the system. Upon configuration of a login template, the user can begin logging in
samples and generating needed reports including sample receipts, analysis worksheets, and department
route sheets. The system is installed with several example reports (in Crystal Reports format) that can be
easily modified for the specific needs of the lab.
The sample reports generated at sample login is generally referred to as “paperwork” although no usage
of paper is required. The reports can be automatically printed to a default or specific printer, but they can
also be created as a file (in PDF, Word, or Excel format) and/or emailed instead.
The report templates used in the LABWORKS Sample Login as of version 6.4 and later is all based on
SAP Crystal Reports. These reports utilize what is called a data model as their data source. These data
models are a user-defined subset of information in an XML structured format generated at runtime. The
user never has to adjust the default data model if they are happy with the amount of data being reported.
However, advanced users or IT/Administration people have the capability of quickly adding or removing
detail in/out of any data model if desired. The disconnected data model from the core database allows
users to keep reports “canned” without the risk of reporting problems each time a change is made to the
database. Report generation performance is high due to the standard XML data source being generated
and passed to the report via memory only (no temp files are ever created).
LABWORKS Sample Login

The Sample Login module in LABWORKS is used to log in samples for later analysis / results entry,
validation, and ultimately final reporting. The initial launch of the module opens a generic sample login
template with only the few required fields. Initially you will need to configure a template to add your own
data fields needed by the lab to capture the required information on samples at the point of login.
The main Sample Login screen has a user interface that conforms to the new Microsoft user interface
standards introduced in MS Office 2007. There are three basic areas in the main screen used for
navigation around the module. The top portion of the screen is the main menu of the application allowing
the user to scroll through a number of different options related to the selected area below. The lower left
portion of the screen is called the navigation pane which allows you to switch among any different areas
(separate applications) inside the module related to sample login. These other areas of the modules
include configuration tools for sample login templates, paperwork report settings, data model
configuration (for reports), or defining persisted sample groups. Finally, the center-right portion of the
screen is the contents area of the selected application. The top left portion of the screen under the menu
always shows you the area/application you currently have selected.
When you first open Sample Login, the last selected login template is opened and ready for use. If you
want to configure any settings, you would click on the appropriate configuration module to the lower left.
Otherwise you can begin the login process by assigning samples.

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LABWORKS Sample Login – Main Screen
Sample Login Configuration

As mentioned previously, you are allowed to configure as many login templates as needed by your
organization in order to capture and track the necessary data throughout the system. You are able to add
any field from your location codes listing into your custom sample login template. Keep in mind, the
default values you’ve assigned to your location codes will be stored in your samples at login. It is only
necessary to add fields to your login template that your users plan on possibly modifying, entering, or
simply checking at login. You can make certain fields (columns) required as well forcing your sample login
users to enter (or double-check) specific fields prior to initiating the login process.
Sample Login Configuration is a separate area inside the navigation pane on the lower left portion of the
screen. Click the Login Configuration option to configure an existing, delete, or add a new Sample Login
template. You must also access this area if you want to configure any other area of the system such as
the desired fields to be displayed inside the locations list, analyses list, paperwork (reports) settings, user
program configuration, etc.

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LABWORKS Sample Login Template Configuration
The Login Configuration tool gives you the following options.
 Sample Configuration (Selected by Default) – the sample login template modification area
allowing the user to add/remove fields to existing login templates, remove, or add new templates.
 Login Date Time Configuration – the configuration area for how all date/time fields are
processed in login templates.
 Location List Configuration – the configuration of the location code selection list. This selection
screen is displayed when adding new samples to your login template. You can use this area to
select the fields for display.
 Analysis Configuration – the configuration of the analyses list for assignment of tests to location
codes. This selection screen is displayed when clicking the Analyses link to show the assigned
test list within a specific sample. You can use this area to select the fields for display.
 Logged Sample Status Configuration – this area will configure the screen that shows the list of
samples (the logged sample batch) after login has completed and before paperwork (reports) is
generated. By default only the assigned sample IDs are displayed on this screen. However, you
can make any adjustments to show detailed information for the logged batch as well as print the
list as well.
 Paperwork Configuration – this area will allow you to assign specific login paperwork report
templates (Crystal Reports) to the system for generation after login. You can assign any one of a
number of sample receipts, analyses worksheets, or department route sheets. Note that this area
only assigns the templates. If you want to configure the templates or settings themselves, you
need to access a different area in the navigation pane called LABWORKS Reporting.

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 User Program Configuration – this area will allow you to assign external programs to run after
samples have finished the log in process. The sample batch information can be passed to these
programs using command parameters for integration of 3rd party tools.
 Group Configuration – this area will allow you to assign a persisted group (previous defined) to
a particular Sample Login Template. If you want to configure the persisted group itself or
add/remove groups, you need to access a different area in the navigation pane called Persisted
Group.
Login Configuration Options
Sample Configuration
Clicking the first option under Login Configuration will bring you to the sample login template
configuration, or Sample Configuration for short. Use this option to select from all available fields on the
left to assign to your template. Fields assigned to your template will be displayed on the right.
The top of the application contents area shows the current template selected in the dropdown box. If you
select the Edit Configuration option, you will be able to pick from a list of available login templates.
Initially, you won’t have one, so you’ll need to select New Configuration first. You can then start adding
fields to your template on the left by double-clicking or using the arrow keys.
The arrow keys to the far right allow the user to change the column order of the fields at login. Fields at
the top are closer to the left-side of the login sample listing. For example, the first field at the top of this list
(on the right) will be the first column after the required columns (Location Code, Analyses, and
Comments).
After selecting all the fields desired for your template, you can also set a few other selections that define
how the field (column) operates at login.
1. Field Alias – the displayed name of the field (column header). By default, the column header on
your login template will be the same name as the actual field, but you can change it here.
2. Field Width - the minimum width of each field. If you set this value as 0 (zero) for a field, it will be
available on the template, but the field will be hidden by default in the sample login window.
3. Read Only – this checkbox, if selected, will show the default values as samples are added to the

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login template but not allow the user to make any modifications of the values in the cells.
4. Mandatory – this checkbox, if selected, will force a value in the field cell. The user will not be
able to leave it blank.
5. Upper – this checkbox, if selected, will force the values to be in upper case.
6. PickList – this allows the user to select from available picklists in LABWORKS and assign them
to this column. If a picklist is assigned, the user can dropdown a list of values for selection.
Sample Configuration
When you have your order of fields and selections exactly as needed, click the Save button at the top to
store your new or modified template to the database.
List Screen Configurations

The screens in the Sample Login module that lists data for selection (samples displayed after login,
location code lists, and analyses list) all can be configured much the same way as the Login Template
itself in the previous section.
The Location List Configuration option on the left will open the current settings for the location code
selection screen. If you need to change the fields displayed when selecting samples for your template
(called the Location Codes list), this is the option that will accomplish that.

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Location List Configuration
In this configuration screen, the selection of fields works the same as previously explained. Double-click
or use the arrows in the center to assign fields (or columns at run time). Using the arrows on the right
changes the order of the columns in the list allowing you to move fields farther up (or more to the left at
runtime) or farther down (more to the right at runtime).
The top of the configuration screen shows the Login Template this List Configuration will be assigned to.
When you are satisfied with the order of the fields (columns) click Save. The next time you select a
sample to log in from the list of location codes in this Login Template, your new configuration will be used.
The Analysis Configuration option on the left will open the current settings for the analyses selection
screen used to modify or assign tests to samples at login. If you need to change the fields displayed when
selecting tests for samples, this is the option that will accomplish that.
This configuration screen, once again, works the exact same as the Location List configuration. The
available fields are on the left and assigned fields on the right. Double-click or use the arrows in the
center to assign fields while using the arrows on the right to change the order.

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Analysis Configuration
Once again, the Save button at the top will store your modifications to the database once completed.
Finally, the Logged Sample Status Configuration will adjust the fields on the screen that shows the list
of samples in the newly created batch immediately following a successful login. As with all other lists, the
default only shows the required fields. In this case, it will display only a list of sample IDs. However, the
user may want to show more detail about the newly logged in samples.
Logged Sample Status Configuration
This configuration screen, once again, works the exact same as the Location List and Analyses list
configuration. The available fields are on the left and assigned fields on the right. Double-click or use the

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arrows in the center to assign fields while using the arrows on the right to change the order.
Click the Save button at the top to store your modifications to the database once completed.
User Program Configuration

Clicking the option under Login Configuration called User Program Configuration will bring you to a
screen for setting up user programs (3rd party applications) to run after all samples are logged in.
User Program Configuration
As with other configuration areas, the top portion of the center contents section shows the selected
template this user programs list is assigned to. The user program list below shows the programs (in order)
that will be launched immediately following sample login. The right-side of this section shows the
configuration options available for the selected user program.
To remove a selected user program, use the red X displayed to the right of the selected program row.
Each row represents a program that will launch after login. For all other options (order change, add,
modify, etc.) use the toolbar to the top of the options on the right.
Options Toolbar
The options toolbar can change the order (move the program up or down in the execution order list) using
the arrow keys, the pencil icon will modify a user program configuration line, the plus button will create a
new row for a program, and the minus sign will also remove a program row.

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User Program Configuration Options
The first box in the configuration area shows the program path and filename. Use the ellipse button (…)
to browse the PC or network to find a program to run.
The next box is the Run Style which defines how the program is launched. You can have a program
launched in the background or “silent” or force it to run in the foreground with focus.
The next box is the Run Type which defines when it runs during the login process. You have the option
of running this program after each sample or all samples are logged, or even before login takes place
when samples are posted to the database. Which option you select here depends on what the program
does. Maybe this is an interface program that requires some preliminary steps to be done prior to the
samples hitting the database, or something that runs after all samples are logged in to further process a
batch in another system. Whatever the process, this option defines at which point the program will be
launched.
The next box allows the user to define a Password. If this is a module that requires authentication into
LABWORKS first, the program will pass the currently logged in user’s password to the program being
launched using the “PW:” command parameter. Any additional command parameters are passed to the
program using the Command Line option following the Password.
Other options below can be selected based on the needs of the program. You can send a variety of
information such as the name of the Database, the first Sample ID, a Sample List file (a text file with a
list of all sample IDs just logged in), the Log Batch number, or the user Initials (user ID). All are passed
to the program with specific command line abbreviations in front.
DB: Database
ID: Sample ID
FILE: Sample list file
LB: Log Batch number
USER: User ID
If you want your program to finish its job and go to completion before Sample Login continues to the next

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program in the execution list, select the “Wait for program to end before continuing” option at the top.
Click OK to save the User Program configuration. If it is new, it will be added to the list.
Group Configuration
Clicking the Group Configuration option on the left allows the assignment of a persisted sample group to
the assigned Login Template.
To setup or configure groups, reference the Persisted Groups section.
Paperwork Configuration
Clicking the Paperwork Configuration option will bring the user to a screen for assignment of paperwork
templates (Crystal Reports) to the receipt, worksheet, or route sheet areas. It also can configure any
labels required to be generated for bottles.
The “paperwork”, as it is referred to, are generally documents that are required to be rendered (printed or
otherwise) for all samples at login. Sample Receipts showing price information is commonly used for
contract labs, for example. Department Routing sheets are often used for larger organizations with
different labs testing different analyses, so the paperwork showing their department samples are sent to
them. Analysis worksheets, for example, can be used by operators at chemical plants to gather readings
or results on paper for specific tests in a sample. Often operators will write down these values in the
production area where computers are unavailable or not permitted. The filled-out worksheets are later
used for results entry. All of these are examples of “paperwork” generated after sample login.
By default, there is no paperwork set up to be generated at login. The user is required to go into this
configuration area and assign specific templates.

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Paperwork Configuration
As with other configuration areas, the top shows the selected template this paperwork corresponds to.
There is also an option to designate the maximum samples allowed for this paperwork. The user may
not want to generate paperwork on large logins for performance purposes or to conserve paper, so they
can set a limit here.
The middle right area allows you to define your labels. By default there are no labels generated at login.
You can assign the standard (built in) labels or use Bartender (if installed) to generate your labels.
Bartender is a 3rd party tool by Seagull Scientific that is integrated into LABWORKS. You will have to
predefine your labels in Bartender before using them here.
The middle left area shows up to three paperwork (Crystal Report) templates you can select, one for each
paperwork type. There are a number of available templates installed with LABWORKS that can be
selected here. You can use Crystal Reports to edit existing templates, remove templates, or add your
own from scratch. You do this under the LABWORKS Reporting area in the navigation pane on the left.
Refer to that section later in this document.
There is only a single report template that is allowed to be selected for each Login Paperwork Type.
These three types will render differently in the system after the LOGIN process is initiated.
 Sample Receipts – these reports are rendered once per sample. The batch of logged in
samples are queried by Sample Number (or Sample ID), then a call to the Document Data
Provider component (which provides the data model to the report mentioned previously) is made
to return all data by sample. For each sample the report rendering component is called with the
template and returned data model XML. These reports are state managed in Object Publisher
under the CRYSTAL_RECEIPTS type.
 Routing Sheets – these reports are rendered once per analysis department. The batch of
logged in samples are queried by Analysis Department (ADEPT), then a call to the Document
Data Provider component (creates the data model) is made to return all data grouped by
department. For each department the report rendering component is called with the template and
returned data model XML. These reports are state managed in Object Publisher under the
CRYSTAL_ROUTESHEETS type.
 Work Sheets – these reports are rendered once per analysis. The batch of logged in samples
are queried by Analysis Code (ACODE), then a call to the Document Data Provider component
(creates the data model) is made to return all data grouped by analysis code. For each analysis

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the report rendering component is called with the template and returned data model XML. These
reports are state managed in Object Publisher under the CRYSTAL_WORKSHEETS type.
If you do have the State Management option turned on under System Manager settings, any
change made to a Crystal paperwork template will cause it to not be available for selection here
until it is approved into an ACTIVE state in Object Publisher. Initially, all default templates are
active and ready for use.
None or Automated Template Selection

Besides the templates themselves in the 3 boxes for selection in Paperwork Configuration of Sample
Login, there are also two other selections. The user is able to select NONE as an option where no
paperwork is generated for that type, or an option to automatically select the template based on the data
returned.
For route sheets (where analyses are grouped by department, one department per sheet) the following
selections are available:
NONE: will not print any route sheets
 DEPT_CODE: will group analyses by department code then look for ACTIVE report template
formats with the name = each department code. Analyses go on the route sheet with the name
that matches their department code. Analyses where no template is found matching their
department code do not (by design) have route sheets printed. For example, for a department of
“WetLab”, the system will look for a template of “WetLab.rpt” and place all matching analyses for
that department on that report.
 The template list – after the first 2 selections, a list of templates will be displayed for selection
which are approved and ACTIVE in the CRYSTAL_ROUTESHEETS object type. There will
always be a “Standard” report in that list. Selecting a specific template here will print only this
template for each department.
For worksheets (where samples for each analyses are grouped one analysis code per sheet)
the following selections are available:
NONE: will not print any worksheets
ANL_CODE: will group assigned analyses by analysis code then look for ACTIVE report
template formats with the name = each analysis code. Analyses go on the worksheet with the

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name that matches their analysis code. Analyses that do not have a template matching their
analysis code do not (by design) have worksheets printed. For example, for an analysis code of
“PH”, the system will look for a template of “PH.rpt” and place all matching analyses on that
report.
which are approved and ACTIVE in the CRYSTAL_WORKSHEETS object type. There will
always be a “Standard” report in that list. Selecting a specific template here will print only this
template for each analysis code.
For sample receipts (where all analyses for samples are printed on the same sheet, one sheet
per sample) the following selections are available:
NONE: will not print any receipts
 LOC_CODE: will group assigned samples and associated analyses by their location code
(sample point) then look for ACTIVE report template formats with the name = each location
code. Samples go on the receipts with the name that matches their location code. Sample
locations that do not have a template matching their location code do not have receipts printed.
For example, for all samples with a location code of “Jones Creek”, the system will look for a
template of “JonesCreek.rpt” and place all matching samples on that report (1 printout for each
sample using that template).
which are approved and ACTIVE in the CRYSTAL_RECEIPTS object type. There will always be
a “Standard” report in that list. Selecting a specific template here will print only this template for
each sample.

reserved.
Note that during the automation, certain symbols and spaces are removed to preserve good file system
practices. Symbols not allowed in the file system will also not be allowed here. Although spaces are
allowed in the file system, they are filtered. However, the system looks for both versions of the report just
in case the space was also used in the report template filename.
Also note that all three paperwork types have a STANDARD option as well. This will select the template
marked “Standard” in the associated \CRYSTAL\LOGIN\ path. We recommend never changing this
template since this is the common basic format. However, you can always model after any template in the
system to create your own paperwork templates.
The following sections will detail each aspect of both the template design and assignment process on
through to the application usage and report rendering process.
Sample Login Reporting Overview – The Complete Process

Report template objects (Crystal) used in Sample Login are separate from the standard Crystal templates
(located in the \CRYSTAL\ path of the LWDATA folder) used in other areas of LABWORKS. The
templates for paperwork are located in the \CRYSTAL\LOGIN\ path of the LWDATA folder and require
approve in a separate area of the Object Publisher before they can be used (if new templates are added
or existing templates are modified). As explained previously, initially all default templates are fully active
and ready for use.
The object types that define paperwork reports in Object Publisher are CRYSTAL_RECEIPTS,
CRYSTAL_ROUTESHEETS, and CRYSTAL_WORKSHEETS. The Sample Login module will use the
specific templates assigned under Paperwork Configuration within the application.
A “Data Model”, as mentioned previously, is created based on which data areas are needed for the
reports to function. The reports utilize these data models at print time. For example, a login paperwork
data model would not need results data, so that information is left out of the data model configuration.
Both data model and report configuration is done under the LABWORKS Reporting area of the
navigation pane.
New paperwork reports must go through a template creation process from the design in Crystal Reports,
to the placement in the correct location (\LWDATA\CRYSTAL\LOGIN\ area) to Object Publisher approval
and data model and/or report settings configuration (optional if needed)…

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After a report is created (using Crystal Reports 2008 or later recommended) along with its supported data
model, it can be approved from DRAFT to an ACTIVE state into one of the three types used by Sample
Login Sample Receipts, Routing Sheets, or Work Sheets as defined previously.
New Paperwork Template Design or Modification

Paperwork templates are designed using Crystal Reports. At least version XI (11.5) is required for
designing XML-based reports. However, we recommend Crystal Reports 2008 (12) or later because of
the additional features included in data source configurations. The template design process utilizes the
installed (off-the-shelf) version of Crystal Reports.
People who are familiar with legacy reporting tools will remember an internal Crystal-based designer was
used (called the LABWORKS Report Designer). However, this is no longer used in Crystal 2008.
Unless a SysMgr key is turned on (the CRYSTAL_VERSION SysMgr key) by setting it to a value of “XI”,
the internal Report Designer module will never launch. The “Setup Crystal Report” option on the
LABWORKS Desktop, will instead launch the installed (off-the-shelf) copy of Crystal Reports. If the
SysMgr key is set, users are capable of using the legacy report designer, however we caution against
that if using LABWORKS 6.4 or later versions.
If reports are edited (a right-click option) from the LABWORKS Object Publisher of any new CRYSTAL
type, then the Crystal Reports 2008 package will open that template directly for editing (if installed). The
template path and filename is passed to the Crystal Reports executable as a command parameter to
open the report in design mode at any time. Modification and saving the report, just as before, will drop
the RPT file back into a DRAFT state.
NOTE: all reports for Sample Login (for all 3 object types) will be physically located under the
\CRYSTAL\LOGIN\ path of the LWData folder.
Note that the legacy “Setup Crystal Report” option is not for Sample Login Paperwork although you can
use it to launch a template for modification. Generally the best place to launch a template for modification
is from the Object Publisher inside the specific object type list of choice: CRYSTAL_RECEIPTS,
CRYSTAL_ROUTESHEETS, and CRYSTAL_WORKSHEETS which are only specific to the Sample
Login tool.
If a user wanted to use the “Setup Crystal Report” option to edit paperwork reports, they could. However,
they would have to use the following steps.
1. Click Setup Crystal Report from the LW Desktop
2. In the From box, click the ellipse (…) button to browse for the report

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Legacy LABWORKS Report Designer 2008 UI
3. Go into the path where login paperwork reports are stored which is
\LWDATA\CRYSTAL\LOGIN\...
(Note: Inside the LOGIN folder you have a folder for the 3 types of paperwork templates).

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4. Select the template you want and click Open

(Note: if this is a new template you wish to create, you can right-click a template, copy it, then
paste it right from here, then select it. The new template will later appear in Object Publisher
under the specific type where it can be approved into an ACTIVE state for use)
5. Click Next to open the template now and make your modifications
Crystal Reports with Paperwork Template Opened

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Now you can make any changes needed to the report and save your settings before exiting the template.
There are some important points to understand here.
 No data model is generated from here – Crystal Reports will use the last data saved in the report
template (from the last design) allowing you to make quick changes here and there as needed.
However, if you attempt to refresh the data source an error will occur. You can access the
LABWORKS Reporting area to create a data model XML for report design purposes and store it
somewhere for safe keeping (if needed). No files are ever created during report rendering of
paperwork, so you will only need a sample XML data model file created for report design
purposes.
 Default reports are in Crystal 2008 – if you do have the CRYSTAL_VERSION System Manager
key turned on for usage of the internal Report Designer in XI, keep in mind when you SAVE the
report it will revert back to the old format. This could cause problems since these reports are
based on new technology. However, other forms of reports in LABWORKS are ok to use with
Crystal XI, but we recommend only using Crystal 2008 or later for the newer paperwork
templates.
 Editing a template can also happen from Object Publisher – as mentioned previously you can
also edit any paperwork report by right-clicking and editing it from Object Publisher using the
Open option. If State Management is turned on, then you’ll be forced to enter Object Publisher to
approve the newly changed or created template into an ACTIVE state anyway. So making your
template modifications from Object Publisher will save you a step. Immediately following editing
the template, you can approve it to ACTIVE.
LABWORKS Object Publisher Report Template Open

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LABWORKS Reporting
For any configuration needed to Sample Login paperwork data models (data selected for reports) or
report configuration options to define how paperwork is rendered or delivered is all done in the
LABWORKS Reporting area selectable from the navigation panel.
LABWORKS Reporting
The LABWORKS Reporting area inside the Sample Login module shows a list of available paperwork
report templates assigned in the system. It is a module strictly designed for use by System
Administrators, so it does not show active versus inactive states. All available templates are shown.
There is an area in the navigation pane on the left for Data Model Configuration to set up the report data
source. To configure a specific report template, you simple check which template you want in the list and
click the Load button. You can also click New to add a new report configuration (generally done after
creating a new template from Crystal in order to define specific settings needed) or Delete to remove a
report configuration from the list.
Report Settings Configuration

Once a report settings record is selected from the list (checked) and the Load button is clicked at the top,
the full configuration of this specific report is displayed.

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A name for the report configuration is provided at the top. This simply defines the configuration in the
database. Keep in mind this configuration record can only be tied to a specific Crystal Report template,
but the same Crystal Report template can be added to multiple report configuration records. For example,
you may have two report configuration records called “SampleReceipt_Printed” and
“SampleReceipt_Emailed” in the system. Both have the same report template file assigned to them.
However, you have one configured to generate paperwork to a specific lab printer while the other fires off
an email to the supervisor or department manager. Both reports are the same, but are generated
differently. Either or both of them can be assigned as paperwork at login.
The Report Type defines how the report is used and corresponds to the paperwork type, and the
Organization box is nothing more than a field used to group reports of similar function only.
The Data Model Configuration is a required field. You must assign a data model to each report
configuration in order to have it function.
Under General Settings is where the physical report template file is assigned. This is the Crystal RPT file
located in the \LWDATA\CRYSTAL\LOGIN\ path. You can also add a record Selection Formula that is
sent to the report at runtime for further data filtering. Defining a specific printer (default will be used if left
blank) and/or the window state (minimized, maximize, etc.) if not printed is also done from here.

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Under Report preview settings, you define how the window used to display the report will look. Keep in
mind the Show preview window must be selected before any of the other options will work. The
following options simply turn areas of the toolbar on the preview window on/off.
Under Report export settings, you can define how a report FILE is created, which format, and where it
is stored or emailed only if the Export Report option at the top of the section is checked.
You are allowed to export this report in one of three formats.
 PDF – exports in Adobe Acrobat (*.pdf file) format
 EXCEL – exports in Microsoft Excel (*.xls file) format
 DOC – exports in Microsoft Word (*.doc file) format
The Export File Name box defines not only the filename for the exported file (without the extension), but
it also expects the full path of the file location as well.

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The following settings define how it is emailed (if selected) after exporting. You can assign email
addresses where you want this report to go and select to have a Read Receipt email returned as well
when they open the email.
At the bottom of the report configuration record is three buttons. Click OK to save the configuration you
just completed. Cancel will exit without saving.
Note there is a Create XML button used to generate the XML data model source used for report design
purposes as mentioned in the previous section. Prior to report design, we recommend creating the XML
that will be used when the report is generated and storing it somewhere. A sample selection box will open
once this button is clicked, and the assigned samples are generated into an XML data source and stored
in the user path. The System Administrator can build additional paperwork reports from this data model. If
the data model structure changes at any time, this file should be regenerated from here and the reports
that use it refreshed.
Data Model Configuration

The Data Model Configuration area in the navigation pane on the left will bring you into the screen that
adjusts the Data Models for reports. Note that this area is also only for a System Administrator and not
recommended for general LABWORKS users. If an area is removed that is used by reports, it could
cause errors at report generation time. Make sure only users that know how to use this area accesses it.
Data Model Configuration
Initially a list of data models is displayed. You can select (check) the specific one to modify and click the
Load button. Clicking Delete will remove a data model from the system and New will create new data

reserved.
models from scratch.
Note: use caution when deleting a data model! If there are reports that use the data model you are
removing from the system, those reports will no longer be functional.
The top portion of the data model configuration allows the user to define a Name (required), a
Description (optional), and Type (also optional, just used for grouping similar data models). It also tells
you when the data model was created and who did it.
At the bottom right-side of the top section is an option to set the data model to Public or Private. This will
give only specific users access to their data models (if set to private) or allow it for use by everyone
(Public – default option).
The following section defines which data areas this data model will include. For example, as mentioned
previously paperwork reports never use results since sample login always happens before results entry.
Therefore, for login paperwork reports, the data models always have the Components/Analytes results
tree node unselected. Other reports in the system, however, may use results (outside of the Sample
Login module). In those cases, a different data model will be created and assigned to those reports which
include that node.
Note: This is considered the SIMC section since the XML data is created directly from the SIMC (Sample
Information Management Component) that holds all sample information (all database tables and fields
related to sample information) in the system. The SIMC controls the flow of sample information between
all modules in LABWORKS.
Finally, the last section (for more advanced configurations) allows a user to add a SQL string that can
point to either the internal LABWORKS database or an external database. This can be used to query data
that may not have anything to do with LABWORKS specifically, and include that as XML in the same data
model data source for the reports. This is a powerful feature allowing a streamlined interface into external
system tables to be included in the same data source for reports.

reserved.
When you are satisfied with your data model changes, click the OK button at the bottom to store the
changes to the database. Or, you can click Cancel to quit without saving.
LABWORKS Sample Login – Logging in Samples

After any and all template and paperwork configuration is completed, you can log in your samples. The
following steps will define a simple process of logging samples into the system and generating
paperwork.
1. Launch Sample Login – the last used template is automatically assigned (you can change the
template at the top if needed)

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2. Add samples by clicking the ellipse buttons of the empty rows. This will launch the Location List
screen and add samples.
3. From the Location List screen, begin searching and double-clicking the samples you want to
assign to the template in the background, then click Close when finished. The list closes and
returns back to the samples list.
4. (Optional) Click to modify any specific field (defaults are all loaded in initially from the Location
Codes).
5. (Optional) Click Analyses to modify any specific sample’s test assignments – note you have
many right-click features to copy a sample’s tests and paste them into one or many other tests,
for example.

reserved.
6. (Optional) Click Comments to adjust sample comments or any other related field
7. If satisfied with the sample list to be logged in, click Log Samples to fire off the process.
8. A Login Batch number is automatically assigned identifying these samples about to be logged
into the system. You can elect to modify the value or not.
9. Click OK to continue. The sample login process begins.
10. The user programs are then launched one-by-one
11. The logged in samples are displayed on the screen

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This screen doesn’t show much by default. However, as mentioned previous, you can configure
this screen to show as many fields as you need under the Login Configuration area.
12. Click the Print button to get a copy of the logged samples.
13. Click the OK button to complete the login process.

14. All paperwork will now be generated.
This completes the login process. Samples are now ready for results entry or any other additional
processing required in the workflow.
Sample Login Complete Report Rendering Process

The following diagram places all of these discussed pieces together in an overview for System
Administrators.
The bottom portion of the diagram details the rendering process which will be different depending on
which type of report is used/assigned in the paperwork configuration screen or whether the automated
template selection option is used.
Sample receipts, route sheets, and work sheets all operate differently in the application. However, the

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Data Models could be the same (if desired by the user and no non-standard sample data is needed for
the reports). Each step of the rendering process will be discussed separately.
First of all, as mentioned previously the LOGIN process calls the following components after posting the
samples to the database specifically for report rendering.
 Document Data Provider Component – called to receive data model XML

 Report Configuration Tool – called to receive the report settings XML (but also includes UI
which is called under Paperwork Settings also, however no UI is displayed here)
 Report Rendering Tool – called to render report document (by default will display to the screen
if no report settings are passed otherwise it does whatever the settings require)
Document Data Provider Component and Configuration Utility

reserved.
Persisted Groups in LABWORKS

The sample is a key unit of information manipulated in LABWORKS. Samples have many properties and
collections of objects (assigned analyses and results for example). Samples are usually processed in
groups for activities such as login, analysis, reporting to customers, invoicing, and quality assurance.
Persisted groups can be used to permanently memorialize the groupings of samples for various
purposes during their lifetimes in LABWORKS.
The structures of persisted groups are very flexible, making them ideal for managing samples and related
information for client projects, environmental regulatory reporting, research and development projects,
and many other purposes.
Persisted Groups Overview

Persisted groups are used to memorialize the grouping of samples for any purpose at any time desired.
After grouping, the samples may be tracked and operated upon as a group at later times.
Persisted groups have properties and collections of objects that can be used to store information (for
example comments, special information, and document objects) that that pertains more to the group (or
the purpose of the grouping) than to the individual member samples of the group. Storing information at
the group level reduces duplication, thereby improving database performance and storage efficiency.
Persisted groups can be nested. The membership of a persisted group can be an unlimited number of
samples or other persisted groups. The allowable level nesting within groups is unlimited. Sample
members of any groups nested within a parent group are considered to also be members of the parent
group.
LABWORKS custom reports that use XML data models can access the properties, information, and data
objects of a persisted groups as easily as properties, information, and data objects of any sample (see
example below).
Selection of persisted group items for inclusion in reporting:
Selection of samples by persisted group is available in all LABWORKS applications that select samples
using the tree view sample selection component (see example below):

reserved.
Selecting samples by persisted group in result entry application:
Persisted Group Properties and Data Objects:

In addition to their member collections persisted groups have several important properties which are:
Group ID: This is the unique identifier for the group. LABWORKS applications that create persisted
groups (such as sample login) provide their own mechanisms for generating unique Group IDs.
When manually creating groups, a default unique Group ID is generated by concatenating the
following:
Group type + “_” + value from counter PGMANUMBER (padded to 6 digits)
Group Type: This property specifies the kind of group for possible searching later. Named persisted
group types can be pre-configured for routine later use. Group type configuration is discussed later
in this document.
Group Title: This is a human friendly descriptive title for the group. The of a new group defaults to
the Group ID value if no title is specified.
Create Date: Date-time of group creation is automatically set.
Create User: Logged in user at the time of group creation is automatically set.
Modify Date: Date-time of most recent group update is automatically set.
Modify User: Logged in user at the time of most recent group update is automatically set.
Persisted groups may own any or all of the following types of data objects and collections:
Custom Group Parameters (collection): An unlimited number of custom parameters can be

specified for any persisted group. Custom parameters consist of three parts: A name for the
parameter, a type (text / date-time / number / Boolean / named pick list), and a value. Group
parameters allow any group to have an infinite number of properties that may be the same or
different from those of other groups.
Comments (collection): An unlimited number of comments can be attached to any persisted group.

reserved.
Special Information Forms (collection): An unlimited number of special information forms can be
attached to any persisted group.
Document Objects (collection): An unlimited number of document objects can be attached to any
persisted groups.
Mail List Addresses (collection): An unlimited number of mail list addresses can be attached to any
persisted group. For many purposes it makes more sense to associate mail list addresses with a
group rather than the individual samples within the group.
Named Persisted Group Types
Named persisted group types can be configured to be used later as templates for creating persisted
groups. Named group type configurations are stored as XML documents in the Datastore. The stored
configuration of a named group can specify the following for groups that will be created from the type:
Default set of special information forms to associate at group creation time
Default set of prompts for document objects to attach at group creation time or later time.
Default set of group parameters for which to assign values at group creation or later time.
Additionally, the group configuration specifies the following:
Whether or not to allow non-default special information forms to be added to groups at group creation
or later time.
Whether or not to allow the attachment of non-default (unprompted) document objects to persisted
groups at group creation or later time.
Whether or not to allow ad hoc (non-configured) parameters to be added to persisted groups at group
creation or later time.
Specifying a named group type as a property of a sample login template, causes a group of the type to be
automatically created whenever the template is used to login new samples. The login application user
will be prompted to enter values for group parameter values and group special information, and to attach
the document objects configured for the group type. The creation of the persisted group becomes an
integral part of the sample login process.
If a sample login template does not specify a persisted group type, groups will not be created when the
template is used to log in new samples.
An unlimited number of named group types, for just about any sample grouping purpose, can be
configured. For example, different named group types can be configured for logging in production control
samples and environmental regulatory samples. Group types can be configured for specific clients of the
laboratory to track information of interest to each client.
Preparations for Configuring a New Group Type

Custom parameters and special information forms are the main building blocks of persisted group types.
Both custom group parameters and any fields on special information forms can have named pick lists
assigned to provide selections of values.
Before creating a named group type, a list should be prepared of the items of information that will be

reserved.
tracked by groups created of the type. Then decisions should be made regarding which items (if any)
should be grouped onto special information forms and which should be tracked as individual group
parameters.
LABWORKS lists should be created (if they do not previously exist) for all group parameters and special
information fields whose type will be specified as named pick lists.
All special information forms that will be assigned to the group type must be designed if they do not
already exist.
Using Special Information Forms vs. Custom Group Parameters

The choice of whether to use special information form or custom group parameters for tracking group
information is based upon several consideration. Either will work in most cases and a special information
forms can be thought of a set of custom parameters. When choosing which to use, the following
guidelines should be followed:
If only a few items will be tracked (five or less), custom parameters may be more convenient.
If the information item being tracked is relevant to only one group type, custom parameters are more
appropriate.
If the items to be tracked are related and fall into logical groupings, putting them on special
information forms is appropriate.
If sets of items to be tracked are relevant to multiple named group types, they should be placed on
special information forms that can be reused in any number of group types.
Unlike samples and assigned analyses, persisted groups can have multiple special information forms
assigned to them. Therefore, data items that will be entered at different time points of a persisted group’s
life time should be placed on separate special information forms.
For example, items to be entered when a group of samples is checked into the laboratory can be on one
special information form while items to be entered later, when completed results for the group are
assessed prior to publication, can be on a different form. Both forms can be assigned as defaults for
persisted groups to be created from the named group type.
Configuring Persisted Group Types
The tool for configuring persisted group types can be accessed from within the sample login application.
Open group type configuration by first clicking “Persisted Groups” in the left pane and then clicking on
“Group Type Configuration”.
Clicking on Persisted Group

reserved.
Expanding Group Type Configuration menu
The expanded Group Type Configuration menu contains choices for configuring group parameters,
document object prompts, and special information forms for the named group type being configured.
Expanded group type menu choices
Selecting any of these choices opens a configuration window for the in the right pane for the group item
being configured.
Configuration window for editing the list of parameters assigned to the “DEFAULT_LOGIN” group type

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Configuration window for specifying the document object run time prompts for the “DEFAULT_LOGIN” group type
Configuration window for assigning special information forms to the “DEFAULT_LOGIN” group type
After configuration, a named group type can be associated with any number of sample login templates
using the Sample Login configuration tool. That tool is opened by clicking the “Sample Login” menu
choice in the right pane of the sample login application then expanding the sample login menu (see
below):
Clicking on the Sample Login menu choice in the left pane
Expanding the Sample Login menu

reserved.
Selecting “Group Configuration” from the expanded Login Configuration menu will open the persisted
group assignment window for the login template being configured (see below):
Selecting Group Configuration from the expanded Login Configuration menu
Login template configuration persisted group type assignment window
As previously stated, if a persisted group type is assigned to a login template, creation of the group
becomes an integral part of every sample login process using the template. However, if a sample login
template does not specify a persisted group type, groups will not be created when that template is used to
log in new samples.
Managing Persisted Groups

After they are created, persisted group it can be located and managed using the Persisted Group
Management Application (PGMA). A user must have the “Persisted Group Management” user
privilege assigned to use the PGMA.
An authorized user can access the PGMA by clicking “Persisted Groups” in the left pane of the sample
login application.

reserved.
Clicking on Persisted Group in the left pane of sample login
The persisted group selector will open. The group selector consists of a tree view control in the left pane
and a grid view in the right pane listing the groups belonging to the currently selected node of the tree
view (see example below):
View of the persisted group selector
Both the tree view and grid views can be configured using the “Group Display Configuration” menu (see
below):
Selecting the Group Display Configuration menu
Clicking any row in the grid selects a group and displays its members in the lower right pane (see

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example below).
Selected group membership display
Double clicking a row in the grid opens the selected group for modification in the right pane (see example
below):
The persisted group modification window showing membership tab
A set of tabs provides access to dialogs for modifying any properties or objects belonging to the group,
including its membership list.

reserved.
Group modification special information edit tab selected:
3. LABWORKS Crystal 11 Report Designer
About the Program and Getting Started
About the LABWORKS Report Designer

The LABWORKS Report Designer program is designed to include all the advanced report writing
TM
functionality of the award winning Crystal Reports Standard Edition software with a seamless
integration of your LABWORKS database and an array of additional features for special exporting of
reports, automatic emailing, website publishing, etc. This LABWORKS module is packed with features
utilizing the latest reporting technology to provide users with a dynamic report writer with unparalleled
laboratory report design potential. LABWORKS is sure Users will find this report designer program to be
their most valuable asset for creating custom reports that meet their specifications.
As an advanced report designer with these capabilities plus integrated LABWORKS functionality, the
LABWORKS Report Designer gives the User the ability to create unlimited custom reports in Crystal
TM
format. A report file built in Crystal format uses the Crystal Reports engine when printed that gives the
User several great options such as converting their printed report to Acrobat PDF, Word, Excel, Lotus,
etc. or emailing the report right from the report's print preview screen. The purpose of this chapter is to
assist you with unlocking the potentials of this extraordinary report design program.
The LABWORKS installation automatically installs an example database file in the USER folder for use
when creating reports. This allows the immediate design and creation of reports using the LABWORKS
Report Designer without having to enter laboratory data in LABWORKS.
LABWORKS provides three methods of Crystal report creation:
 Using exported data
 Using direct database connect
Report Creation Using Exported Data

TM
The most common and stable method of Crystal Report creation is by the use of LABWORKS
exported data. This method involves a few added steps in the report creation process, but it ensures that
reports function properly regardless of the database type.
An export file (with a filename extension of CEF) is used by LABWORKS to determine which database
fields to extract for each report query. When a report is printed, LABWORKS searches for a CEF file
matching the report name within the Crystal folder in the LABWORKS data folder. The listing of fields in
the CEF file is used to build a new Microsoft Access database (MDB) file in the LABWORKS user
directory specifically for the report. Each time the report is printed, LABWORKS rebuilds the MDB file of
exported data. For the program to function, the report file (RPT) must be kept in the same Crystal folder
with the matching CEF file.
The building of the export file is the extra step in the report creation process for using exported data. See

reserved.
Create Reports Using Exported Data section for details.
Report Creating Using Direct Database Connection

The direct connection to a LABWORKS database file or server is another method of creating Crystal
reports. This method allows you to skip the CEF file building process but requires the selection of tables
and fields from within your report. A major benefit of this method is the ability to include non-exported
data in the report, e.g., user/security or audit trail information. The report creation process is also faster,
since the export database is not created each time you print.
This method allows printing large monthly or annual reports in nearly a fraction of the time and without
the constraints of Microsoft Access. However, if you change your database or connection type, you must
change each of your reports as well. In addition, these reports do not take into account version changes
of LABWORKS. If your database fields change in updated builds of LABWORKS, your reports may be
negatively effected.
Creating a Model before you Start

Perhaps one of the most important steps in creating a Crystal report is the creation of a model for
building it. If you have a report that you want to duplicate, use it to design and create the report with
modifications as needed. You may want to start with a blank sheet of paper and lay out the report with
header, body, date, charts, data sections, footer, page numbers, font size for the text, e.g., large font for
the title, placement of text to be centered or left justified, paper size, etc. The more creation you do up
front so that you have a vision of what the end report is to look like, the easier it is to create the report
using the Crystal designer features.
Two basic elements of the report are content and layout. Decide what you want to include and how you
want it to appear on the finished report. Consider drawing boxes for text areas, adding desired shading,
and making a list of what information is required to be on the report. Lay out that information on a blank
sheet of paper.
Once you create the initial report, you can easily open and modify it until you are satisfied with the final
layout. You may want to save several variations of the same report until you decide which one works
best. You may also open and modify the sample reports installed with LABWORKS and save them with a
different name. It is usually much easier to modify an existing report to create a new one than starting
completely from scratch.
As you become more adept at using the LABWORKS Report Designer program, the easier it is to create
and modify new reports. The integration of the Crystal Report Writer function with LABWORKS data
facilitates the report generation process and its possibilities. By becoming skilled at using the designer
program, you can tap into its potential report capabilities.
Data Management
It is important to know the type of database you are reporting from and the location of the data used by
the reports. Some things to consider when setting up the report are:
• Type of database you are using for the reports.
• Location of the data on your local or network computer system.
• Available database tables.
• Data type for the data fields, e.g., numeric data, date or time fields.
• Data fields to be included and their location.

reserved.
• Data field values that require calculations.

• Text objects to be included.
• Data that needs to be flagged and how you want it flagged.
• Data that needs to be organized in groups, e.g., by date, customer.
• How to sort the data.
• Data to be summarized, e.g., totals, averages, counts, maximum, minimum.
Printing Characteristics
Every report area may have different printing characteristics that affect when and how often the different
report objects are printed. Areas on the report print in the order they appear on the design editor screen.
If you set up more than one section in an area, the sections print in the order they appear. For example,
if you have three Report Header sections, all three of those sections print, in order, before the section(s)
in the Page Header area begin to print.
The way objects print determines how you design your report. This may help you decide where to place
charts, Cross-Tabs, and formulas to get specific results.
Available Assistance
This chapter provides the basics of using LABWORKS Report Designer functions for creating reports. If
you need additional assistance, it is recommended that you contact PerkinElmer Instruments.
PerkinElmer Instruments also provides LABWORKS Report Designer Training on how to use the
program.
Create/Edit Reports Using Exported Data
Create or Edit Reports Using Exported Data

Using LABWORKS exported data is the most common and stable method of creating Crystal reports.
Creating reports using this method ensures that reports function properly regardless of the database
type. This creation process uses an export file (CEF) to determine which database fields to extract for
each report query.
When a report is printed, LABWORKS searches for a CEF file matching the report name within the
Crystal folder in the LABWORKS data folder. LABWORKS uses the listing of fields in the CEF file to
build a new Microsoft Access database (MDB) file in the LABWORKS user directory for the report. Each
time the report is printed, LABWORKS rebuilds the MDB file of exported data. For the program to
function, the report file (RPT) must be kept in the same Crystal folder with the matching CEF file.
Topics covered in this section include:
 Prepare a Report Model
 Access the LABWORKS Report Designer Program
 Select Samples
 Enter Report Name
 Create CEF File
 Use LABWORKS Report Designer to Set Up the Report
 Edit an Existing Report

reserved.
 Delete a Report
Prepare a Report Model

Obtain or prepare a model for designing your report. Having a model facilitates the design process in
that you know how the final report is to look and function. You also may create a new report by modifying
an existing one. If you are modifying an existing report, consider printing it and then mark it up with the
changes you want to make.
Access LABWORKS Report Designer Program

Users may access the LABWORKS Report Designer program through the Reports menu items on the
LABWORKS Enterprise desktop or from a toolbar icon.
To access the LABWORKS Report Designer:
1. At the LABWORKS desktop double click on the Database icon.
2. Open the Applications folder, and then open the Reports folder.
3. Double click on Crystal Report Setup program.
Notice that the Crystal Report Format Setup screen appears for selecting or entering a format name.
Enter Report Name

The report name is limited to 24 characters with no spaces or file name extensions. You may use the
underline key to connect words, e.g., Summary_Report. If you want all your Exported Data Crystal
Reports to be easily recognized, consider beginning each report title with CR_.
To enter a new report name:
1. Click on the Data Export Report icon that is displayed on the Report Designer screen.
Notice that if you hold your cursor over an item on the screen, instruction text associated with that item
appears.

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A brief description of the options on the Crystal Report Format Setup window is as follows.
From – allows entering a report name for a new report or selecting a report filename from the pull-down
list.
Edit Export Format – allows you to edit the selected export format file.
Delete Report – allows you to select and delete report formats..
2. To create a new report, enter a new report name in the From field.
OR
To create a new report from an existing report, click on the down arrow at the end of From field and
select the report you want to modify to create a new one (see Edit and Existing Report section).
3. Click OK to go to the next step.
Select Samples
If you have not entered data in LABWORKS, LABWORKS installs a database with test data that allows
you to set up your reports before entering data.
To select sample data for the report:
1. If you have established data and know the ID for the specific samples to be included in the
report, enter the Sample IDs in the cells in the LABWORKS Sample Selection screen. This
sample selection dialog is the same used in other areas of LABWORKS; please see Online Help
if you need information about how the sample selection screen operates.

reserved.
Create CEF File

Data Export Reports require creation of an export file (CEF) that determines which database fields to
extract for each report query. If you do not select to create a Data Direct Report, the CEF export file
editor appears when you click OK on the Crystal Report Format Setup window. This section describes
how to create the CEF file.
To create the CEF File:
1. After you select to create a Data Export Report and click OK, the Create/Modify CEF File
screen appears with a list of fields from which to select the fields to include in the report.

reserved.
The Create/Modify CEF File screen has two tabs:

CEF Fields tab – provides a selection list of data fields to export to a report.
CEF Options tab – provides several options for determining how data from
LABWORKS is exported to Access.
NOTE: It is not necessary to set the options on the CEF Options tab.
2. Double click the fields you want exported in the list to the right.
3. Notice that the selected fields appear in the Field Name column with their respective field width.
4. To remove a selected field from the Field Name column, double click on the field name; notice
that it reappears in the list of available field names for selection on the right.

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NOTE: Select Combination Result if you want all types of results to be exported. If you select Numeric
Results, only numbers are exported. If you select Text Result, only text data (no numbers) are exported. For
details on using the CEF editor, see Create/Modify Export Format section of the Maintenance Functions
chapter of the LABWORKS User Manual.
5. After selecting fields for your report, click Save.

6. Notice that the LABWORKS Report Designer appears with either the report selected or a blank
screen if you are designing a new report from scratch.
For a new report, the designer screen would appear with the selected fields for you to edit and

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customize to your requirements.
Save and Add Database Fields to Report
1. Before you begin setting up the report, save the report by clicking File and selecting Save
Report in the pull-down menu.
2. Save the report file with the same name you entered on the Crystal Report Format Setup popup
window.
3. Save it in the Crystal folder if you want to be able to select it from the Crystal Report Format
Setup pull-down list.
4. If you attempt to close the report before saving it, the program provides a prompt that asks
if you want to save before exiting.
5. Click Yes on the Save First pop up window to save your report; click No to exit without
saving; or click Cancel to return to the design screen and continue creating or editing the
format. Once saved, the report will appear in the Crystal Report Format Setup pull- down
list for selection.
6. Double click Database Fields in the upper left portion of the screen to display the list of all
your exported fields from the previous step.

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The codes for the exported fields appear in the list below the database name FLATDATA on the
screen. When you double click Database Fields using direct connect, a list of all the LABWORKS
database tables is displayed.
7. Click and drag fields to your report as needed and begin editing.
8. See Menu Items and Special Editing Features, for how to create the report using the designer.
CEF File Menu

The CEF File menu is available only for export file reports (NOT direct connect)
and has the following options:
Add/Remove Database Fields – opens the CEF editor screen (see Create CEF File section) and
allows you to add or remove database fields to the currently opened report. After adding or removing
fields, the CEF file is saved and the export MDB database file is recreated. The report then refreshes
itself to reflect the new fields in the top left Database Fields dropdown menu.
Verify/Refresh Labworks Data – refreshes the database if changes were made prior to reopening this
report. Once this is done, the list of database fields under the Database Fields menu item reflects the
new changes. You can refresh the database at any time to reflect new changes whether the report uses
direct connect or exported data.
To display names for database field codes
1. Click on File on the LABWORKS Report Designer menu bar.
2. Click Add/Remove Database Fields.

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3. Notice that you get a prompt to save your report first, click YES.
4. The Create/Modify CEF File screen appears with the list of field names you selected. The
database field codes on the designer screen correspond to and are in the same order as the field
names you selected on this screen.
5. Keep this screen open in the background and refer to it as needed when selecting
database fields for the report.
To add or remove database fields from the CEF file:
1. Click on File on the menu bar.
2. Click Add/Remove Database Fields.

The field names on this screen correspond to the database field codes listed on the designer
screen.

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3. Double click on field names you want to add to or double click on the Fld Width column to
remove a field from the report.
4. Click Save to save the CEF file and recreate the export MDB database file.
5. Notice that the report refreshes itself and displays the new fields in the Database Fields
dropdown menu on the designer screen.
Edit an Existing Exported Data Report
To edit an existing report:
1. To edit or create a new report from an existing report, click on the down arrow at the end of the
From field.
2. Scroll through the dropdown list and select the report to be edited.
4. Before you begin editing, double-click Database Fields on the left to display the list.
Delete an Exported Data Report
To delete a report:
1. To delete an existing report, enter the report name or click on the down arrow at the end of the
From field.
2. Scroll through the dropdown list and select the report to delete.

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3. Click Delete.
3. Click Yes on the Delete Report Confirmation screen to delete the selected report.
Create/Edit Reports Using Direct Connect
Create or Edit Reports Using Direct Connect

The direct connection to a LABWORKS database file or server is another method of creating Crystal
reports. This method allows you to skip the CEF file building process but requires the selection of tables
and fields from within your report. A major benefit of this method is the ability to include non-exported
data in the report, e.g., user/security or audit trail information. The report creation process is also faster,
since the export database is not created each time you print.
This method allows printing large monthly or annual reports in nearly a fraction of the time and without
the constraints of Microsoft Access. However, if you change your database or connection type, you must
change each of your reports as well. In addition, these reports do not take into account version changes
of LABWORKS. If your database fields change in updated builds of LABWORKS, your reports may be
negatively affected. Topics covered in this chapter include:
Access the LABWORKS Crystal Repot Designer Program
Select Samples
Enter Report Name
Use LABWORKS Crystal Designer to Set Up the Report
Edit an Existing Report
Delete a Report

As described in Create a Model Before You Start section, obtain or prepare a model for designing your
report. Having a prepared model facilitates the design process in that you know how the final report is to
look and how it is to function to accomplish its purpose. You may also modify an existing report to create
a new one. Consider printing and marking up an existing report as a model to create a new report.

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Access LABWORKS Report Designer Program
Users access the LABWORKS Report Designer program through the Options menu items on the
LABWORKS Enterprise desktop or from a toolbar icon.
To access the LABWORKS Report Designer:
1. At the LABWORKS Desktop, click on the Database icon.

2. Open the Applications folder.
3. Open the Reports folder.
4. Double click on Crystal Report Setup program.
Notice that the Crystal Report Designer screen appears.
Enter Report Name and Save

The report name cannot have spaces and is limited to 24 characters. You may use the underline key to
connect words, e.g., Summary_Report. If you want all your Direct Connect Crystal Reports to be easily
recognized, consider beginning each report title with CRD_.
To enter a new report name:
1. Click on the Data Direct Report icon. Notice that an ellipsis button (…) now appears at the
end of the From field and allows you to select from a list of previously set up formats.
2. To create a NEW report, enter a new report name in the From drop down menu.
OR
To create a new report from an existing report, click on the ellipsis button at the end of From
drop down menu and select the report you want to modify to create a new one (see Edit an
Existing Report section).

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4. Notice that when you click OK the LABWORKS Report Designer screen opens for setting up
the report.
The program reads your registry to determine how you connect to your default LABWORKS database and
opens up the Crystal Report editor.
To save the report:
1. Before you begin setting up the report, save the report by clicking File > Save Report.
2. Save the report file with the same name that you entered on the Crystal Report Format Setup
popup window.
3. Save it in the Crystal folder if you want to be able to select it from the Crystal Report Format
Setup pull-down list or the list accessed when you click the ellipsis button at the end of the
Select Format Name field.
4. If you attempt to close the report before saving it, the program provides a prompt that asks
if you want to save before exiting.
5. Click Yes on the Save First popup window to save your report; click No to exit without
saving; or click Cancel to return to the design screen and continue creating or editing the
format. Once saved, the report will appear in the Crystal Report Format Setup pull- down
list for selection.
Select Samples
If you have not entered data in your LABWORKS LIMS, LABWORKS installs a database with test data
that allows you to set up your reports before entering data.

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To select sample data for the report:
1. If you have established data and know the ID for the specific samples to be included in the
report, enter the Sample IDs in the cells in the LABWORKS Sample Selection screen. This
is the standard LABWORKS sample selection screen used in other LABWORKS modules; if
you need additional information on how to use this dialog, please refer to the Online Help.
2.
Add Database Fields to the Report
Add database fields to the report by following the steps in this section. It is important that you be
familiar with database fields and have a model for creating the report before you start. Creating a
report from an existing one greatly reduces time and effort.
To display and add database fields to the report:
1. Double click Database Fields to display a list of LABWORKS database tables. When you
double click Database Fields here using direct connect, a list of all the LABWORKS
database tables is displayed.

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2. Double click on the specific tables you want in your report to display a list of fields in that
table.
3. Click and drag these database fields onto the Details area of the report or other area
of the report as appropriate.
4. Right click anywhere under the Database Fields to access a list of pull-down menu items
for enhancing the database, such as table linking or adding a new database or table (only
useful in Direct Connect mode).

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5. Notice that right clicking on any object or field accesses a popup menu to perform
additional tasks and change attributes.
6. Refer to other section in this chapter for details on using these menu items.
Edit Existing Direct Connect Report

To edit an existing report:
1. From the Report Designer window click on the Data Direct Report icon.
2. To edit or create a new report from an existing report, click on the ellipsis button (…) at the
end of From field.
3. Notice that the program opens the Find existing Direct Connect Crystal Report file selection
screen and the folder where you have saved Crystal reports.
4. Click on the report you want to modify.

5. Click Open.
6. Click OK on the Crystal Report Format Setup popup window to go to the next step.
7. Before you begin editing, double-click Database Fields on the left to display the list.
Delete Direct Connect Report

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To delete a report
1. To delete an existing Direct Connect report, enter the report name or click on the ellipsis
button at the end of the From field.
2. Select the report to delete.
3. Click Open.
4. Make sure the name of the report that appears in the From field is the one you want to
delete.
5. Click the Delete button.
6. Click Yes on the Delete Report Confirmation screen to delete the selected Direct-Connect report.

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Menu Items and Special Editing Features
Menu Items and Special Editing Features

The LABWORKS Report Designer program provides almost all the functionality of the complete Crystal
TM
Reports software (standard edition) with some additional LABWORKS features for better integration
and ease of report creation. The LABWORKS Report Designer screen contains five main sections for
inserting data and several menu items to assist you in setting up the report. This chapter describes the
report sections and menu items. In the LABWORKS Report Designer editor, nearly everything has a
right click menu. Right click in any section or on any object on the screen to change properties,
attributes, or settings.
If you need additional help creating complex reports using formulas, graphs, or other LABWORKS
Report Designer functions, contact PerkinElmer Instruments for assistance. You may also request
LABWORKS Report Designer Training.
Topics covered in this section include:
Designer Screen Sections
File Menu
Designer Menu
Report Menu
CEF File Menu
Help Menu
Use the Zoom Feature
Move and Resize Fields or Sections
Create Footers or Headers After the First Page
Add Summary Information to the Report
Inserting Fields
Save Report before Exiting
Designer Screen Sections

The LABWORKS Report Designer screen contains five main sections. These sections and a brief
description of each are as follows.

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Report Header
Generally used for the report title and other information that is to appear at the beginning of the report.
Only displayed at the top of the first report page.
Information here prints once at the beginning of the report.
Charts and Cross Tabs inserted in this area include data for the entire report.
Formulas inserted into this area are evaluated once at the beginning of the report.
Page Header
Generally used for information that that is to appear at the top of each page; for example, chapter
names, document name, etc.
Can be used to display field titles above the fields on a report.
Objects inserted in this area print at the beginning of each new page.
Charts or Cross-Tabs cannot be inserted in this section.
Formulas inserted in this area are evaluated once per page at the beginning of each new page.
Details
Used for the body of the report.

Report data generally appears in this section.
Area where you drag fields to return multiple records – 1 detail line per record.

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Objects inserted in this area print with each new record.

Charts or Cross-Tabs cannot be inserted in this area.
Formulas inserted in this area are evaluated once for each record.
Report Footer
Used for information that is to appear only once at the end of the report (such as summaries or totals)
and for charts and cross-tabs.
Objects inserted in this area print once at the end of the report.
Charts and Cross-Tabs inserted in this area include data for the entire report.
Formulas inserted in this area are evaluated once at the end of the report.
Page Footer
Usually contains the page number and other information located that is to appear at the bottom of the
page.
Objects inserted in this area print at the bottom of each page.
Charts and Cross-Tabs cannot be inserted in this area.
Formulas inserted in this area are evaluated once per page at the end of each new page.
Group Header
If a group, summary, or subtotal is added to the report, the program creates a Group Header area
directly above the Details area, and the Group Footer area appears directly below the Details area.
The Group Header area has two additional sections.
Contains the group name field.
Objects inserted in this area print at the beginning of each new group.
Charts and Cross-Tabs inserted in this area include data just for the group.
Formulas inserted in this area are evaluated once for each group at the beginning of the group.
Group Footer
Generally holds the summary value, if any.
Objects inserted in this area print at the end of each group.
Charts and Cross-Tabs inserted in this area include data just for the group.
Formulas inserted in this area are evaluated once for each group at the end of the group.
File Menu
The File menu gives you the following options.
• Open existing report – disregards the current report and opens another.

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• Save Report - saves this report in one of the previous 2 versions (to support old systems) or
currently installed version (if applicable) of Crystal Reports.
• Save Report As… - saves the report with a new name.
• Export Fields ( CEF ) – opens the CEF editor.
• Printer Setup – Windows setup dialog box for your installed printers.
• Print Preview – used to test your report (will run your report based on your exported test data or
currently selected database).
• Publish Report to WEB Server – launches Crystal Enterprise Report Publication Wizard and
publishes reports to a web site (if available); if not available, it prompts you to search for the
program. If your laboratory has purchased and configured Crystal Enterprise for web reports, this
function publishes reports to a web site. See your System Administrator for assistance.
• Exit – closes the LABWORKS Report Designer.
Designer Menu
The Designer menu gives you the following options.
• Display – a sub-menu of various setting preferences (enables or disables specific screen

features of the designer).
• Snap To Grid – forces all report fields to fit within a screen grid to facilitate object alignment
(with this option checked it is easier to line up objects in the report).
• Grid Size – allows you to set the length of the report grid cells in the report
(smaller lengths make it MORE difficult to line up objects).
Report Menu
The Report menu has the following options.
• Case Insensitive SQL Data – data coming from a server-based source (Direct Connect only)
will not look at case when this is checked (this is useful when using a record selection formula
where case DOES matter).
• Convert DateTime Type – this function gives you the option to process incoming dates as string
values or format them specific to a Date or Time standard.
• Convert Null Field to Default – when checked, the system treats nulls as blank spaces
(otherwise their value is actually NULL).
• Use Index For Speed – this function improves report rendering by creating an additional index
in memory.
• Translate DOS Memos / Strings – automatically translates old DOS text abbreviations for you
at report creation.
• Save Report As … – this function allows the user to specify the version of LABWORKS Report
Designer the opened report is saved as (versions 7 & 8 are the latest versions that support new
data reporting technology shipped in LABWORKS, the “latest version” option saves the version

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that is the latest version currently installed on your machine).
• Verify On Every Print – verifies the database is current (and does a refresh if it is not) each time
the report is printed (slows down performance at run time).
CEF File Menu
The CEF File menu is available only for export file reports (NOT direct connect)
and has the following options:
• Add/Remove Database Fields – opens the CEF editor screen (see Create CEF File section) and
allows you to add or remove database fields to the currently opened report. After adding or
removing fields, the CEF file is saved and the export MDB database file is recreated. The report
then refreshes itself to reflect the new fields in the top left Database Fields dropdown menu.
• Verify/Refresh Labworks Data – refreshes the database if changes were made prior to
reopening this report. Once this is done, the list of database fields under the Database Fields
menu item reflects the new changes.
You can refresh the database at any time to reflect new changes whether the report uses direct
connect or exported data.
Help Menu
The Help menu gives you information about the version of Labworks you are running as well as any error
log viewing if problems occur.
Use the Zoom Feature
Use the Zoom Control box found on the Standard toolbar to set the zoom level for viewing the report
while designing or previewing using the Print Preview function. The magnification options are from
25% to 400%, page width, or whole page.
To use the zoom feature:
1. Click on the down arrow at the end of the Zoom Control box.
2. Select the desired magnification from the options.

It is helpful to view reports at low magnifications so that you get an overall picture of the report layout.
Use the higher magnifications to focus on report details.

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Move and Resize Fields or Sections

Fields, objects, and sections may be resized by selecting and then dragging the edges to the desired
size. Objects appear with a broken line frame with resizing handles when in the move/resize mode. In
this mode, you can resize the field/object by dragging any of the resizing handles, or you can move it by
placing the cursor inside the object and dragging it to a new location. You can also insert fields in this
mode, but you cannot insert text.
To resize a field:
1. Click on the field to select it, e.g., report title field.
2. Move the cursor over the resizing handle on the edge you want to change until the cursor turns
into a resizing cursor and drag the edge to the desired field width or length.
3. To resize two fields/objects at once, select one field, press the Ctrl key, and click on the
other field to select both objects.
To resize or add space between rows or sections:
1. Move the cursor over the lower section boundary line until it changes to a resizing cursor.
2. Drag the line until the row is the desired width.
3. Alternatively, right click in a section and click Insert > Line from the pull-down menus. Using
the Insert function, the program resizes the section automatically and adds the amount of
space necessary to hold a line of typical database fields.
To move fields:
1. Click in the field to select it.
2. Drag the field to the desired location.
Add a Title
There are two ways to add a title to a report. One way is to use a text object; the other way is to set up
the title information in the Title text box in the Document Properties dialog box.
To insert a report title field:

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1. Double click on Special Fields in the items on the left portion of the screen below
Database Fields to display a list of special field choices.
2. Click on Report Title in the special field list and drag it to the Page Header area where you want
it to appear on the report.
3. Alternatively, right click in the Page Header (or any blank) area; click Insert
a. Special Field > Report Title in the series of pull-down menus.
To add or edit the report title text
4. Double click on Special Fields.
5. Right click on Report Title special field.
6. Click on Report in the pull-down menu.

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7. Click on Summary info in the next pull-down menu to open the Document
Properties dialog box.
8. Enter the title of the report in the Title text field.
9. Add comments, author, keywords, subject, or template if desired.
10. Click OK.
11. Click on File and click Print Preview to view the results.
The report title object now displays the title that you entered in the Title text box of the Document
Properties dialog box.

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To format the title:
1. Close the Report Preview screen to return to the designer screen.
2. Right click in the Report Title field.
3. Click Format in the pull-down menu.
4. Click the Border tab to specify border color and background.
5. Click the Font tab to select the size and type of font.
6. Click the Paragraph Formatting tab to set up how you want the title to appear, e.g.,
indentation, spacing.
7. Click the Hyperlink tab if you want to add a hyperlink to the title.
8. Click OK when finished.
9. Click File and click Print Preview to preview the results. The report now shows the new formatted
title as it will appear on the report.

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10. Close the Report Preview screen to return to the designer screen to continue editing.
Create Footers or Headers after the First Page

If you want to print a page footer or header on all pages except the first page, you can do this by
conditionally formatting the Page Footer or Page Header section using an on or off property.
To create footers after the first page:
1. Place the field you want displayed as a page footer in the Page Footer section of the report.
2. Right click on Page Footer section.
3. Click Format Section on the menu to access the Section Expert dialog box.

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4. Click Page Footer in the Sections area.

5. Click the Formula button to the right of the Suppress (No Drill-Down) checkbox to open the
Format Formula Editor.
6. Enter the following formula in the Format Formula Editor: Crystal syntax
example: PageNumber = 1
Basic syntax example: Formula = PageNumber = 1
Either of these formulas suppresses the page footer on the first page but not on any of the
other pages. If there is an error in the formula, a message box appears, asking whether to exit
without examining the error. If you click No, a second message box is displayed, detailing the
error. If there is no error in the formula, you are returned to the Section Expert.
7. Click the Save button on the Formal Formula Editor.
Notice that the formula button on the Format Formula Editor screen has changed.
8. Click OK to return to the designer screen.

9. Click File and click Print Preview to preview the report and ensure that the page footer
appears on all pages but the first. If you have a multi-line page footer and have inserted the
lines into separate Page Footer sections, you will need to suppress each section
conditionally, using the formula above.
To create a page header on all pages but the first:
1. Enter the header information in the Page Header section.
2. Suppress that section conditionally using the same formula that was used for suppressing the
Page Footer section as described above.
Add Summary Information to the Report

You may want to include non-printing comments with a report such as a note to explain the data included
in the report, a report title, a comment about some particular data on the report, etc. Use the Summary

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Info feature for including short or long notes of text with your report. The comments do not print with the
report and remain in the Summary tab of the Document Properties dialog box where they can be
reviewed.
To enter summary information:
1. Right click on a blank area of the report.
3. Click on Summary info in the next pull-down menu to open the Document Properties dialog box.
4. Enter Summary information for the report in the Comments field of the Document Properties
dialog box.
5. Click OK to save.
Inserting Fields
The LABWORKS Report Designer allows you to insert a variety of fields in the report such as general
text fields (titles or column headings), special fields such as page numbers, formula fields, or parameter
fields by right clicking on a blank area of the report to access a list of menu items. The general menu
contains a wide range of options.

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These options launch various Crystal Report functions such as the formula editor, the parameter field
editor, and the chart export. How to insert formula fields, parameter fields, charts, and other fields are
discussed in individual sections in this chapter. Refer to those for details.
Save Reporting before Exiting

To save the report before exiting:
Note: Remember, if you want to work on the report later, save it before you exit.
1. Click File.
2. Select Save Report from the pull-down menu to save the report.
Record Selection
Record Selection
Record selection allows you to select and include only the data required for your report. It is an important
step in report creation. Usually, you do not need a listing
of all the information in a database, but you need certain segments of that database information. For
example, you may want to compile data regarding a particular product for a certain time period.
This sectionr includes the following topics regarding record selection.
• Selecting Records
• Using the Select Expert
• Using Formulas
• Troubleshooting Record Selection Formulas
Selecting Records
Field values for the data fields you selected for the report are printed by default
from every record in the active tables. You may not want to include all the values or only a subset of
those values. For example, you may want to include:
• Records for only a specific group of samples.
• Records for a specific range of sample IDs.
• Values that fall within a particular date range.
Options for selecting records
LABWORKS Report Designer program includes a formula language that you can use to specify virtually
any type of record selection. In those instances in which you may not need the flexibility in record
selection that the formula language provides, you can use the Select Expert. You can select records in
one of two ways:
• Use the Select Expert.
• Use formulas.

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After you become familiar with the Select Expert and formulas, you can use your record selection
techniques to improve the performance of your reports.
Determining which field(s) to use
When you select records, you are setting up the report to include only those records that meet your
specified conditions. You base those conditions on the kind of information you want in the finished
report. For example, you want a report that shows only data from the Environmental Laboratory
Department. The challenge is to find the best way to identify those records. If the table used in a report
has a department field, you can specify in your request that the program use only those records in which
the value in the department field is equal to Environmental
Laboratory. Generally, if you can base your record selection on a number of fields, you should select an
indexed field instead of a field that is not indexed.
Using the Select Expert

The Select Expert makes it easy to specify the records you want included in your report. Using the
Select Expert allows you to select the field to which you want to apply selection conditions and then
specify those conditions. The Select Expert can be used to set up simple or complicated record selection
requests.
For range limit requests, one or more constants define the range. The program compares the field value
in each record to the constant(s) and rejects records with values outside the range. The report is limited
to values within the range. You can set up all of these types of record selection requests without any
previous knowledge of the formula language.
The Select Expert can be used to set up both record selection and group selection requests. When a
group name or summary field is selected, the program knows that the selection criteria set up is intended
for group selection. In all other cases, the program knows that you are setting up record selection.
To set up record selection using the Select Expert:
1. Right click on the field on which you want to base record selection and click Select Expert.
If you click the Select Expert button without first highlighting a field in your report, the Choose
Field dialog box appears.
2. Notice that the Select Expert popup window appears.

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3. Click on the down arrow at the end of the text field to select the value for limiting the
record selection, e.g., is greater than.
4. Notice that another text field appears on the Select Expert window for entering the limiting
value.
5. Enter a limiting value in the field or click the down arrow at the end of the field to select from the
listed values.
6. Click on the Show Formula button to view the formula.

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To base record selection on more than one field:
1. Click the New button on the Select Expert window.
2. Select the next field from the Choose Field dialog box.
3. Click OK.
4. Click on the Formula Editor button to view the formula.

A selection formula is generated based on your specifications that limit the report to the records
you indicated.
To modify the formula:
1. Click the Show Formula button to view the selection formula.
2. Click the Formula Editor button to modify the formula.
To delete a selection or formula:
1. Click on the tab of the selection you want to delete.

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2. Click the Delete button.

Using Formulas
To set up record selection using a formula:
1. Click on the selection field and click Select Expert as described in the Select
a. Expert section above.
2. Click Show Formula.
3. Click Formula Editor.
4. Enter the formula by typing in the components or selecting them from the component
trees.
5. Click Check to identify any errors in the formula.
6. Fix any syntax errors the Formula Checker identifies and click OK.
7. Click the Save and Close button.
8. Edit the formulas as needed and save.
9. Click the New tab to add new formulas, if desired.
10. Select the formula and click Delete to delete a formula.
Example Formulas
This section provides some example formulas that you may use or edit and save as templates for
creating your formulas for record selection.
To select records using character strings:

Formula: {file.FIELD} startswith "P"
Selects records in which the value in the {file.FIELD} field begins with the character "P"; includes
values like PerkinElmer, Parkway, and Pennsylvania; excludes values that do not begin with P.
Formula: not ({file.FIELD} startswith "P")

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Selects records in which the value in the {file.FIELD} field does not begin with the character "P";
includes all values that do not begin with “P”; excludes values that begin with “P”.
Formula: "999" in {file.FIELD}[2 to 4]
Selects records in which the 2nd through 4th digits of the {file.FIELD} field is equal to "999" (includes
values like 1999, 7999, and 0999; excludes values like
99901 and 19990).
Formula: "Perkin" in {file.FIELD}
Selects records in which the value in the {file.FIELD} field contains the string "Perkin"; includes values
such as PerkinElmer, PerkinElmer Instruments; PerkinElmer Labworks; excludes values that do not
begin with “Perkin”
To select records using numbers:

Single values
Formula: {file.FIELD} > 99999
Selects records in which the value in the {file.FIELD} field is greater than
99999.
Formula: {file.FIELD} < 99999
Selects records in which the value in the {file.FIELD} field is less than 99999. Range of values
Formula: {file.FIELD} > 11111 and {file.FIELD} < 99999
11111 but less than 99999; neither 11111 nor 99999 is included in the range of values.
Formulas: {file.FIELD} >= 11111 and
{file.FIELD} <= 99999
11111 but less than 99999; both 11111 and 99999 are included in the range of values.
To select records using dates:

The Month, Day, and Year functions can all be used in examples like the following:
Formula: Year ({file.DATE}) < 2000
Selects records in which the year found in the {file.DATE} field is earlier than
2000.
Formula: Year ({file.DATE}) > 2000 and
Year ({file.DATE}) < 2002
Selects records in which the year found in the {file.DATE} field falls between
2000 and 2002; 2000 and 2002 not included.
Formula: Year({file.DATE}) >= 2000 and
Year({file.DATE}) <= 2002
Selects records in which the year found in the {file.DATE} field falls between
2000 and 2002; 2000 and 2002 are included.
Formula: Month({file.DATE}) in 1 to 3
Selects records in which the month found in the {file.DATE} field is one of the first three months of the
year; includes January, February, and March..
Formula: Month({file.DATE}) in [1,3]
Selects records in which the month found in the {file.DATE} field is the first or third month of the year;
includes January and March, excludes February.

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To select records using preset data ranges:
The preset date ranges can be used to create selection formulas similar to these:
Formula: {file.DATE} in LastFullMonth
Selects records in which the date found in the {file.DATE} field falls within the last full month; if month
is June, this selects all records with a May date.
Formula: not({file.DATE} in LastFullMonth)

Selects all records except those in which the date found in the {file.DATE} field falls within the last full
month; if the month is June, this selects all records except those with a May date).
Formula: {file.DATE} < CurrentDate
Selects all records in which the date found in the {file.DATE} field falls before today's date.
To select records using date/number/character combinations:

These formulas simply mix and match formulas from the categories above.
Formula: "P" in {file.FIELD}[1] and Month({file.DATE}) in [1,3]
Selects records in which the value in the {file.FIELD} field begins with "P" and the month is either
January or March. For example, if this kind of formula was used with an order database, you could be
asking for a report showing all customers whose names begin with "P" and who placed orders in
January or in March.
Formula: "AOK" in {file.HISTORY}[2 to 4] and {file.OPENACCT} >= 5000
Selects records in which the {file.HISTORY} field shows the characters "AOK" as the 2, 3, and 4
characters and the {file.OPENACCT} field (the amount of their account) is at least 5000.
These templates can be used as they are with your own data, or they can be combined to create
complex formulas.
Troubleshooting Record Selection Formulas
To troubleshoot your selection formula, begin by ensuring that all the fields referenced in the
selection formula are inserted on your report. Then delete the selection formula, and test it as you
rebuild it.
To troubleshoot record selection formulas:
1. Write down the record selection formula on paper. This written copy will help you reconstruct
the selection formula one step at a time.
2. Delete the record selection formula from your report by deleting the formula from the formula
text box in the Record Selection Formula Editor.
3. Click Save and Close when finished.
4. Make sure that all fields referenced in the record selection formula are on the report and are
not hidden.
For example, if one of the selectors is:
{customer.POSTAL CODE} > "80000"
but the {customer.POSTAL CODE} field is not used on your report, then insert the
{customer.POSTAL CODE} field into the report.
5. If one of the fields referenced in the selection formula is on the report but is hidden, unhide it

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by deselecting the Suppress option in the Format Editor for that field.
6. Print the report and verify that the data in those fields that are referenced in the selection
formula print satisfactorily
7. Make certain that all the data prints. For example, if there are eight total records in the
database you should have eight records printing for each of the referenced fields. This
establishes a baseline against which you can compare the results of printing with the
selection formula.
8. When you are obtaining satisfactory results without using the selection formula, enter
the selection formula using only one of the selectors.
For example, to use this as the final selection formula:

{customer.POSTAL CODE} > "80000" and {customer.CONTACT LAST NAME}[1] =
"P" and {customer.LAST YEAR'S SALES} >= 5000
this formula will select all of those records that show a Postal code greater than 80000, a
value in the {customer.CONTACT LAST NAME} field beginning with "P", and a value in the
{customer.LAST YEAR'S SALES} field greater than or equal to 5000.
You might start with this as the first test selection formula: {customer.POSTAL CODE} >
"80000"
9. Print the report and evaluate the data that prints when you have only one selector activated. If it
does, then you know that this part of the selection formula is working. If it does not, then
troubleshoot this part of the selection formula.
10. When the selection formula with one selector activated is working properly, add a second
selector.
11. Print the report and evaluate the data that prints when you have two selectors activated. If it
does, then this part of the selection formula is working. If it does not, then troubleshoot this part
of the selection formula.
12. When the selection formula with two selectors activated is working properly, add a third
selector, then a fourth, etc., until you have tested each selector in the selection formula.
Correcting selections that do not generate data
You may encounter a situation in which you create a record selection formula and, while header and
footer information prints on your report, no detail information appears. The problem is the selection
formula is rejecting all records. This usually occurs because of an error in the creation of the selection
formula.
There are a couple of potential causes of your problem in the selection formula:
To correct uppercase/lowercase inconsistency:
1. Record selection formulas are case sensitive. This means that “PerkinElmer” only matches with
“PerkinElmer”. It does not match with "perkinelmer", “PERKINELMER”, “Perkin Elmer”,
“Perkinelmer”, or “perkinElmer”. If your selection formula is set to include only those records
with "PERKINELMER" in the {customer.CONTACT NAME} field, but all the entries in the
{customer.CONTACT NAME} field are mixed case, as "PerkinElmer", the selection formula will

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not find any matches and will not print any details for the report.
2. To solve this problem, use the UpperCase (str) or LowerCase (str) functions in your selection
formula to convert field data to a consistent case before the program begins its selection.
For example, if you were using this formula: {customer.CONTACT NAME} =
"PERKINELMER", change the formula to this: UpperCase({customer.CONTACT NAME}) =
"BOB"
This second formula first converts the value of the {customer.CONTACT NAME} field to upper
case characters and then checks to see if the value in that field is equal to "PERKINELMER".
Using this formula, any instance of the letters “PerkinElmer” will be a match, regardless of
case, because the case will be converted to uppercase.
3. Consider using the LowerCase function in a similar manner to match with “PerkinElmer”.
4. Check your selection formula closely and ensure you have the correct case for any text you are
trying to match. If in doubt, use the UpperCase or LowerCase function to ensure consistency
and proper matching.
To correct unwanted spaces in selection formula:

Spaces are characters, and when you include spaces in the search key of a record selection formula,
the formula looks for records with the exact match in the selected field including spaces.
For example, the following formula: "Ms . " in {customer.TITLE} will not find any matches with the form
of address "Ms." because there is an extra space in the search key between the letter "s" and the
period. Likewise, "Ph. D" will not match "Ph.D".
Check your selection formula closely and make sure that the spaces in the selection formula match
the spaces in the fields you are trying to match.
Sorting and Grouping Data
Sorting Data
Sorting is used to place data in an order that helps you find and evaluate it. When you first insert a
database field into your report, the data within the fields appears in the order in which it was originally
entered into the database. Finding information in this kind of report is difficult. Sorting helps make it
easier to review or find information in a logical format.
Sort Options
When you sort, the program asks you to define two things:
 Field on which to base the sorting
 Sort direction
Sort field
A sort field is the field that determines the order in which data appears on your report. Almost
any field can be used as a sort field. A field's data type determines the method in which the
data from that field is sorted.

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Field Type Sort Order
Single-character string fields Blanks punctuation

numbers uppercase letter
lowercase letters
Multiple character string field two letters three

letters
four letters, etc.
Currency fields numeric order
Field Type Sort Order
Number fields numeric order
Date fields chronological order
chronological order
DateTime fields
same-date values sorted by time
Time fields chronological order
False values (0) True

Boolean comparison fields
values (1)
null values
Null values
non-null values
Sort direction
The sort direction is the order in which values are displayed once sorted.
Ascending – sorts from smallest to largest based on the values in the sort field
Descending – sorts largest to smallest based on the values in the sort field
Sorting single and multiple fields
For single field sorting, all the records used in the report are sorted based on the values in a single
field. For multiple field sorting, the LABWORKS Report Designer program first sorts the records
based on the values in the first selected field and places them in ascending or descending order as
specified. When two or more records have the same field value in the first sort field, the program
then sorts those records based on the value in the second sort field.
To sort data:
1. Right click on a blank area of the report.

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3. Click Sort Records in the next pull-down menu.
4. Click on the field to be sorted from in the Report Fields list.
5. Click the Add button.
6. Notice that the selected field is added to the Sort Fields list.
7. Click Ascending or Descending to specify the sort direction.
8. If sorting by more than one field, select the second field you want the data to be sorted by
and add it to the Sort Fields list. The order of the fields listed in the Sort fields box is the
order by which data will be sorted.
9. Select the sort direction.
10. Click OK when finished. Records are sorted based on the values in the Sort Fields list.
To sort records within groups:
If you have grouped your data, you can sort the records within the groups.
1. Right click on the report and click Report in the pull-down menu.

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2. Then click Sort Records in the next pull-down menu. Sort fields that begin with Group indicate
that the sort was done automatically when the data was grouped.
3. Select the field by which you want the records sorted within the groups; and then click the Add
button to add it to the Sort Fields list. The order of the fields in the Sort Fields box is the order
by which data will be sorted.
4. Specify the sort direction.
Grouping Data
Grouped data is sorted data that is divided into respective planned groups for organizing in a
logical manner that makes data handling and processing more useful.
Group and sort direction
Four sort and group direction options are available for grouped data.
Ascending – order is smallest to largest; records are sorted in ascending order and then begins a new
group whenever the value changes.
Descending – order is means largest to smallest; records are sorted in descending order and
then begins a new group whenever the value changes.
Original – order that the data was originally saved in the database; program leaves the records in
the order in which they appear in their originating database table and begins a new group whenever
the value changes in the group field you select.
Specified order – order is a user-defined order; program places each record into the custom group
you specify, leaving the records in each group in original order or it sorts them in ascending or
descending order, depending on your instructions.
To group data:
1. Click in a blank area of the report.

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2. Click Insert on the pull-down menu.
3. Click Group in the next pull-down menu. The Insert Group dialog box appears.
4. Select the field you want the data grouped by from the top drop-down list.
5. Select the sort direction from the second drop-down list.
6. Select the Customize Group Name Field checkbox if you want to show a different value in
the group header. By default, the group header of the report displays the value of the field
you are grouping by.
7. If you want to hide the group header name, right-click the group header, select Format
Field, and click Suppress on the Common tab of the Format Editor.
8. Click OK.
9. If your records within each group are unsorted, you need to sort the records within each group
using the procedure in the previous section To sort records within groups.
Creating custom groups

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Data is usually sorted based on the values from a field in the report. If you want to group data based
on the values found in a field that is not on your report, you may create a custom group.
To create a custom group:
1. Click in a blank area of the report.
2. Click Insert on the pull-down menu.
3. Click Group in the next pull-down menu. The Insert Group dialog box appears.
4. Select the field the data is to be grouped by from the top drop-down list.
5. Select in specified order as sort option from the second drop-down list.
6. Enter the name of the group in the Named Group field on the Specified Order tab.
7. Click New.

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8. In the Defined Named Group dialog box, use the drop-down lists to select the data to be part
of the group.
9. Click the <New> tab to add more selection criteria to your specified group, if necessary.
10. Click OK.
11. Click New to create more custom groups as necessary.
12. Click the Others tab to specify how you want to organize the data that is not part of the
group(s) you defined.
13. Click OK.
Selecting group using select expert
When you group or summarize data, all the groups in the report are included by default. If you do not
want to include all the groups, you can select the groups that appear in the report in by using the
Select Expert or selection formulas.
The Select Expert can be used to select groups of records in the same way that you select individual
records. When setting up group selection criteria, instead of basing the selection criteria on standard
fields, as you do for record selection, you base the criteria on group name fields or summary fields.
If you have grouped your data but have not summarized it, you can only set up group selection based
on the group name field. If you have summarized your data, you can set up group selection based on
either the group name field or the summary field.
The Select Expert can be used to set up record selection and group selection requests. When a group
name or summary field is selected, the program knows that the selection criteria you set up is intended
for group selection. In all other cases, the program knows that you are setting up record selection.
To set up group selection using the Select Expert:
1. Right-click the summary field on which you want to base group selection
2. Click Select Expert from the menu. The Select Expert dialog box appears. If you click the
Select Expert button without first selecting a summary field in your report, the Choose Field
dialog box appears.
3. Click on the down arrow of the drop-down list to enter your selection criteria for the indicated
field.

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4. To base the group selection on more than one field, click the New tab and choose the next
field from the Choose Field dialog box.
NOTE: If you have not already previewed the report or refreshed the data, there will not be any data
saved with the report. Without the data, the program cannot calculate group values, which means that no
values appear when you click the arrow in the right drop-down list. In this case, you must type in the
values you want. If you want real values to work with, you need to preview your report first. This
calculates the actual summary values available for you to work with.
5. Click OK when finished in the Select Expert to return to the report.
Selecting group using selection formulas
With the Formula Editor, you can build your group selection request using group fields, group name
fields, and other formulas. As with record selection formulas, your only restriction is that the formula
you create must be Boolean; that is, it must return either a True or False value.
To create a record or group selection formula:
1. Right click on a blank area of the report and click Report in the pull-down menu.
2. Click Edit Selection Formula in the next pull-down menu.
3. Click Record to create a record selection formula.
OR
Click Group to create a group selection formula. The Formula
Workshop appears.
4. Enter your selection formula in the Group Selection Formula Editor. The resulting formula
must be Boolean; that is, it must return either a True or a False value.
6. Fix any syntax errors the Formula Checker identifies.
7. When the formula has the correct syntax, click Save and Close. When the program runs the
report, it will include only those records or groups of records that you specified.
Grouping data hierarchically
When you group data hierarchically, you sort information based on the relationship between two fields.
To group data hierarchically
1. If you already have a group set up that you want to be the basis of your hierarchy, you can
skip the steps for inserting the group and go to step 6.
2. Right click on the report and click Insert in the menu.

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3. Click Group.
4. In the Insert Group dialog box, select the field that you want to use as the basis of your
hierarchy (the child field). For example, if you want to see the hierarchical structure of a
company's employees, select the employee field.
5. Select in ascending order. By default, the group header of the report displays the value of
the field you are grouping on.
6. If you want to show a different value in the group header, click the Options tab and select the
Customize Group Name Field check box. For example, if you grouped by the employee field,
at each change of a group you will see the corresponding employee name. If you want to
display a different value (employee ID instead of employee name), customize the group name
field by choosing an alternate data field, or by creating a formula.
7. Click OK. The group you created is added to the report.

8. Right click on the report, and click Report in the menu.
9. Click Hierarchical Grouping Options on the next pull-down menu to access the Hierarchical
Options dialog box.
10. Select the group you want to organize hierarchically in the Available Groups list. If you
have created only one group on your report, then it will be selected automatically in the
Available Groups list.
11. Select the Sort Data Hierarchically checkbox.
12. In the Parent ID Field list, select the field by which you want the Instance ID Field
organized. For example, for an employee hierarchical report, you might select the data field
listing the supervisor to whom the employee reports.
Note: The Instance ID Field and Parent ID Field must be of the same data type. For example, if the
Instance ID Field holds string data, then the Parent ID Field must also hold string data.
13. In the Group Indent field, enter the amount you want to indent for each subgroup
14. Click OK.

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The report data is now grouped hierarchically. If necessary, you can now calculate summary fields
across your new hierarchical grouping. The top level of the hierarchy is determined by group
instances that match the Instance ID and Parent ID. If a group instance is not connected to any Parent
ID, it appears at the top of the hierarchy.
Editing groups
To edit a group:
2. Click Change Group Expert in the next pull-down menu.
3. Select the group you want to edit in the Change Group dialog box.
4. Click Options.
5. Edit the group as necessary in the Change Group Options dialog box.
6. Click OK. The report reflects the changes you have made to the group.
Summarizing Grouped Data
One of the primary purposes for breaking data into groups is to run calculations on each group of
records instead of on all the records in the report. When the program summarizes data, it automatically
sorts the data, breaks it into groups, and then summarizes the values in each group.
Depending on the data type of the field you plan to summarize, the program includes a number
of summarizing options.
 Sum the values in each group
 Count all the values or only those values that are distinct from one another
 Determine the maximum, minimum, average, or nth largest value
Calculate up to two kinds of standard deviations and variances. You can also calculate summary fields
across hierarchical groupings. To do so, select Sum across hierarchy in the Insert Subtotal, Insert
Grand Total, or Insert Summary dialog box.
To summarize grouped data:
1. Right click on the report and click Insert in the pull-down menu.
2. Click Summary in the next pull-down menu to access the Insert Summary dialog box.
3. Select the desired field to summarize from the Choose the field to summarize list.
4. Select a summary operation from the Calculate this summary list.

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5. Select a location in which to place the summary from the Summary location list.
Tip: You can create a new group for you report by clicking the Insert Group button.
6. If you want to display your summary value as a percentage of a total, select Show as a
percentage of from the Options area, and then select a total field from the list.
7. If you want to summarize across a hierarchy, select Summarize across hierarchy.
Percentages
Calculating a Percentage
You can calculate the percentage of one group within a broader grouping.
To calculate a percentage:
2. Click Summary in the next pull-down menu. The Insert Summary dialog box appears.
3. Enter sum in the first drop-down list.
4. Select the field for which you want to calculate the sum.
5. Select how you want the data grouped.
6. Click the Show as a percentage of checkbox.
7. Select the group you want the percentage based on. You can choose to show a
percentage of a group within another group, or show a percentage of the grand total.
8. Click OK.
Group Headers
Creating Group Headers
When you create a group, a subtotal, or a summary, the LABWORKS Report Designer program
creates a Group Footer section that contains any subtotal or summary value and a Group Header
section that contains the group name/header. Group Headers are useful, if you want your report data
to be clear and easily understood. Even though the program creates a group header automatically,
you may want to modify the header to meet your specifications.
To create a standard header:

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1. Right click on the report and click Insert.
2. Click Text Object in the pull-down menu.
3. Place the object frame in the Group Header section.
4. Enter the text you want to use for the header.
5. Click outside the frame when finished. The same header will appear at the beginning of each
group.
To create a header for custom groups:
1. Double click on the Group Name Fields folder.
2. Click the Group Name field for the custom group and drag it into the Group Header section
for that group. The program automatically applies each of the group names you assigned to
the appropriate groups.
3. Make sure that when you assign the names to the groups using the Define Named Group
dialog box, the names you assign are the names you want to appear as group headers.
Suppressing group headers
To suppress group headers:
1. Right click the group header and select Format Field.
2. Click the Suppress checkbox.

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3. Click OK.
4. To show the group header again, clear the Suppress checkbox.
Running Totals
Running Totals
Running totals provide a way to create specialized summaries and continual incrementing totals. This
chapter describes how to add a basic running total and a running total within a group to your report.
Running total fields are similar to summary fields but allow more control over how the total is
calculated and when it is reset. Running total fields may be specifically used to perform the following
totaling functions:
 Show values of a total accumulate as it is calculated record by record.
 Total a value independent of the report's grouping.
 Total a value conditionally.
 Total a value after a group selection formula has been applied.
 Total a value from the driving table in a one-to-many linking relationship.
How Running Totals Work

A running total field is created using the Running Total Expert. The Running Total Expert creates a
running total field based on your specifications for how to select a field to summarize, the summary
operation to use, a condition upon which to base the evaluation, and a condition upon which to reset
the evaluation.
A running total field can be used on database fields and first-pass formulas but cannot be used on
second-pass formulas or formulas that reference other second- pass formulas.
Placement of Running Total Fields
The Running Total field calculation is determined by the settings selected in the Running Total Expert.
Where you place the running total affects the value that appears on the report. For example, if a
Running Total field that evaluates every record and never resets, such as a grand total in the Report
Header, only the value of the first record appears. Placing the same Running Total field in the Report
Footer returns the desired value. The Running Total field is properly calculated in both cases, but it is
displayed too early in the header.
Following is a list of report sections and records that the running total uses.

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Section Records
Report Header Returns first record of the report
Page Header Creates running total up to and including the first record
of current page.
Group Header Creates running total up to and including first record of

current group.
Details Creates running total for every record.
Group Footer Creates a grand total for each group.
Page Footer Creates running total up to and including the first record
of the next page.
Report Footer Creates a grand total that includes all records.
Creating Running Totals
Creating running totals in a list
Running totals are totals that are generally displayed on a record-by-record basis. They total all records
up to and including the current record. The most basic form of a running total is a single running total
maintained throughout a list. Running total fields are prefixed by the # sign.
To create a running total in a list:
1. Open the report in the LABWORKS Report Designer to which you want to create a
running total.
2. Right click Running Total Fields and click New in the pull-down menu. The Create Running
Total Field dialog box appears.

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3. Enter a name for the field in the Running Total Name text field.
4. Click on the field you want to create the running total in the Available Tables and Fields list.
5. Click on the arrow button ( > ) next to Summary to select it as the Field to summarize.
6. Select sum from the Type of summary list.
7. Click On change of field in the Evaluate section of the dialog box.
8. Select the field you want as the On change of field. The running total will execute each time this
field changes.
9. Click Never in the Reset section of the dialog box. This gives you a running total that
never resets and continues running throughout the report.
10. Click OK to save the running total field.
11. Insert the running total field in the Details section of the report.
Creating running totals for a group
The running totals can also be used for tallying items in a group. The running total starts with the first
item in the group and ends with the last. Then it starts all over again for the next group, then the next,
and so on.
To create a running total for a group:
1. Right click on the Group on the report for which you want to create a running total.
OR
Right click Running Total Fields and click New in the pull-down menu.

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2. Enter the name in the Running Total Name field.
4. Click on the arrow button next to Summary to select it as the Field to summarize.
6. Click For each record in the Evaluate section of the dialog box.
7. Click On change of group in the Reset section of the dialog box and accept the default group
name.
9. Insert the running total field in the Details section of the report. If you want to view a grand total
of each group, place the running total field in the Group Footer section of your report.
Creating conditional running totals
To create a conditional running total:
2. Click Sort Records in the next pull-down menu.
3. Sort the records based on the desired field you want to use to sort records.
4. Right click on Running Total Fields and click New.

1. The Create Running Total Field dialog box appears.
5. Enter a name in the Running Total Name field.
7. Click on the arrow button next to Summary to select it as the Field to summarize.

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9. Click Use formula in the Evaluate section of the dialog box and then click the Formula button.
The Running Total Condition Formula Editor appears.
10. Enter the formula in the formula box for the data you want the program to generate the
running total.
11. When the formula has the correct syntax, click Save and Close.
12. Click Never in the Reset section of the dialog box.
14. Place the running total field in the Details section of your report.
15. Create other running total fields, if necessary.

If you only want to see a grand total two running totals, create two running total fields and place
them in the Report Footer section of your report.
Creating running totals using a formula
When you create a running total manually, you need to create three formulas:
 Summary formula
 Reset formula to set a variable to zero
 Display formula to display the variable
To create running totals using a formula:
1. Right click on Formula Fields and click New.
2. Enter a name for the formula in the Formula Name popup window.
3. Click OK.
4. Enter the formula for the total in the Formula Editor.

Example: WhilePrintingRecords;
CurrencyVar Amount;
Amount := Amount + {orders.ORDER AMOUNT}
This formula prints the running total of the values in the Order Amount field.
5. Click Save and Close.

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6. Place the formula in the Details section of your report just to the right of the field used in the
formula, e.g., {orders.ORDER AMOUNT} field.
7. Right click on the report and click Insert in the pull-down menu; click Group.
8. Group the report on the field for obtaining running totals, e.g., {customer.CUSTOMER NAME}.
9. In the Formula Editor, create another formula.

Example "AmountReset":
WhilePrintingRecords; CurrencyVar
Amount := 0;
This formula says: Set the value in the Amount variable to 0.
10. Place this formula in the Group Header #1 section of your report. Because the Group
Header #1 section appears once for every group, the formula @AmountReset will execute
each time the group changes, and the Amount variable is reset to 0 each time a new group
begins.
11. Select the formula (@AmountReset) on the report and use the Format Editor to suppress it
so that it will not appear in the final printout.
12. In the Formula Editor, create "AmountDisplay": WhilePrintingRecords; CurrencyVar Amount

formula. This formula simply displays the current value of the Amount variable at any time.
13. Place this formula in the Group Footer #1 section of your report. Because the Group Footer
#1 section appears once for every group,@AmountDisplay will execute each time a group
ends, and the value stored in the Amount variable will be printed each time the group
changes. This formula prints the same value that @RunningTotal prints as the running total
for the last record in each group. However, since it is printing it in the Group Footer section, it
acts as a group subtotal, not as a running total.
Multiple Section Reports
About Sections
LABWORKS Report Designer provides five design areas to use when building your report:
 Report Header
 Page Header
 Details
 Report Footer
 Page Footer
Each area contains a single section when you first create a new report. You cannot delete any of
these original sections, but you can add to them. After adding sections, you can delete them, move
them in relation to other similar sections, or merge related sections together.

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Working with Sections
Inserting a section
To insert a section directly from the report:
1. Right click on the report section where you want to insert a section.
2. Click Insert Section Below in the pull-down menu.
3. Notice that a new section is inserted immediately below the section.
To insert a section using the Section Expert:

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2. Click Section in the next pull-down menu.
3. Select the section you want to insert a section after.
4. Click Insert.
5. Notice that the new section is inserted immediately below.
Deleting a Section
To delete a section:
1. Right click on the report section and click Format Section in the pull-down menu.
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2. At the Section Expert, select the section you want to delete.
3. Click Delete. You cannot delete the originating sections.
Moving a section
To move a section:
2. At the Section Expert, select the section you want to move.
3. Click the Up or Down arrow to move the section.
4. Click the arrow more than once to move it higher or lower. You can only
move a section up or down within an area.
Merging two related sections
There may be times when you have placed objects in two sections where they print sequentially, but
you want to put them all in a single section where they print simultaneously. To do this, you may merge
the two sections and then rearrange the objects as needed in the new section.
To merge two related sections:
2. At the Section Expert, select the section you want to move. The program enables only those
options (free form, new page before, etc.) that apply to the selected section.
3. Move the sections so the two sections you want to merge follow each other in the list.
4. Click on the top section to select it.
5. Click Merge.
6. Notice that the lower section is merged with the top (selected) section to form one section.
7. Rearrange the objects as needed.
Resizing a section
To resize a section:

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1. Move the pointer over the bottom boundary of the section you want to resize.
2. When the pointer becomes a Resizing cursor, drag the boundary to make the section larger or
smaller. A section automatically expands vertically in two instances:
When you place an object and the object is vertically larger than the section you place it in.
When you expand an object vertically so it becomes larger than the section it is in.
NOTE: You cannot resize a section smaller than an object in the section.
To resize or add space between rows or sections:
1. Move the cursor over the lower section boundary line until it changes to a resizing cursor.
2. Drag the line until the row is the desired width.
3. Alternatively, right click in a section and click Insert > Line from the pull- down menus. Using
the Insert function, the program resizes the section automatically and adds the amount of
space necessary to hold a line of typical database fields.
Formatting Objects Conditionally
You may want to create a report that uses different formats. You can do that using multiple sections.
To format objects conditionally:
1. Click on the report section and click Format Section in the pull-down menu.
2. At the Section Expert, select the section you want to move.
3. Select the section in the Sections box.
4. Select the Suppress (No Drill-Down) checkbox.
5. Click the Conditional Formula button to the right of the Suppress (No
Drill-Down) checkbox.
6. Use the Format Formula Editor to create a formula that specifies the conditions under
which the section should be suppressed.
7. Repeat the steps for each additional section.
Eliminating Blank Lines When Fields Are Empty
If you create a report in which some field may be left empty, such as address fields, the field prints as a
blank line. You can eliminate this blank line by using multiple sections or suppressing blank lines.
To eliminate blank lines by using multiple sections:
1. Use the Section Expert to create two new Details sections so that you have a total of three.

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2. Place the Address 2 field in the middle section and the other data in the sections above
and below it as you want it to appear in the report.
3. Select the middle section in the Section expert.
4. Select the Suppress Blank Section checkbox. Now, when the report prints, if the Address 2
section is blank, the program will not print it, and you will not get unwanted blank lines in the
report.
To suppress blank lines in embedded fields:
1. Open your report in the LABWORKS Report Designer.
2. Click the text object that causes blank lines for some records. To ensure that you have
clicked a text object, look for the word Text in the status bar at the bottom left corner of the
screen.
3. Right-click the text object and click Format Text.
4. Select the Suppress Embedded Field Blank Lines option in the Format Editor.
5. Click OK.
6. Click File and click Print Preview to display your report and confirm your changes.
Adding Blank Lines Conditionally
You may want to use multiple sections to print a blank line on your report under specific conditions.
For example, you may want to insert a blank line after every fourth record in the report.
To add blank lines conditionally:
1. Right click on the report and click Format Section in the pull-down menu.
2. At the Section Expert, create two Details sections.
3. Place the report detail data in the top section.
4. Leave the second section empty.
5. Click on the second section to highlight it.
6. On the Common tab, select the Suppress (No Drill-Down) checkbox then click the
conditional formatting button to its right.
7. Enter the following formula in the Format Formula Editor: Remainder

(RecordNumber,4) <> 0.
This formula divides each record number by 4. If the division produces a remainder, it
suppresses the blank section. If the division produces no remainder (zero for every fourth
record printed), the program prints the second section and inserts a blank line.
To insert a blank line under different conditions, you can modify your formula appropriately.

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Formatting
Formatting
Formatting is used to change the layout and design of a report including the appearance of text,
objects, or entire report sections. This chapter describes methods you can use to draw attention to
data; change the presentation of dates, numbers, and other values; hide unwanted sections; and
perform a variety of other formatting tasks to give a report a professional appearance.
 Formatting includes:
 Dividing sections of a report.
 Calling attention to certain data.
 Changing the presentation of dates, numbers, Boolean values, currency values, and text
strings.
 Hiding unwanted sections.
 Giving the report a professional appearance.
If you are designing reports that are distributed to different environments, consider how the report
design format affects it purpose and function. This section describes some useful formatting concepts
and tips.
Section Characteristics
A report consists of several sections, including the Report Header, Page Header, Group Header,
Details, Group Footer, Page Footer, and Report Footer. Each report section is made up of a series of
lines. When a text-based object is placed in a section, it is placed on a line so that the text is aligned
to the baseline. The line's height is then adjusted by the printer driver so that it is high enough to
accommodate the object. If you place another text-based object on the same line with a font size
larger than that of the first object, the line's height extends to accommodate the second object. A line's
height is determined by the text-based object with the largest font size on the line.
As you add text-based objects to a report, in either the same section or other sections, the line
height adjusts to accommodate the various fonts. Since this vertical spacing is set up by the
printer driver, it is difficult to create reports designed for pre-printed forms when they are printed in
various environments.
When designing reports, you should do the following:
 Always print a test page.
 Keep all font sizes the same.
 Be sure to print pre-printed forms on the same machine.

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Inserting a Picture
2. Click Picture in the next pull-down menu.
3. Select the picture file (jpg, bmp, etc.), then place it in the Page Header or other section in
the desired location.
4. Place the picture to avoid underlying the text.
5. Click File and select Print Preview to preview how the picture appears in the report.
To make the picture underlay the following section:
1. Right click on the report and click Format Section. The Section Expert dialog box appears.
2. In the Sections list, click Page Header (or the section where you placed the picture), then
select the Underlay Following Sections checkbox.
3. Click OK to preview the report again. The picture should now print in both the Group Header
and Details sections, next to (instead of above) the text in the body of the report. Using the
technique of placing a picture to the right of the body of the report, you can set up a chart or
picture to print beside the details pertaining to that chart or picture.
4. Resize the object vertically to make it two or three times larger.
5. Preview the report again. The bitmap file now underlays more sections. The area in which
the picture underlays depends on: size of the picture; section in which the picture was
originally placed; and position of the picture in the section. You can create a variety of visual
effects using the underlay feature by modifying size and placement of an object.
Placing Text-Based Objects

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When a text-based object is placed on a report, the object is represented by an object frame. The
height of the object frame is based on the height of the font. The width is determined differently,
depending on the object.
For database fields that are not memo fields, the width is initially determined by the width of the field as
defined in the database, and by the average character width as provided by the selected font and font
size. For example, you have a database field that is defined as a text field with a length of 35
characters. When you place this field on your report, the width of the boundary is 35 times the average
character width of the font and font size that the database field is formatted to. Remember that this is
the initial default boundary width. The width can always be resized to increase or decrease as you see
fit.
For text-based objects, the default width is approximately 17 average character widths wide. Objects
are different from database fields in that their width automatically expands as you enter text and/or
database fields into the object. As with all other text-based objects, the user can resize the width. For
different number fields, the default widths are all different. As with all other text-based objects, the
user can resize the width.
Preventing truncation of text inside an object
A problem may arise if the text inside the object prints right to the edge of the object frame. Even
though the report may look fine on the machine it was designed on, when the report is printed using
another printer driver that measures the font wider, the length of the text grows, but the object frame
remains fixed. The resulting text is cut-off or truncated.
To prevent truncation of text inside an object:
1. Right-click the text object you want to format.
2. Click Format Text to open the Format Editor dialog box.
3. Select the Can Grow checkbox on the Common tab.
4. Click OK to save your changes.
The object is then formatted to print on multiple lines. If the text prints wider than the object, the text
wraps onto additional lines.
Preventing breaks in non-spacing text inside an object
For text strings that do not contain spaces, such as single words, the text string is broken at the edge
of the object frame before the line starts to wrap.
To prevent breaks in non-spacing text inside an object:
1. Select the object you want to format.
2. Expand the object frame to make it wider than the widest block of text inside the frame. There
are many times when the actual text in a database field is far less than the maximum amount
the field can contain.
3. Reduce the width of the field but include enough space to account for growth.

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4. When sizing an object, consider its placement with regard to other objects in the section.
5. Avoid designing reports where the space between each object is very tight.
6. Leave room for growth by expanding the width of the object by approximately 5 per cent.
7. If this is not possible, consider reducing the size of the font.
Indenting Lines
You can control line indentation for memo fields, string fields, and text-based objects. For objects, you
have the option of indenting lines for a particular paragraph by positioning the cursor at the start of that
paragraph. Or, if you select an object in its entirety, you can apply the same indenting specifications to
all the paragraphs within that object.
To indent lines:
1. Right-click the field or object you want to format.
2. Click Format in the pull-down menu.
3. Click Paragraph Formatting.
4. In the Indentations area, indent the first line of the paragraph; indent every paragraph
line from the left margin; or indent every paragraph line from the right margin. Only
indentation values within the range of the field or object width are accepted.
Selecting Multiple Objects

You can select multiple objects, including text, field, chart, map, bitmap, Cross-Tab and OLE objects, to
format them together. Once selected, you can move, align, size, cut, and copy and paste them as a
group. You can also change their font, color, and paragraph style. Objects are moved, aligned, and
sized based on a main object, which is usually the last object you select. You can change the main
object to another by right clicking the desired object.
When moving multiple objects, if the new location does not accommodate all of the selected objects

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but can accommodate the main object, then the main object and those objects that can be
accommodated will be moved. The other objects will remain in their original position.
To select multiple objects:
1. Click one object, press the Ctrl key, and click the other objects you want to select.
2. Right click the main object.
3. Select the appropriate formatting option from the pull-down menu.
Absolute Formatting
Absolute formatting is formatting that applies under any condition.
Adding borders, color, and shading to a field
To add borders, color, and shading to a field:
1. Right-click the field you want to format and click Format in the pull-down menu.
2. Click the Border tab of the Format Editor.
3. Select the line style, color, and background color of the field.
Adding and editing lines
You may add lines to a report to emphasize important data and create professional- looking reports.

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To add lines to a report:
1. Right click on the report and click Insert.
2. Click Line in the pull-down menu.
3. Use the pencil cursor to draw the line where desired.
To edit lines on a report:
1. Right click the line you want to format.
2. Click Format Line. The Format Editor dialog box appears.
3. Make the desired changes to the line on the Format Line tab.

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Adding and editing boxes
You may add boxes to a report to emphasize important data and create professional-looking reports.
To add boxes to a report:

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2. Click Box in the next pull-down menu.
3. Use the pencil cursor to draw the box where desired.
To edit boxes on a report:
1. Right click the box you want to format.
2. Click Format Box. The Format Editor dialog box appears
3. Make the desired changes to the box on the Format Box tab.
Adding shapes to a report
When designing report format, you can insert a variety of shapes such as circles, eclipses, and boxes
with rounded corners, as part of your report. This is especially useful for formatting reports in
languages that require these shapes.
To add shapes to a report:
1. Add a box to your report as described in previous section.
2. Right click on the box.
3. Click Format Box.
4. In the Format Editor that appears, click the Rounding tab.

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5. Move the slider to the right to increase the curvature of the box corners. The box that
you started with gradually changes to an ellipse or circle, depending on how far you
move the slider to the right.
6. Once the appropriate shape is created, click OK to save your changes.
Formatting numerical and currency values
LABWORKS Report Designer allows you to decide on how to display the currency symbol, negative
values, and zero values in reports.
To format numerical and currency values:
1. Right click the currency field or number field you want to format.
2. Click Format. The Format Editor dialog box appears with the Number tab open.
3. In the Style area, select how you want the system number format to appear for either positive
or negative values.
4. In the Currency Symbol area, specify how you want the currency symbol to appear with the
values on your report.
To customize numerical or currency formatting:
1. Right click the currency field or number field you want to format.
2. Click Format Field. The Format Editor dialog box appears with the Number tab open.

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3. Click Custom Style in the Style list and then click the Customize button. The Custom Style
dialog box appears with the Number tab open.
4. Click on the Use Accounting Format checkbox.

When you make this selection, the following settings appear:
Negatives – shows how the negative values appear on your report as determined by the
Windows locale settings; negative values are represented by either a minus sign or brackets.
Show Zero Values – displays the dash symbol to represent zero values on your report.
Currency symbol on the Currency Symbol tab – displays the currency symbol positioned on
the left side of the currency and numeric values.
NOTE: You must exit and restart the designer program to implement any changes you make to
the Windows locale settings.
5. Make changes and selections to meet your specifications.

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7. Click OK again to return to your report.
Charting
Charting
LABWORKS Report Designer provides the ability to insert a variety of chart layouts and types in your
report. This section demonstrates how to create charts and how to use them in reports to make report
data more meaningful and easier to understand.
Chart Layouts
The Chart Expert provides four layouts that correspond to certain sets of data.
Advanced – used for multiple chart values or when there are no group or summary fields in the report;
functions include:
 Supports one or two condition fields.
 Ability to create a 2-D or 3-D chart.
 Values can be grouped in ascending, descending, or specified order, as well as by Top N or

Sort totals.
 Values can be plotted for each record.
 Values can be plotted as a grand total for all records.
 Charts can be based on formula and Running Total fields.
Group – used for simplified layout that shows a summary on change of field for topics; to create a
chart using the Group layout, you must have at least one group and at least one summary field for
that group.
Cross-Tab – used to chart on a Cross-Tab object; uses the fields in the cross-tab for its condition
and summary fields.
OLAP – used to chart on an OLAP grid; uses the fields in the OLAP grid for its condition and
summary fields.
Chart Placement in the Report
Where you place a chart in the report determines which data is displayed and where it is printed. For
example, if you place it in a Group Header or Group Footer section, it displays group specific data. If
you place a chart in the Report Header section, the chart includes data for the entire report.
Creating an Advanced Layout Chart
The Advanced layout allows you to create a chart based on specific values and are often based on a
summary field in your report. Using this layout, you can create a chart without the need for a summary
field by using values that appear in the Details section of your report.
To create a chart based on the Advanced layout, you must specify two things:

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Conditions – can be two; condition is used to indicate when to plot the point;
option of plotting a point for each record or plotting one point for all records.
Values – can be multiple values; indicates what information is plotted as the points on your chart.
Creating charts based on details or formula field
To set up chart type specifications:
2. Click Chart. The Chart Expert dialog box appears.
3. Select a chart type from the Chart type list on the Type tab.
4. Click the chart subtype image on the right that best depicts how you want your data displayed.
When you click on an illustration, text below provides useful information about the chart type.
5. Select Automatically set chart options if you want the Chart Expert to use the default
options on the Axes and Options tabs.

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6. Leave Automatically set chart options unchecked if you want to manually select
options on the Axes and Options tabs. If you leave this option unchecked, the Axes and
Options tab appear for setting up those options.
To set up data specifications:
1. Click the Data tab.
2. Click Advanced as the Layout if it is not already selected.
3. Click on the down arrow at the end of the Place chart field to specify how often you want
the chart to appear on the report.
4. Click Header or Footer to specify where to place the chart.
5. Select the data condition by clicking on the down arrow and select your preference from
On change of, For each record, or For all records.
6. In the Data area, click on the data field then click the arrow button to place it in the box to the
right to specify the database fields you want to use as conditions. The arrow buttons on the
Chart Expert dialog box allow you to move fields from one list to the other. Single arrows
move only the selected field; double arrows move all fields at the same time.
7. Add the database fields you want to use as values to the Show value(s) list.

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8. If you do not want LABWORKS Report Designer to automatically summarize the chart
values, select the Don't summarize values checkbox.
To set up axes and options specifications:
1. Click the Axes tab.
2. Click on the desired options for gridlines, data values, and number of divisions for data
axis. After previewing your completed chart, edit your selections as needed to obtain the
desired results.
3. Click the Options tab.

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4. Select whether you want the chart to print in color or black and white in the Chart color area.
5. Select how you want data points to appear in the Data points area.
6. Specify if you want a legend and its placement in the Legend area.
7. Specify marker size and shape and if you want a transparent background in the Customize
settings area.
To set up text specifications:
1. Click the Text tab.
2. Accept the default title information or add new titles to your chart.
3. Click the Font button to change the font for the selected text to the right, if desired.
4. Click OK.
To refresh and preview completed chart:
1. Right click on the report and click Database then Verify Database to refresh the data.
2. Click File and click Print Preview to preview the finished chart.
3. Move and resize the chart so that it fits properly within the report, if needed.

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EXAMPLE: LABWORKS Report Designer – Advanced Layout chart
Creating a Group Layout Chart
Many of the charts you create are based on summary or subtotals within your report. You must have
a summary or subtotal inserted into your report to create a group layout chart.
Creating a chart based on a summary or subtotal field

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Options tabs appear for setting up those options.
2. Click Group in the Layout area if it is not already selected. When summarizing or subtotaling a
field, the data is automatically grouped.
3. Click on the down arrow at the end of the Place chart field to specify how often you want
the chart to appear on the report.
4. Click Header or Footer to specify in which section to place the chart. The Place chart list
includes all groups in your report that have summary fields except for the innermost group.
5. Click the group field you want to base your chart on in the On change of list in the Data area.
6. Click the summary field you want to display on your chart in the Show list.
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desired results.
settings area.
4. Click OK.
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EXAMPLE: LABWORKS Report Designer – Group chart
Creating a Cross-Tab Layout Chart
LABWORKS Report Designer allows you to include a chart based on summary values in your Cross-
Tab report. You must first have a Cross-Tab in your report to create a Cross-Tab chart.
1. Select the Cross-Tab on which you want to chart.
2. Right click and click Insert in the pull-down menu.
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Options tabs appear for setting up those options.
2. Click Cross-Tab in the Layout area if it is not already selected. When summarizing or subtotaling
a field, the data is automatically grouped.
3. Click Header or Footer to specify in which section to place the chart. How often your chart
appears on the report depends on where the Cross-Tab summary field has been placed.
4. Click the group field you want to base your chart on in the On change of list in the Data area.
5. Click a secondary row or column you want to base your chart on in the Subdivided by list, if
necessary.
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desired results.
settings area.
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4. Click OK.
EXAMPLE: LABWORKS Report Designer – Cross-Tab chart
Creating an OLAP Layout Chart
The OLAP layout lets you chart on an OLAP grid. You must have an OLAP grid in your report in
order to create an OLAP chart.
1. Select the OLAP grid on which you want to chart.
2. Right click and click Insert in the pull-down menu.
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3. Click Chart to access the Chart Expert dialog box.
Options tab appears for setting up those options.
2. Click OLAP in the Layout area if it is not already selected.
3. Click Header or Footer to specify in which section to place the chart. How often your chart
appears in the report depends on the report section that the OLAP grid has been placed.
4. Click the field you want to base your chart on in the On change of list in the Data area.
5. Click a secondary row or column you want to base your chart on in the Subdivided by list, if
necessary. Make sure the selected chart type supports a secondary charting field.
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desired results.
settings area.
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4. Click OK.
2. Click File and click Print Preview to preview the finished chart. Move and resize the chart
so that it fits properly within the report, if needed.
Working with Charts
Editing charts using the chart expert
To edit a chart using the Chart Expert:
1. Right click the chart and click Chart Expert.
2. Make the desired changes in the Chart Expert dialog box.
3. Click OK.
Changing chart size and position
To change chart size and position:
1. Click on the chart to drag and move it.
2. Click on the resizing handles to resize the chart.
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Formatting a chart
To change the chart format :
1. Right click on the chart.
2. Click Format Chart in the pull-down menu. The Format Chart has four options for customizing
and enhancing your chart:
Template, General, Titles, and Grid.
3. Click on Template to change and customize the chart type.
4. Make changes to the chart type and click Apply to see the immediate results on the designer
screen.
5. If you want to keep the changes, click OK.
6. Right click on the chart, click Format Chart, and click General in the pull- down menu to
select layout and other options for changing the chart.
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7. Make changes to items, such as Show Markers on Lines on the General tab.
8. Click the Layout tab to change the chart layout.
9. Click the other available tabs and make changes as needed.
10. Click Apply to see the changes; click OK to save the changes.
11. Right click on the chart, click Format Chart, and click Titles to change the chart tittles.
12. Edit titles as needed and click OK.
13. Right click on the chart, click Format Chart, and click Grids to changes the axis grids and
scales.
14. Click on each of the tabs and make changes as desired.
15. Click Apply to see the changes.
16. Click OK to save the changes.
To change chart border:
1. Right click on the chart and click Format.
2. Click the Border tab of the Format Editor dialog box.
3. Change the line style, color, background color, and add or remove a drop shadow from
the chart border
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Cross-Tab Objects
Cross-Tab Objects
A Cross-Tab object is a grid that displays values that are grouped and summarized in two directions.
It returns values based on the criteria you specify. Data is presented in compact rows and columns
that make it easy to compare data and identify trends. It is made up of three elements:
Rows – run horizontally from side to side.
Columns – run vertically up and down.
Summary fields – found at the intersection of rows and columns. Cross-Tab also
includes several totals:
At the end of each row – total for that row.
At the bottom of each column – total for that column.
At the intersection of the Totals column and the Totals row – grand total.
Creating a Cross-Tab Report
This section describes the steps to create a Cross-Tab object in a new report and to add a Cross-Tab
object to an existing report.
Items to keep in mind when using Cross-Tab objects:
 You can have multiple rows, columns, and summarized fields.
 You can insert as many Cross-Tab objects in a report as you need.
 You can insert the Cross-Tab into either the Report Header or Footer, or the
Group Header or Footer.
 You can place Cross-Tab objects in subreports; this is useful when you want to refer to the
results from another report.
To create a cross-tab report:
1. Create a report using exported data or direct connect in LABWORKS Report Designer and
insert cross-tab object.
2. Alternatively, open an existing report in LABWORKS Report Designer and insert cross-tab
object.
OR
Click File on the menu bar of an open report and click Create New Report.
3. Right click on the report.
4. Click Insert from the pull-down menu.
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5. Click on Cross-Tab in the next pull-down menu.
6. Drag the cross-tab field to the desired location and click to release. When you click to place the
field, the Format Cross-Tab dialog box appears for entering specifications for the cross-tab
object.
To specify cross-tab structure:
1. Add fields from the Available Fields area to the Rows, Columns, and Summarized Field areas.
2. Click on a field and click the Add Row button to add it to the Rows list; add as many rows and
fields as needed. You may also drag and drop fields to appropriate Rows, Columns, or
Summarized Fields lists.
3. Click on a field and click the Add Column button (or drag and drop) to add it to the Columns
list; add as many as needed.
4. Click on a field and click the Add Summarized Field button (or drag and drop) to add it to the
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Summarized Fields list; add more summarized fields as needed.
5. Click on a field and click Remove to delete it from the list.
6. Click on a field then click New Formula to add a new formula to the field using the
Formula Editor, if desired. See Using Formulas section of this chapter.
7. Click on a field then click Group Options to specify the sort method, i.e., ascending, descending,
or specified order, if available.
8. Click on a field then click Change Summary to change the summary operation.
9. Change summary and click OK or click Cancel to close.
To define style for the cross-tab:
1. Click on the Style tab.
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2. Click on any of the predefined styles to have them appear in the right view pane.
3. Select the style you want to use.
To customize the style:
1. Click on the Customize Style tab.
2. To change the background color of a row or column, select the row or column and select the
color from the Background color drop-down list.
3. To create an alias for a row or column, select the row or column and enter the alias name in
the Alias for Formulas field. You can create aliases to shorten long row or column names.
This is useful if referring to a row or column in conditional formatting formulas.
4. Click on the Grid Options to change the formatting of your grid.
5. Click on the Format Grid Lines button to specify formatting for the grid lines
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6. Scroll through the list and select the description of the area where you would like the lines to
appear; or click the appropriate area in the Format Grid Line diagram.
7. Click Show Grid Lines to show the grid lines; otherwise, leave unchecked.
8. Select the color, style, and width.
9. Click OK.
EXAMPLE of Cross-Tab object
Formatting Cross-Tabs
LABWORKS Report Designer provides several options for formatting cross-tabs in your report to
create a professional report.
Changing width and height of cross-tab fields
To change width or height of fields:
1. Open the report in the LABWORKS Report Designer.
2. Click a Row or Column heading within the Cross-Tab to activate the sizing handles.
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3. Click and drag one of the resizing handles of a Cross-Tab cell to the desired width or height.
NOTE: Changing one row or column heading affects all rows or columns.
Formatting background color of entire rows/columns
To format background color:
1. Right click the blank top left area of the Cross-Tab and select Cross-Tab Expert. The Format
Cross-Tab dialog box appears.
2. Click the Customize Style tab.
3. Click the row or column and select a color from the Background Color drop- down list.
4. Click OK to save changes and return to the cross-tab.
Formatting fields
To format individual fields:
1. Right click the field you want to format and click Format in the pull-down menu.
The Format Editor appears.
2. In the Format Editor, select font, background, borders, numbering, currency symbols, and
printing characteristics options.
3. Click OK to return to the Cross-Tab.
To format several fields at one time:
1. Use the Shift-click method to select the desired fields.
2. Right click on a field and click Format Multiple Objects. The Format Editor appears.
3. In the Format Editor, select font, background, borders, numbering, currency symbols, and
printing characteristics options.
4. Click OK to return to the Cross-Tab. The selected fields are formatted as specified.
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Suppressing cross-tab data
You can suppress:

Empty rows and columns
Row and column grand totals
Subtotals and their labels
To suppress empty rows and columns:
Cross-Tab dialog box appears.
3. Select either the Suppress Empty Rows or Suppress Empty Columns checkbox.
4. Click OK. When you print the report, empty rows and/or columns will not appear.
To suppress row and column grand totals:
Cross-Tab dialog box appears
3. Select either the Suppress Row Grand Totals or Suppress Column Grand Totals checkboxes.
4. Click OK.
To suppress subtotals and labels:
If you have more than two groups in your Cross-Tab you can suppress the subtotal and label for one of
them.
3. Click the field whose subtotal you want to suppress. The Suppress Subtotal and the Suppress
Label checkboxes become active.
4. Click the Suppress Subtotal checkbox in the Group Options area.
5. Click the Suppress Label checkbox to suppress the label associated with subtotal.
6. Click OK.
Printing Cross-Tabs on Multiple Pages
If a Cross-Tab is wider or longer than the specified page size, the program automatically spans the
printing across enough pages to accommodate its size. For ease in reading, column headings are
repeated on subsequent pages. Row headings can also be repeated using the Keep Columns Together
option.
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To repeat row labels:
3. Select the Repeat Row Labels checkbox, if desired.
Using Formulas
Using Formulas
This section explains the basics of formulas and using the Formula Editor to create formulas. Data
needed for a report usually exists in database table fields, but there are times when you may need to
create a formula to put data on the report that does not exist in any of the data fields.
Formula Components and Syntax
Formulas contain two critical parts: the components and the syntax. The components are the pieces
that you add to create a formula, and the syntax is the rules that you follow to organize the
components.
Formula components
Creating a formula in LABWORKS Report Designer is similar to creating a formula in any spreadsheet
application. You can use any of the following components in your formula:
Fields Numbers Text
Operators – actions you can use in your formulas.
Functions – perform calculations such as average, sum, and count; all available functions are listed
with their arguments and are arranged by their use.
Control Structures
Group field values – these values summarize a group. For example, you could use group field values
to find the percentage of the grand total contributed by each group.
Other formulas
Formula syntax
Syntax rules are used to create correct formulas. Some basic rules
are:
 Enclose text strings in quotation marks.
 Enclose arguments in parentheses, where applicable. Referenced formulas are identified with a leading sign.
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Crystal and Basic syntax
You have the option of using either Crystal or Basic syntax. Almost any formula written with Crystal
syntax can be written with Basic. Reports can contain formulas that use Basic syntax as well as
formulas that use Crystal syntax.
If you are familiar with Microsoft Visual Basic or other versions of Basic, then Basic syntax may be
more familiar to you. In general, Basic syntax is modeled on Visual Basic except that it has specific
extensions to handle reporting. If you are already comfortable with Crystal syntax, you can continue to
use it.
Report processing is not slowed down by using Basic syntax. Reports using Basic syntax formulas
can run on any computer running LABWORKS Report Designer. Using Basic syntax formulas does
not require distributing any additional files with your reports.
Specifying Formulas
LABWORKS Report Designer contains four groups of formulas. The majority of formulas in a
report are report formulas and conditional formatting formulas.
Report formulas – use these as stand-alone formulas in a report; e.g., calculating days between
submittal date and completion date.
Conditional formatting formulas – use these formulas to change the report layout and design or
appearance of text, database fields, objects, and report sections; format text through the Format Editor;
create formatting formula using the Formula Editor in the Format Editor.
Selection formulas – use to specify and limit the records and groups that appear in a report; usually
done by specifying the selection using the Select Expert. LABWORKS Report Designer then
generates the record selection and group selection formula. You have the option to edit these formulas
manually, but you must use Crystal syntax.
Search formulas – use these formulas to help locate data in your report; like selection formulas, you
usually do not enter these formulas directly but specify search criteria using the Search Expert.
LABWORKS Report Designer generates the formula. You have the option to edit these formulas
manually, but you must use Crystal syntax.
If you already know Basic syntax, only a minimal knowledge of Crystal syntax is needed to modify
most selection and search formulas.
Using the Formula Editor

Other than selection and search formulas, you create all formulas in the Formula
Editor.
Accessing the formula editor
To access the Formula Editor:
1. Right click on Formula Fields.
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2. Click New in the pull-down menu.
3. Enter the name of the formula you will create in the Formula Name dialog box.
4. Click OK.
Formula editor sections
The Formula Editor contains four main sections.
Report Fields – contain all database fields accessible for your report and any formulas or groups
already created for the report
Functions – pre-built procedures that return values; perform calculations such as average, sum,
count, sin, trim, and uppercase
Operators – actions; describe an operation or an action to take place between two or more values;
e.g., add, subtract, less than, greater than
Formula text window – area where you create a formula
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Selecting syntax
The drop-down list in the top right corner of the Formula Editor allows you to select either Crystal or
Basic syntax for creating the formula.
Changing the syntax from Crystal syntax to Basic syntax or vice versa changes the list of functions in
the Functions window and the list of operators in the Operators window. The functions and operators
differ from syntax to syntax.
Since the report fields are available to either syntax, the available report fields remain the same.
Entering formula components
The Report Fields, Functions, and Operators contain the primary formula components. Double click
any component to add this component to your formula.
For example, if you set the syntax to Basic Syntax and double click the Operators > Control Structures
> Multi-Line If in the Operators list, the following text is transferred to the Formula text window with the
cursor between the If and Then:
If | Then ElseIf Then Else
End If
The above text helps you organize the parts needed to write your formula.
Creating and Modifying Formulas
Creating and inserting a formula in a report
To create a formula:
1. Right click on Formula Fields.
2. Click New in the pull-down menu.
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3. Enter the name of the formula you will create in the Formula Name dialog box.
4. Click OK.
5. Select either Crystal or Basic syntax.
6. Enter the formula by typing in the components or selecting them from the component lists.
8. Correct any syntax errors the Formula Checker identifies.
9. Click Save and Close when the formula has the correct syntax.
To insert the formula in the report:
1. Double click the formula in the Formula fields list.
2. Place the cursor where you want the formula to appear on your report.
3. Click once to place the field in the desired position.
NOTE: A formula placed on a report is indicated by @ symbol.
Modifying formulas
1. Right click on the formula you want to edit in the Formula Fields list.
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2. Click Edit. The Formula Editor appears.
3. Edit the formula.
5. Correct any syntax errors the Formula Checker identifies.
6. Click Save and Close when the formula has the correct syntax.
Searching and replacing text
1. Right click on the formula you want to edit in the Formula Fields list.
3. Click the Find/Replace icon on the menu bar of the Formula Editor dialog box. The Find dialog
box appears.
4. Enter the text to search for the in the Find what field.
5. Enter the text to replace the found text in the Replace with field.
6. Click on Search option to direct the search to a specific list in the Formula Editor.
7. Click Mark All to mark all occurrences of the search text.
8. Click Replace All to replace all occurrences of the search text with the contents of the Replace
with text box.
NOTE: You can also search but not replace within any of the Formula Editor lists. The Mark All,
Replace, and Replace All buttons become inactive when you specify a search within a list box.
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Copying Formulas from One Report to Another

To copy a formula field from one report to another:
1. Select the formula field you want to copy in the report.
2. Right click on the formula field and click Copy in the pull-down menu.
3. Open the report to which you want to copy the formula.
4. Right click and click Paste from the pull-down menu.
5. Drag the formula to where you want it on the report.
6. To make changes to the formula, right click on the formula field and click Edit Formula from the
pull-down menu. The Formula Editor appears.
7. Delete the old values and type in the new values, or select them from the Fields, Functions,
and/or Operators tree.
8. Click Save and Close when finished.
To copy a formula from one report to another:
1. Right click on the formula field in the Formula Fields list from which you want to copy a
formula.
3. Select and right click on the formula you want to copy.
4. Click Copy in the pull-down menu.
5. Open the report to which you want to copy the formula.
6. Create the new formula; click in the Formula text window of the Formula Editor and click Paste to
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insert the formula.

OR
Use the edit function to add the formula to an existing formula field in the report by pasting
the formula in the Formula Editor.
Key points for editing a copy of a formula
When making changes, use the following points as a guide:
 All fields, formulas, and group fields referenced in the formula copy must actually exist in the
new report. This means that any database referenced in the original formula or a database
with the same structure, field names, and alias must be active in the new report.
 If such a database is not active, you must change the field, formula, and group field references
in the formula copy to correspond to elements in your new report.
 If the formula contains conditional elements, make certain that the conditions apply to the data
in the new report. For example, if the formula in your old report performed an action when the
quantity was greater than 100, make sure that the greater than 100 condition makes sense in
the new formula. When modifying a formula, you may find that greater than 10 or greater than
2000 makes more sense with your new data.
 If you are using the formula with new data, and if your report contains statements
similar to the following:
If {file.FIELD} = "text string"
Make sure that the text strings used in the formula match values that actually exist in the new
data.
Deleting Formulas
When a formula is created and added to a report, the Report Designer stores the specification for
creating the formula, using the name you assigned to it. It places a working copy of that formula at the
point you specify in the report. A working copy is any occurrence of the formula in the report.
To delete formulas completely, you must delete the specification and all working copies of the
formula. You cannot delete the specification without deleting all working copies of the formula.
To remove working formulas from reports:
1. In the report, right click the formula field you want to delete.
2. Click Delete in the pull-down menu.
NOTE: After deleting the working copies of a formula from the report, the formula specification remains
unchanged and listed in the Formula Fields list on the left portion of the LABWORKS Report Designer. The
formula field remains available for you to insert it in the report again if needed.
To delete formula specifications:
1. Right click the formula you want to delete in the Formula Fields list.
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2. Click Delete in the pull-down menu.
NOTE: A dialog box appears if this formula is currently in use in a report. If you delete this formula,
you will delete all references of it in reports.
3. Click Yes to delete.
Creating Formulas with Basic Syntax
Basic Syntax Overview
When creating formulas, you have the option of using either Crystal or Basic syntax. Syntax rules are
used to create correct formulas. Almost any formula written with one syntax can be written with the
other. Reports can contain formulas that use Basic syntax as well as formulas that use Crystal syntax.
If you are familiar with Microsoft Visual Basic or other versions of Basic, then Basic syntax may be
more familiar to you. In general, Basic syntax is similar to Visual Basic except that it has specific
extensions to handle reporting.
Using Basic syntax does not slow report processing. Reports using Basic syntax formulas can run on
any computer that LABWORKS Report Designer runs on. Also, using Basic syntax formulas does not
require distributing any additional files with your reports.
Tips on Basic Syntax
If you have no programming experience
In many cases you may not need to use the formula language. LABWORKS Report Designer includes
several Experts that automatically handle situations where formulas could be used. These include the
Select, Search, Running Totals and Highlighting Experts, and the Insert Summary and Insert Grand
Total dialog boxes. Before creating formulas, check to see if you can use one of these tools.
However, you may need to create formulas without the help of an Expert. Read this section to learn
about Basic syntax and the rules you need to follow to create a formula.
If you know Microsoft Visual Basic, VBScript, or another version of Basic
In order to create formulas using Basic syntax, you need to understand the following:
 How a Basic syntax formula refers to other fields in the report such as database fields,
parameter fields, summary fields, running total fields and other formula fields.
 How to return a value from a formula by setting the special variable named formula.
 How to use functions specific to report processing such as ReportTitle and OnFirstRecord.
 How to use the type system.
Basic syntax is strongly typed, similar to using Option Explicit in Visual Basic and there is no Variant
type. Basic syntax supports separate Date, Time and DateTime types unlike just the Date type in Visual
Basic. It also supports range types, such as
10 to 20, to allow for ranges of values that are common in many reporting applications.
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Familiar features
Many Basic syntax functions work in the same way as their counterparts in Visual Basic. This includes
string functions such as Len, Mid and Filter, math functions such as Abs, Rnd and Sin, financial
functions such as PV, programming shortcut functions such as IIF and date functions such as
DateSerial, DateAdd and DateDiff. Most operators supported by Visual Basic are also in Basic syntax.
For example, string concatenation (&) and date-time literals (#...#).Most statements and control
structures use the same syntax as in Visual Basic. This includes the If, Select, Do While, Do Until, While
and For/Next statements.
The overall look of the formula will be unmistakably like Basic. For example, Basic style comments
and line continuation characters are supported as is the Basic language use of new lines, colons, and
the equal sign.
Basic Syntax Fundamentals
Formula results
The result of a formula, or the value that is printed when the formula is placed in a report, is called the
value returned by the formula. Every formula in LABWORKS Report Designer must return a value.
Basic syntax does this by setting the value of the special variable formula. For example, here is a
simple Basic syntax formula that returns the value 10:
formula = 10
The value returned by a formula can be one of the seven simple data types supported: Number,
Currency, String, Boolean, Date, Time, and DateTime. LABWORKS Report Designer also supports
range types and array types, but these cannot be returned by a formula.
Restrictions on changing formula variable data types
The formula variable can be set several times within a single formula. For example, suppose a
company has a shipping policy in which orders over $1,000 are insured, but orders below that amount
are not insured:
Rem A formula that returns a String value
If {Orders.Order Amount} >= 1000 Then
formula = "Insured Shipping"
Else
formula = "Regular shipping"
End If
The text following the keyword Rem is a comment for the user reading the formula and is ignored by
the Basic syntax compiler.
The above formula returns the text string value "Insured shipping" if the value of the database field
{Orders.Order Amount} is greater than or equal to 1000; otherwise, it returns the text string value
"Regular Shipping." Text strings are usually just referred to as strings. Notice that the formula variable
appears twice in the above example.
If the formula variable is set to a value of one type, it cannot be set to a value of another type later in
the same formula. For example, replacing the String "Regular shipping" in the above example with the
Number 10 would result in an error since the special variable formula was first set to the String value
"Insured shipping."
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The reason for this restriction is that LABWORKS Report Designer needs to know in advance what the
return type of a formula will be so that it can allocate enough storage for the returned values. This is
because different types have different storage requirements. Another reason is that the formatting
options available for a formula field depend on its type. For example, a Number field has Number
formatting options, such as the number of decimals to display, which do not make sense for a String
field.
The special variable formula should not be declared, unlike other variables used in a
Basic syntax formula.
How formulas relate to functions in Microsoft Visual Basic
Consider the following Basic syntax formula:

Rem A formula that returns a String value
Rem The function Rnd returns a random number
Rem between 0 and 1
If Rnd > 0.9 Then
formula = "You won!"
Else
formula = "Sorry, try again."
End If
The above formula returns the text string value "You won!" if the random number returned by Rnd is
greater than 0.9 and the text string value "Sorry, try again." otherwise.
The use of the formula variable is similar to writing a function named formula in Visual Basic.
For example, the above formula could be written as a Visual Basic function as follows:
Rem The following code is in Visual Basic
Function formula()
If Rnd > 0.9 Then
formula = "You won!" Else
formula = "Sorry, try again." End If
End Function
Variable formula must be assigned a value
If the variable formula is not assigned a value, it is not a complete Basic syntax formula. Some
examples in this section are not complete Basic syntax formulas but rather just fragments intended to
explain a particular feature.
Sometimes you may want to write a formula that just declares and initializes some global variables.
These formulas are commonly inserted into the report header section of a report. In such cases,
assign any value to the special variable formula. Every formula must return a value, even if you are
not interested in using that value. For example:
Rem Some Global variable declarations
Rem Remember to set the value of 'formula' Global x As String, y As
Number, z As DateTime x = "hello"
y = 10.5
z = #Aug 6, 1976#
formula = 10
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Basic syntax is not case-sensitive

What this means is that formula, Formula, and FORMULA are all considered the same. This is true
of all variable names, functions, and keywords used in a Basic syntax formula.
The only exception to this rule is for strings. The string "Hello" is not the same as the string "hello".
Comments (Basic syntax)
Formula comments are notes included with a formula to explain its design and operation. Comments
do not print and they do not affect the formula; they appear only in the Formula Editor. Use comments
to explain the purpose of a formula or explain the steps involved in writing it.
Comments work as in Visual Basic. Begin comments with a Rem or an apostrophe.
NOTE: A comment beginning with a Rem is a separate statement and must either start on a new line or be
separated from the previous statement by a colon.
Rem This is a comment
Rem This is another comment
formula = 10 'So is any text after an apostrophe
formula = 20 : Rem This is also a comment
'Comments can occur after the formula text
Fields (Basic syntax)
Many of the fields you use when creating your report can also be referred to in your formulas. For
example, database, parameter, running total, SQL expression, summary, and group name fields can all
be used in a formula. You can also refer to other formula fields in your formula.
The easiest way to insert a field into your report is to double-click a field's name in the Report Fields
tree. This ensures that the correct syntax for the field is used.
How fields appear in formulas
Database, parameter, formula, running total and SQL expression fields have their names surrounded
by braces. Database field names are taken from the database. For example:
database field: {Employee.Last Name}
 Parameter, formula, running total, and SQL expression field names are specified when
the fields are created. Parameter fields also includes a question mark: {?my parameter field}.
 Formula fields include an at sign: {@another formula }.
 Running totals fields include a pound sign: {#my running total}.
 Sql expression fields include a percent sign: {%my sql expression}. Summary and group name
fields look like function calls but are really shorthand notation for a report field.
 Sum summary field: Sum({Orders.Order Amount}, {Orders.Ship Via}).
 Group name field: GroupName({Orders.Ship Via}).

Sample formulas using fields
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The formula in this example uses the Example database. To find out how many
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days it takes to ship the product from the date when the order was placed, subtract the ship date
database field from the order date database field:
Rem A formula that uses database fields
formula = {Orders.Ship Date} - {Orders.Order Date}
To find the total dollar amount of a given product that was ordered, multiply its unit price by the
quantity ordered:
formula = {Orders Detail.Unit Price} * _
{Orders Detail.Quantity}
The example uses the line continuation character " _ " (space underscore).
To calculate a sale price of 80 percent of the original unit price:
formula = {Orders Detail.Unit Price} * 0.80
Statements (Basic syntax)
A Basic syntax formula consists of a sequence of statements. Each statement must be separated from
the previous statement by either a new line or a colon. Typically, each statement takes one line, but
you can continue a statement onto the next line by using the line continuation character, which is a
space followed by an
underscore.
For example:
'Declare a variable x to hold a number
Dim x As Number
'Assign the value of 30 to x
x = 10 + 10 + 10
'This also assigns the value of 30 to x
x = 10 + _
10 + 10
'Line continuation characters _
can also be used in comments
Dim y as String
'Three statements separated by two colons
y = "Hello" : x = 30 : formula = True
Assignment and Data Types (Basic syntax)
Assignment
Use the equal sign (=) when making assignments. The keyword Let can be optionally included
as well. For example:
x = 10
Let y = 20
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Simple Data Types (Basic syntax)
The simple data types in LABWORKS Report Designer are Number, Currency, String, Boolean, Date,
Time and DateTime.
Number (Basic syntax)
Enter numbers without any comma separators or currency symbols. (Generally, you would want to
have formatted numbers appearing as the result of a formula and
not in the formula itself.)
Examples
10000
-20
1.23
Currency (Basic syntax)
Use the CCur function to create a Currency value. The initial C in CCur stands for convert and it can
be used to convert Number values to Currency values.
Examples
CCur (10000)
CCur (-20)
CCur (1.23)
String (Basic syntax)
Strings are used to hold text. The text must be placed between double quotation marks (") and cannot
be split between lines. If you want to include double quotes in a string, use two consecutive double
quotation marks.
"This is a string."
"123"
"The word ""hello"" is quoted."
You can extract individual elements or substrings from a string by specifying the character position
or a range of character positions. Negative values are allowed; they specify the position starting from
the end of the string.
"hello" (2) 'Equal to "e" "hello" (-5) 'Equal to
"h"
"604-555-1234" (1 to 3) 'Equal to "604"
"abcdef" (-3 to -1) 'Equal to "def"
You can also extract substrings from a string using the Left, Right and Mid functions.
Boolean (Basic syntax)
The Boolean values are:
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True
False
Yes can be used instead of True and No instead of False.
Date, Time, and DateTime (Basic syntax)
The DateTime type can hold date-times, dates only or times only. The Date type holds dates only and
the Time type holds times only. The Date and Time types are more efficient than the DateTime type,
and so can be used in situations where the added functionality and flexibility of the DateTime type is
not needed.
Visual Basic does not support separate types for holding dates only or times only. The Basic syntax
DateTime type is similar to Visual Basic's Date type.
You can create DateTime values directly using the date-time literal construction. It is formed by typing
in the date-time between 2 pound (#) signs. Many different formats are supported, as in Visual Basic.
NOTE: Date-time literals cannot be split between lines.
Examples
#8/6/1976 1:20 am#
#August 6, 1976#
#6 Aug 1976 13:20:19#
#6 Aug 1976 1:30:15 pm#
#8/6/1976#
#10:20 am#
Even though #10:20 am# looks like it could have the Time type and #8/6/1976# looks like it could
have the Date type, they do not. They both have the DateTime type, as do all date-time literals. For
example, you can think of #10:20 am# as a DateTime value with a null date part. To convert it to the
Time type use CTime (#10:20 am#).
Instead of using date-time literals, you can use CDateTime to convert a String to a
DateTime. For example:
CDateTime ("8/6/1976 1:20 am") CDateTime ("10:20
am")
However, there is one key difference between using date-time literals and the above usage of
CDateTime. Date-time literals always use U.S. English date formats rather than settings from the locale
of the particular computer on which LABWORKS
Report Designer is running. Thus, the date-time literal examples above would work on all computers.
On the other hand, on a French system, you could use constructions like:
CDateTime ("22 aout 1997") 'Same as #Aug 22, 1997#
Date values can be constructed with CDate and Time values with CTime: CDate ("Aug 6,
1969")
CDate (1969, 8, 6) 'Specify the year, month, day
'Converts the DateTime argument to a Date
CDate (#Aug 6, 1969#)
CTime ("10:30 am")
CTime (10, 30, 0) 'Specify the hour, minute, second
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CTime (#10:30 am#)
Range data types (Basic syntax)
Ranges are designed to handle a spectrum of values. Range types are available for all the simple
types except for Boolean. That is: Number Range, Currency Range, String Range, Date Range, Time
Range and DateTime Range. You can generate ranges using the To, _To, To_, _To_, Is >, Is >=, Is <
and Is <= keywords. In general, To is used for ranges with 2 endpoints, and Is is used for open ended
ranges (only one endpoint). The underscores are used to indicate whether or not the endpoints are in
the range.
Examples of Number Range values

The range of numbers from 2 to 5 including both 2 and 5
2 To 5
The range of numbers from 2 to 5, not including 2 but including 5

2 _To 5
All numbers less than or equal to 5

Is <= 5
All number less than 5

Is < 5
Examples of DateTime Range values

#Jan 5, 1999# To #Dec 12, 2000#
Is >= #Jan 1, 2000#
Using Ranges in Formulas (Basic syntax)
There are twenty-seven functions in LABWORKS Report Designer that specify date ranges. For
example, the function LastFullMonth specifies a range of date values that includes all dates from the
first to last day of the previous month. So if today's date is September 15, 1999 then LastFullMonth is
the same as the range value CDate (#Aug 1, 1999#) To CDate (#Aug 31, 1999#).
Ranges are often used with If or Select statements. The following example computes student letter
grades based on their test scores. Scores greater than or equal to 90 receive an "A", scores from 80 to
90, not including 90 receive a "B" and so on.
Rem Compute student letter grades
Select Case {Student.Test Scores}
Case Is >= 90
formula = "A"
Case 80 To_ 90
formula = "B"
Case 70 To_ 80
formula = "C"
Case 60 To_ 70
formula = "D"
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Case Else
formula = "F"
End Select
The above example uses the Select statement which is discussed in more detail in Control structures
(Basic syntax). You can check if a value is in a range by using the In operator. For example:
formula = 5 In 2 To 10 'True
formula = 5 In 2 To_ 5 'False
formula = 5 In 2 To 5 'True
The Maximum and Minimum functions can be used to find the endpoints of a range:
formula = Maximum (2 To 10) 'Returns 10
Array Data Types (Basic syntax)
Arrays in LABWORKS Report Designer are ordered lists of values that are all of the same type. These
values are known as the array's elements. The elements of an array can be any simple type or range
type. One way to create an array is using the Array function.
Examples
An array of 3 Number values. The first element is 10, second 5, and third 20.
Array (10, 5, 20)
An array of 7 String values:
Array ("Sun", "Mon", "Tue", "Wed", "Th", "Fri", "Sat")
An array of 2 DateTime Range values (note the line continuation character which is used for
readability):
Array (#Jan 1, 1998# To #Jan 31, 1998#, _
#Feb 1, 1999# To #Feb 28, 1999#)
You can extract individual elements out of an array using parentheses containing the index of the
element you want. This is called subscripting the array:
Array (10, 5, 20) (2) 'Equal to 5
Arrays in Basic syntax are indexed from 1 (this means the first element has index
1). This is unlike in Visual Basic where arrays are indexed from 0 by default. However, in Visual
Basic, arrays can be indexed from 1 by using the Option Base statement.
Number ranges can also be used to subscript arrays. The result is another array. For example:
Array (10, 5, 20) (2 To 3) 'Equal to Array (5, 20)
Arrays are most useful when used with variables. Using variables, you can change the individual
elements of an array and resize the array to accommodate more elements. This capability
significantly expands the capabilities of the formula language to do complex calculations.
For example, you can accumulate database field values into a global array variable in a detail level
formula, and then use a formula in a group footer to perform a calculation based on those values. This
allows you to perform a wide variety of customized summary operations.
Variables (Basic syntax)
This section describes the key components of variables and shows you how to create variables
and assign values to them.
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Variable overview
A variable represents a specific data item, or value, and acts as a placeholder for that value. When a
formula encounters a variable, the formula searches for the value of the variable and uses it in the
formula. Unlike a constant value, which is fixed and unchanging, a variable can be repeatedly
assigned different values. You assign a value to a variable and the variable maintains the value until
you later assign a new value. Because of this flexibility, it is necessary for you to declare variables
before you use them so that LABWORKS Report Designer is aware of them and understands how
you intend to use them.
Example of a variable
If you wanted to report on customers by area code, you could create a variable that extracts the area
code from a customer fax number. The following is an example of a variable called areaCode:
Dim areaCode As String
areaCode = Left ({Customer.Fax}, 3)
Rem could also use: areaCode = {Customer.Fax} (1 To 3)
The first line of the variable example is the variable declaration; it gives the variable a name and type.
The database field {Customer.Fax} is a String field and the Left function extracts the first 3 characters
from its current value. The variable areaCode is then assigned this value.
Variable declarations using dim (Basic syntax)
Before using a variable in a formula, you must declare it. A variable can hold values of a given type.
The allowed types are the seven simple types (Number, Currency, String, Boolean, Date, Time and
DateTime), the six range types (Number Range, Currency Range, String Range, Date Range, Time
Range and DateTime Range) and variables that hold arrays of the previously mentioned types. This
gives a total of 26 different types that a variable can have. When you declare a variable, you also
specify its name. A variable cannot have the same name as any function, operator, or other keyword
that is valid for Basic syntax. For example, your variable cannot be named Sin, Mod, or If because Sin
is a built in function, Mod is a built in operator, and If is a built in keyword. When typing formulas in the
formula editor, the names of the built-in functions, operators, and other keywords are highlighted in a
different color. This makes it easy to check if the variable name conflicts.
Once a variable is declared, it can be used in the formula. For example, you might want to assign it
an initial value:
Dim x As Number 'Declare x to be a Number variable
x = 10 'Assign the value of 10 to x
Variables can only hold values of one type (Basic syntax)
A variable can only hold values of one type. For example, if a variable holds a
Number value you cannot later use it to hold a String.
Example
Dim y As String
y = "hello"
'OK - the Len function expects a String argument
formula = Len (y)
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'Error- y can only hold String values

y = #Jan 5, 1993#
'Error- y can only hold String values
y = Array ("a", "bb", "ccc")
'Error- the Sin function expects a Number argument
formula = Sin (y)
You can declare more than one variable per statement by separating their declaration by
commas:
Dim x As Number, y as String, z as DateTime Range
x = 10 : y = "hello"
z = #Jan 1, 1999# To #Jan 31, 1999#
Declaring variables without immediately specifying their type (Basic syntax)
In general, the type of a variable does not need to be explicitly given when declaring it. In such cases,
the variable's type is determined by the first assignment that is made to it. This is similar to the special
variable formula. This is different from in Visual Basic where a variable whose type is not given at
declaration automatically has the Variant type. However, in practice, it means that you can write
formulas in a similar style to what you would do if using a Variant in Visual Basic.
Dim p 'The type of p is not known yet

p = "bye" 'The type of p is now set to be String
Dim q 'The type of q is not known yet
q = Array ("hello", p) 'q is a String Array
'Error- p is a String variable and cannot hold a Number
p = 25
Dim r
'r is a Number variable, and holds the value 5
r = (10 + 5) / 3
'The types of a and c are not known yet
Dim a, b As Boolean, c
b = False
'The type of a is now set to Boolean
'and its value is False
a=b
'The type of c is now set to Number and its value is 17
c=2+3*5
Examples of declaring and initializing range variables

Dim gradeA, quarter
'The type of gradeA is set to Number Range
gradeA = 90 To 100
'The type of quarter is set to Date Range
quarter = CDate (1999, 10, 1) To CDate (1999, 12, 31)
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Variable Scope (Basic syntax)
Variable scopes are used to define the degree to which variables in one formula are
made available to other formulas. There are three levels of scope: local, global and shared. Every
variable has a scope, and this scope is specified when the variable is declared.
Local variables
Variables with local scope, also known as local variables, are declared using either the Dim or Local
keywords. For example, all the declarations in the previous section using Dim were declaring local
variables. Another example:
Local x As Number 'equivalent to Dim x As Number
Local variables are restricted to a single formula and a single evaluation of that formula. This
means that you cannot access the value of a local variable in one formula from a different formula.
Example
Rem Formula A
Local x as Number
x = 10
formula = x
Rem Formula B
EvaluateAfter ({@Formula A})
Local x as Number
formula = x + 1
The function call EvaluateAfter ({@Formula A}) ensures that Formula B will be evaluated after Formula
A is evaluated. Formula A returns a value of 10 and Formula B returns a value of 1. Formula B does not
have access to Formula A's x and thus cannot use the value of 10 and add 1 to it; instead, it uses the
default value for the uninitialized local variable x found in Formula B, which is 0, and adds 1 to it to get
1.
You can also create local variables with the same name but different types in different formulas. For
example, the type declarations in formulas A and B do not conflict with:
Rem Formula C
Local x as String x = "hello" formula = x
Local variables are the most efficient of the three scopes. In addition, they do not interfere with one
another in different formulas. For these reasons, it is best to declare variables to be local whenever
possible.
Global variables (Basic syntax)
Global variables use the same memory block to store a value throughout the main report. This value
is then available to all formulas that declare the variable, except for those in subreports. Declare a
global variable as in the following example:
Global y As String
Since global variables share their values throughout the main report, you cannot declare a global
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variable in one formula with one type and then declare a global variable with the same name in a
different formula with a different type.
Example
Rem Formula A
Global z As Date
z = CDate (1999, 9, 18)
formula = 10
Rem Formula B
Global z As Number
formula = True
In this case, if you enter and save Formula A first, LABWORKS Report Designer will return an error
when you check or try to save Formula B. This is because the declaration of the Global variable z as a
Number conflicts with its earlier declaration in Formula A as a Date.
Using Global variables
Global variables are often used to perform complex calculations where the results of a formula depend
upon the grouping and page layout of the actual printed report. This is accomplished by creating
several formulas, placing them in different sections of the report, and having the different formulas
interact via global variables.
Here is an example of the sort of effects that can be produced:

Rem Formula C
Global x as Number
x = 10
formula = x
Rem Formula D
'call the function WhileReadingRecords
WhileReadingRecords
Global x as Number
x=x+1
formula = x
If Formula C is placed in the Report Header and then Formula D is placed in a detail section, Formula C
will be evaluated before Formula D. Formula C will be evaluated once and then Formula D will be
evaluated for each record appearing in the detail section. Formula C returns 10. For the first detail
record, Formula D returns 11. This is because the value 10 of x is retained from when it was set by
Formula C. Formula D then adds 1 to this value, setting x to 11 and then returns 11. For the second
detail record, formula D return 12, adding 1 to the previously retained value of x which was 11. This
process continues for the remaining detail records.
The call to WhileReadingRecords tells LABWORKS Report Designer to re-evaluate Formula D as it

reads in each record of the report. Otherwise, since the formula does not contain any database fields,
the program will evaluate it only once before reading the records from the database. The formula will
then return the value 11 instead of 11, 12, 13,... as the successive records are processed.
If the statement x = x + 1 is replaced by x = x + {Orders Detail.Quantity}, you create the effect of a

running total based on {Orders Detail.Quantity}, although it is one starting at 10 rather than 0 because
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of Formula C. In this case, you can omit the call to WhileReadingRecords, since it will automatically
occur because the formula contains a database field.
Shared variables (Basic syntax)
Shared variables use the same memory block to store the value of a variable throughout the main
report and all of its subreports. Thus, shared variables are even more general than global variables.
To use a shared variable, declare it in a formula in the main report as in the following example:
Shared x As Number
x = 1000
and declare it in a formula in the subreport as in the following example:
Shared x as Number
In order to use shared variables the variable must be declared and assigned a value before it can be
passed between the main report and the subreport.
Declaring Array Variables (Basic syntax)
There are several different ways of declaring array variables. The first way is to use empty parentheses
and explicitly specify the type of the array:
'Declare x to be a Global variable
'of Number Array type
Global x () As Number
'Initialize x
x = Array (10, 20, 30)
'Declare y to be a Shared variable
'of String Range Array type
Shared y () As String Range
'Initialize y
y = Array ("A" To "C", "H" To "J")
The second way is to declare the variable without specifying that it is an array and without giving its
type and waiting for the first assignment to the variable to completely specify its type:
'Declare y to be a Local variable
'but do not specify its type
Dim y
'The type of y is now set to be a String Array
y = Array ("Sun", "Mon", "Tue", "Wed", "Th", _ "Fri", "Sat")
The third way is to declare that the variable is an array but not specify its type fully until the first
assignment. Assuming the declaration of y above:
'Declare z to be a Local variable that is an Array
Local z()
'z is set to Array ("Mon", "Tue") and is a String Array
z = y(2 to 3)
The fourth way is to specify explicitly the size of the array during the declaration. If you use this
technique, the array is automatically created and default values are used to fill the array. For example,
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for a Number Array, each element is initialized to 0 and for a String array each element is initialized to
the empty string "". Since this type of declaration actually creates the array, you must specify its type
with the As clause so that LABWORKS Report Designer knows how much storage space to reserve for
the array.
Dim a(2) As String
'Assign a value to the first element of the array a
a(1) = "good"
a(2) = "bye"
'The & operator can be used to concatenate strings
'the formula returns the String "goodbye"
formula = a(1) & a(2)
Arrays and For/Next loops
Arrays are commonly used with For/Next loops. The following example creates and then uses the
array Array (10, 20, 30, ..., 100) using a For/Next loop. See For/Next loops (Basic syntax) for more
details.
Dim b (10) As Number
Dim i
For i = 1 To 10
b(i) = 10 * i
Next i
formula = b(2) 'The formula returns the Number 20
Using array variables (Basic syntax)
You can assign values to elements of an array and use the values of the elements for other
computations:
Global x() As String
x = Array ("hello", "bye", "again")
'Now x is Array ("hello", "once", "again")
x (2) = "once"
'The statement below would cause an error if not
'commented out since the array has size 3
'x (4) = "zap"
'The formula returns the String "HELLO"
formula = UCase (x (1))
The Redim and Redim Preserve keywords can be used to resize an array, which is useful if you want to
add extra information to it. Redim erases the previous contents of the array first before resizing it
whereas Redim Preserve preserves the previous contents.
Dim x () As Number
Redim x (2) 'Now x is Array (0, 0)
x (2) = 20 'Now x is Array (0, 20)
Redim x (3) 'Now x is Array (0, 0, 0)
x (3) = 30 'Now x is Array (0, 0, 30)
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Redim Preserve x (4) 'Now x is Array (0, 0, 30, 0)

formula = "finished"
Default Values for Simple Types (Basic syntax)
An uninitialized variable will have the default value for its type. In general, it is not a good programming
practice to rely on the default values of types. For example, initialize all local variables in your formula,
initialize all global variables in a formula placed in the Report Header, and initialize all shared variables
in a formula placed in the Report Header of the main report.
When an array is resized using the Redim keyword, the entries are filled with default values for
the type.
Default values
Number
0
Currency
CCur (0)
String
"" 'The empty string
Date
CDate (0, 0, 0) 'The null Date value
Time
The null Time value. Value held by an uninitialized Time variable.
DateTime
The null DateTime value. Value held by an uninitialized DateTime variable.
NOTE: It is not recommended that your formulas rely on the values of uninitialized range or array variables.
Automatic Type Conversions (Basic syntax)
Generally, in Crystal Reports, values of one type cannot be used where values of another type are
expected without explicitly supplying a type conversion function. For example:
Dim postalCode as String
'Error- assigning a Number value to a String variable
postalCode = 10025
'OK- use the type conversion function CStr
'to create "10025"
postalCode = CStr (10025, 0)
However, there are a few conversions that are made automatically:
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 Number to Currency
 Date to DateTime
 Simple type to Range value of the same underlying simple type
For example, the following assignments are correct:

Dim cost As Currency
'Same as: cost = CCur (10)
cost = 10
Dim orderDate As DateTime
'Same as: orderDate = CDateTime (1999, 9, 23, 0, 0, 0)
orderDate = CDate (1999, 9, 23)
Dim aRange As Number Range
'Same as: aRange = 20 To 20
aRange = 20
Dim aRangeArray () As Number Range
'Same as :
'aRangeArray = Array (10 To 10, 20 To 25, 2 To 2)
aRangeArray = Array (10, 20 To 25, 2)
The opposite conversions are not allowed. For example:

Dim num As Number
num = 5 + CCur (10) 'Error
'OK- convert to Number type using the CDbl function
num = CDbl (5 + CCur (10))
5 is converted to CCur (5) and added to CCur (10) to make CCur (15). However, this Currency value
cannot be automatically assigned to the Number variable num since automatic conversions from
Currency to Number are not allowed. Similarly, functions accepting a Currency argument can be
supplied a Number argument instead, and the Number argument will be converted to a Currency,
whereas functions accepting a Number argument cannot be supplied a Currency argument without first
explicitly converting the Currency to a Number using CDbl.
Functions (Basic syntax)
When using a function in a formula, type the name of the function and supply the arguments required.
For example, the Len function requires a String argument and computes the length of the string.
Dim x As String
x = "hello"
formula = Len (x) 'The formula returns the Number 5
Supplying arguments of the incorrect type required by the function produces an error. For example,
calling Len (3) would produce an error since Len does not accept a Number argument. Functions
sometimes can accept different numbers of arguments or types of arguments. For example, the CDate
function could accept a single String argument to form a Date value or 3 Number values holding the
year, month and day respectively and form a Date value from them. See Date, Time, and DateTime
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(Basic syntax).
Example with the Mid function

Dim x as String
x = "hello"
'Start at position 2, go to the end of the string
formula = Mid (x, 2) 'formula is now "ello"
'Start at position 2, extract 1 character
formula = Mid (x, 2, 1) 'formula is now "e"
The classes of functions are: Math, Summary, Financial, String, Date/Time, Date Range, Array, Type
Conversion, Programming Shortcuts, Evaluation Time, Print State, Document Properties and Additional
Functions. There are also some functions specific to conditional formatting formulas.
Functions similar to visual basic (Basic syntax)
The Math, Financial, String, Date/Time, Type Conversion, and Programming Shortcuts groups consist
mainly of functions that are familiar to Visual Basic users. Most of the functions are intended to work in
the same way as the Visual Basic function of the same name.
Sometimes functions will have more overloads than are available in Visual Basic. For example, the
CDate function supports the Visual Basic overload of creating a Date value from a String value, such
as CDate ("Sept 18, 1999") but it also supports an overload of creating a Date value by supplying the
year, month and day as Number arguments e.g. CDate (1999, 9, 18). The overloads are indicated in
the Functions tree.
Some functions that are supported by Basic syntax are not listed in the Basic syntax
Functions tree. This is because they are equivalent to Basic syntax functions that are already listed
in the tree. For example, the Len function is the normal Basic syntax and Visual Basic function for
finding the length of a string. However, the Length function is listed in the Functions tree and works
the same as the Len function. Length is the traditional Crystal syntax function for this action and it is
included for the convenience of Crystal syntax users migrating formulas to Basic syntax.
Summary functions (Basic syntax)
The Summary function group provides functions for creating summary fields such as:
Sum({Orders.Order Amount}, {Orders.Ship Via})
Summary fields are normally created using the Insert Summary or Insert Grand Total dialogs. They
then appear in the Report Fields tree, and can be used in a formula by double clicking there. However,
they do not need to be created in this way. You can create a summary field exclusively for use by your
formula by filling in the arguments to one of the functions in the Summary functions section. However,
any groups that refer to summary fields must already exist in the report.
Date ranges (Basic syntax)
For additional information refer to Range data types (Basic syntax).Date ranges produced by these
functions depend on the current date. For example, if today's date is September 18, 1999, then
LastFullMonth is the Date Range value:
CDate(#Aug 1, 1999#) To CDate(#Aug 31, 1999#)
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This functionality is often useful, but if you want to determine a date range based on a database field
such as {Orders.Order Date}? The Date/Time functions can be used instead.
Example
Dim d As Date
d = CDate ({Orders.Order Date})
Dim dr As Date Range
dr = DateSerial (Year(d), Month(d) - 1, 1) To _
DateSerial (Year(d), Month(d), 1 - 1)
'At this point dr is the Date Range value holding
'the last full month before {Orders.Order Date}
The DateSerial function makes this easy because you don't have to worry about special cases. It
never lets you create an invalid date. For example, DateSerial (1999, 1 - 1, 1) is December 1, 1998.
Note that in the above example, {Orders.Order Date} is actually a DateTime field and so the CDate
function is used to convert it to a date by truncating the time part.
Array functions (Basic syntax)
The array functions compute summaries of an array's elements. For example, the Sum function
when applied to an array returns the sum of the elements of the array.
Example
The following formula returns 100:
formula = Sum (Array (10, 20, 30, 40))
Evaluation time functions (Basic syntax)
These are the report specific functions: BeforeReadingRecords, WhileReadingRecords,

WhilePrintingRecords and EvaluateAfter. You can use these functions to guide LABWORKS Report
Designer as to when your formula should be evaluated.
Should the formula be evaluated before retrieving the records from the database, while reading the
records from the database but before the records have been grouped, sorted and summarized, or while
printing the report, when the records are grouped, sorted and summarized? In general, LABWORKS
Report Designer sets an appropriate evaluation time for your formula, based on how much information
the formula needs. For example, if a formula uses a database field, then it cannot be evaluated before
the records are read from the database. However, you sometimes need to force a later evaluation time
than normal to get the desired effect. See Using Global variables for an example.
Normally, the returned value of a function is used further in a formula. However, evaluation time
functions are called to change the internal behavior of LABWORKS Report Designer and their return
value is not used. They can be called by just placing their name in a separate statement, optionally
preceded by the keyword Call.
WhilePrintingRecords
Call WhilePrintingRecords
Print state functions (Basic syntax)
These are once again reporting-specific functions. For example, the notation
{Orders.Order Date} refers to the value of the field in the current record where PreviousValue
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({Orders.Order Date}) refers to the value in the immediately preceding record. NextValue
({Orders.Order Date}) refers to the value in the next record. IsNull ({Orders.Order Date}) checks if the
field's value is null.
Other examples are PageNumber and TotalPageCount. These can be used to access pagination
information about your report.
Document properties functions (Basic syntax)
These are reporting specific functions that refer to the report document as a whole. For example,
PrintDate and ReportTitle.
Additional functions (Basic syntax)
These functions are in User Function Libraries (UFLs). A UFL is a separate dynamic link library or
Automation server that you create and LABWORKS Report Designer uses to add your own
customized functions to the formula language. Writing a UFL is more involved than writing a formula
using Basic or Crystal syntax. See LABWORKS Report Designer Developer's Help for more
information.
NOTE: Using UFLs makes your reports less portable because you must distribute your UFL along with the
report.
Conditional formatting functions (Basic syntax)
When writing a conditional formatting formula, you may want to use the additional functions that
appear at the top of the Functions tree.
Example
If you wanted to format the {Customer.Last Year's Sales} field so that sales of more than $100,000 are
printed in green and sales of less than $15,000 are printed in red and all else are printed in black.
Rem Conditional formatting example 1
If {Customer.Last Year's Sales} > 100000 Then
formula = crGreen
ElseIf {Customer.Last Year's Sales} < 15000 Then
formula = crRed
Else
formula = crBlack
End If
Since this is a font color formatting function, the list of Color Constants appears in the Functions tree.
This example uses three: crGreen, crRed and crBlack. You could have used the actual numeric values
of the color constants instead. For example,
crRed is 255 and crGreen is 32768. However, the formula is easier to understand using the color
constants. All constant functions in Basic syntax have the "cr" prefix.
Some formatting attributes do not use constant functions. For example, if you wanted to not print
{Customer.Last Year's Sales} values if the sales were less than
$50,000, you could write the following conditional formatting formula for the suppress attribute:
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If {Customer.Last Year's Sales} < 50000 Then

formula = True 'suppress the value
Else
formula = False 'do not suppress the value
End If
Or more simply:
Rem Conditional formatting example 3 - Rem equivalent to
example 2
formula = {Customer.Last Year's Sales} < 50000
If the last year's sales are less than $50,000, then the expression
{Customer.Last Year's Sales} < 50000
is True, and so the formula returns True. On the other hand, if the last year's sales are greater
than or equal to $50,000, then
is False and so the formula returns False
General purpose conditional formatting functions (Basic syntax)
There are three general purpose conditional formatting functions. These functions are displayed at
the top of the Functions tree when appropriate.
CurrentFieldValue – can be used for any formatting formula where you are formatting a field
value.
DefaultAttribute – can be used for any formatting formula
GridRowColumnValue – can be used for formatting a formula where you are formatting a field
value in a Cross-Tab or OLAP grid.
The CurrentFieldValue enables you to conditionally format Cross-Tab or OLAP grid cells based on
their value. The GridRowColumnValue enables you to conditionally format the cells of a Cross-Tab or
OLAP grid based on row or column headings values. These two functions are essential in some
situations as there is no other way in the formula language to refer to these fields.
Example
If you wanted Cross-Tab cells to be suppressed if the values are less than 50,000:
formula = CurrentFieldValue < 50000
Operators (Basic syntax)
Arithmetic operators
The arithmetic operators are addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), division (/), integer division
(\), modulus (Mod), negation (-) and exponentiation (^). Arithmetic operators are used to combine
numbers, numeric variables, numeric fields, and numeric functions to get another number.
Examples
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'Outstanding preferred stock as a percent of

'common stock
formula = ({Financials.Preferred Stock} / _
{Financials.Common Stock}) * 100
'The square root of 9, Sqr(9), is 3.
'The formula returns 17.
formula = 7 + 2 * 3 - 2 + Sqr(6 + 3) * Len("up")
Order of precedence
When you create arithmetic expressions that involve several operators, the order that the program
evaluates the various elements of the expression becomes important.
In general, the program evaluates expressions in the following order: from left to right – follows the
rules of precedence from basic math.
Example
Multiplication and division are performed first from left to right. Then addition and subtraction are
performed. For example, 5 + 10 * 3 = 5 + 30 = 35. You can change this order of precedence by using
parentheses. For example, (5 + 10) * 3 = 15 * 3
= 45. If you are unsure of the order of precedence, it is a good idea to clarify your intentions with
parentheses.
The arithmetic operators in LABWORKS Report Designer have the same order of precedence as in
Visual Basic. Here is the list, from highest precedence to lowest:
Exponentiation (^)
Negation (-)
Multiplication and division (*, /)
Integer Division (\)
Modulus (Mod)
Addition and subtraction (+, -)
Comparison operators (Basic syntax)
The comparison operators are equal (=), not equal (<>), less than (<), less than or equal to (<=), greater
than (>) and greater than or equal to (>=).
Comparison operators are usually used to compare operands for a condition in a control structure such
as an If statement. Comparison operators as a group all have lower precedence than the arithmetic
operators. For example, expressions like 2 + 3
< 2 * 9 are the same as (2 + 3) < (2*9).
Boolean operators (Basic syntax)
The Boolean operators are, in order of precedence from greatest to lowest: Not, And, Or, Xor, Eqv
and Imp. Boolean operators are typically used with comparison operators to generate conditions for
control structures. Boolean operators as a
group have lower precedence than the comparison operators. Thus for example, the expression 2 < 3
And 4 >= -1 is the same as (2 < 3) And (4 >= -1).
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Null fields and how to use IsNull (Basic syntax)
The {Product.Color} field contains both basic colors such as "red" and "black" and more descriptive two
word colors such as "steel satin" and "jewel green". Here is an example of a formula that writes out
"basic" for the basic colors and "fancy" for the others.
If InStr({Product.Color}, " ") = 0 Then
formula = "basic"
Else
formula = "fancy"
End If
The function call to InStr searches the {Product.Color} string for a space. If it finds a space, it returns
the position of the space, otherwise it returns 0. Since basic colors are only one word with no spaces,
InStr will return 0 for them.
Dealing with null values (Basic syntax)
For some products, such as the Guardian Chain Lock, a color value was not recorded and so the
{Product.Color} field has a null value in the database for that record. In general, when LABWORKS
Report Designer encounters a null valued field in a formula, it immediately stops evaluating the formula
and produces no value. Thus, the Guardian Chain Lock record does not have any word printed beside
it. If you want to handle null field values in your formula, you must explicitly do so using one of the
special functions designed for handling them: IsNull, PreviousIsNull or NextIsNull. Here is an example
of how to fix the above example using IsNull:
If IsNull({Product.Color}) Or _
InStr({Product.Color}, " ") = 0 Then
formula = "basic"
Else
formula = "fancy"
End If
Relating to operators, when LABWORKS Report Designer evaluates the condition:

IsNull({Product.Color}) Or _
InStr({Product.Color}, " ") = 0
It first evaluates IsNull ({Product.Color)), and when it determines that this is True, it knows that the
whole condition is True, and does not need to check whether
In other words, LABWORKS Report Designer will stop evaluating a Boolean expression when it can
predict the results of the whole expression. In the following example, the formula guards against
attempting to divide by zero in the case that denom is 0:
Dim num As Number, denom As Number
...
If denom <> 0 And num / denom > 5 Then
...
NOTE: Visual Basic does not support this technique, since all parts of a Boolean expression in Visual
Basic are evaluated, even if not necessary.
Control Structures (Basic syntax)
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Formulas without control structures execute each statement in the formula only once. When this
happens the formula is evaluated. The statements are executed in a sequential fashion, from the first
statement in the formula to the last. Control structures enable you to vary this rigid sequence.
Depending upon which control structure you choose, you can skip over some of the statements or
repeatedly evaluate some statements depending on certain conditions. Control structures are the
primary means of expressing business logic and typical report formulas make extensive use of them.
Basic syntax supports many of the main control structures from Visual Basic with the same syntax.
One of the advantages of the Basic language is it is easy to read block notation for control structures.
This simplifies the writing and debugging of complex formulas.
If statements (Basic syntax)
The If statement is one of the most useful control structures. It enables you to evaluate a sequence
of statements if a condition is true and evaluate a different sequence of statements if it is not true.
NOTE: When formatting with conditional formulas, always include the Else keyword; otherwise,
values that don't meet the If condition may not retain their original format. To prevent this, use the
DefaultAttribute function (If...Else formula = DefaultAttribute).
Example
A company plans to pay a bonus of 4 percent to its employees except for those who work in Sales who
will receive 6 percent. The following formula using an If
statement would accomplish this:
Rem Multi-line If example 1
If {Employee.Dept} = "Sales" Then
formula = {Employee.Salary} * 0.06
Else
End If
In this example, if the condition {Employee.Dept} = "Sales" evaluates as true,
then the
statement is processed. Otherwise the statement following the Else, namely the
is processed.
Suppose another company wants to give employees a 4% bonus, but with a minimum bonus of
$1,000. The following example shows how. Notice that the Else clause is not included; it is optional,
and not needed in this case.
If formula < 1000 Then
formula = 1000
End If
Now suppose that the previous company also wants a maximum bonus of $5,000. You now need to
use an ElseIf clause. Notice that ElseIf is all one word. The following example has only one ElseIf
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clause, but you can add as many as you need.
NOTE: There is a maximum of one Else clause per If statement.
The Else clause is executed if none of the If or ElseIf conditions are true.
If formula < 1000 Then
formula = 1000
ElseIf formula > 5000 Then
formula = 5000
End If
Example
Suppose that a company wants to compute an estimate of the amount of tax an employee needs to
pay and write a suitable message. Income below $8,000 is not taxed, income between $8,000 and
$20,000 is taxed at 20%, income between
$20,000 and $35,000 is taxed at 29%, and income above $35,000 is taxed at 40%.
Dim tax As Currency, income As Currency
income = {Employee.Salary}
Dim message As String
If income < 8000 Then
tax = 0
message = "no"
ElseIf income >= 8000 And income < 20000 Then
message = "lowest"
tax = (income - 8000)*0.20
ElseIf income >= 20000 And income < 35000 Then
message = "middle"
tax = (20000 - 8000)*0.20 + (income - 20000)*0.29
Else
message = "highest"
tax = (20000 - 8000)*0.20 + (35000 - 20000)*0.29 + _ (income -
35000)*0.40
End If
Dim taxStr As String
Rem use 2 decimal places
Rem and use the comma as a thousands separator
taxStr = CStr (tax, 2, ",")
formula = "You are in the " & message & _ " tax bracket. "
&_
"Your estimated tax is " & taxStr & "."
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Notice, the use of variables to simplify the logic of the computation. Also, notice that there are two
statements that are executed when one of the conditions are met; one assigns the tax variable, and
the other assigns the message variable. It is often useful to have multiple statements executed as a
result of a condition.
Single-line and multi-line If statements (Basic syntax)
There are two kinds of If statement, the single-line if statement and the multi-line if statement. Starting
on a new line after the first Then turns your If statement into a multi-line If statement. Otherwise it is a
single-line If statement. The multi-line If statement always includes an End If whereas the single line If
statement does not.
Because of the use of line-continuation characters, single-line If statements do not need to be on a

single line. In general, it is preferable to use multi-line If statements since they have a clearer layout.
However, for simple situations, the single-line If statement is sometimes used.
Rem Single-line If example 1
Rem Same result as multi-line If example 1
If {Employee.Dept} = "Sales" Then _
formula = {Employee.Salary} * 0.06 _
Else _
Here is an example showing various forms of single-line If statements:

Rem Single-line If example 2
Dim per As Number, extra As Boolean
per = 2 : extra = False
'An example with no Else clause
If {Employee.Dept} = "Sales" Then per = 10
'More than 1 statement in the Then or Else part can
'be included by separating them with colons
If {Employee.Dept} = "R&D" Then _
per = 5 : extra = True _
Else _
per = 3
Select statements (Basic syntax)
The Select statement is similar to an If statement. Sometimes however, you can write formulas that
are clear and less repetitive using the Select statement. This example evaluates the
{Customer.Fax} field to determine if the area code is for Washington state (206, 360, 509) or British
Columbia, Canada (604, 250):
Rem Select example 1
Select Case Left ({Customer.Fax}, 3)
Case "604", "250"
formula = "BC"
Case "206", "509", "360"
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formula = "WA"
End Select
The expression right after the Select Case keywords is called the Select condition. In the above
example it is Left ({Customer.Fax}[1 To 3]). The Select statement tries to find the first Case that
matches the Select condition, and then executes the statements following it, up until the next Case.
Rem Same effect as Select example 1
Dim areaCode As String
areaCode = Left ({Customer.Fax}, 3)
If areaCode In Array ("604", "250") Then
formula = "BC"
ElseIf areaCode In Array ("206", "509", "360") Then
formula = "WA"
End If
Example
This formula groups the number of Oscar nominations a movie received into low, medium, high or
extreme categories and in the process, shows some of the possibilities for the expression lists following
the Case labels. Notice the optional Case Else clause. If none of the Case expression lists are
matched by the preceding Case clauses, then the Case Else clause is matched. For example, in the
following example, if {movie.NOM} is 11, then the formula returns "extreme".
Rem Select example 2
Select Case {movie.NOM}
Case 1,2,3, Is < 1
Rem Can have multiple statements in the
Rem statement blocks
formula = "low"
Case 4 To 6, 7, 8, 9
formula = "medium"
Case 10
formula = "high"
Case Else
formula = "extreme" End Select
For/Next loops (Basic syntax)
For/Next loops enable you to evaluate a sequence of statements multiple times. This is unlike the If
and Select statements where the program passes through each statement at most once during the
formula's evaluation. For/Next loops are best when you know in advance the number of times the
statements need to be evaluated.
Sample 1
Suppose you want to reverse the {Customer.Customer Name} string. For example, "City Cyclists"
becomes "stsilcyC ytiC".
Rem Reverse a string version 1
formula = ""
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Dim strLen
strLen = Len ({Customer.Customer Name})
Dim i
For i = 1 To strLen
Dim charPos
charPos = strLen - i + 1
formula = formula & _
Mid({Customer.Customer Name}, charPos, 1)
Next i
Let us examine how this formula works assuming that the current value of the field
{Customer.Customer Name} is "Clean Air". The variable strLen is assigned to be the length of "Clean
Air", namely 9. At this time it is also typed to be a Number variable.
The variable i is known as a For counter variable since its value changes with each iteration of the
For loop. In other words, it is used to count the iterations of the loop. The For loop will iterate 9 times,
during the first time, i is 1, then i is 2, then i is 3 and so on until finally i = 9. During the first iteration, the
ninth character of {Customer.Customer Name} is appended to the empty special variable formula. As a
result formula equals "r" after the first iteration. During the second iteration, the eighth character of
{Customer.Customer Name} is appended to formula and so
formula equals "ri". This continues until after the ninth iteration, formula equals, "riA
naelC" which is the reversed string.
Sample 2
Here is a simpler version of the above formula, that uses a Step clause with a negative Step value of -
1. For the "Clean Air" example, i is 9 for the first iteration, 8 for the second, 7 for the third and so on
until it is 1 in the final iteration.
formula = ""
Dim i
For i = Len ({Customer.Customer Name}) To 1 Step -1
formula = formula + _
Mid({Customer.Customer Name}, i, 1)
Next i
Sample 3
The simplest version is to use the built in function StrReverse:

formula = StrReverse ({Customer.Customer Name})
The built in String functions in LABWORKS Report Designer 8.5 can handle many of the string
processing applications which would traditionally be handled using a For/Next loop or some other kind
of loop. However, For/Next loops provide the most flexibility and power in processing strings and
arrays. This can be essential if the built-in functions do not cover your intended application
For/Next loop example (Basic syntax)
Here is a more detailed example of Crystal Reports' string processing capabilities. The Caesar cipher
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is a simple code that is traditionally credited to Julius Caesar. In this code, each letter of a word is
replaced by a letter five characters further in the alphabet. For example, "Jaws" becomes "Ofbx".
Notice that "w" is replaced by "b". Since there are not 5 characters after "w" in the alphabet, it starts
again from the beginning.
Here is a formula that implements applying the Caesar cipher to the field
{Customer.Customer Name} in the Example database:
Rem The Caesar cipher
Dim inString 'The input string to encrypt inString =
{Customer.Customer Name}
Dim shift
shift = 5
formula = ""
Dim i
For i = 1 To Len(inString)
Dim inC, outC
inC = Mid(inString, i, 1)
Dim isChar, isUCaseChar
isChar = LCase(inC) In "a" To "z"
isUCaseChar = isChar And (UCase (inC) = inC)
inC = LCase(inC)
If isChar Then
Dim offset
offset = (Asc(inC) + shift - Asc("a")) Mod _ (Asc("z") - Asc("a") + 1)
outC = Chr(offset + Asc("a"))
If isUCaseChar Then outC = UCase(outC)
Else
outC = inC
End If
formula = formula & outC
Next i
In the above example, there is a multi-line If statement nested within the statements block of
the For/Next loop. This If statement is responsible for the precise details of shifting a single
character. For example, letters are treated differently from punctuation and spaces. In
particular, punctuation and spaces are not encoded. Control structures can be nested within
other control structures and multiple statements can be included in the statement block of a
control structure
Using the Exit For statement (Basic syntax)
You can exit from a For/Next loop by using the Exit For statement. The following example
searches the Global array names for the name "Fred". If it finds the name,
it returns the index of the name in the array. Otherwise it returns -1. For example, if the names
array is:
Array ("Frank", "Helen", "Fred", "Linda")
Then the formula returns 3.
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Global names () As String

'The names array has been initialized and filled
'in other formulas
Dim i
formula = -1
'The UBound function returns the size of its array
'argument
For i = 1 to UBound (names)
If names (i) = "Fred" Then
formula = i
Exit For
End If
Next i
Do Loops (Basic syntax)
Another looping mechanism is the Do loop. A Do loop can be used to execute a fixed block
of statement an indefinite number of time.
Four different types of Do loops
Type of Do
Loop Explanation Example
Do While ... The Do While ... Loop evaluates the Do While condition
Loop condition, and if the condition is true, then
statements
it evaluates the statements following the
condition. When it has finished doing this, it Loop
evaluates the condition again and if the
condition is true, it evaluates the
statements again. It continues repeating
this process until the condition is false.
Do Until ... The Do Until ... Loop is similar to the Do Do Until condition
Loop While ... Loop except it keeps evaluating
statements
the statements until the condition is true
rather than while it is true. Loop
Do ... Loop The Do ... Loop While evaluates the Do

While statements only once. It then evaluates the
statements
condition, and if the condition is true,
evaluates the statements again. This process Loop While condition
continues until the condition is false.
Do ... Loop Similar to Do ... Loop While except that it Do

Until evaluates the statements until the
statements
condition is true.
Loop Until condition
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The Do loops support an Exit Do statement to jump immediately out of the loop. The Exit Do
statement is similar to the Exit For in For/Next loops.
Do While ... Loop formula example (Basic syntax)
The following example searches for the first occurrence of a digit in an input string. If a digit is
found, it returns its position, otherwise it returns -1. In this case, the input string is set explicitly to
a string constant. If preferred, it could be set to be equal to a String type database field instead.
For example, for the input String, "The 7 Dwarves", the formula returns 5, which is the position of
the digit 7.
Dim inString
inString = "The 7 Dwarves" Dim i, strLen
i=1
strLen = Len (inString)
formula = -1
Do While i <= strLen And formula = -1
Dim c As String
c = Mid (inString, i, 1)
If IsNumeric (c) Then formula = i
i=i+1
Loop
While loops (Basic syntax)
The While loop is similar to the Do While ... Loop except that it does not support an
Exit statement. It uses While ... Wend instead of Do While ... Loop as its syntax.
While condition
statements
Wend
Safety mechanism for loops (Basic syntax)
There is a safety mechanism to prevent report processing from hanging due to an infinite loop.
Any one evaluation of a formula can have at most 30,000 loop condition evaluations per
formula evaluation. For example:
Dim i
i=1
Do While i <= 100000
If i > {movie.STARS} Then Exit Do
i=i+1
Loop
formula = 20
If {movie.STARS} is greater than 30,000 then the loop condition (i <= 100000) will be evaluated
more than the maximum number of times and an error message is displayed. Otherwise, the
loop is OK.
The safety mechanism applies on a per formula base, not for each individual loop. For
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example:
Dim i
i=1
For i = 1 To 10000
formula = Sin (i)
Next i
Do While i <= 25000
i=i+1
Loop
The above formula also triggers the safety mechanism since the 30,000 refers to the total
number of loop condition evaluations in the formula and this formula will have 10001 + 25001
such evaluations.
Limitations (Basic syntax)
For reference purposes, here are the sizing limitations of the formula language:
 The maximum length of a String constant, a String value held by a String variable, a
String value returned by a function or a String element of a String array is 254 bytes.
 The maximum size of an array is 1000 elements.
 The maximum number of arguments to a function is 1000. (This applies to functions

that can have an indefinite number of arguments such as Choose).
 The maximum length of the text of a formula is 64K.
 The maximum number of loop condition evaluations per evaluation of a formula is

30,000. (See safety mechanisms for loops for the precise meaning of this).
 Date-time functions modeled on Visual Basic accept dates from year 100 to year 9999.
Traditional LABWORKS Report Designer functions accept dates from year 1 to year 9999.
Creating Formulas with Crystal Syntax
Creating Formulas with Crystal Syntax
This section provides you with an overview of various parts of a formula. You learn about
Crystal syntax and the techniques you can use when creating a formula.
If you are new to Crystal syntax, begin with these topics: Crystal
syntax overview
Crystal syntax fundamentals
When creating formulas, you have the option of using either Crystal or Basic syntax. Syntax rules
are used to create a correct formula. Almost any formula written with one syntax can be written
with the other. Reports can contain formulas that use Basic syntax as well as formulas that use
Crystal syntax.
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Crystal Syntax Fundamentals

The result of a formula, or the value that is printed when the formula is placed in a report, is
called the value returned by the formula. Every formula in LABWORKS Report Designer must
return a value. For example, here is a simple Crystal syntax formula that returns a value of 10:
10
The value returned by a formula can be one of the seven simple data types supported.
These are Number, Currency, String, Boolean, Date, Time, and DateTime.
LABWORKS Report Designer also supports range types and array types, but these cannot be
returned by a formula.
For example, suppose a company has a shipping policy in which orders over $1,000 are insured,
but orders below that amount are not insured:
//A formula that returns a String value
If {Orders.Order Amount} >= 1000 Then
"Insured shipping"
Else
"Regular shipping"
The text following the two forward slashes is a comment for someone reading this formula and
is ignored by the Crystal syntax compiler.
The formula returns the text string value "Insured shipping" if the value of the database field
{Orders.Order Amount} is greater than or equal to 1000; otherwise, it returns the text string
value "Regular Shipping" otherwise.
Crystal syntax is not case-sensitive

For example, the keyword Then could equivalently be typed in as then or THEN. This is true of
all variable names, functions, and keywords used in a Crystal syntax formula.
The only exception to this rule is for strings. The string "Hello" is not the same as the string
"hello".
Comments (Crystal syntax)
Formula comments are notes included with a formula to explain its design and operation.
Comments do not print and they do not affect the formula, but they appear in the Formula
Editor. You can use comments to explain the purpose of a formula or explain the steps
involved in writing it.
Comments begin with two forward slashes (//) and are followed by the text of the comment.
Everything that follows the slashes on the same line is treated as being part of the comment:
//This formula returns the string "Hello"
//This is another comment
"Hello" //Comments can be added at the end of a line
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//Comments can occur after the formula text
Fields (Crystal syntax)
Many of the fields used in the construction of a report can be referred to in your formulas. For
example, database, parameter, running total, SQL expression, summary, and group name fields
can all be used in a formula. You can also refer to other formula fields in your formula.
The easiest way to insert a field into your report is to double-click a field's name in the Report
Fields tree. This ensures that the correct syntax for the field is used.
How fields appear in formulas
Database, parameter, formula, running total, and SQL expression fields have their names
surrounded by braces.
Database field names are taken from the database. For example:
database field: {Employee.Last Name}
Parameter, formula, running total, and SQL expression field names are specified when the
fields are created.
 Parameter fields also include a question mark: {?my parameter field}.
 Formula fields include an at sign: {@another formula }.
 Running totals fields include a pound sign: {#my running total}.
 SQL expression fields include a percent sign: {%my SQL expression}.
Summary and group name fields look like function calls. However, they are really shorthand
notation for a report field.
 Sum summary field: Sum({Orders.Order Amount}, {Orders.Ship Via}).
 Group name field: groupName({Orders.Ship Via}).
Expressions (Crystal syntax)
An expression is any combination of keywords, operators, functions, and constant values that
result in a value of a given type. For example:
//An expression that evaluates to the Number value 25
10 + 20 - 5
//An expression that evaluates to the String value
//"This is a string."
"This is a string."
A Crystal syntax formula consists of a sequence of expressions. The value of the final
expression is the value returned by the formula and what gets printed. Each expression must
be separated from the previous expression by a semicolon (;).
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Multiple expressions (Crystal syntax)
Typically, each expression takes one line, but you can continue an expression onto the next line
if you need more space.
The formula below consists of five expressions. It returns the Number value 25 since that is
the value of the last expression in the formula.
Example
//Expressions example
//The first expression. Its value is the Number
//value 30
10 + 20;
//The second expression. Its value is the String
//"Hello World". It takes up two lines.
"Hello " +
"World";
//The third expression. Its value is of Number type
{Orders Detail.Quantity} * 2 - 5;
//The fourth expression. Its value is of String type
If {Orders Detail.Quantity} > 1 Then
multiple units"
Else
"one unit";
//The fifth and final expression. Its value is the
//Number value 25
20 + 5
Placing a semicolon after the last expression in the formula is also allowed, but optional. For
example, the above formula could have ended with:
20 + 5;
Some of the sample formulas in the preceding section do not have semicolons. This is because
they consist of a single expression, and a semicolon is optional after the last expression. Many
formulas in Crystal syntax can be written as a single expression.
Notice that there is no semicolon after the "multiple units" String. In fact, if you put a semicolon
there, the program will report an error. This is because a semicolon separates expressions, and
the
Else
"one unit";
is not a separate expression. It does not stand alone apart from the If. In fact, it is an integral
part of the If expression since it describes the value that the If expression will return under
certain circumstances.
The example is not a practical example because the first four expressions in the formula did
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not have any effect on the last expression
How earlier expressions affect later expressions (Crystal syntax)
The fact that a Crystal syntax formula is a sequence of expressions whose result is the value of
the final expression is the most important concept in understanding Crystal syntax. This
expression-based syntax allows you to write very short formulas with a lot of functionality.
Example
//First expression. It declares the Number variable x
//and then returns the value of an uninitialized
//Number variable, which is 0.
NumberVar x;
//Second expression. It assigns the value of 30 to x,
//and returns 30.
x := 30
The above formula would give an error if the first expression were omitted. This is because the
second expression refers to the Number variable x, and the program needs to have x declared
before it understands expressions involving it.
In general, you use variables to get the earlier expressions in a formula to affect the final
expression. See Variables (Crystal syntax) for more information
Using the If expression (Crystal syntax)
The If expression is one of the most widely used features of Crystal syntax. It also provides
insight into the nature of expressions. Consider the earlier If expression as a separate formula.
Notice that because this formula is a single expression, it does not need a semicolon:
"multiple units"
Else
"one unit"
Suppose you wanted to modify this formula so that it either prints "multiple units" or the
number 1.//An erroneous formula
"multiple units"
Else
1
This formula will result in an error. This is because the values in this expression are different
types: "multiple units" is a String value and 1 is a Number value. LABWORKS Report Designer
requires that the value of an expression always be of a single type.
This example can be corrected by using the CStr function to convert the Number 1 to a String
value. For example, the Number 1 is converted to the string "1" by calling CStr (1, 0).
//A correct formula
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"multiple units"
Else
CStr (1, 0) //Use 0 decimals
Assignment (Crystal syntax)
The assignment operator is a colon followed by an equals sign (:=).
Example
//Assign the Number value of 10 to the variable x
x := 10;
//Assign the String value of "hello" to the
//variable named greeting
greeting := "hello";
The equality operator (=) is used to check when two values are equal. A common error is to use
the equality operator when the assignment operator is actually intended. This can generate a
mysterious error message or no error message at all since it is often syntactically correct to use
the equality operator. For example:
greeting = "hello";
The above formula checks if the value held by the variable greeting is equal to the value "hello".
If it is, then the expression's value is True, and if is not then the expression's value is False. In
any case, it is a perfectly correct Crystal syntax expression (assuming that the greeting is a
String variable).
Simple Data Types (Crystal syntax)
The simple data types in LABWORKS Report Designer are Number, Currency, String, Boolean,
Date, Time, and DateTime.
Number
Enter numbers without any comma separators or currency symbols (generally you would want
to have formatted numbers appearing as the result of a formula and not in the formula itself).
Example
10000
-20
1.23
Currency (Crystal syntax)
Use the dollar sign ($) to create a Currency value. Example

$10000
-$20
$1.23
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You can also use the CCur function. The initial C in CCur stands for convert and it can be
used to convert Number values to Currency values:
CCur (10000)
CCur (-20)
CCur (1.23)
String (Crystal syntax)
Strings are used to hold text. The text must be placed between double quotation marks (") or
apostrophes (') and cannot be split between lines. If you want to include double quotation marks
in a string delimited by double quotation marks, use
two consecutive double quotation marks. Similarly, if you want to include an apostrophe in a
string delimited by apostrophes, use two consecutive apostrophes.
Example
"This is a string."
"123"
"The word ""hello"" is quoted."
'This is also a string.'
'123'
'Last Year''s Sales'
If you use double quotes for the left side of the string, you must use double quotes on the right
side. Similarly for apostrophes. The following example is incorrect:
'Not a valid string."
You can extract individual elements or substrings from a string by specifying the character
position or a range of character positions. Negative values are allowed; they specify the
position starting from the end of the string.
"hello" [2] //Equal to "e"
"hello" [-5] //Equal to "h"
"604-555-1234" [1 to 3] //Equal to "604"
"abcdef" [-3 to -1] //Equal to "def"
You can also extract substrings from a string using the Left, Right and Mid functions.
Boolean (Crystal syntax)
The valid Boolean values are:

True
False
Yes can be used instead of True and No instead of False.
Date, Time, and DateTime (Crystal syntax)
The DateTime type can hold date-times, dates only, or times only and thus is rather versatile. The
Date type holds dates only and the Time type holds times only. The Date and Time types are
more efficient than the DateTime type, and so can be used in situations where the added
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functionality and flexibility of the DateTime type is not needed.
You can create DateTime values directly using the date-time literal construction, which is
formed by typing in the date-time between two pound (#) signs. Many different formats are
supported.
NOTE: Date-time literals cannot be split between lines.
Examples
#8/6/1976 1:20 am#
#August 6, 1976#
#6 Aug 1976 13:20:19#
#6 Aug 1976 1:30:15 pm#
#8/6/1976#
#10:20 am#
Even though #10:20 am# looks like it could have the Time type and #8/6/1976# looks like it
could have the Date type, they do not. They both have the DateTime type, as do all date-time
literals. For example, you can think of #10:20 am# as a DateTime value with a null date part.
To convert it to the Time type use CTime (#10:20 am#).
Instead of using date-time literals, you can use CDateTime to convert a String to a
DateTime. For example,
CDateTime ("8/6/1976 1:20 am")
CDateTime ("10:20 am")
However, there is one key difference between using date-time literals and the above usage of
CDateTime. Date-time literals always use U.S. English date formats rather than settings from the
locale of the particular computer on which LABWORKS Report Designer is running. Thus, the
date-time literal examples above would work on all computers. On the other hand, on a French
system, you could use constructions like:
CDateTime ("22 aout 1997") //Same as #Aug 22, 1997#
Date values can be constructed with CDate and Time values with CTime:
CDate ("Aug 6, 1969")
CDate (1969, 8, 6) //Specify the year, month, day
//Converts the DateTime argument to a Date
CDate (#Aug 6, 1969#)
CTime ("10:30 am")
CTime (10, 30, 0) //Specify the hour, minute, second
CTime (#10:30 am#)
Range Data Types (Crystal syntax)
Ranges are designed to handle a spectrum of values. Range types are available for all the
simple types except for Boolean. That is: Number Range, Currency Range, String Range, Date
Range, Time Range and DateTime Range. You can generate ranges using the To, _To, To_,
_To_, UpTo, UpTo_, UpFrom, and UpFrom_ keywords. In general, To is used for ranges with 2
endpoints, and UpTo and UpFrom are used for open ended ranges (only one endpoint). The
underscores are used to indicate whether or not the endpoints are in the range.
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Examples of Number Range values
The range of numbers from 2 to 5 including both 2 and 5

2 To 5
The range of numbers from 2 to 5, not including 2 but including 5

2 _To 5
All numbers less than or equal to 5

UpTo 5
All number less than 5

UpTo_ 5
Examples of DateTime Range values:

#Jan 5, 1999# To #Dec 12, 2000#
UpFrom #Jan 1, 2000#
Using ranges in formulas (Crystal syntax)
There are twenty-seven functions in LABWORKS Report Designer that specify date ranges. For
example, the function LastFullMonth specifies a range of date values that includes all dates from
the first to last day of the previous month. So if today's date is September 15, 1999 then
LastFullMonth is the same as the range value CDate (#Aug 1, 1999#) To CDate (#Aug 31,
1999#).
Ranges are often used with If or Select expressions. The following example computes student
letter grades based on their test scores. Scores greater than or equal to 90 receive an "A", scores
from 80 to 90, not including 90, receive a "B" and so on.
//Compute student letter grades Select
{Student.Test Scores}
Case UpFrom 90 :
"A"
Case 80 To_ 90 :
“B"
Case 70 To_ 80 :
"C"
Case 60 To_ 70 :
"D"
Default :
"F";
The above example uses the Select expression which is discussed in more detail in the control
structures section. You can check if a value is in a range by using the In operator. For example:
5 In 2 To 10; //True
5 In 2 To_ 5; //False
5 In 2 To 5; //True
The Maximum and Minimum functions can be used to find the endpoints of a range:
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Maximum (2 To 10) //Returns 10
Array Data Types (Crystal syntax)
Arrays in LABWORKS Report Designer are ordered lists of values that are all of the same type.
These values are known as the array's elements. The elements of an array can be any simple
type or range type. Arrays can be created using square brackets ([ ]).
Examples
An array of 3 Number values. The first element is 10, the second is 5 and the third is 20.
[10, 5, 20]
An array of 7 String values:

["Sun", "Mon", "Tue", "Wed", "Th", "Fri", "Sat"]
An array of 2 DateTime Range values:

[#Jan 1, 1998# To #Jan 31, 1998#,
#Feb 1, 1999# To #Feb 28, 1999#]
You can extract individual elements out of an array using square brackets containing the index of
the element you want. This is called subscripting the array:
[10, 5, 20] [2] //Equal to 5
Number ranges can also be used to subscript arrays. The result is another array. For example:
[10, 5, 20] [2 To 3] //Equal to [5, 20]
Arrays are most useful when used with variables and so will be discussed in more detail in the
Variables (Crystal syntax) section. Using variables, you can change the individual elements of
an array and resize the array to accommodate more
elements. For example, you can accumulate database field values into a global array
variable in a detail level formula, and then use a formula in a group footer to perform a
calculation based on those values. This enables you to perform a wide variety of customized
summary operations.
Variables (Crystal syntax)
This section describes the key components of variables and shows you how to create
variables and assign values to them.
Variables overview
A variable represents a specific data item, or value, and acts as a placeholder for that value.
When a formula encounters a variable, the formula searches for the value of the variable and
uses it in the formula. Unlike a constant value, which is fixed and unchanging, a variable can
be repeatedly assigned different values. You assign a value to a variable and the variable
maintains the value until you later assign a new value. Because of this flexibility, it is necessary
for you to declare
variables before you use them so that LABWORKS Report Designer is aware of them and
understands how you intend to use them.
Example
If you wanted to report on customers by area code, you could create a variable that extracts the
area code from a customer fax number. The following is an example of a variable called
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areaCode:
Local StringVar areaCode;
areaCode := {Customer.Fax} [1 To 3];
The first line of the variable example is the variable declaration; it gives the variable a name and
type. The database field {Customer.Fax} is a String field and [1 To 3] extracts the first 3
characters from its current value. The variable areaCode is then assigned this value.
Variable declarations (Crystal syntax)
Before using a variable in a formula, you must declare it.
A variable can hold values of a given type. The allowed types are the seven simple types
(Number, Currency, String, Boolean, Date, Time and DateTime), the six range types (Number
Range, Currency Range, String Range, Date Range, Time Range and DateTime Range) and
variables that hold arrays of the previously mentioned types. This gives a total of 26 different
types that a variable can have.
When you declare a variable, you also specify its name. A variable cannot have the same name
as any function, operator or other keyword that is valid for Crystal syntax. For example, your
variable cannot be named Sin, Mod or If because Sin is a built in function, Mod is a built in
operator and If is a built in keyword. When typing formulas in the formula editor, the names of the
built in functions, operators and other keywords are highlighted in a different color and so it is
easy to check if the variable name conflicts.
Once a variable is declared, it can be used in the formula. For example, you might want to
assign it an initial value:
Local NumberVar x; //Declare x to be a Number variable
x := 10; //Assign the value of 10 to x
The keyword for declaring the Number variable has a Var at the end. This is true for all the
variable types in Crystal syntax.
A variable can only hold values of one type. For example, if a variable holds a
Number value, you cannot later use it to hold a String.
Example
Local StringVar y;
y := "hello";
//OK- the Length function expects a String argument
Length (y);
//Error- y can only hold String values
y := #Jan 5, 1993#;
//Error- y can only hold String values
y := ["a", "bb", "ccc"];
//Error- the Sin function expects a Number argument
Sin (y);
You can combine declaring a variable and assigning it a value in a single expression. For
example:
Local NumberVar x := 10 + 20;
Local StringVar y := "Hello" + " " + "World";
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Local DateVar z := CDate (#Sept 20, 1999#);

Local NumberVar Range gradeA := 90 To 100;
This is a good practice because it is more efficient and helps prevent the common mistake of
having incorrectly initialized variables.
Here are some more examples of declaring and initializing range variables: Local
NumberVar Range gradeA;
Local DateVar Range quarter;
gradeA := 90 To 100;
quarter := CDate (1999, 10, 1) To CDate (1999, 12, 31);
Variable scope (Crystal syntax)
Variable scopes are used to define the degree to which variables in one formula are made
available to other formulas. There are three levels of scope in Crystal Reports: local, global and
shared. Every variable has a scope, and this scope is specified
when the variable is declared.
Local Variables
Variables with local scope, also known as local variables, are declared using the Local
keyword followed by the type name (with the Var suffix) followed by the variable name as in
the above examples.
Local variables are restricted to a single formula and a single evaluation of that formula. This
means that you cannot access the value of a local variable in one formula from a different
formula.
Example
//Formula A
Local NumberVar
x; x := 10;
//Formula B
EvaluateAfter ({@Formula A})
Local NumberVar x;
x := x + 1;
The function call EvaluateAfter ({@Formula A}) ensures that Formula B will be evaluated
after Formula A is evaluated. Formula A returns a value of 10 and Formula B returns a
value of 1. Formula B does not have access to Formula A's x and thus cannot use the
value of 10 and add 1; instead, it uses the default value for the uninitialized local variable x
found in Formula B, which is 0, and adds 1 to it to
get 1.
You can also create local variables with the same name but different types in different
formulas. For example, the type declarations in formulas A and B do not conflict with:
//Formula C
Local StringVar x := "hello";
Local variables are the most efficient of the three scopes. They also do not interfere with one
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another in different formulas. For these reasons, it is best to declare variables to be local
whenever possible.
Global variables (Crystal syntax)
Global variables use the same memory block to store a value throughout the main report. This
value is then available to all formulas that declare the variable, except for those in subreports.
You declare a global variable as in the following example:
Global StringVar y;
You can also omit the Global keyword which creates a Global variable by default:
StringVar y; //Same as: Global StringVar y;
However, even though global variables are easy to declare, it is recommended that you use
them only when local variables do not suffice.
Since global variables share their values throughout the main report, you cannot declare a
global variable in one formula with one type and then declare a global variable with the
same name in a different formula with a different type.
Example
//Formula A
Global DateVar
z;
z := CDate (1999, 9, 18)
//Formula B
NumberVar
z; z := 20
In this case, if you enter and save Formula A first, LABWORKS Report Designer will return an
error when you check or try to save Formula B. This is because the declaration of the Global
variable z as a Number conflicts with its earlier declaration in Formula A as a Date.
Using global variables
Global variables are often used to perform complex calculations where the results of a formula
depend upon the grouping and page layout of the actual printed report. This is accomplished by
creating several formulas, placing them in different sections of the report, and having the different
formulas interact via global variables.
Example
//Formula C
Global NumberVar x;
x := 10;
//Formula D
//Call the function WhileReadingRecords
WhileReadingRecords;
Global NumberVar x;
x := x + 1
If Formula C is placed in the Report Header and then Formula D is placed in a detail section,
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Formula C will be evaluated before Formula D. Formula C will be evaluated once and then
Formula D will be evaluated for each record appearing in the detail section. Formula C returns
10. For the first detail record, Formula D returns 11. This is because the value 10 of x is retained
from when it was set by Formula C. Formula D then adds 1 to this value, setting x to 11 and then
returns 11. For the second detail record, formula D return 12, adding 1 to the previously retained
value of x which was 11. This process continues for the remaining detail records.
The call to WhileReadingRecords tells LABWORKS Report Designer to re-evaluate Formula

D as it reads in each record of the report. Otherwise, since the formula does not contain any
database fields, the program evaluates it only once before reading the records from the
database. The formula will then return the value 11 instead of 11, 12, 13, ... as the successive
records are processed.
If the expression x := x + 1 is replaced by x := x + {Orders Detail.Quantity}, you create the effect

of a running total based on {Orders Detail.Quantity}, although it is one starting at 10 rather than 0
because of Formula C. In this case, you can omit the call to WhileReadingRecords, since it will
automatically occur because the formula contains a database field.
Shared variables (Crystal syntax)
Shared variables use the same memory block to store the value of a variable throughout the
main report and all of its subreports. Thus shared variables are even more general than global
variables. To use a shared variable, declare it in a formula in the main report as in the following
example:
Shared NumberVar x := 1000;
and declare it in a formula in the subreport as in the following example:

Shared NumberVar x;
In order to use shared variables, the variable must be declared and assigned a value before
it can be passed between the main report and the subreport.
You can declare array variables by following the type name with the keyword Array.
Example
//Declare x to be a Global variable of
//Number Array type
Global NumberVar Array x := [10 , 20, 30];
//cost is a Global variable of Currency Array type
//It is automatically Global since the scope specifier
//(one of Local, Global or Shared) is omitted. CurrencyVar Array
cost := [$19.95, $79.50, $110.00,
$44.79, $223.99];
//payDays is a Global variable of Date Array type
Global DateVar Array payDays := [CDate(1999, 5, 15), CDate(1999,
5, 31)];
//y is a Shared variable of String Range Array type
Shared StringVar Range Array y := ["A" To "C", "H" To "J"];
//days is a Local variable of String Array type
Local StringVar Array days;
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days := ["Sun", "Mon", "Tue", "Wed", "Th", "Fri", "Sat"];
Using array variables (Crystal syntax)
You can assign values to elements of an array and also use the values of the elements
for other computations.
Example
StringVar Array x := ["hello", "bye", "again"];
x [2] := "once"; //Now x is ["hello", "once", "again"]
//The expression below would cause an error if not
//commented out since the array has size 3
//x [4] := "zap";
//The formula returns the String "HELLO"
UpperCase (x [1])
The Redim and Redim Preserve keywords can be used to resize an array if you want to add extra
information to it. Redim erases the previous contents of the array first before resizing it whereas
Redim Preserve preserves the previous contents.
Local NumberVar Array x;
Redim x [2]; //Now x is [0, 0]
x [2] := 20; //Now x is [0, 20]
Redim x [3]; //Now x is [0, 0, 0]
x [3] := 30; //Now x is [0, 0, 30]
Redim Preserve x [4]; //Now x is [0, 0, 30, 0]
“finished"
Local StringVar Array a;

Redim a [2];
//Assign a value to the first element of the array a
a[1] := "good";
a[2] := "bye";
//The & operator can be used to concatenate strings
a[1] & a[2] //The formula returns the String "goodbye"
Using Arrays with For loops
Arrays are commonly used with For loops. The following example creates and then uses the
Array [10, 20, 30, ..., 100] using a For loop. See For loops (Crystal syntax) for more details.
Local NumberVar Array b;
Redim b[10];
Local NumberVar i;
For i := 1 To 10 Do
(
b[i] := 10 * i
);
b [2] //The formula returns the Number 20
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Default Values for the Simple Types (Crystal syntax)
An uninitialized variable will have the default value for its type. In general, it is not a good
programming practice to rely on the default values of types. For example, initialize all local
variables in your formula, initialize all global variables in a formula placed in the Report Header
and initialize all shared variables in a formula placed in the Report Header of the main report.
When an array is resized using the Redim keyword, the entries are filled with default values for
the type. It is useful to know about default values when using If and Select expressions.
Default values
Number
0
Currency
$0
String
"" //The empty string
Date
Date (0, 0, 0) //The null Date value
Time
The null Time value. Value held by an uninitialized Time variable.
DateTime
The null DateTime value. Value held by an uninitialized DateTime variable.
NOTE: It is not recommended that your formulas rely on the values of uninitialized range or array
variables.
Automatic Type Conversions (Crystal syntax)
Generally, in Crystal Reports, values of one type cannot be used where values of another type
are expected without explicitly supplying a type conversion function. For example:
Local StringVar postalCode;
//Error- assigning a Number value to a String
postalCode := 10025;
//OK - use the type conversion function CStr
//to create "10025"
postalCode := CStr (10025, 0);
However, a few conversions are made automatically:
 Number to Currency
 Date to DateTime
 Simple type to Range value of the same underlying simple type
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For example, the following assignments are correct: Local

CurrencyVar cost;
//Same as: cost := $10
cost := 10;
Local DateTimeVar orderDate;
//Same as: orderDate := CDateTime (1999, 9, 23, 0, 0, 0)
orderDate := CDate (1999, 9, 23);
Local NumberVar Range aRange;
//Same as: aRange := 20 To 20
aRange := 20;
Local NumberVar Range Array aRangeArray;
//Same as : aRangeArray := [10 To 10, 20 To 25, 2 To 2]
aRangeArray := [10, 20 To 25, 2];
The opposite conversions are not allowed. For example:
Local NumberVar num;

num := 5 + $10; //Error
//OK- convert to Number type using the CDbl function num := CDbl
(5 + $10) //Could also use ToNumber
5 is converted to $5 and added to $10 to make $15. However, this Currency value cannot be
automatically assigned to the Number variable num since automatic conversions from
Currency to Number are not allowed. Similarly, functions accepting a Currency argument
can be supplied a Number argument instead, and the Number argument will be converted to
a Currency, whereas functions accepting a Number argument cannot be supplied a
Currency argument without first explicitly converting the Currency to a Number using CDbl.
Functions (Crystal syntax)
When using a function in a formula, type the name of the function and supply the arguments
required. For example, the Length function requires a String argument and computes the
length of the string.
Local StringVar x := "hello";
Length (x) //The formula returns the Number 5
Supplying arguments of the incorrect type required by the function produces an error. For
example, calling Length (3) would produce an error since Length does not accept a Number
argument. Functions sometimes can accept different numbers of arguments or types of
arguments. For example, the CDate function which could accept a single String argument to form
a Date value or 3 Number values holding the year, month and day respectively and form a Date
value from them. See Date, Time, and DateTime (Crystal syntax).
Example with the Mid function Local

StringVar x := "hello";
Local StringVar y;
//Start at position 2, go to the end of the string
y := Mid (x, 2); //y is now "ello"
//Start at position 2, extract 1 character
y := Mid (x, 2, 1) //y is now "e"
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The classes of functions are: Math, Summary, Financial, String, Date/Time, Date Range,
Array, Type Conversion, Programming Shortcuts, Evaluation Time, Print State, Document
Properties, and Additional Functions. There are also some functions specific to conditional
formatting formulas.
Non reporting-specific functions (Crystal syntax)
The Math, Financial, String, Date/Time, Type Conversion, and Programming Shortcuts groups
consist mainly of functions that are not specific to reporting, but may be found in any full featured
programming environment. Many of the functions are similar in functionality to Visual Basic
functions of the same or similar name.
NOTE: Some functions that are supported by Crystal syntax are not listed in the Crystal syntax
Functions tree. This is because they are equivalent to Crystal syntax functions already listed in
the tree.
For example, the Length function is the traditional Crystal syntax function for finding the length of
a string. Crystal syntax also supports Len as a synonym. Len is the Visual Basic and Basic syntax
function for this, its inclusion is for the convenience of Visual Basic, and Basic syntax users who
want to write or modify Crystal syntax formulas.
Summary functions (Crystal syntax)
The Summary function group provides functions for creating summary fields such as:
Sum({Orders.Order Amount}, {Orders.Ship Via})
Summary fields are normally created using the Insert Summary or Insert Grand Total dialogs.
They then appear in the Available Fields tree and can be used in a formula by double clicking
there. However, they do not need to be created in this way. You can create a summary field
exclusively for use by your formula by filling in the arguments to one of the functions in the
Summary functions section appropriately. However, any groups in the report that the summary
field refers to must already exist in the report.
Date ranges (Crystal syntax)
This category of functions was discussed in the section Range data types (Crystal syntax). One
additional comment is that the Date ranges produced by these functions depend on the current
date. For example, if today's date is September 18, 1999, then LastFullMonth is the Date Range
value:
CDate(#Aug 1, 1999#) To CDate(#Aug 31, 1999#)
This functionality is often useful, but what if you want to determine a date range based on a
database field such as {Orders.Order Date}? The Date/Time functions can be used instead.
For example:
Local DateVar d := CDate ({Orders.Order Date});
Local DateVar Range dr;
dr := DateSerial (Year(d), Month(d) - 1, 1) To
DateSerial (Year(d), Month(d), 1 - 1);

//At this point dr is the Date Range value holding
//the last full month before {Orders.Order Date}
The DateSerial function makes this easy because you don't have to worry about special
cases. It never lets you create an invalid date. For example, DateSerial (1999, 1 - 1, 1) is
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December 1, 1998.
In the above example, {Orders.Order Date} is actually a DateTime field and so the
CDate function is used to convert it to a date by truncating the time part.
Array functions (Crystal syntax)
The array functions compute summaries of an array's elements. For example, the Sum
function when applied to an array returns the sum of the elements of the array. For example,
the following formula returns 100:
Sum ([10, 20, 30, 40])
Evaluation time functions (Crystal syntax)
These are the reporting specific functions BeforeReadingRecords, WhileReadingRecords,

WhilePrintingRecords, and EvaluateAfter. You can use these functions to guide LABWORKS
Report Designer as to when your formula should be evaluated.
Should the formula be evaluated before retrieving the records from the database, while reading
the records from the database but before the records have been grouped, sorted and
summarized, or while printing the report, when the records are grouped, sorted and summarized?
In general, LABWORKS Report Designer sets an appropriate evaluation time for your formula,
based on how much information the formula needs. For example, if a formula uses a database
field, then it cannot be evaluated before the records are read from the database. However, you
sometimes need to force a later evaluation time than normal to get the desired effect.
Print state functions (Crystal syntax)
These are once again reporting specific functions. For example, the notation
{Orders.Order Date} is used to refers to the value of the field in the current record whereas
Previous ({Orders.Order Date}) refers to the value in the immediately preceding record and
Next ({Orders.Order Date}) in the next record. IsNull
({Orders.Order Date}) checks if the field's value is null.
Other examples are PageNumber and TotalPageCount that you can use to access pagination
information about your report.
Document properties functions
These are specific functions, such as PrintDate and ReportTitle, that refer to the report
document as a whole.
Additional functions (Crystal syntax)
These are functions in User Function Libraries or UFLs. A UFL is a separate dynamic link library
or Automation server that you create and that LABWORKS Report Designer can use to add your
own customized functions to the formula language. Writing a UFL is more involved than writing a
formula using Basic syntax or Crystal syntax. See LABWORKS Report Designer Developer's
Help for details.
NOTE: Using UFLs makes your reports less portable because you must distribute your UFL
along with the report.
Conditional formatting functions (Crystal syntax)
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When writing a conditional formatting formula, certain additional functions appear at the top of
the Functions tree to help you with this. For example, you can format the {Customer.Last Year's
Sales} field to print sales of more than $100,000 in green, sales of less than $15,000 in red, and
all other sales in black.
Example
//Conditional formatting example 1
If {Customer.Last Year's Sales} > 100000 Then
crGreen
Else If {Customer.Last Year's Sales} < 15000 Then
crRed
Else
crBlack
Since this is a font color formatting function, the list of Color Constants appears in the Functions
Tree. This example uses three: crGreen, crRed and crBlack. You could have used the actual
numeric values of the color constants instead. For example, crRed is 255 and crGreen is 32768.
However, the formula is more understandable using the color constants. All constant functions in
Crystal syntax can have the "cr" prefix.
Crystal syntax still supports constant functions from previous versions without the "cr" prefix. For
example, you can use "Red" instead of "crRed". However, using the "cr" prefix organizes
constant functions and is recommended.
Some formatting attributes do not use constant functions. For example, if you wanted to not
print {Customer.Last Year's Sales} values if the sales were less than
$50,000, you could write the following conditional formatting formula for the suppress
attribute:
If {Customer.Last Year's Sales} < 50000 Then
True //suppress the value
Else
False //do not suppress the value
Or more simply:
//Conditional formatting example 3 -
//equivalent to example 2
If the last year's sales are less than $50,000, then the expression
is True, and so the formula returns True. On the other hand, if the last year's
sales are greater than or equal to $50,000, then
is False and so the formula returns False
General purpose conditional formatting functions (Crystal syntax)
There are three general purpose conditional formatting functions. These functions are
displayed at the top of the Functions tree whenever appropriate.
 CurrentFieldValue – can be used for any formatting formula where you are formatting
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a field value.
 DefaultAttribute – can be used for any formatting formula.
 GridRowColumnValue – can be used for any formatting formula where you are
formatting a field value in a Cross-Tab or OLAP grid.
CurrentFieldValue allows you to conditionally format the cells of a Cross-Tab or OLAP grid
based on their value, while GridRowColumnValue lets you conditionally format the cells of a
Cross-Tab or OLAP grid based on the values of the row or column headings. These two
functions are essential in this situation, since there is no other way in the formula language to
refer to the values of these fields. For example, if you wanted Cross-Tab cells to be suppressed
if the values are less than
50,000:
CurrentFieldValue < 50000
Operators (Crystal syntax)
Arithmetic operators
The arithmetic operators are addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), division (/), integer
division (\), percent (%), modulus (Mod), negation (-) and exponentiation (^). Arithmetic operators
are used to combine numbers, numeric variables, numeric fields and numeric functions to get
another number.
Examples
//Outstanding preferred stock as a percent of
//common stock
{Financials.Preferred Stock} %
{Financials.Common Stock};
//The square root of 9, Sqr(9) is 3
//The formula returns 17
7 + 2 * 3 - 2 + Sqr(6 + 3) * Length("up");
Order of precedence (Crystal syntax)
When you create arithmetic expressions that involve several operators, the order that the
program evaluates the various elements of the expression becomes important. In general, the
program evaluates expressions from left to right. However, it also follows the rules of
precedence from basic math.
Example
Multiplication and division are performed first from left to right and then addition and
subtraction are performed.
For example, 5 + 10 * 3 = 5 + 30 = 35. You can change this order of precedence by using
parentheses. For example, (5 + 10) * 3 = 15 * 3 = 45. If you are unsure of the order of
precedence, it is a good idea to clarify your intentions with parentheses.
List of arithmetic operators, from highest precedence to lowest

 Exponentiation (^)
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reserved.
 Negation (-)
 Multiplication, division, and percent (*, /, %)
 Integer Division (\)
 Modulus (Mod)
 Addition and subtraction (+, -)
Comparison operators (Crystal syntax)
The comparison operators are equal (=), not equal (<>), less than (<), less than or equal (<=),
greater than (>) and greater than or equal (>=).
Comparison operators are usually used to compare operands for a condition in a control structure
such as an If expression. Comparison operators as a group all have lower precedence than the
arithmetic operators. Thus, expressions like 2 + 3 < 2 *
9 are the same as (2 + 3) < (2*9).
Boolean operators (Crystal syntax)
The Boolean operators are, in order of precedence from greatest to lowest: Not, And, Or, Xor,
Eqv and Imp. Boolean operators are typically used with comparison operators to generate
conditions for control structures. Boolean operators as a
group have lower precedence than the comparison operators. Thus for example, the expression 2
< 3 And 4 >= -1 is the same as (2 < 3) And (4 >= -1).
Null fields and how to use IsNull (Crystal syntax)
The {Product.Color} field contains both basic colors such as "red" and "black" and fancy two
word colors such as "steel satin" and "jewel green". Suppose that you want to write a formula
that writes out "basic" for the basic colors and "fancy" for the others.
If InStr({Product.Color}, " ") = 0 Then
"basic"
Else
"fancy"
The function call to InStr searches the {Product.Color} string for a space. If it finds a space, it
returns the position of the space, otherwise it returns 0. Since basic colors are only one word
with no spaces, InStr will return 0 for them.
Dealing with null values (Crystal syntax)
For some products, such as the Guardian Chain Lock, a color value was not recorded and so the
{Product.Color} field has a null value in the database for that record. In general, when
LABWORKS Report Designer encounters a null valued field in a formula, it immediately stops
evaluating the formula and produces no value. Thus, the Guardian Chain Lock record does not
have any word printed beside it. If you want to handle null field values in your formula, you must
explicitly do so using one of the special functions designed for handling them: IsNull,
PreviousIsNull or NextIsNull.Here is how to fix up the previous example using IsNull:
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If IsNull({Product.Color}) Or
InStr({Product.Color}, " ") = 0 Then
"basic"
Else
"fancy"
How this relates to operators, is that when LABWORKS Report Designer evaluates the
condition:
IsNull({Product.Color}) Or
It first evaluates IsNull ({Product.Color}), and when it determines that this is True,
it knows that the whole condition is True, and thus does not need to check whether
In other words, LABWORKS Report Designer will stop evaluating a Boolean expression when it
can deduce the results of the whole expression. In the following example, the formula guards
against attempting to divide by zero in the case that denom is 0:
Local NumberVar num; Local
NumberVar denom;
...
If denom <> 0 And num / denom > 5 Then
...
Control structures (Crystal syntax)

Formulas without control structures execute each expression in the formula exactly once when
the formula is evaluated. The expressions are executed in a sequential fashion, from the first
expression in the formula to the last. Control structures enable you to vary this rigid sequence.
Depending upon which control structure you choose, you can skip over some of the expressions
or repeatedly evaluate some expressions depending on if certain conditions hold. Control
structures are the primary means of expressing business logic and typical report formulas make
extensive use of them.
If expressions (Crystal syntax)
The If expression is one of the most useful control structures. It allows you to evaluate an
expression if a condition is true and evaluate a different expression otherwise.
NOTE: When formatting with conditional formulas, always include the Else keyword; otherwise,
values that don't meet the If condition may not retain their original format. To prevent this, use the
DefaultAttribute function (If...Else DefaultAttribute).
Example
A company plans to pay a bonus of 4 percent to its employees except for those who work in
Sales who will receive 6 percent. The following formula using an If expression would accomplish
this:
//If example 1
If {Employee.Dept} = "Sales" Then
{Employee.Salary} * 0.06
Else
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In this example, if the condition {Employee.Dept} = "Sales" evaluates as true, then the
expression is processed. Otherwise the expression following the Else, namely the
is processed.
Suppose another company wants to give employees a 4% bonus, but with a minimum bonus of
$1,000. The following example shows how. Notice that the Else clause is not included; it is
optional, and not needed in this case.
//If example 2
Local CurrencyVar bonus := {Employee.Salary} * 0.04;
If bonus < 1000 Then
bonus := 1000;
//The final expression is just the variable 'bonus'.

//This returns the value of the variable and is the
//result of the formula bonus
Another way of accomplishing example 2 is to use an Else clause:

//If example 3
1000
Else
Bonus
Now suppose that the previous company also wants a maximum bonus of $5,000. You now
need to use an Else If clause. The following example has only one Else If clause, but you can
add as many as you need. Note, however, that there is a maximum of one Else clause per If
expression. The Else clause is executed if none of the If or Else If conditions are true.
//If example 4
1000
Else If bonus > 5000 Then
5000
Else
bonus;
If example (Crystal syntax)
Suppose that a company wants to compute an estimate of the amount of tax an employee
needs to pay and write a suitable message. Income below $8,000 is not taxed, income from
$8,000 to $20,000 is taxed at 20% income from $20,000 to
$35,000 is taxed at 29% and income above $35,000 is taxed at 40%.
//If example 5
Local CurrencyVar tax := 0;
Local CurrencyVar income := {Employee.Salary}; Local
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StringVar message := "";

If income < 8000 Then
(
message := "no";
tax := 0
)
Else If income >= 8000 And income < 20000 Then
(
message := "lowest";
tax := (income - 8000)*0.20
)
Else If income >= 20000 And income < 35000 Then
(
message := "middle";
tax := (20000 - 8000)*0.20 + (income - 20000)*0.29
)
Else
(
message := "highest";
tax := (20000 - 8000)*0.20 + (35000 - 20000)*0.29 + (income -
35000)*0.40
);
//Use 2 decimal places and the comma as a
//thousands separator
Local StringVar taxStr := CStr (tax, 2, ",");
"You are in the " & message & " tax bracket. " &
Your estimated tax is " & taxStr & "."
The use of variables is to simplify the logic of the computation. Also, there are 2 expressions that
are executed when one of the conditions are met; one assigns the tax variable, and the other
assigns the message variable. It is often useful to have multiple expressions executed as a
result of a condition.
More details on If expressions (Crystal syntax)
The If expression is an expression. In other words it evaluates to a value of a given type. If there
is no Else clause, and the condition is not true, then the value is the default value for the type.
For example:
If Length ({Employee.First Name}) < 5 Then
"short"
The above If expression returns a String value. The string value is "short" if the Employee's
first name has fewer than 5 letters and the empty String "" otherwise. Consider the formula:
If Year({Orders.Order Date}) >= 1995 Then
{Orders.Order Date}
For order dates before 1995, the above If expression returns the null DateTime value. It is a
DateTime value rather than a Date value since {Orders.Order Date} is a DateTime database
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field. The null DateTime value is not printed by LABWORKS Report Designer so if the above
formula is placed in a report, the formula field would be blank for order dates before 1995. Null
Time values and null Date values behave similarly.
Here is an example that illustrates the use of parentheses to have more than one expression
executed as the outcome of an If condition. A company charges a 5 percent fee for orders
shipped within 3 days and a 2 percent fee otherwise. It wants to print messages such as "Rush
shipping is $100.00" or "Regular shipping is
$20.00" as appropriate.
Local StringVar message; Local
CurrencyVar ship;
If {Orders.Ship Date} - {Orders.Order Date} <= 3 Then
(
message := "Rush";
//A semicolon at the end of the next line
//is optional
ship := {Orders.Order Amount} * 0.05
) //A semicolon cannot be placed here
Else
(
message := "Regular";
ship := {Orders.Order Amount} * 0.02;
);
//The preceding semicolon is required to separate the
//If expression from the final expression below message & "
shipping is " & CStr (ship)
When expressions are grouped together with parentheses, the whole group is considered as a
single expression, and its value and type are the value and type of the final expression inside
the parentheses.
//The parentheses group expression as a whole has
//Currency type
(
//The first expression in the parentheses has
//String type
message := "Rush";
//The second and final expression in parentheses
//has Currency type
)
Thus, for example, the following formula gives an error. The reason is that the Then part of the If
expression returns a Currency value while the Else part returns a
String value. This is not allowed, since the If expression is an expression and so must always
return a value of a single type.
//An erroneous formula
Local StringVar message;
Local CurrencyVar ship;
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(
message := "Rush";
ship := {Orders.Order Amount} * 0.05
)
Else
(
//The following 2 lines were interchanged ship :=
{Orders.Order Amount} * 0.02;
);
message & " shipping is " & CStr (ship)
One way of fixing up the erroneous formula without being careful about expression order is just
to make the If expression return a constant value of the same type in every branch. For
example, the If expression now returns the Number value 0:
//Repaired the erroneous formula
Local StringVar message; Local
CurrencyVar ship;
(
message := "Rush";
0
)
Else
(
0
);
message & " shipping is " & CStr (ship)
Select expressions (Crystal syntax)
The Select expression is similar to an If expression. Sometimes however, you can write clearer
and less repetitive formulas using the Select expression. For example,
to evaluate the {Customer.Fax} field to determine if the area code is for Washington state (206,
360, 509) or British Columbia, Canada (604, 250):
//Select example 1
Select {Customer.Fax}[1 To 3]
Case "604", "250" :
"BC"
Case "206", "509", "360" :
"WA"
Default :
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"";
The expression right after the Select keyword is called the Select condition. In the above
example it is {Customer.Fax}[1 To 3]. The Select expression tries to find the first Case that
matches the Select condition, and then executes the expression following the colon for that
Case. The Default case is matched if none of the preceding cases matches the Select condition.
Notice that there is also a colon after the Default.
//Same effect as Select example 1
Local StringVar areaCode := {Customer.Fax}[1 To 3];
If areaCode In ["604", "250"] Then
"BC"
Else If areaCode In ["206", "509", "360"] Then

"WA"
Else
"";
Example
This formula groups the number of Oscar nominations a movie received into low, medium,
high or extreme categories and in the process, shows some of the possibilities for the
expression lists following the Case labels:
//Select example 2
Select {movie.NOM} Case 1,2,3,
Is < 1 :
(
//Can have expression lists by using
//parentheses
10 + 20;
"low"
)
Case 4 To 6, 7, 8, 9 : "medium"
Case 10 :
"high"
Default :
"extreme"
The Default clause of the Select expression is optional. If the Default clause is missing and none
of the cases are matched, then the Select expression returns the default value for its expression
type. For example, if in the above example the Default clause were omitted and {movie.NOM} =
11, it would return the empty string "". The Select expression is an expression, and similar
comments as in the More details on If expressions section apply to it as well.
For loops (Crystal syntax)
For loops enable you to evaluate a sequence of expressions multiple numbers of times. This
is unlike the If and Select expressions where the program passes
through each expression at most once during the formula's evaluation. For loops are best when
you know the number of times that the expressions needs to be
evaluated in advance.
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The syntax of the For loop through examples
Example 1
Suppose you want to reverse the {Customer.Customer Name} string. For example, "City
Cyclists" becomes "stsilcyC ytiC".
//Reverse a string version 1
Local StringVar str := ""; Local
NumberVar strLen :=
Length ({Customer.Customer Name});
Local NumberVar i;
For i := 1 To strLen Do
(
Local NumberVar charPos := strLen - i + 1;
str := str + {Customer.Customer Name}[charPos]
);
str
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Examine how this formula works assuming that the current value of the field
{Customer.Customer Name} is "Clean Air". The variable strLen is assigned to be the length of
"Clean Air", namely 9. The variable i is known as a For counter variable since its value changes
with each iteration of the For loop. In other words, it is used
to count the iterations of the loop. The For loop will iterate 9 times, during the first time, i is 1,
then i is 2, then i is 3 and so on until finally i equals 9. During the first iteration, the ninth
character of {Customer.Customer Name} is appended to the empty string variable str. Thus str
equals "r" after the first iteration. During the second iteration, the eighth character of
{Customer.Customer Name} is appended to str and so str equals "ri". This continues until after
the ninth iteration, str equals,
"riA naelC" which is the reversed string.
Example 2
Here is a simpler version of the above formula that uses a Step clause with a negative Step
value of -1. For the "Clean Air" example, i is 9 for the first iteration, 8 for the second, 7 for the
third and so on until it is 1 in the final iteration.
Local StringVar str := "";
Local NumberVar strLen :=
Length ({Customer.Customer Name});
Local NumberVar i;
For i := strLen To 1 Step -1 Do
(
str := str + {Customer.Customer Name}[i]
);
str
Example 3
The simplest version is to use the built in function StrReverse:

StrReverse ({Customer.Customer Name})
The built in String functions in LABWORKS Report Designer 8.5 can handle many of the string
processing applications that would traditionally be handled using a For loop or some other kind of
loop. However, For loops provide the most flexibility in processing strings and also power in
processing arrays, which can be essential if the built-in functions do not cover your intended
application.
For loop example
Here is a more full featured example of Crystal Reports' string processing capabilities. The
Caesar cipher is a simple code that is traditionally credited to Julius Caesar. In this code, each
letter of a word is replaced by a letter five characters further in the alphabet. For example, "Jaws"
becomes "Ofbx". Notice that "w" is replaced by "b"; since there are not 5 characters after "w" in
the alphabet, it starts again from the beginning. Here is a formula that implements applying the
Caesar cipher to the field {Customer.Customer Name} in the Example database:
//The Caesar cipher
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//The input string to encrypt

Local StringVar inString := {Customer.Customer Name};
Local NumberVar shift := 5;
Local StringVar outString := "";
Local NumberVar i;
For i := 1 To Length(inString) Do
(
Local StringVar inC := inString [i];
Local StringVar outC;
Local BooleanVar isChar :=
LowerCase(inC) In "a" To "z";
Local BooleanVar isUCaseChar :=
isChar And (UpperCase (inC) = inC);
inC := LCase(inC);
If isChar Then
(
Local NumberVar offset :=
(Asc(inC) + shift - Asc("a")) Mod
(Asc("z") - Asc("a") + 1);
outC := Chr(offset + Asc("a"));
If isUCaseChar Then outC := UpperCase(outC)
)
Else
outC := inC;
outString := outString + outC
);
outString
In the above example there is an If expression nested within the expression block of the For loop.
This If expression is responsible for the precise details of shifting a single character. For example,
letters are treated differently from punctuation and spaces. In particular, punctuation and spaces
are not encoded. The general points here are that control structures can be nested within other
control structures and that multiple expressions can be included in the (parentheses enclosed)
expression blocks of other control structures
Using Exit For (Crystal syntax)
You can exit from a For loop by using Exit For. The following example searches the Global array
names for the name "Fred". If it finds the name, it returns the index of the name in the array.
Otherwise it returns -1.For example, if the names array is:
["Frank", "Helen", "Fred", "Linda"]
Then the formula returns 3.

Global StringVar Array names;
//The names array has been initialized and filled
//in other formulas
Local NumberVar i;
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Local NumberVar result := -1;

//The UBound function returns the size of its array
//argument
For i := 1 to UBound (names) Do
(
If names [i] = "Fred" Then
(
result := i;\
Exit For
)
);
result
When considered as an expression, the For loop always returns the Boolean value True. Thus
you will almost never want a For loop to be the last expression in a formula, since then the
formula will then just display the value True rather than your intended result.
While loops (Crystal syntax)
Another looping mechanism is the While loop. A While loop can be used to execute a fixed block
of statement an indefinite amount of time.
Two different types of While loops
Type of Do
Loop Explanation Example
While ... Do The While ... Do loop evaluates the While condition Do
condition, and if the condition is true,
expression
then it evaluates the expression
following the Do.
When it has finished doing this, it
evaluates the condition again and if the
condition is true, it evaluates the
expression following the Do again. It
continues repeating this process until

the condition is false.
Do ... While The Do ... While loop evaluates the Do

expression once no matter what.
expression
It then evaluates the condition, and if
While condition
the condition is true, evaluates the
expression again. This process
continues until the condition is false.
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The While loops support an Exit While statement to jump immediately out of the loop. Its use
is analogous to the use of Exit For in For loops.
As with the For loop, the While loop when considered as an expression always returns the
Boolean value True.
While ... Do loop example (Crystal syntax)
The following example searches for the first occurrence of a digit in an input string. If a digit is
found, it returns its position, otherwise it returns -1. In this case, the input string is set explicitly to
a string constant, but it could be set equal to a String type database field instead. For example,
for the input String, "The 7 Dwarves", the formula returns 5, which is the position of the digit 7.
Local StringVar inString := "The 7 Dwarves";
Local NumberVar strLen := Length (inString);
Local NumberVar result := -1;
Local NumberVar i := 1;
While i <= strLen And result = -1 Do
(
Local StringVar c := inString [i];
If NumericText (c) Then
result := i;
i := i + 1;
);
result
Safety Mechanism for Loops (Crystal syntax)
There is a safety mechanism to prevent report processing from hanging due to an infinite loop.
Any one evaluation of a formula can have at most 30,000 loop condition evaluations per formula
evaluation. This will be explained by the example below. For example:
Local NumberVar i := 1; While i <=
100000 Do
(
If i > {movie.STARS} Then
Exit While;
i := i + 1
);
20
If {movie.STARS} is greater than 30,000 then the loop condition (i <= 100000) will be evaluated
more than the maximum number of times and an error message is displayed. Otherwise, the
loop is OK.
The safety mechanism applies on a per formula base, not for each individual loop. For
example:
Local NumberVar i := 1; For i := 1 To
10000 Do
(
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Sin (i);
);
While i <= 25000 Do
(
i := i + 1;
)
The above formula also triggers the safety mechanism since the 30,000 refers to the total
number of loop condition evaluations in the formula and this formula will have 10001 + 25001
such evaluations.
Limitations (Crystal syntax)

For reference purposes, here are the sizing limitations of the formula language:
 The maximum length of a String constant, a String value held by a String variable, a
String value returned by a function or a String element of a String array is 254 bytes.
 The maximum size of an array is 1000 elements.
 The maximum number of arguments to a function is 1000. (This applies to functions

that can have an indefinite number of arguments such as Choose).
 The maximum length of the text of a formula is 64K.
 The maximum number of loop condition evaluations per evaluation of a formula is

30,000.
 Date-time functions modeled on Visual Basic accept dates from year 100 to year 9999.
Traditional LABWORKS Report Designer functions accept dates from year 1 to year
9999.
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Parameter Fields
About Parameter Fields

The purpose of parameters is to prompt a report user to enter information. The responding
information determines what appears in the report. By using parameter fields in the report,
formulas, and selection formulas, you can create a single report that can be modified as needed.
This chapter explains parameter fields are and how they can be used to create a report that
accesses different types of data depending on the user's needs.
Parameter fields support the following data types:
Boolean – requires a yes/no or true/false answer.
Currency – requires a dollar amount.
Date – requires an answer in a date format.
DateTime – requires both date and time.
Number – requires a numeric value.
String – requires a text answer.
Time – requires an answer using a time format.
Parameter field prompting text can be up to four lines long with approximately 60-
70 characters per line; depending on character width, up to the 254-character limit. Text over
one line in length automatically wraps.
You can create a pick list for the user to select the parameter value rather than having them
enter it manually.
A parameter field does not have to be placed in a report to be used in a record or a group
selection formula. You create the parameter field and then enter it in your formula as you would
any other field.
Creating a Parameter Field

To create a parameter field:
1. Open the report to which you want to add a parameter field in LABWORKS Report
Designer.
2. Right click Parameter Fields in the list on the left side of the screen and click New.
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3. Notice that the Create Parameter Field dialog box appears.
4. Enter a name for the parameter in the Name field – name may be up to 255
alphanumeric characters.
5. Enter the desired prompting text in the Prompting text field – may be up to 255
alphanumeric characters. This text appears in the Enter Parameter Values dialog box
when the report is refreshed.
6. Select the appropriate Value type from the list. When creating a parameter whose
Value type is either Date or DateTime, you can change the date format as needed.
7. Click Set Default Values. The Set Default Values dialog box appears.
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8. Select the database in the Browse Table field.
9. Select the field from the Browse field drop-down list.
10. Click >> to move all of the fields to the Default Values area.
11. Click OK. The Create Parameter Field dialog box appears.
12. Click OK.
13. Notice that the created parameter now appears in the Parameter Fields list.
14. Drag and drop the created parameter into your report. If you don't want to see the
parameter field you dropped in your report, place it in a section you can suppress, such
as a report header or footer.
15. Click Close.
To incorporate the parameter into the selection:
2. Click Select Expert. The Choose Field dialog box appears.
3. Select the desired field from the database table and then click OK. The Select Expert
appears.
4. Select how the value is to function from the drop-down list, e.g., is equal to.
5. Select the parameter from the adjacent drop-down list.
6. Click OK.
7. Save the report.
8. Click File and click Print Preview.
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9. Notice that the Enter Parameter Values dialog box appears.
10. Select a value in the Discrete Value field.
11. Click OK. The report appears with the information for Free Chlorine (FREECL).
Deleting Parameter Fields

There are several ways to delete parameters in a report. The type of parameter you are
deleting determines the method.
To delete a parameter that is not used in a formula:
1. Expand the Parameter Fields folder.
2. Right click on the parameter you want to delete.
3. Click Delete.
4. If the parameter is being used in the report, a deletion confirmation message appears.
5. Click Yes to delete the parameter field. The parameter is removed from the
Parameter Fields folder and from your report.
To delete a parameter used with the Select Expert:
2. Click Select Expert. The Select Expert dialog box appears.
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3. Click on the tab whose selection criteria uses the parameter you want to delete.
4. Click the Delete button
5. Click OK to close the Select Expert.
6. Expand the Parameter Fields folder and click the parameter you want to delete.
7. Click Delete.
To delete a parameter that is used in a formula:
1. Select the formula that contains the parameter you want to delete in the Formula Fields
folder.
2. Click Edit and delete the parameter field from the formula.
NOTE: If the parameter is used in more than one formula, it must be deleted from each
formula.
3. Close the Formula Editor.
4. Expand the Parameter Fields folder and click the parameter you want to delete.
5. Click Delete.
Advanced Parameter Features
Parameters may be used in a variety of ways within a report. This section explains some of the
advanced methods of using parameters.
Creating a parameter with multiple values
To create a parameter with multiple values:
1. Select Parameter Fields and click New.
2. Enter a Name and Prompting text.
3. Select a Value type.
4. Select the Allow multiple values checkbox to enable more than one value to be entered
into the parameter.
5. Click Set default values to determine the type of entries that can be entered. The Set
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Default dialog box appears.
6. From the Browse table drop-down list, select the table for the default values.
7. From the Browse field drop-down list, select the field for the default values. The values
associated with this table and field appear in the Select or enter value to add area.
8. Select the values listed, or create your own, and move them to the Default Values area
using the arrow buttons.
9. Adjust the display, order, and length limit as required.
10. Click OK.
Applying conditional formatting using parameter fields
Parameter fields can be used to create conditional formatting formulas that can be customized
when you refresh the report data. A conditional formatting formula may be used for color-flagging
data that meets certain conditions.
You do not need to use parameter fields if the conditions for flagging these items never change.
You can just use formulas for text flags or conditional formatting for border flags. You need to
use parameter fields in formulas and conditional formatting formulas to change the conditions
from report to report.
To apply conditional formatting using parameter fields:
1. Create the parameter field of the data type you need for the formula.
2. Create the formula and use the parameter field in place of the fixed value you would
normally use.
3. Right click on the field and click Format. The Format Editor appears.
4. Click the Conditional formula button next to the Color property on the Font tab, and
format the field using a conditional formatting formula like this:
If {customer.LAST YEAR'S SALES} > {?SalesTarget} Then

Red
Else
Black
In this example, when you refresh the data, the program prompts you for the value that
triggers the color flag, known as the threshold value. It then runs the report and flags all the
customers that had sales last year above the threshold figure. You can change the figure
each time you run the report and the program will flag a different set of Customer Names.
Creating a report title using parameter fields
You can use parameter fields to create a report title that can be changed each time the report is
refreshed.
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To create a report title using parameter fields:
1. Select Parameter Fields and click New. The Create Parameter Field dialog box appears.
2. Type a name for the parameter field in the Name field.
3. Type in any prompting text you wish in the Prompting text field.
4. Select String from the Value type drop-down list.
5. Click Set default values. The Set Default Values dialog box appears.
6. Type the desired text in the Select or enter value to add field and click > to add the title
to the Default Values area.
7. Continue adding titles as required.
8. Click OK. The Create Parameter Field dialog box appears.
9. Click OK. The new parameter appears in the Parameter Fields list.
10. Place the parameter field in the Page Header section of the report to have the title
appear on every page.
11. Place the parameter field in the Report Header section if you want the title to appear
on only the first page of the report. Now, when you refresh the data, the program
prompts you for a report title. You can change the title each time you run the report, if
desired.
Specifying single or ranges of values
To specify single or range of values:
1. Select the Discrete value(s) option if you want the parameter field to accept single
values rather than ranges of values.
2. Select the Range value(s) option to specify that the parameter field accept a range of
values.
3. If you select Range value(s), enter a start value and an end value when prompted for
parameter values, and the report then displays all records within that range. For
example, if you enter the values 5 and 10, the range is 5-10, and the report will display
all records with values between 5 and 10. This also applies to string parameter fields.
With a start value of A and an end value of E, the report displays all records within an
alphabetical range of A-E.
4. Select the Allow multiple values and the Discrete value(s) field accept multiple single
values.
NOTE: This allows you to enter more than one value, but these values are evaluated
individually and are not interpreted as a range.
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5. Select the Allow multiple values and Range value(s) options to have the parameter
field accept multiple ranges.
6. If applicable, click Set default values to select the Length limit checkbox to designate
the length of the field. If you select Length limit: for a Currency or Number parameter
field, the Min Value and Max Value fields appear for a DateTime parameter field; the
Start Date-time and End Date-time fields appear for a Date parameter field; the Start
Date and End Date fields appear for a Time parameter field; the Start Time and End
Time fields appear.
Incorporating a parameter into a formula
To incorporate a parameter into a formula:
1. Select Parameter Fields and click New. The Create Parameter Field dialog box appears.
2. Create a parameter field and save it.
3. Right click on Formula Fields and click New. The Formula Name dialog box appears.
4. Enter the name of the formula and click OK.
5. Create a formula using the parameter field as you would any constant value.
6. Double click the database field, press =, then double click the parameter. Identify parameter
fields easily by looking for (?).
7. Click Save and close. The name of the formula you created is highlighted in the Formula
list.
8. Drag and drop the formula into the report.
9. Click File > Print Preview to generate the report. A dialog box appears prompting you for
values.
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Subreports
What is a Subreport
A subreport is a report within a report. The process for creating a subreport is
similar to the process of creating a regular report. A subreport can have most of the
characteristics of a report, including its own record selection criteria. The only differences
between a subreport and a primary report are that a subreport:
 Is inserted as an object into a primary report; it cannot stand on its own (although a
subreport can be saved as a primary report).
 Can be placed in any report section and the entire subreport will print in that section.
 Cannot contain another subreport.
 Does not have Page Header or Page Footer sections.
There are four instances in which a subreport would typically be used:
 To combine unrelated reports into a single report.
 To coordinate data that cannot otherwise be linked.
 To present different views of the same data within a single report.
 To perform one-to-many lookups from a field that is not indexed on the lookup field.
Processing considerations for subreports
When using or considering the use of subreports, there are some considerations to keep in mind
that will affect how fast and efficient your reports will process. Consider the following:
 Subreports will require additional resources.
 Make sure you have enough resources, such as free disk space and memory, for the
size of the database and the amount of processing a report requires. When Crystal
Reports processes subreports, it may call data from the database onto the client
computer, depending on what functions are being used in the subreport’s formulas.
Client-side processing requires additional hard disk space and increases network usage.
If there are not enough resources on the computer, the report may stop processing or
become corrupt, or the computer may return an error.
 Where you place a subreport determines report processing time.
 The report section where you place a subreport affects the processing time of the whole
report. For example, placing the subreport in the Details section of the main report
causes the subreport to print once for each record returned on the main report. This
slows report processing. If the subreport is placed in the Report Header, the subreport
will only print once per report.
 Where you place a linked subreport determines what data is returned.
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 In reports that contain groups, a subreport can be inserted into the Group Header or
Footer. If the subreport is linked to the main report on the grouped field, each time the
group changes the subreport reflects data for that group.
 If you are passing values from the subreport to the main report with shared variables,
Crystal Reports must first evaluate the shared variable in the subreport before it calls it
from the main report. To accomplish this place the subreport in a main report section
above the section containing the formula that calls the shared variable.
 Page Headers belong to each individual page and therefore cannot span more than one
page. This can be an issue when a subreport is placed in the Page Header section of a
main report. If the subreport is too large to fit on one page, the following message is
displayed: “The page size is not large enough to format the contents of an object”.
How subreport linking works
When you link a subreport to a primary report, the program creates the link using a parameter
field.
 When a subreport link field is selected the program creates:
 A parameter field in the subreport which is then used to retrieve values passed to it by
the primary report.
 A record selection formula for the subreport using the parameter field.
 The selection formula limits the subreport to those records in which the link field is
equal to the parameter field value.
When the reports run, the program finds the first primary field record it needs and passes the
value in the link field to the parameter field in the subreport. The
program then creates the subreport with record selection based on the parameter field value.
He is an example:
 You create a report that shows customer data and a subreport that shows order data.
Then you link the two reports using the Customer ID field.
 When you run the report, the program finds the first customer record it needs and
passes the Customer ID value from that record to the subreport parameter field.
 The program runs the Orders subreport. Since the subreport selection formula selects
only those records in which the Customer ID value is equal to the parameter field value,
and since that parameter field value is equal to the Customer Id in the first record in the
primary report, the subreport contains only those records that have the same customer
ID. Namely, those records that are orders for the first customer.
 When the subreport is finished the program locates the second record it needs in the
primary report, prints the customer data, and then passes this customers ID number to
the parameter field.
 The program then runs a subreport including only those order records for the second
customer.
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 The process continues until the report is finished.
 All of this parameter field manipulation takes place behind the scenes. You pick the
fields that will link the primary report with the subreport and the program does the rest.
The values are passed without the parameter field prompting you for a value.
 Using a pre-existing report as a subreport.
 You can insert an existing report into another report as a subreport. Open the primary
report and follow the procedure below.
To use a pre-existing report as a subreport:
1. With the primary report open, right click INSERT>SUBREPORT. The Insert Subreport
dialog box opens.
2. Click Choose a report and enter the name. If you do not know the name of the
subreport, click the Browse button and locate it in the dialog box.
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3. In the Report Name text box, enter the name and path of the report, or click Browse and
choose the report from the dialog box that opens.
4. From the Insert Subreport dialog box, click OK. The program displays a
rectangular object placement frame.
5.
5. Move the top margin of the object frame into the section where you want the object and
click once to place it. The program places the subreport object into that section and
increase the size for the section vertically, if required. The program creates a
subreport design tab labeled with the subreport name.
6. If you need to edit your report, right click on the subreport and modify your subreport
as you would any other report. You can suppress any sections in the subreport that
you do not want to display.
7. Preview your subreport. Two options exist when previewing your subreport. If you click
Print preview while in the subreports Design tab, you can preview just the subreport. If you
want to preview the subreport as part of the main report, click Print Preview from the
primary reports Design tab.
Note: Subreports do not contain Page Header of Page Footer sections.
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Using the Report Wizard to create a subreport
You can use the Report Wizard to create and insert a subreport into another report. Open the
primary report and follow the procedure below.
To use the Report Wizard to create a subreport:
1. With the primary report open, click Insert>Subreport. The Insert Subreport dialog box
opens.
2. Click Create a subreport with the Report Wizard and enter a name in the New report
name text box.
3. Click the Report Wizard button.
4. Follow the steps in the wizard to crate your subreport.
5. Click OK when you are finished with the wizard to return to the Insert Subreport dialog box.
6. From the Insert Subreport dialog box, click OK. The program displays
rectangular object placement frame.
7. Move the top margin of the object frame into the section you want the object and click to
place it. The program places the subreport object into that section and increases the size
of the section vertically, if required. The program creates a subreport design tab labeled
with the subreport name.
8. Preview your subreport. Two options exist when previewing your subreport. If you click
Print Preview while in the subreport’s Design tab, you can preview just the subreport. If you
want to preview the subreport as part of the main report, click Print Preview from the
primary report’s Design tab.
Modifying a subreport
Once you have created and inserted your subreport, you may want to make some modifications
to it. Applying object formatting or section formatting within the subreport is the same as with
any other report. You can also add formatting to the subreport placeholder. Items such as the
border, fonts and subreport labels can be formatted or changed. To edit a subreport, you access
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the subreport design tab and make changes to the report just as you would any other report.
Any of the sections and objects on the report can be formatted.
To format a subreport:
1. In either the design or preview tab of the main report, right-click the subreport
placeholder.
2. From the shortcut menu, click Format Subreport. The Format Editor will open.
3. You can now apply formatting using the tabbed dialog.
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4. QA/QC Module Technical Reference
Technical Prologue
Introduction
This chapter is designed for the technical specialist or designated system administrator of the LABWORKS
LIMS. Generally the person(s) assigned these tasks will handle software installation, system configuration,
integration into other tools, and database preparation (of analysis prefixes, SI forms, and pick lists). These
tasks require computer / database technical skills outside of laboratory/environmental specific duties. This
documentation is tailored for people handling these duties and is not designed for the operator of the
software. If you plan on operating the QA/QC Module, please refer to the LABWORKS LIMS QA/QC Module
Setup and Configuration Reference in the next chapter.
This document also assumes the Server and Client installs of LABWORKS LIMS has been completed successfully.
Installation of LABWORKS is not covered here.
Overview
The QA/QC Module is an integral part of the LABWORKS LIMS. It is considered a core application, and
therefore does not require a special control file license for usage. The only required license is a valid
LABWORKS LIMS read/write Desktop license with the appropriate privilege to run the application. The
privileges for QA/QC will be discussed later in the chapter.
A technical specialist who is in charge of QA/QC Module implementation and maintenance will have most of
their work prior to initial usage. Once the lab begins using the application, general (System Manager related)
maintenance may include tasks such as adding additional prefixes in SysMgr table or assisting with
integration into other areas of LABWORKS (Chemical Inventory, Instrument Maintenance and Calibration,
and User Training Module). For the most part, after initial setup the lab should be able to handle all daily tasks
by following instructions in the QA/QC User Manual.
The QA/QC Module introduced in LABWORKS version 6.3 includes a system built using the latest
LABWORKS architecture and Microsoft .NET framework. It includes a new UI with the look and feel of other
core modules within the system. Users already familiar with the legacy QA/QC Module may have to get used
to the new interface for daily tasks, but new users to the system will have a significantly lower learning curve
to accomplish the same daily tasks.
QA/QC Module Execution
QA/QC Application Install / Upgrade Information
To use the latest QA/QC module, you must first be running at least LABWORKS 6.4. The LABWORKS 6.4
installation process installs the new QA/QC module programs. No additional installation is required.
QA/QC Module Programs
If your lab has been using the legacy QA/QC program already, clicking the existing entry on the
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LABWORKS desktop menu will continue to launch the old application even after installation. You will
need to add a new link on your lab’s Desktop for the latest application to launch (for both the QA/QC
Template and Batch Builder applications) and remove the old tool.
As with all LABWORKS LIMS programs, the QA/QC module programs are located in the
C:\LABWORKS\Client\ path.
 LWQAQCTemplateBuilder – the QA/QC Template Builder program that designs the
configuration to be used each time a specific batch of QA/QC samples are created in the system.
 LWQAQCBatchBuilder – the QA/QC Batch Builder program that creates the batches of QA/QC
samples off of a given configurable template.
Use the Configure Menu/Toolbar to change or remove the old Desktop menu option. Then you can
publish the change to all the lab users using the Assign Menu/Toolbar option.
QA/QC Module Desktop Menu Option
No new control file to run the application is needed since the QA/QC module is a core LABWORKS
application.
The LABWORKS.INI file, used by older legacy applications, is no longer used within the new QA/QC
module. All configurations are done within the application itself or via System Manager keys.
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QA/QC Application Privileges
The QA/QC Batch Builder program uses the same privileges as the legacy application. There is a
privilege for execution of the application and a privilege for creation of batches. However, the new QA/QC
Template Builder has 2 new privileges that must be added to the system.
 QABATCHE_APP – to run the batch builder (same as legacy)
 BATCHSETUP – for modification of existing batches (same as legacy)
 QATEMP_APP – to run the template builder
 QATEMPSETUP – to create new or modify existing templates
QA/QC Application Specifics
QA/QC Analyses Prefixes

The latest QA/QC Module supports the previous legacy QA/QC prefixes for test assignments. These are
referred to as “special” analysis code prefixes.
These special analysis code prefixes are used by LABWORKS to designate common types of QA
analyses that may be performed on a sample. Entry of these prefixes into the system is also the job of the
System Administrator. These are entered in the System Manager area (included in the SysMgr database
table).
There are built-in prefixes and custom prefixes. The custom prefixes can be used if the customer is not
able to create all the required QA/QC tests needed for samples. The additional custom prefixes used in
the system can be defined by QAPREFIX_ in front of the System Manager key value (SYSMGROPT field
in the SysMgr table).
The following are built-in prefixes.
 B_ – Blank Analysis
 A_ – Amount Spiked
 S_ – Spiked Result
 R_ – Recovery
 D_ – Duplicate Analysis
 P_ – Precision
 L_ – Lab Control Analysis
 I_ – Initial Calibration
 C_ – Continuous Calibration
 T_ – Trip Blank
 F_ – Field Blank
 #Q_ – Study Group
An example of when additional QA/QC prefixes may be needed is when more than one type of “L” test
(Lab Control Analysis) is needed. The customer can define a _L1, _L2, _L3, etc. type of test all by
inclusion of the QAPREFIX_ in front within SysMgr table. This will allow the additional prefixes to be
available for usage and configuration in the system. You can have a maximum of 4 characters for a
custom prefix. For example, a QAPREFIX_TEST entry in SysMgr would define the prefix TEST_ in the
LIMS.
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Example additional QA/QC prefixes defined in SysMgr
The purpose of defining prefixes is to handle the logged in QA/QC analyses in specific ways that may be
slightly different from other regular analyses in LABWORKS. To facilitate the creation of these QA/QC
test codes, the parameter group definition utility (QCCFG6.EXE) can be used.
The following section explains the usage of this QA/QC test group configuration utility.
QA/QC Test Group Configuration (QCCFG6)

In order to configure a QA/QC test group (#Q study group) with prefixes you defined using the SysMgr
table (for custom specs) or any built-in prefix group, you can use the Parameter Group Definition
utility. This program will save you a lot of time by creating all the required #Q and components for you
from 1 simple configuration screen. It can be launched in the regular programs folder. The filename is
QCCFG6.EXE.
Launching the utility will open a list of all standard built-in and custom prefixes available in the system.
The columns in the list allow definition of special handling when samples of these types are logged into
the system through their associated #Q group.
QA/QC Parameter Group Definition Utility
You must first select the analyses to configure above using the Select Analyses button at the top
portion of the screen. You then define the individual QA parameter groups (rows) for all analyses logged
in the system with these prefixes. Each row is a specific parameter group (prefix) defined. The built-in
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groups are always towards the top, and the custom groups are placed at the bottom of the list. T he data
entered in these cells will go into the automatic creation of the #Q group and its components.
The following are the available configuration options (columns) for each.
 Include – allows selection of which groups to include (to be saved) when OK is clicked. Only the
groups checked to be included will have test codes created for them.
 Reportable – new tests of these groups will be marked reportable
 Invoicable – new tests of these groups will be marked invoicable
 Calculation Defined – allows the selection and definition of a specific calculation that will be
assigned to the new tests of these groups.
Click into the cell to select or deselect a value.
Configuration Columns 1-4
Click the arrow keys at the bottom of the screen to scroll over to the next set of columns.
Note that any of these columns can be set to a value of _ANALYSIS (included in the combo box) which
selects whatever value is already assigned to the analysis code.
 Analysis Department – allows selection of a specific department that will be assigned to the
new tests of these groups.
 Special Info Form – allows selection of a specific SI form that will be assigned to the new tests
of these groups.
 Reporting Units – allows selection of a specific unit of measure for reporting that will be
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assigned to the new tests of these groups.
 MDL or Sensitivity – allows selection of a specific MDL value that will be assigned to the new
tests of these groups.
Once again, click the arrow keys at the bottom of the screen to scroll over to the next set of columns.
 Hold Days – allows selection of a specific number of hold days that will be assigned to the new
tests of these groups.
 Significant Figures – allows selection of a specific number of significant figures for test results
that will be assigned to the new tests of these groups.
 Analysis Price – allows selection of a specific price that will be assigned to the new tests of
these groups.
 Work Units – allows selection of a specific “work” unit of measure that will be assigned to the
new tests of these groups.
 Report All Components – a Boolean yes/no value that shows whether you want all
components of the test reported or not and will be assigned to the new tests of these groups.
 Add Unselect Components – a Boolean yes/no value that shows whether you want to add
unselected components to the login group or not and will be assigned to the new tests of these
groups.
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Once again, click the arrow keys at the bottom of the screen to scroll over to the next set of columns.
The remaining columns 15 through 22 define any special specifications (lower through upper specs) that
apply to these groups or specific owners (analysis and sample owners).
When finished with the configuration of each of the group rows, click OK to save them or CANCEL to
exit without saving.
After clicking OK, the system shows you the new QA parameters it is about to create for a final
confirmation.
New QA Parameters to Create
This utility will basically save you time from the manual creation of the same QA/QC tests in Analysis
List Maintenance by building the primary and dependent analyses all for you automatically. For example,
if the A_P-O test code was assigned and configured, the utility will build the special #Q group code and
all associated analysis codes for inclusion.
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Clicking SAVE on this final screen will generate the all the codes for you. If you want some created, but
not others, you can use the Include column to unselect specific codes from the list.
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New QA Parameters to Create
The following section explains further on the setup and usage of the primary and dependent analyses.
QA/QC Primary and Dependent Analyses

Using the system prefixes above will allow users to follow standard QA/QC analysis code abbreviations
within the system. In a QA/QC template, a primary analysis code can be assigned with a list of
dependent analyses associated with it. In order to associate a QA/QC dependent analysis list, you must
create a test group with the same analysis code with a #Q in front.
To provide a simple illustration of how the “dependent” #Q tests work, let’s take a real-world example. If we have
an analysis code for Tri-halomethanes ($THM) defined in LABWORKS, we can associate QA/QC-only tests by
creating another test code called #Q$THM. The #Q in the front of this code tells the system that the contents of
this study group test are dependent analyses specifically for $THM. Therefore, test $THM is the primary test
while the contents of #Q$THM become the dependent tests.
Example of #Q dependent tests within a QA/QC Template
This provides the capability for chemists to test QA/QC tests completely separate from the normal samples they
run for the same test (does not conflict with the analytes already assigned to the test).
Define the QA/QC dependent study group lists from either within the Analysis Maintenance module or the QA
Parameter Group Definition utility (QCCFG6.EXE) explained in the previous section.
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LABWORKS Analysis List Maintenance - #Q group code example
Optional Module Integration and SysMgr Keys

There are three optional LIMS modules that can be tied into the QA/QC Module.
 Chemical Inventory
 Instrument Maintenance and Calibration (IM&C)
 Personnel Training
These three modules include maintenance of other types of “objects” within LABWORKS that are able to
be state managed, tracked, reported, etc. You are able to tie the objects from these modules into a given
QA/QC sample batch by assigning them to a QA/QC Template.
On the far right-side of a QA/QC template is where the links for these optional modules are placed. An
ellipse button to the right of each item will select these records from the optional modules.
Optional Module Section in a QA/QC Template
The Default Instrument option opens a list of values taken from the IM&C module. The Default Analyst
option opens a list of values taken from the Personnel Training module. The checkbox to use standard
item for tracking links an item from the Chemical Inventory module.
The Chemical Inventory list will show the list of all inventory items you have available in the system.
However, the instrument and analyst list can be filtered by the use of SysMgr keys.
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The Boolean SysMgr keys that affect the list of instruments and analysts within the QA/QC module are
as follows.
 INSTR_BY_DATE – shows a list of instruments filtered by install date

 INSTR_BY_STATUS – shows a list of instruments with data (calibration history) – will not
show items that are not in active use
 INSTR_BY_TEST – shows a list of instruments with assigned tests that match the QA/QC
template’s assigned test – will prevent users from assigning instruments to a QA/QC
template that it is not designated or properly calibrated to test
 ANLYST_BY_DATE – shows a list of analysts filtered by hire date

 ANLYST_BY_STATUS - shows a list of analysts with training data (history that shows
training happened) – will not show users that were not trained
 ANLYST_BY_TEST – shows a list of analysts with assigned tests that match the QA/QC
template’s assigned test – will prevent users from taking on QA/QC testing they were not
specifically trained for
To illustrate how this can be utilized, we can take the following example. With INSTR_BY_STATUS
turned on, an instrument that was never calibrated or had any data associated with it would not be
selectable.
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PE-GC-1 Instrument has no data associated with it
The PE-GC-1 Instrument is not selectable within QA/QC
Another similar example is if we had INSTR_BY_TEST turned on and was sampling for PH. When you
are creating a QA/QC batching template that has a primary analysis of PH, only those instruments
selected to sample PH will be selectable within QA/QC.
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Only PE testing Instruments are selectable within QA/QC for PE
Likewise with Personnel Training if ANLST_BY_STATUS is turned on, only those users that have had
training and in good status will be selectable within QA/QC.
Only the USR user has had all the proper training required
In our example, USR has had all the required training.

Opening a analyst list within a QA/QC Template will only show that one user who has had all the proper
training required to do QA/QC testing.
Only the USR user has had all the proper training required
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Also with analysts, you can assign tests as well and switch the filter to use ANLST_BY_TEST. In our
previous example where we were sampling with PH, only those users trained to sample PH will be
selectable.
Other QA/QC SysMgr Keys

Besides the 6 filtering keys defined in the previous section, there are also 3 SysMgr keys that define the
color scheme within the QA/QC Batch Builder program.
The following keys define the QA/QC Batch Builder color scheme. The color scheme is used to define
which samples are due or overdue in an existing or new batch after the Next button is clicked from the
main screen.
 WARN_DUE_COLOR – these are samples in the batch list that are close to becoming due (they
will be due soon within 120 hours). The default is usually green.
 DUE_COLOR – these are samples due NOW or within 48 hours. The default is usually yellow.
 OVERDUE_COLOR – these are samples that are overdue or late. The default is usually red.
A legend of the color scheme can be viewed on the far right side of the batch.
Color Scheme in QA/QC Batching
SI and User Fields in QA/QC

There are no user field requirements in the system. The system uses the user fields assigned to specific
location codes as normal.
Special Info (SI) fields, however, can be assigned to the batch via the QA/QC Template. This is done
using the Special Info selection on the Main tab of the template.
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Special Info
Example QC Information SI Form
Default information can be entered within the SI fields of the assigned form. This information is then
tracked at the batch level. This provides a more high-level form of special information tracking above
both the analysis and sample levels that are stored at sample login.
QA/QC Crystal Worksheets

The Crystal worksheets work the same as they did in the legacy application. They are export reports that
launch the EXPTDATA6 application for extraction of batch data (into export tables FLATDATA_QA and
FLATDATA_QABATCH).
You must first have a valid QA/QC report with a CEF (Custom Export File) associated selected for
exporting the QA/QC data as an option.
Once you have a valid report, and it is in an ACTIVE state in Object Publisher, it can be selected within a
QA/QC batching template.
QA/QC Template Report selection
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If a valid report was assigned to the QA/QC Template, when the batching is performed a Worksheet
button will be highlighted within the QA/QC Batch Builder application. The user can click this button to
fire off the worksheet.
Note that this is designed only for basic worksheet information only. For more detail (sample result
information, for example), it may be best to select a custom report from the LABWORKS Desktop
instead. However, if results are entered from the batch builder (by launching Results Entry), the selected
template should reflect this data immediately if stored. How your worksheet performs depends on your
report template built within the LABWORKS Report Designer tool.
Common QA/QC Problems

As part of the final section of this document, we wanted to provide some support assistance by listing
the most common errors on QA/QC turned into support. These can be used as a means to catch
problems before they occur.
Issue #1: no analysts in my selection list – you may have filtering turned on, so check your SysMgr
keys.
Issue #2: no instruments in my selection list – you may have filtering turned on, so check your SysMgr
keys.
Issue #3: batches were not created properly or template is not selectable – check and make sure your
template is in an ACTIVE state in Object Publisher.
Issue #4: can’t add items to chemical inventory for selection in QA/QC – you must have Chemical
Inventory set up properly. It has its own set of SysMgr keys, privileges, and a set up process. Check
your Chemical Inventory manual.
Issue #5: no color scheme in my batches or colors are invalid – check your SysMgr settings for the keys
WARN_DUE_COLOR, DUE_COLOR, and OVERDUE_COLOR and make sure they are correct.
Issue #6: my worksheets won’t print – make sure your worksheet is a QA/QC report template meaning it
is pointing to the QA/QC tables in LABWORKS. You can test this by opening the LABWORKS Report
Designer and selecting the template in design mode. When the template is open, check the database
connection information.
Issue #7: no worksheets are selectable in my QA/QC template – make sure the report template is in an
ACTIVE state in Object Publisher.
For other support related issues, contact LABWORKS Support.
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5. QA/AC Module Setup and Configuration Reference
Overview and Setup
Introduction
The Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) application for creating batch samples for the
evaluation of quality has been an integral part of LABWORKS LIMS for many years. With the release of
LABWORKS 6.4, a new QA/QC batch sampling application was introduced that encompasses a new
updated user interface and feature-rich design that was the result of many years of customer feedback.
The new application, designed using the latest LABWORKS architecture and Microsoft .NET
Framework, is now a powerful tool in quality control sampling.
Quality control is important for several reasons. Laboratories need to make sure that certain criteria are
met to ensure good data is reported. Whether a lab is regulated by ISO standards or needs good
documentation for customers to ensure sample quality, a good comprehensive QA/QC process is always
beneficial. QA/QC testing helps to catch potential issues such as instrumentation calibration issues,
problems with received samples, or issues in sampling procedures to name a few. The latest QA/QC
module is better integrated into other LABWORKS applications to better track this data over the previous
legacy tool. For example, QA/QC batches can be assigned to specific instruments or equipment from the
Chemical Inventory module or Instrument Maintenance and Calibration. Also specific employees from
the Personnel Training module can be assigned to a batch template. Special Information forms can be
assigned to track specific custom fields for batches as well.
This chapter was written with the end-user in mind and will cover everything from initial setup and basic
configuration for daily usage. For technical documentation please reference the QA/QC Technical
Reference chapter.
Module Overview
The process of “batching” consolidates and simplifies sample handling, quality control testing, and
results entry for logged samples. You can group samples into a batch for a particular analysis, designate
a QA/QC sample for the batch, and automatically assign a user-defined group of QA/QC tests to that
sample’s work order. From the main QA/QC Batching screen, you have the option to create, modify,
delete, and/or print QA/QC batches. The module provides two separate applications to handle this
process.
QAQCTemplateBuilder.exe
Sets up templates to be used in batching
Defines specific details of how a batch will be done
QAQCBatchBuilder.exe
Creates sample batches for QA/QC
Performs specific assignments that were defined in the template
Enter the specifics for your QA/QC batch by creating a “template” first. This template is where you define
specific information on how the batch will be processed later. You can define special information
(custom fields), define analyses, specific results-entry and reporting templates, default instruments or
analysts, or even link to an item defined in your Chemical Inventory application (sold separately). All the
information in the template will be used when you create your batch later.
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After creating a QA/QC batch you have a number of capabilities available to you in LABWORKS such as
worksheet printing, batch results entry, automatic calculations for recovery and precision (with limit
checking), etc. The QA/QC Report function also allows you to generate and print a detailed report that
displays information for all QA/QC results associated with selected batched samples. Crystal report
templates can be used to design your own reports as well.
Before a user-defined group of QA/QC tests can be assigned to a QA/QC sample, analysis codes must
be set up. You can set up an analysis code by using the Analysis List Maintenance module under the
Maintenance menu of the LABWORKS Desktop (see the LABWORKS User Manual or Help for more
details). The System Administrator is generally the person who sets up analysis codes, so this is beyond
the scope of this chapter. If your analysis codes for QA/QC purposes are not yet entered in the system,
please consult your System Administrator.
Special analysis code prefixes are used by LABWORKS to designate common types of QA analyses that
may be performed on a sample. Entry of these prefixes into the system is also the job of the System
Administrator. See the following section for more information on these special analysis codes.
QA/QC Common Terminology

The following are common QA/QC terms used in both LABWORKS LIMS and in the industry of Quality
Assurance sampling.
LABWORKS LIMS Specific Terms
Special analysis code prefixes – these are used by LABWORKS to designate common types of QA
analyses that may be performed on a specific sample. These prefixes are entered in the System
Manager area of the system by the Administrator.
These are the prefixes used in the system.
B_ – Blank Analysis
A_ – Amount Spiked
S_ – Spiked Result
R_ – Recovery
D_ – Duplicate Analysis
P_ – Precision
L_ – Lab Control Analysis
I_ – Initial Calibration
C_ – Continuous Calibration
T_ – Trip Blank
F_ – Field Blank
#Q_ – Study Group
Sample Designation – provides sample selection by entering specific LABWORKS sample numbers,
location codes, or first user defined fields in the text field on the screen.
Login record file – a sample selection login batch number for designation of a specific group of
samples which were logged in and available for QC sample designation.
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Other file – a sample selection option which provides a designated text file containing a list of valid
LABWORKS sample ID numbers.
Cross Reference – a sample selection option which provides a list of samples found by the user’s most
recent cross reference search. This option is only active if a Cross Reference Search has previously
been performed by the current user.
QA/QC Batch – a sample batch designation related to a specific QC sample set. A QA/QC batch can
also be used throughout LABWORKS during sample selection to retrieve this batch as needed. Batch
retrieval can be used to modify those sample batches at will or for reporting purposes.
Unbatched Pending – refers to a list of analyses that are not currently batched.
Pending Batched – refers to a list of analyses that are currently batched.
Completed – refers to a list of analyses that have already been analyzed from the batch. These
analyses are finished.
Analyses assigned to samples – refers to all the analyses assigned to the samples within the QA/QC
batch.
Analyses from selected department – refers to all the analyses assigned to a specific department
within the QA/QC batch.
Clone batch – refers to the process of duplicating batches and using QA specifications for more than
one sample. This can be particularly important if you have a small sample set.
Assign instrument for batch – the process of assignment of instruments to a specific QA/QC batch
which can later reference additional data from the Instrument Maintenance and Calibration module.
Assign analyst for batch – the process of assignment of an analyst to a specific QA/QC batch which
can later reference additional data from the user Training module.
Login special QA sample – refers to the selection of a “special” QA sample that will automatically
assign special analyses as defined previously.
Range of batch dates – refers to batches created within a specified date range
Range of batch numbers – refers to batches from a specified range of batch numbers
On-line QA/QC batches – refers to “available” or active QA/QC batches. Batches can be marked
inactive where they are taken out of the QA/QC test loop. These on-line batches are considered within
the workflow. They are in the system to be analyzed and reported.
See section at the end of the chapter to see many more common terms related to QA/QC.
QA/QC Application Information

To use the latest QA/QC module, you must first be running at least LABWORKS 6.4. The LABWORKS
6.4 installation process installs the new QA/QC module programs. No additional installation is required.
The System Administrator will be responsible for installing the proper LABWORKS server and client
applications, running any needed service packs and database scripts, and configuring the system for
laboratory use.
Launching the Module
If you are using the legacy QA/QC program already, clicking the existing entry on your desktop menu will
cause the old application to launch. You will need to add a new link on your LABWORKS Desktop for the
latest application to launch.
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Remember that the QA/QC Template Builder application is separate from the QA/QC Batch Creation
utility. You will need two separate links on your desktop to run each program. These are located in the
C:\LABWORKS\Client\ path.
No new control file to run the application is needed since the QA/QC module is a core LABWORKS
application.
Consult your System Administrator to add the new adjustments to your LABWORKS Desktop menu
under the Configure Menu/Toolbar area.
The LABWORKS.INI file, used by older legacy applications, is no longer used within the new QA/QC
module. All configurations are done within the application itself or via System Manager keys.
QA/QC Template Builder
Introduction
The purpose of the Template Builder application is for configuration of a QA/QC batch. In the previous
legacy application, certain batch configuration detail was kept in the LABWORKS.INI file. The INI file is
no longer used for QA/QC program configuration. The configuration of a QA/QC batch is exclusively
done within the creation of a batch template.
The program filename is LWQAQCTemplateBuilder.exe and is located in the C:\LABWORKS\Client\ folder.
Note that all QA/QC batching templates created are objects in LABWORKS and can be state managed.
Initially all templates are in DRAFT mode. If state management is turned on in LABWORKS, you must
approve a batching template before it can be used.
Template Builder UI
The program’s user interface (UI) should look familiar to users that have used any of the maintenance
modules for analysis and location codes. It is a standard Windows-Explorer looking screen layout with a
main menu across the top, a toolbar, a tree-view along the left with a configurable listing on the right. A
status bar along the bottom of the screen displays the logged in user, database, etc.
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QA/QC Template Builder Main Screen
Main Menu
The main menu across the top of the main Template Builder screen includes the following.
File Menu – click here to create New templates, Open existing templates, or Exit the application
View Menu – click here to toggle the display of the tree-view or refresh the screen
Tools Menu – click here to configure the tree view
Help Menu – click here to View Help or show the About screen
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Toolbar
The main screen toolbar is located below the main menu. It includes the following.
New button – create a new template

Search – search for a template in the list or tree
Refresh – refresh the screen for changes (will show changes other users have done recently on the
network, for example)
Help – launch the help
Exit – exit the module
Template Builder UI Configuration

The tree view can be customized for displaying QA/QC templates either by state (draft, approved, etc.)
or alphabetically by template name. This customization can be performed by selecting the Configure
Tree View option under the Tools menu. The hot key of Alt-C can also be clicked to open the screen as
well. The tree configuration screen is opened after selection.
Configure Tree View Screen
There are two levels allowed for display, Primary and Secondary, for displaying a tree listing of
templates. The Primary refers to the first branch of the tree while the secondary is the sub-branch. Each
branch can be sorted either by template state or alphabetically.
Select how to sort each branch, and then click OK to save and exit. Click Cancel to exit without saving.
Creating a New QA/QC Batching Template

The purpose of this application is to create a new template specifically for batching QA/QC samples. In
order to do this we can select New under the File menu of the main screen, or click New from the
toolbar as well.
This will open the new QA/QC Template screen.
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Initially the screen is empty with the cursor on the Template Name field. The template name field must
be entered before anything else, and it is the key field for identification, searching and sorting from the
main screen.
New QA/QC Template Screen
1. Enter the Template Name field first (required database primary key 40 characters in length). This value
must be unique to only this template.
2. Enter the Template Description field (optional field 60 characters in length). This simply gives you more
detail about this template and its purpose.
3. Enter the Special Info form (optional field). This defines which special info form to assign to this template
for further custom information tracking specifically for each batch created with this template. Click the ellipse
button to the right to select a special info form.
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Note: use the Special Info Form Designer tool to create new Special Info forms.
4. Enter the Results Entry Template (optional field). This defines what result entry custom form to use when
entering results specifically for batches created with this QA/QC template. If one is not defined, the
assigned default form will be used in the Results Entry module. Click the ellipse button to the right to select
a Results Entry form template.
5. Enter the Report Template field (required field for worksheet printing). You will need to pre-configure a
Crystal report worksheet template to be used here. Consult your System Administrator for report creation.
This will require using the Report Designer module for template creation, then approval of the template for
production use. Click the ellipse button on the right to select from available reports (that are in the approved
state for usage).
6. Enter the Default Instrument (optional field). This list is from the Instrument Maintenance and Calibration
module (IMandC6.exe). Consult your System Administrator for usage of this module. Click the ellipse
button on the right to select from available instruments (that are in the approved state for usage).
7. Enter the Default Analyst (optional field). This list is from the Personnel Training module (Training6.exe).
Consult your System Administrator for usage of this module. Click the ellipse button on the right to select
from available analysts.
8. Toggle the Use standard item for tracking option (optional field) if using the Chemical Inventory module
(LWChemInventory.exe). This will show a listing of chemical inventory for selection during batch creation if
doing QA/QC sampling for inventory. Consult your System Administrator for usage of this module. Click the
ellipse button on the right to select from available inventory items.
9. Enter any Primary Analysis (optional box) using the ellipse button to the right of box. You can enter as
many analyses here as needed. The ellipse button will open a list of available analyses for selection from
the Analysis List Maintenance module. The red X button will delete selected primary analyses from the box.
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10. Special QA Sample Available for batch is a list of QA Location Codes that will be available for
assignment/adding when creating batches.
11. Enter a QA Sample Type (optional field). If you would like to assign a specific QA Location code (those
beginning with ‘QA_’), select it from this drop down menu. This will automatically login a new sample when
a Batch is created.
12. Finally (on the initial tab of the screen), enter any Dependent Analyses in the box below (optional field). This
section will be populated with the possible QA Analysis codes (those defined in the #Q Analysis study
group) for the analyses selected in the ‘Primary Analysis’ section.
To provide a simple illustration of how the “dependent” #Q tests work, let’s take a real-world example. If
we have an analysis code for Tri-halomethanes ($THM) defined in LABWORKS, we can associate
QA/QC-only tests by creating another test code called #Q$THM. The #Q in the front of this code tells the
system that the contents of this study group test are dependent analyses specifically for $THM.
Therefore, test $THM is the primary test while the contents of #Q$THM become the dependent tests.
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An example of #Q dependent tests
This provides the capability for chemists to test QA/QC tests completely separate from the normal
samples they run for the same test (does not conflict with the analytes already assigned to the test).
13. Now click the Special Info tab (assuming a special info form was entered on the first tab) to enter any
default values enter your assigned custom form.
14. Finally, click the Sequence tab. This is where we will define the order of the analyses within the batch.
Possible selections will be on the left, selected items will show on the right. The arrow keys in the center
move analyses back and forth while the arrow keys on the right define the order.
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Note: Sequence Rows (top left) define the number of allowed samples in the batch.
There are two different options on the right side of this tab that defines how more than 1 analysis
selected for the batch is processed. If ‘All analysis on one sample’ is selected, then all of the selected
analyses will be on a sample-by-sample basis. If ‘One analysis per sample’ is selected, then each
analysis will have its own record.
For example, let’s assume a lab has defined all of their metals as single components. They used to run
them on an AA, but are now running on an ICP. We can include all of the single component metals in the
same batch and have all of the samples on the same line by choosing ‘All analysis on one sample’.
At the bottom right portion of this tab is a button to Check Calculations used if some of the selected
analyses have calculations associated with them. It will fire the calculation and check for problems.
15. When finished entering data, click Apply to save or OK to save and exit. A message box should tell you the
new QA/QC template was stored successfully to the database.
16. Cancel will exit without saving the new template change.
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If you saved the new template successfully and exited, the new template will be displayed in the
main screen tree-view. It will be displayed based on how you configured the tree in the previous
section (by state or by name alphabetically).
QA/QC Template Builder Main Screen – after new template entry
Remember this template is still in DRAFT status as shown above in the tree. If you have state
management turned on in your system, you must have a supervisor approve this template before
use. All state managed objects in LABWORKS must be in an approved ACTIVE state before they
can be used.
Modifying Existing QA/QC Batching Templates

To modify a template from the main QA/QC Template listing, simply double-click on it.
The same QA/QC Template screen should open showing all the details on the template record
allowing you to change any field, add additional analyses, SI fields, etc.
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QA/QC Template Screen – after modification
For a list of screen fields and how they are used, reference the previous section for entering new
templates.
After making all your necessary template adjustments, click the Apply button to save it. There will
be a verification box. Click OK to save or Cancel to not save your changes.
Clicking OK will confirm the save was successful (or not).
Click OK again to return back to the main screen.

Note that once again your template has been moved to a DRAFT status. If there are LABWORKS
users that rely on this specific batching template, remember you will still need to go approve this
template into an active status before it can be used.
Retiring / Removing Existing QA/QC Batching Templates

To retire (remove) a template from the LABWORKS QA/QC sample batching process, we must
select to retire it in the LABWORKS Object Publisher. You must have the proper privileges to
retire a template. Once it is retired, it is no longer selectable for batching.
Retired batching templates show up under the RETIRED tree in the QA/QC Template Builder. This
is the only place they can be viewed again once retired from the system outside of the Object
Publisher (where they can be moved back to active if needed). This gives the user the capabilities
of moving an old template back into circulation if needed.
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QA/QC Template Builder Main Screen – active and retired templates shown
Searching for QA/QC Batching Templates

Use the Search box at the top of the main QA/QC Template Builder screen within the toolbar to find
specific templates to modify.
Simply click in the search box, enter the template name value (all or part), then hit the [Enter] key
or click the magnifying glass to the right of the box. The system will search for that template and
highlight it on the left within the tree. You can then double-click to open the template record for
modification.
QA/QC Template Builder Main Screen – searching for templates
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Approving QA/QC Batching Templates for use

The very last step before you use a QA/QC Batching Template in production is to have someone
with an appropriate security privilege approve it from a DRAFT to ACTIVE state.
We simple need to right-click on our new DRAFT template and select the new state. This will allow
the transition into the next state. If it is an automatic state transition, it will move into the state wi
thout providing the choice. Manual state transitions will require you to select them first from the
right-click menu.
Once our new template is approved for use, it is ready for sample batching in LABWORKS. The
next time we open the QA/QC Template Builder, we can see our new template has made the
transition into the approved production state of ACTIVE.
QA/QC Template Builder after Template Approval to ACTIVE
Note that it only shows the state because we selected it to be displayed under Tools-Configure
Tree View.
QA/QC Batch Builder
Introduction
The purpose of the Batch Builder application is to run a QA/QC template to produce a QA/QC “batch” of
samples. It is the tool that does the batch execution defined from template creation in the previous
chapter. In the previous legacy application, certain batch configuration detail was kept in the
LABWORKS.INI file. The INI file is no longer used for QA/QC program configuration. The configuration
of a QA/QC batch is exclusively done within the creation of a batch template. Reference the previous
chapter for creating new QA/QC templates or modifying existing ones.
The program filename is LWQAQCBatchBuilder.exe and is located in the C:\LABWORKS\Client\ folder.
Note that all QA/QC batching templates created are objects in LABWORKS and can be state managed.
Initially all templates are in DRAFT mode. If state management is turned on in LABWORKS, you must
approve a batching template before it can be used. Only approved active batches show up in the QA/QC
Batch Builder tool.
As mentioned in the first section of this chapter, the two programs that make up the new QA/QC module
must be added as links on the desktop if upgrading from a previous version of LABWORKS. Otherwise,
the old legacy application will launch instead.
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LABWORKS Desktop with Quality Assurance folder example
In the example screenshot above, both programs were added under a new Quality Assurance folder
along with some of the applications that integrate with batch templates (Chemical Inventory, Personnel
Training, Instrument Maintenance and Calibration, etc.).
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Batch Builder UI
The program’s user interface (UI) is much like a wizard. Initially the active batch templates are displayed
for selection.
QA/QC Batch Builder Initial Screen
There are two lists displayed in two separate tabs for batch template selection. The New tab shows a list
of active templates for new batch creation. You are able to select from unbatched samples (samples
that haven’t been batched previously) or all samples. The Existing tab shows a listing of batches
already created from a designated date value. This tab allows you to select existing batches for
modification.
Clicking the Next button will move to the next step in the batching process, assigning sample numbers.
The following sample assignment screen is a listing of all available samples on the left with a selection of
samples for the batch on the right. The defaults entered for the selected template are then applied to the
following screen. This next screen is where batch creation occurs.
The following section will detail the steps in the batch creation process.
Creating a New QA/QC Batch
The following are the steps in creating new QA/QC batches from a selected template.
1. From the QA/QC Batch Builder initial screen, select the desired QA/QC template from the list under the
New tab. Click to select it.
2. On the right side of the tab, select one of the following Sample Selection options
a. Unbatched Samples – for samples not previously batched
b. All Samples
3. Click Next to continue. The following screen is where the assignment of samples occurs.
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QA/QC Batch Builder – Assign Samples screen
The left-side listing shows an available sample listing for either unbatched or all samples (as chosen
from the previous screen) while the right-side is a listing of the samples in your batch sequence. If you
selected a template of 10 samples in your sequence, then 10 available sample “slots” will be open on
the right. You can then scroll down the left side, find samples, and then use the arrow keys to assign
them on the right.
Create Batch button – this will create the batch once we are ready.
Worksheet button – currently grayed out but will activate once the batch is created at a later step. The
worksheet is our Crystal report template assigned to this selected QA/QC template.
Next Samples button – currently grayed out but will activate once the batch is created. If there are more
samples in the backlog than our batch size, we can batch those by choosing Next Samples.
Results Entry button – currently grayed out but will activate once the batch is created. This will take us
directly into the Results Entry module (using our defined template) for this batch for immediate entering
of results.
Instrument Software button – currently grayed out but will activate once the batch is created. This will
open the link to the program we specified in the QA/QC Template.

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4. Proceed to use the arrow keys in the center of the lists to assign samples to your sequence on the right.
NOTE: If you need more samples than assigned to the batch, simply select the last row and click the
right arrow. There will be a prompt to add more samples to the sequence. Click Yes to add another row.
5. Enter the Batch ID – the template name (by default) followed by the batch number.
6. Enter the Batch Description – the template description (by default) of this batch but it can be modified or
added to (up to 60 characters).
7. Enter the Special QA Sample – if a QA_ location code was assigned to the QA/QC template, it will show
here.
8. Enter the Assign to Analyst – the analyst (from Personnel Training) assigned to the template is shown
here by default, but we can choose someone else.
9. Enter the Assign to Instrument – the Instrument (from Instrument Maintenance and Calibration) is shown
here by default, but we can pick a new instrument.
10. (Optional) enter any special information for this batch under the Special Info tab. The default values enter
into the QA/QC template should be displayed allowing you to modify them to enter more information.
11. When finished entering special information, click back to the Samples tab.
Note: You can use System Manager (SysMgr) keys to filter the lists of analysts and instruments. Consult
the System Administrator Reference or QA/QC Module Technical Reference chapters for more detail if
list filtering is needed.
Note: The color scheme in the left-side list that shows overdue samples can be modified as well using
System Manager keys.
Once again, consult your System Administrator Reference or QA/QC Module Technical Reference
chapters for more detail if you need to change this record list color scheme.

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The large blue arrow in the center is the Auto Fill button. This will take all of the available samples and
move them to the right (This is limited to our batch size). It will also assign the QA samples to the first
sample number it moves across. Once again, as in step 4 above, if you need to expand the sequence
list on the right, it will prompt you to do so.
12. If everything looks correct, click the Create Batch button to proceed. The batch is then created and
everything saved. A message will display when the batch has completed the creation process was
successful (or not).
Note: If you did not have a Crystal report assigned to the QA/QC template, the Worksheet button will
remain grayed out.
Note: The Result entry and Instrument Software buttons are now active.
(Optional) click the Results Entry button to enter results now.
Results Entry directly from QA/QC Batch Builder
13. Click Save to store the results and close Results Entry.
14. Click Instrument Software to launch the program associated in Instrument Maintenance and Calibration (if
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15. At this point, the batch is ready for reporting and validation. Click Next Samples to display additional
samples from the backlog that are available for batching if larger than our batch size.
16. When finished batching any additional samples, we can close this screen to return to the main batching
screen. This concludes the creation of new batches.
Modify Existing QA/QC Batches

When opening the QA/QC Batch Builder main screen, you can select to create new batches (previous
section) or modify existing batches. To modify existing batches, click the Existing tab.
The QA/QC batch we just created (in the previous section) will be displayed in the list of existing
batches.
QA/QC Batch Builder – Existing Batches
1. Click to select the batch in the list to modify.

2. Click Next to open the batch. The Assign Samples screen opens.

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QA/QC Assign Samples screen – Selected Batch Modification
3. Modify any fields necessary or add additional samples to the batch as needed.
4. Click the Special Info tab to modify any special information fields as needed.
5. To view previously entered results for modification, click Results Entry.
Results Entry editing directly from QA/QC Batch Builder
6. When finished making modifications click the Update Batch button.
7. You can now exit the screen to return to the main QA/QC Batch Builder screen. You batch has been successfully
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QA/QC Batching and Other LIMS Modules
Introduction
QA/QC Batching is now fully integrated with other optional modules such as Chemical Inventory,
Instrument Maintenance and Calibration, and Personnel Training. This chapter will provide useful tips on
using them together.
It is a common practice to apply periodic QA/QC procedures to chemicals stored in a laboratory’s
inventory (to ensure quality and validity) and instrumentation used in the lab for sampling (to ensure
proper calibration). It is also common for the actual Chemists to complete the proper training prior to
doing quality assurance testing (QA/QC) procedures. Since other modules within LABWORKS track this
data, it was important that the new QA/QC module have the capability of pulling this data for tracking
within a given QA/QC batching template.
On the far right-side of a QA/QC template is where the links for these optional modules are placed. An
ellipse button to the right of each item will select these records from the optional modules.
Optional Module Section in a QA/QC Template
The following sections will cover the basic usage of these other optional modules specifically as it relates
to QA/QC. Consult the individual module chapters for more detail for usage of each optional application.
Consult your System Administrator if there is a module that is not operating or setup properly within your
LIMS.
Chemical Inventory
When creating a QA Batch Template, we have the option to ‘Use standard item for tracking’.
After we’ve selected to use a standard item for tracking, we can then pick from available items in
Chemical Inventory (if any).

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Item Selection from Chemical Inventory within a QA/QC Template
If nothing is showing within the list initially, you can open Chemical Inventory and define items within that
module. Chemical Inventory is not a core LABWORKS application and will require a new control file to
unlock the module along with some initial setup time for data entry and configuration.
Once you have data in Chemical Inventory, any inventory item can be selected and assigned to a
specific QA/QC batching template.
Item Selection from Chemical Inventory within a QA/QC Template
Once a chemical inventory item is assigned and saved with the QA/QC template, all QA/QC batches
created from that template will be specific to that inventory item. This is a great method of tracking
sampling done over time for inventory items. This data will then be available for reports showing the
sampling performed on specific inventory items over a given date range, for example.

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Once the inventory item is selected within the template and saved, it will be displayed on the right-side of
the screen.
Within the Chemical Inventory module all item-specific detail is stored. Reporting on inventory can be
done from within this module directly. However, sample results reporting on QA/QC specifics for an item
can be accomplished from the LABWORKS LIMS Desktop customized to the needs of the laboratory.
Same QA/QC Item Selected within Chemical Inventory
The integration of these two modules can merge the data from inventory item detail to QA/QC sample
results reporting into custom Desktop reports.
Consult your System Administrator for custom reporting needs. The LABWORKS Report Designer
module can be used to build these specific reports.
Instrument Maintenance and Calibration

When creating a QA Batch Template, we have the option to select a ‘Default Instrument’. This will open
the list from the Instrument Maintenance and Calibration (IM&C) module.
Once you have data in the IM&C module, any instrument can be selected and assigned to a specific
QA/QC batching template.

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Item Selection from IM&C within a QA/QC Template
Once an instrument is assigned and saved with the QA/QC template, all QA/QC batches created from
that template will be specific to instrument. This is a great method of tracking calibration checking as
proof of sampling accuracy or for laboratory certification requirements. This data will then be available
for reports showing the sampling performed on specific instruments over a given date range, for
example.
The instrument record itself within the IM&C module will have all the necessary calibration procedures
and analyses assigned while the QA/QC template is basically the blueprint for assuring the calibration
testing is done exactly the same each time. By the use of a QA/QC batching template for a given
instrument, we know the QA/QC sample batching is done correctly each time calibration testing is
required.

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Same Instrument Selected from within the IM&C module
Consult your System Administrator for custom reporting needs. The LABWORKS Report Designer
module can be used to build specific instrument calibration sample results reports.
Personnel Training
When creating a QA Batch Template, we have the option to select a ‘Default Analyst’. This will open
the list from the Personnel Training module.
Once you have data in the Personnel Training module, any user can be selected and assigned to a
specific QA/QC batching template.

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Item Selection from Personnel Training within a QA/QC Template
Once a user from Personnel Training is assigned and saved with the QA/QC template, all QA/QC
batches performed by that user are tracked. If there are any problems in how testing is done or how an
instrument was calibrated, for example, a Lab Manager can easily observe who performed the work.
Integration of Personnel Training can be used for the assignment of chemists to do QA/QC sampling
that are qualified only. In other words, specific chemists may have gone through required calibration
training while others have not. You may want to ensure that only those specifically qualified individuals
are performing the quality assurance sampling. It may also be a requirement for laboratory certification
as well that only those qualified individuals perform these tasks.
Before a user will be selectable within a QA/QC template, they must be assigned to a specific team.
Teams are important for tracking purposes. From within Personnel Training, click Load to open a user.
Once the user is selected, you can click the Teams tab to assign a team to that user. Then click Save to
store it. Once the team assignment is completed, that user should show up within the QA/QC module.
User Selected from Personnel Training – Teams Tab
Consult your System Administrator to assign new, modify, or remove teams from the Personnel Training
module.
Consult your System Administrator for personnel custom reporting needs. The LABWORKS Report
Designer module can be used to build specific sample results reports specific to individual users within
the Personnel Training module.

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Additional QA/QC Common Terminology

Acceptance Criteria – specified limits placed on characteristics of an item, process, or service defined
in requirements documents.
Accuracy – a measure of the closeness of an individual measurement or the average of a number of
measurements to the true value. Accuracy includes a combination of random error (precision) and
systematic error (bias) components that are due to sampling and analytical operations; the EPA
recommends using the terms "precision" and "bias", rather than "accuracy," to convey the information
usually associated with accuracy.
Activity – an all-inclusive term describing a specific set of operations of related tasks to be performed,
either serially or in parallel (e.g., research and development, field sampling, analytical operations,
equipment fabrication), that, in total, result in a product or service.
Analyte – a specific chemical that can be detected by a given analytical method.
Assessment – the evaluation process used to measure the performance or effectiveness of a system
and its elements. As used here, assessment is an all-inclusive term used to denote any of the following:
audit, performance evaluation (PE), management systems review (MSR), peer review, inspection, or
surveillance.
Audit (quality) – a systematic and independent examination to determine whether quality activities and
related results comply with planned arrangements and whether these arrangements are implemented
effectively and are suitable to achieve objectives.
Audit of Data Quality (ADQ) – a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the documentation and
procedures associated with environmental measurements to verify that the resulting data are of
acceptable quality.
Authenticate – the act of establishing an item as genuine, valid, or authoritative.
Background Sample – a sample taken from an area close to the site of investigation where chemicals
present in the ambient media are assumed to be present at concentrations not associated with the
investigation site.
Bias – the systematic or persistent distortion of a measurement process, which causes errors in one
direction (i.e., the expected sample measurement is different from the sample's true value).
Blank – a sample subjected to the usual analytical or measurement process to establish a zero baseline
or background value. Sometimes used to adjust or correct routine analytical results. A sample that is
intended to contain none of the analytes of interest. A blank is used to detect contamination duri ng
sample handling preparation and/or analysis. There are many types of blanks, each with a specific
purpose including:
Equipment Blanks – monitor for potential contamination from decontamination procedures of field gear
or from other sources of equipment contamination like oil or other lubricants.
Field Blank – a blank used to provide information about contaminants that may be introduced during
sample collection, storage, and transport. A clean sample, carried to the sampling site, exposed to
sampling conditions, returned to the laboratory, and treated as an environmental sample.
Laboratory Blanks – samples that are used to identify potential sources of contamination that are
generated during the processing and analysis of samples in the laboratory.
Method Blank – a blank prepared to represent the sample matrix as closely as possible and analyzed
exactly like the calibration standards, samples, and quality control (QC) samples. Results of method
blanks provide an estimate of the within-batch variability of the blank response and an indication of bias
introduced by the analytical procedure.

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Trip Blank – a clean sample of a matrix that is taken to the sampling site and transported to the
laboratory for analysis without having been exposed to sampling procedures.
Calibration – a comparison of a measurement standard, instrument, or item with a standard or
instrument of higher accuracy to detect and quantify inaccuracies and to report or eliminate those
inaccuracies by adjustments.
Calibration Curves – curves that are generated by regression of the response of a detector against the
known concentrations of analytes of interest. There are several types of calibration curves including:
Continuing Calibration – a mid-range concentration standard that is analyzed on a daily basis and is
compared with the continuing calibration of fidelity to the regression relationship established using the
continuing calibration. The continuing calibration is often referred to as the Daily Calibration.
Initial Calibration – a multi-concentration, generally multi-analyte series of known concentrations
analyzed periodically to establish a regression relationship that established the lower and upper
concentration limits.
Calibration Drift – the deviation in instrument response from a reference value over a period of time
before recalibration.
Certification – the process of testing and evaluation against specifications designed to document,
verify, and recognize the competence of a person, organization, or other entity to perform a function or
service, usually for a specified time.
Collocated Samples – two or more portions collected at the same point in time and space so as to be
considered identical. These samples are also known as field replicates and should be identified as such.
Comparability – a measure of the confidence with which one data set or method can be compared to
another.
Completeness – a measure of the amount of valid data obtained from a measurement system
compared to the amount that was expected to be obtained under correct, normal conditions.
Confidence Interval – the numerical interval constructed around a point estimate of a population
parameter, combined with a probability statement (the confidence coefficient) linking it to the
population's true parameter value. If the same confidence interval construction technique and
assumptions are used to calculate future intervals, they will include the unknown population parameter
with the same specified probability.
Confidentiality Procedure – a procedure used to protect confidential business information (including
proprietary data and personnel records) from unauthorized access.
Data Quality Assessment (DQA) – the scientific and statistical evaluation of data to determine if data
obtained from environmental operations are of the right type, quality, and quantity to support their
intended use. The five steps of the DQA Process include: 1) reviewing the DQOs and sampling design,
2) conducting a preliminary data review, 3) selecting the statistical test, 4) verifying the assumptions of
the statistical test, and 5) drawing conclusions from the data.
Data Quality Indicators (DQIs) – the quantitative statistics and qualitative descriptors that are used to
interpret the degree of acceptability or utility of data to the user. The principal data quality indicators are
bias, precision, accuracy (bias is preferred), comparability, completeness, representativeness.
Data Quality Objectives (DQOs) – the qualitative and quantitative statements derived from the DQO
Process that clarify study's technical and quality objectives, define the appropriate type of data, and
specify tolerable levels of potential decision errors that will be used as the basis for establishing the
quality and quantity of data needed to support decisions.

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Data Quality Objectives (DQO) Process – a systematic strategic planning tool based on the scientific
method that identifies and defines the type, quality, and quantity of data needed to satisfy a specified
use. DQOs are the qualitative and quantitative outputs from the DQO Process.
Data Validation – a well-defined procedure for assessing whether or not a set of environmental data
have met acceptability criteria defined in the data quality objective process. This procedure may follow
existing guidelines, for example those define by EPA (Guidelines for data validation; EPA New England
data validation guidelines) or they can be defined by the user as part of the DQO process. These user -
defined criteria may be either more or less strict than the EPA guidelines.
Deficiency – an unauthorized deviation from acceptable procedures or practices, or a defect in an item.
Demonstrated Capability – the capability to meet a procurement's technical and quality specifications
through evidence presented by the supplier to substantiate its claims and in a manner defined by the
customer.
Design – the specifications, drawings, design criteria, and performance requirements. Also, the result of
deliberate planning, analysis, mathematical manipulations, and design processes.
Design Change – any revision or alteration of the technical requirements defined by approved and
issued design output documents and approved and issued changes thereto.
Design Review – a documented evaluation by a team, including personnel such as the responsible
designers, the client for whom the work or product is being designed, and a quality assurance (QA)
representative but excluding the original designers, to determine if a proposed design will meet the
established design criteria and perform as expected when implemented.
Detection Limit (DL) – a measure of the capability of an analytical method to distinguish samples that
do not contain a specific analyte from samples that contain low concentrations of the analyte; the lowest
concentration or amount of the target analyte that can be determined to be different from zero by a
single measurement at a stated level of probability. DLs are analyte- and matrix-specific and may be
laboratory-dependent. Some of the more commonly used definitions are described below.
Instrument Detection Limit (IDL) – the lowest concentration or mass an instrument can detect above
background instrument noise under ideal conditions. Sample preparation is not considered in the
determination of an IDL.
Method Detection Limit – a statistically derived estimate of the lowest concentration or mass
detectable under method conditions at the concentration evaluated. A series of standards at an
estimated limit of detection is analyzed multiple times (usually 7), a standard deviation of these seven
replicate analyses is determined and the standard deviation is multiplied by the Student's t-distribution
statistic at 6 degrees of freedom (3.14). See Reporting Limit.
Practical Quantitation Limit (PQL) – a measure of the lowest limit of detection under the conditions of
a particular method. The PQL is often determined by multiplying the MDL by a factor of between 3 and
10.
Reporting Limit (RL) – for a target analyte, the reporting limit is instrument dependent and based on
the lowest point on the calibration curve.
Distribution – 1) the appointment of an environmental contaminant at a point over time, over an area, or
within a volume; 2) a probability function (density function, mass function, or distribution function) used
to describe a set of observations (statistical sample) or a population from which the observations are
generated.
Document Control – the policies and procedures used by an organization to ensure that its documents
and their revisions are proposed, reviewed, approved for release, inventoried, distributed, arch ived,
stored, and retrieved in accordance with the organization's requirements.

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Duplicate Analysis – a measure of precision determined by analyzing samples twice or by analyzing a

second sample taken from the same source at the same time and analyzed under identical conditions.
There are several different types of duplicate samples that provide information on the precision of
specific types of environmental data operations
Field Duplicates – independent samples that are collected as close as possible to the same point in
time and space. They are two separate samples taken from the same source, stored in separate
containers and analyzed independently. These types of duplicates are useful in characterizing the
precision of the sampling process.
Matrix Duplicates – an intralaboratory split sample that is used to document the precision of a method
in a given sample matrix.
Split Samples – two or more representative portions taken from one sample in the field or in the
laboratory and analyzed by different analysts or laboratories. Split samples are quality control (QC)
samples that are used to assess analytical variability and comparability.
Duplicate Samples – two samples taken from and representative of the same population and carried
through all steps of the sampling and analytical procedures in an identical manner. Duplicate samples
are used to assess variance of the total method, including sampling and analysis. See also collocated
sample.
Environmental Conditions – the description of a physical medium (e.g., air, water, soil, sediment) or a
biological system expressed in terms of its physical, chemical, radiological, or biological characteristics.
Environmental Data – any parameters or pieces of information collected or produced from
measurements, analyses, or models of environmental processes, conditions, and effects of pollutants on
human health and the ecology, including results from laboratory analyses or from experimental systems
representing such processes and conditions.
Environmental Data Operations – any work performed to obtain, use, or report information pertaining
to environmental processes and conditions.
Environmental Monitoring – the process of measuring or collecting environmental data.
Environmental Processes – any manufactured or natural processes that produce discharges to, or that
impact, the ambient environment.
Environmental Programs – an all-inclusive term pertaining to any work or activities involving the
environment, including but not limited to: characterization of environmental processes and conditions;
environmental monitoring; environmental research and development; the design, construction, and
operation of environmental technologies; and laboratory operations on environmental samples.
Environmental Technology – an all-inclusive term used to describe pollution control devices and
systems, waste treatment processes and storage facilities, and site remediation technologies and their
components that may be utilized to remove pollutants or contaminants from, or to prevent them from
entering, the environment. Examples include wet scrubbers (air), soil washing (soil), granulated
activated carbon unit (water), and filtration (air, water). Usually, this term applies to hardware-based
systems; however, it can also apply to methods or techniques used for pollution prevention, pollutant
reduction, or containment of contamination to prevent further movement of the contaminants, such as
capping, solidification or vitrification, and biological treatment.
Equipment Blanks – monitor for potential contamination from decontamination procedures of field gear
or from other sources of equipment contamination like oil or other lubricants.
Estimate – a characteristic from the sample from which inferences on parameters can be made.
Evidentiary Records – any records identified as part of litigation and subject to restricted access,
custody, use, and disposal.

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Expedited Change – an abbreviated method of revising a document at the work location where the
document is used when the normal change process would cause unnecessary or intolerable delay in the
work.
Environmental Technology – an all-inclusive term used to describe pollution control devices and
systems, waste treatment processes and storage facilities, and site remediation technologies and their
components that may be utilized to remove pollutants or contaminants from or prevent them from
entering the environment. Examples include wet scrubbers (air), soil washing (soil), granulated activated
carbon unit (water), and filtration (air, water). Usually, this term will apply to hardware-based systems;
however, it will also apply to methods or techniques used for pollution prevention, pollution reduction, or
containment of contamination to prevent further movement of the contaminants, such as capping,
solidification or vitrification, and biological treatment.
Extraction – the process of releasing compounds for a sample matrix prior to analysis.
Field Analysis – analyses that are performed external to a fixed laboratory. Field analysis can be
qualitative or quantitative depending on the instruments used to perform the analyses and the level of
instrument calibration.
Field Duplicates – independent samples that are collected as close as possible to the same point in
time and space. They are two separate samples taken from the same source, stored in separate
containers and analyzed independently. These types of duplicates are useful in characterizing the
precision of the sampling process.
Field Screening – analysis in the field using portable instrumentation that may include hand-held
devices with general detectors (e.g., photoionization detectors (PID) or portable gas chromatographs
equipped with an appropriate detector (flame ionization detector, mass spectrometer, etc.).
Field (Matrix) Spike – a sample prepared at the sampling point (i.e., in the field) by adding a known
mass of the target analyte to a specified amount of the sample. Field matrix spikes are used, for
example, to determine the effect of the sample preservation, shipment, storage, and preparation on
analyte recovery efficiency (the analytical bias).
Field Split Samples – two or more representative portions taken from the same sample and submitted
for analysis to different laboratories to estimate interlaboratory precision.
Financial Assistance – the process by which funds are provided by one organization (usually
governmental) to another organization for the purpose of performing work or furnishing services or
items. Financial assistance mechanisms include grants, cooperative agreements, and governmental
interagency agreements.
Finding – an assessment conclusion that identifies a condition having a significant effect on an item or
activity. An assessment finding may be positive or negative, and is normally accompanied by specific
examples of the observed condition.
Flame Ionization Detector (FID) – a universal detector that uses a flame to burn a gas stream usually
from a chromatographic column.
Goodness-of-Fit Test – the application of the chi square distribution in comparing the frequency
distribution of a statistic observed in a sample with the expected frequency distribution based on some
theoretical model.

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Grade – the category or rank given to entities having the same functional use but different requirements
for quality.
Graded Approach – the process of basing the level of application of managerial controls applied to an
item or work according to the intended use of the results and the degree of confidence needed in the
quality of the results. See also Data Quality Objectives (DQO) Process.
Guidance – a suggested practice that is not mandatory, intended as an aid or example in complying
with a standard or requirement.
Guideline – a suggested practice that is not mandatory in programs intended to comply with a standard.
Hazardous Waste – any waste material that satisfies the definition of hazardous waste given in 40 CFR
261, "Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste."
Holding Time – the period of time a sample may be stored prior to its required analysis. While
exceeding the holding time does not necessarily negate the veracity of analytical results, it causes the
qualifying or "flagging" of any data not meeting all of the specified acceptance criteria.
Identification Error – the misidentification of an analyte. In this error type, the contaminant of concern is
unidentified and the measured concentration is incorrectly assigned to another contaminant.
Independent Assessment – an assessment performed by a qualified individual, group, or organization
that is not a part of the organization directly performing and accountable for the work being assessed.
Initial Calibration – a multi-concentration, generally multi-analyte series of known concentrations
analyzed periodically to establish a regression relationship that established the lower and upper
concentration limits.
Inspection – the examination or measurement of an item or activity to verify conformance to specific
requirements.
Instrument Detection Limit (IDL) – the lowest concentration or mass an instrument can detect above
background instrument noise under ideal conditions. Sample preparation is not considered in the
determination of an IDL.
Internal Standard – a standard added to a test portion of a sample in a known amount and carried
through the entire determination procedure as a reference for calibrating and controlling the precision
and bias of the applied analytical method.
Laboratory Blanks – samples that are used to identify potential sources of contamination that are
generated during the processing and analysis of samples in the laboratory.
Laboratory Split Samples – two or more representative portions taken from the same sample and
analyzed by different laboratories to estimate the interlaboratory precision or variability and the d ata
comparability.
Limit of Quantitation – the minimum concentration of an analyte or category of analytes in a specific
matrix that can be identified and quantified above the method detection limit and within specified limits of
precision and bias during routine analytical operating conditions.
Management – those individuals directly responsible and accountable for planning, implementing, and
assessing work.
Management System – a structured, nontechnical system describing the policies, objectives, principles,
organizational authority, responsibilities, accountability, and implementation plan of an organization for
conducting work and producing items and services.
Management Systems Review (MSR) – the qualitative assessment of a data collection operation
and/or organization(s) to establish whether the prevailing quality management structure, policies,

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practices, and procedures are adequate for ensuring that the type and quality of data needed are
obtained.
Mass Spectrometer – an instrument detector that is used to generate mass spectra. Most often in
routine environmental analysis a quadrupole mass analyzer is used to generate mass spectra, however
other types of mass spectrometers can be used (e.g., magnetic sector instruments).
Mass Spectrometry – the science of using the principles of thermodynamics generate and interpret
mass to charge ratios called mass spectra.
Mass Spectra – the plural of mass spectrum.
Mass Spectrum – the result of mass spectrometry. A mass spectrum is a characteristic pattern of mass
to charge fragments generated from the bombardment of individual compounds in the gas phase. Mass
spectra of unknown compounds can be compared to the spectra from standard mass spectral libraries.
Matrix – the component or substrate (e.g., surface water, drinking water, soil, sediment, tissue) that
contains that analyte if interest.
Matrix Duplicates – an intralaboratory split sample that is used to document the precision of a method
in a given sample matrix.
Matrix Spike – a sample prepared by adding a known mass of a target analyte to a specified amount of
matrix sample for which an independent estimate of the target analyte concentration is available. Spiked
samples are used, for example, to determine the effect of the matrix on a method's recovery efficiency.
Mean (arithmetic) – the sum of all the values of a set of measurements divided by the number of values
in the set; a measure of central tendency.
Mean Squared Error – a statistical term for variance added to the square of the bias.
Measurement and Testing Equipment (M&TE) – tools, gauges, instruments, sampling devices, or
systems used to calibrate, measure, test, or inspect in order to control or acquire data to verify
conformance to specified requirements.
Memory Effects Error – the effect that a relatively high concentration sample has on the measurement
of a lower concentration sample of the same analyte when the higher concentration sample precedes
the lower concentration sample in the same analytical instrument.
Method – a body of procedures and techniques for performing an activity (e.g., sampling, chemical
analysis, quantification), systematically presented in the order in which they are to be executed.
Method Blank – a blank prepared to represent the sample matrix as closely as possible and analyzed
exactly like the calibration standards, samples, and quality control (QC) samples. Results of method
blanks provide an estimate of the within-batch variability of the blank response and an indication of bias
introduced by the analytical procedure.
Method Detection Limit – a statistically derived estimate of the lowest concentration or mass
detectable under method conditions at the concentration evaluated. A series of standards at an
estimated limit of detection is analyzed multiple times (usually 7), a standard deviation of these seven
replicate analyses is determined and the standard deviation is multiplied by the Student's t-distribution
statistic at 6 degrees of freedom (3.14). See Reporting Limit.
Mid-Range Check – a standard used to establish whether the middle of a measurement method's
calibrated range is still within specifications.
Mixed Waste – a hazardous waste material as defined by 40 CFR 261 Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA) and mixed with radioactive waste subject to the requirements of the Atomic
Energy Act.
Must – when used in a sentence, a term denoting a requirement that has to be met.

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Nonconformance – a deficiency in a characteristic, documentation, or procedure that renders the

quality of an item or activity unacceptable or indeterminate; nonfulfillment of a specified requirement.
Objective Evidence – any documented statement of fact, other information, or record, either
quantitative or qualitative, pertaining to the quality of an item or activity, based on observations,
measurements, or tests that can be verified.
Observation – an assessment conclusion that identifies a condition (either positive or negative) that
does not represent a significant impact on an item or activity. An observation may identify a condition
that has not yet caused a degradation of quality.
Organization – a company, corporation, firm, enterprise, or institution, or part thereof, whether
incorporated or not, public or private, that has its own functions and administration.
Organization Structure – the responsibilities, authorities, and relationships, arranged in a pattern,
through which an organization performs its functions.
Outlier – an extreme observation that is shown to have a low probability of belonging to a specified data
population.
Parameter – a quantity, usually unknown, such as a mean or a standard deviation characterizing a
population. Commonly misused for "variable," "characteristic," or "property."
Peer Review – a documented critical review of work generally beyond the state of the art or
characterized by the existence of potential uncertainty. Conducted by qualified individuals (or an
organization) who are independent of those who performed the work but collectively equivalent in
technical expertise (i.e., peers) to those who performed the original work. Peer reviews are conducted to
ensure that activities are technically adequate, competently performed, properly documented, and
satisfy established technical and quality requirements. An in-depth assessment of the assumptions,
calculations, extrapolations, alternate interpretations, methodology, acceptance criteria, and conclusions
pertaining to specific work and of the documentation that supports them. Peer reviews provide an
evaluation of a subject where quantitative methods of analysis or measures of success are unavailable
or undefined, such as in research and development.
Percent Recovery – used as a measure of accuracy.
Performance Evaluation (PE) – a type of audit in which the quantitative data generated in a
measurement system are obtained independently and compared with routinely obtained data to evaluate
the proficiency of an analyst or laboratory.
Performance Evaluation (PE) Sample – a sample of known composition provided to a laboratory to
determine laboratory compliance with a predetermined set of quality assurance and quality control
criteria.
Pollution Prevention – an organized, comprehensive effort to systematically reduce or eliminate
pollutants or contaminants prior to their generation or their release or discharge into the environment.
Practical Quantitation Limit (PQL) – a measure of the lowest limit of detection under the conditions of
a particular method. The PQL is often determined by multiplying the MDL by a factor of between 3 and
10.
Precision – a measure of mutual agreement among individual measurements of the same property,
usually under prescribed similar conditions expressed generally in terms of the standard deviation.
Procedure – a specified way to perform an activity.
Process – a set of interrelated resources and activities that transforms inputs into outputs. Examples of
processes include analysis, design, data collection, operation, fabrication, and calculation.
Project – an organized set of activities within a program.

reserved.
Qualified Data – any data that have been modified or adjusted as part of statistical or mathematical
evaluation, data validation, or data verification operations.
Qualified Services – an indication that suppliers providing services have been evaluated and
determined to meet the technical and quality requirements of the client as provided by approved
procurement documents and demonstrated by the supplier to the client's satisfaction.
Quality – the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bears on its ability to
meet the stated or implied needs and expectations of the user.
Quality Assurance (QA) – an integrated system of management activities involving planning,
implementation, assessment, reporting, and quality improvement to ensure that a process, item, or
service is of the type and quality needed and expected by the client.
Quality Assurance Program Description/Plan - (see Quality Management Plan)
Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) – a formal document describing in comprehensive detail the
necessary quality assurance (QA), quality control (QC), and other technical activities that must be
implemented to ensure that the results of the work performed will satisfy the stated performance criteria.
The QAPP components are divided into four classes: 1) Project Management, 2) Measurement/Data
Acquisition, 3) Assessment/Oversight, and 4) Data Validation and Usability. Requirements for preparing
QAPPs can be found in EPA QA/R-5.
Quality Control (QC) – the overall system of technical activities that measures the attributes and
performance of a process, item, or service against defined standards to verify that they meet the stated
requirements established by the customer; operational techniques and activities that are used to fulfill
requirements for quality. The system of activities and checks used to ensure that measurement systems
are maintained within prescribed limits, providing protection against "out of control" conditions and
ensuring the results are of acceptable quality.
Quality Control (QC) Sample – an uncontaminated sample matrix spiked with known amounts of
analytes from a source independent of the calibration standards. Generally used to establish intra -
laboratory or analyst-specific precision and bias or to assess the performance of all or a portion of the
measurement system.
Quality Improvement – a management program for improving the quality of operations. Such
management programs generally entail a formal mechanism for encouraging worker recommendations
with timely management evaluation and feedback or implementation.
Quality Management – that aspect of the overall management system of the organization that
determines and implements the quality policy. Quality management includes strategic planning,
allocation of resources, and other systematic activities (e.g., planning, implementation, and assessment)
pertaining to the quality system.
Quality Management Plan (QMP) – a formal document that describes the quality system in terms of the
organization's structure, the functional responsibilities of management and staff, the lines of authority,
and the required interfaces for those planning, implementing, and assessing all activities conducted.
Quality System – a structured and documented management system describing the policies, objectives,
principles, organizational authority, responsibilities, accountability, and implementation plan of an
organization for ensuring quality in its work processes, products (items), and services. The quality
system provides the framework for planning, implementing, and assessing work performed by the
organization and for carrying out required quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC).
Radioactive Waste – waste material containing, or contaminated by, radionuclides, subject to the
requirements of the Atomic Energy Act.

reserved.
Readiness Review – a systematic, documented review of the readiness for the start-up or continued
use of a facility, process, or activity. Readiness reviews are typically conducted before proceeding
beyond project milestones and prior to initiation of a major phase of work.
Record (quality) – a document that furnishes objective evidence of the quality of items or activities and
that has been verified and authenticated as technically complete and correct. Records may include
photographs, drawings, magnetic tape, and other data recording media.
Recovery – the act of determining whether or not the methodology measures all of the analyte
contained in a sample.
Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) – a measure of precision calculated by: RSD = S/x X 100.
Remediation – the process of reducing the concentration of a contaminant (or contaminants) in air,
water, or soil media to a level that poses an acceptable risk to human health.
Repeatability – the degree of agreement between independent test results produced by the same
analyst, using the same test method and equipment on random aliquots of the same sample within a
short time period.
Reporting Limit (RL) – for a target analyte, the reporting limit is instrument dependent and based on
the lowest point on the calibration curve.
Representativeness – a measure of the degree to which data accurately and precisely represent a
characteristic of a population, a parameter variation at a sampling point, a process condition, or an
environmental condition.
Reproducibility – the precision, usually expressed as variance, that measures the variability among the
results of measurements of the same sample at different laboratories.
Requirement – a formal statement of a need and the expected manner in which it is to be met.
Research (applied) – a process, the objective of which is to gain the knowledge or understanding
necessary for determining the means by which a recognized and specific need may be met.
Research (basic) – a process, the objective of which is to gain fuller knowledge or understanding of the
fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications toward
processes or products in mind.
Research Development/Demonstration – the systematic use of the knowledge and understanding
gained from research and directed toward the production of useful materials, devices, systems, or
methods, including prototypes and processes.
Round-Robin Study – a method validation study involving a predetermined number of laboratories or
analysts, all analyzing the same sample(s) by the same method. In a round-robin study, all results are
compared and used to develop summary statistics such as interlaboratory precision and method bias or
recovery efficiency.
Ruggedness Study – the carefully ordered testing of an analytical method while making slight
variations in test conditions (as might be expected in routine use) to determine how such variations
affect test results. If a variation affects the results significantly, the method restrictions are tightened to
minimize this variability.
Sampling and Analysis Plan – a document consisting of a description of the quality assurance, field
sampling steps and laboratory analysis for a given environmental data gathering effort.
Scientific Method – the principles and processes regarded as necessary for scientific investigation,
including rules for concept or hypothesis formulation, conduct of experiments, and validation of
hypotheses by analysis of observations.

reserved.
Self-Assessment – the assessments of work conducted by individuals, groups, or organizations directly

responsible for overseeing and/or performing the work.
Sensitivity – the capability of a method or instrument to discriminate between measurement responses
representing different levels of a variable of interest.
Service – the result generated by activities at the interface between the supplier and the customer, and
the supplier internal activities to meet customer needs. Such activities in environmental programs
include design, inspection, laboratory and/or field analysis, repair, and installation.
Shall – a term denoting a requirement that is mandatory whenever the criterion for conformance with the
specification permits no deviation. This term does not prohibit the use of alternative approaches or
methods for implementing the specification so long as the requirement is fulfilled.
Significant Condition – any state, status, incident, or situation of an environmental process or
condition, or environmental technology in which the work being performed will be adversely affected
sufficiently to require corrective action to satisfy quality objectives or specifications and safety
requirements.
Software Life Cycle – the period of time that starts when a software product is conceived and ends
when the software product is no longer available for routine use. The software life cycle typically
includes a requirement phase, a design phase, an implementation phase, a test phase, an installation
and check-out phase, an operation and maintenance phase, and sometimes a retirement phase.
Source Reduction – any practice that reduces the quantity of hazardous substances, contaminants, or
pollutants.
Span Check – a standard used to establish that a measurement method is not deviating from its
calibrated range.
Speciation – the ability of a chemical to exists in several forms (e.g., valence state, complexation).
Speciation is generally controlled by redox conditions and pH.
Specification – a document stating requirements and referring to or including drawings or other relevant
documents. Specifications should indicate the means and criteria for determining conformance.
Spike – a substance that is added to an environmental sample to increase the concentration of target
analytes by known amounts; used to assess measurement accuracy (spike recovery). Spike duplicates
are used to assess measurement precision.
Split Samples – two or more representative portions taken from one sample in the field or in the
laboratory and analyzed by different analysts or laboratories. Split samples are quality control (QC)
samples that are used to assess analytical variability and comparability.
Standard Deviation – a measure of the dispersion or imprecision of a sample or population distribution
expressed as the positive square root of the variance and has the same unit of measurement as the
mean.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) – a written document that details the method for an operation,
analysis, or action with thoroughly prescribed techniques and steps and that is officially approved as the
method for performing certain routine or repetitive tasks.
Standard Reference Material – a quality control tool that is a matrix-specific, single or multi-component
mixture of analytes that has been certified by an entity external to the laboratory performing the analysis
for a particular concentration. This quality control element is used to monitor accuracy.
Supplier – any individual or organization furnishing items or services or performing work according to a
procurement document or a financial assistance agreement. An all-inclusive term used in place of any of
the following: vendor, seller, contractor, subcontractor, fabricator, or consultant.

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Surrogate Spike or Analyte – a pure substance with properties that mimic the analyte of interest. It is
unlikely to be found in environmental samples and is added to them to establish that the analytical
method has been performed properly.
Surrogate Standard – a standard of known concentration added to environmental samples for quality
control purposes. A surrogate standard is unlikely to be found in environmental samples but has similar
properties. Surrogates are intended to monitor for recovery differences, problems during the extraction
phase of the analysis and for any potential matrix interferences.
Surveillance (quality) – continual or frequent monitoring and verification of the status of an entity and
the analysis of records to ensure that specified requirements are being fulfilled.
Target Analyte – a compound associated with a particular analytical method.
Technical Review – a documented critical review of work that has been performed within the state of
the art. The review is accomplished by one or more qualified reviewers who are independent of those
who performed the work but are collectively equivalent in technical expertise to those who performed th e
original work. The review is an in-depth analysis and evaluation of documents, activities, material, data,
or items that require technical verification or validation for applicability, correctness, adequacy,
completeness, and assurance that established requirements have been satisfied.
Technical Systems Audit (TSA) – a thorough, systematic, on-site qualitative audit of facilities,
equipment, personnel, training, procedures, record keeping, data validation, data management, and
reporting aspects of a system.
Tentatively Identified Compound (TIC) – compounds that are detected in environmental samples that
are not target analytes. TICs are identified generally as a result of using mass spectrometry techniques.
When a TIC is identified, it can be definitively identified by analyzing an authentic standard of the
putative unknown.
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) – TPH is an operationally defined parameter with no universally
accepted definition, therefore it is incumbent upon the ultimate data user to establish a working definition
of TPH on a project specific basis. Some useful definitions are presented here.
MCP Definition – the MCP defines TPH as all compounds containing carbon and hydrogen only from
nC9 through nC36.
Traceability – the ability to trace the history, application, or location of an entity by means of recorded
identifications. In a calibration sense, traceability relates measuring equipment to national or
international standards, primary standards, basic physical constants or properties, or reference
materials. In a data collection sense, it relates calculations and data generated throughout the project
back to the requirements for the quality of the project.
Trip Blank – a clean sample of a matrix that is taken to the sampling site and transported to the
laboratory for analysis without having been exposed to sampling procedures.
Validation – confirmation by examination and provision of objective evidence that the particular
requirements for a specific intended use have been fulfilled. In design and development, validation
concerns the process of examining a product or result to determine conformance to user needs.
Variance (statistical) – a measure or dispersion of a sample or population distribution.
Verification – confirmation by examination and provision of objective evidence that specified
requirements have been fulfilled. In design and development, verification concerns the process of
examining a result of a given activity to determine conformance to the stated requirements for that
activity.

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6. Discharge Monitor Technical Reference
Technical Prologue to DMR Usage
Introduction
This chapter is designed for the technical specialist or designated system administrator of the
LABWORKS 6.4 Discharge Monitoring system. Generally the person(s) assigned these tasks will handle
software installation, system configuration, and database preparation (of permits, discharges/outfalls,
and requirements). These tasks require computer / database technical skills outside of
laboratory/environmental specific duties. This documentation is tailored for people handling these duties
and is not designed for the operator of the software. If you plan on operating the software to generate
monthly DMR reports, please refer to the LABWORKS Discharge Monitor User Reference in the next
chapter.
This document also assumes the Server and Client installs of LABWORKS 6.4 has been completed
successfully. Installation of LABWORKS is not covered.
Overview
A technical specialist who is in charge of DMR implementation is obviously not required to know all the
specifics of the business. However, a good understanding of the purpose/goal of the system along with
why it is needed is always good for those responsible for keeping it running properly. The following is a
short background and overview of the business and DMR module.
Water pollution degrades surface waters making them unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming, and other
activities. In the United States, authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that
discharge pollutants into public bodies of water. Point sources are discrete conveyances such as pipes
or man-made ditches. Individual homes that are connected to a municipal system, use a septic system,
or do not have a surface discharge do not need an NPDES permit; however, industrial, municipal, and
other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters. In most cases, the
NPDES permit program is administered by individual authorized states. Since its introduction in 1972,
the NPDES permit program is responsible for significant improvements to the nation's water quality.
Other nations outside of the United States are taking close observance to the NPDES permit system of
water quality, and many are beginning to adopt very similar systems.
Different state governments may prefer samples reported differently (calculations of average results,
minimums, maximums, for the week, day, etc.), but the end result is always a similar-looking
spreadsheet-type report. Below is an example page from a final monthly DMR report.

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DMR Module History/Background (the “Story”)

In the mid-90’s, a growing number of LABWORKS customers which included industrial and commercial
facilities, municipalities and wastewater treatment plants, etc. needed a method of an automatic
generation of the required monthly NPDES report. Local (state) governments require a specifically
formatted report with results for specific analyses (called requirements) from each designated outfall
(called discharges). These outfalls, or discharges, as described in the above overview, are specific
locations, or point sources, where pollution into a public body of water could potentially occur. These
samples on required outflow analyses (such as PH, BOD, CBOD, TSS, etc.) were generally taken on a
daily or weekly basis and stored in LABWORKS, but our customers needed a way to take these samples
and transfer them onto a specially formatted report to meet state government requirements. Failure to
meet these requirements could result in a large fine or the eventual closure of the facility. The NPDES
report is generally downloaded from the website in Microsoft Excel (XLS) format and was very detailed
and time-consuming to prepare manually. Pressure by LABWORKS customers continued for a solution
to the time-consuming preparation of the NPDES permit report. This lead to the development of the
DMR, Discharge Monitoring Report, module.
The DMR module was never a core-application. It was initially written as a custom application with its
own Microsoft Access database (\LWDATA\DMR\DMR97.MDB) populated by individual calls to the core
LABWORKS database via general middle tier queries for sample information.
DMR reporting is generally done for a single month. Customers use the DMR module to pole all samples
in LABWORKS for a given month and parse that data into an Excel report. Samples are designated for
DMR by the use of user fields. The DMR application looks for any samples with a matching permit
number (generally a user field called PERMIT_NO) and discharge number (generally a user field called
DICHARGE_NO). These samples will be pulled into DMR for the specific permit being printed for that
date range selected. The old application would obtain this sample list through SQL queries, then copy
the samples and corresponding tests into its own Access database file (DMR97.MDB) while building
calculations and formatting records for report preparation. After this “calculation” process, the final Excel
DMR for the month can be generated and turned into the state government.
The old DMR module has had numerous support challenges over the years mostly from the following.

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Incompatible Field Sizes – LABWORKS core database fields that change with new updates do not
match within the old DMR Access database forcing IT to manually update DMR Access tables
Calculation Challenges – customers in a specific state needing values calculated a little differently from
customers in other states forced LABWORKS to provide custom calculation functions and maintain them
for different accounts
Date Challenges – some customers require ‘partial weeks’ or weeks that are at the beginning or end of
a month containing less than a full 7 days while other customers may allow an expansion into the
following or previous month to obtain full weeks
Configuration Problems – location codes change and no longer match permit or discharge data,
analysis codes change and no longer match requirement data because no integration with the core
database exists
Database Corruption – any problem with the separate Access database would make the system
unusable adding work for the IT department to maintain a separate database file
Clunky User Interface – training new users of legacy application has always been a problem for our
customers since the system has no standard Windows user interface and requires going through many
different screens to achieve the end result (the DMR report)
The new DMR application, called DischargeMonitor, has been introduced as an optional product within
the LABWORKS 6.2 package using the Microsoft.NET framework. These problems that have plagued
the legacy application for years has been engineered out of this new module.
Generally only commercial or waste/drinking water labs are DMR customers. However, the users of the
application rely heavily on the tool not only for regulatory reporting but also (in the case of commercial
labs) for contract report preparation for their own lab customers as a significant source of revenue.
The LABWORKS Support department gets more calls on the legacy DMR application than nearly any
other module, and it is also the most challenging to support. A support call on DMR will generally always
be forwarded to development taking even longer to provide a solution back to the customer. For
customers currently running the legacy DMR tool, the benefits of upgrading to the new
DischaregeMonitor module could greatly improve lab productivity and report turn-around along with the
added benefits of less maintenance and problems for IT.
DMR Common Terminology

The following is a list of some common DMR terminology that may be second nature to folks involved in
DMR preparation, but certainly not for the system administrator or IT professional who maintains the
system. This information can be used as a reference to educate administrators to speak the same lingo
as those operating the DMR system.
Effluent
The outflow or discharge itself.
Composite Sample
A sample that is based on a collection (or composite) of continuous samples from a discharge over a
given time period. For domestic wastewater, a sample made up of a minimum of three effluent portions
collected in a continuous 24-hour period or during the period of daily discharge if less than 24 hours, and
combined in volumes proportional to flow, and collected no closer than two hours apart. For industrial
wastewater, a composite sample is a sample made up of a minimum of three effluent portions collected
in a continuous 24-hour period or during the period of daily discharge if less than 24 hours, and
combined in volumes proportional to flow, and collected no closer than one hour apart. Various state
governments may define the composite differently.

reserved.
Grab Sample
A sample that is collected as-is only once (hence the term “grab” which suggests the analyst simply
grabs the single sample) from the discharge.
7-day Average Concentration
The arithmetic average of all effluent samples, composite or grab as required by the permit, within a
period of one calendar week, Sunday through Saturday (or how ever their state government defines their
reporting calendar week).
Concentration Average
Daily average concentration is the arithmetic average of all effluent samples, composite or grab as
required by the permit, within a period of one calendar month, consisting of at least four sepa rate
representative measurements.
For domestic wastewater treatment plants - When four samples are not available in a
calendar month, the arithmetic average (weighted by flow) of all values in the previous four consecutive
month period consisting of at least four measurements shall be utilized as the daily average
concentration.
For all other wastewater treatment plants - When four samples are not available in a
calendar month, the arithmetic average (weighted by flow) of all values taken during the month shall be
utilized as the daily average concentration.
Fecal coliform bacteria concentration - the number of colonies of fecal coliform bacteria per
100 milliliters effluent. The daily average fecal coliform bacteria concentration is a geometric mean of the
values for the effluent samples collected in a calendar month. The geometric mean shall be determined
by calculating the nth root of the product of all measurements made in a calendar month, where n equals
the number of measurements made; or, computed as the antilogarithm of the arithmetic mean of the
logarithms of all measurements made in a calendar month. For any measurement of fecal coliform
bacteria equaling zero, a substituted value of one shall be made for input into either computation
method.
Concentration Maximum
Daily maximum concentration - Daily maximum concentration is the maximum concentration

measured on a single day, by the sample type specified in the permit, within a period of one calendar
month.
7-day average concentration - 7-day average concentration is the arithmetic average of all
effluent samples, composite or grab as required by this permit, within a period of one calendar week,
Sunday through Saturday.
Fecal coliform bacteria concentration - The 7-day average for fecal coliform bacteria is the
geometric mean of the values for all effluent samples collected during a calendar week.
Concentration Minimum
The lowest measured value during the monitoring period is to be reported in this field unless otherwise
specified in the permit. Examples of parameters with minimum values to be reported are pH, Dissolved
Oxygen, Chlorine, and any other parameters with minimum limits listed in a permit.
Concentration Units
Unit of measure is specified in the permit and cannot be changed.
Flow Terminology

reserved.
2-hour Peak Flow - Applies to domestic wastewater treatment plants: The maximum flow sustained
for a two-hour period during the period of daily discharge. Multiple measurements of instantaneous
maximum flow within a two-hour period may be compared to the permitted 2-hour peak flow.
Annual Average Flow - The arithmetic average of all daily flow determinations taken within the
preceding twelve consecutive calendar months. The annual average flow determination shall consist of
daily flow volume determinations made by a totalizing meter, charted on a chart recorder and limited to
major domestic wastewater discharge facilities with a 1 million gallons per day or greater permitted flow.
Daily Average Flow - The arithmetic average of all determinations of the daily discharge within a
period of one calendar month. The daily average flow determination shall consist of determinations
made on at least four separate days. If instantaneous measurements are used to determine the daily
discharge, the determination shall be the arithmetic average of all instantaneous measurements taken
during that month. Daily average flow determination for intermittent discharges shall consist of a
minimum of three flow determinations on days of discharge.
Daily Maximum Flow - The highest total flow for any 24-hour period in a calendar month.
Instantaneous Flow - The measured flow during the minimum time required to interpret the flow
measuring device.
Maximum 2-hour Peak Flow - Applies to domestic wastewater treatment plants: The highest 2-
hour peak flow for any 24-hour period in a calendar month.
Frequency of Analysis
Minimum frequency of analysis is specified in the permit. Actual frequency of analysis could be more
frequent. The default value for this field is the frequency specified in the permit, but it can be changed.
When the actual frequency of analysis for sampling does not match what is required by the permit,
choose the appropriate frequency from the drop-down list located on the edit parameter page. If you
have sampled at a frequency which does not have a corresponding description/code available in the
drop-down list, select "OTHER (XX/XX)". If you choose this option, you must include a description of the
actual frequency of analysis for the parameter in the comments field on the edit parameter page.
No Data Reason
A brief explanation of why measurements cannot be submitted. Several options are available in the
drop-down list. If you cannot find a corresponding explanation in this list, choose "8 - OTHER". A
comment must be supplied when a No Data Indicator is chosen. For a complete list of the available
codes see PCS No Data Indicator Codes.
Number of Exceedances
For DMR reporting, the definition of exceedance is number of sample measurements during the
monitoring period that exceed maximum (and/or minimum or 7-day average as appropriate) permit
requirement for each parameter. If none, enter "0". DO NOT include monthly average or daily average
violations in this field. Permittees with continuous pH, or temperature monitoring requirements should
consult the permit for what constitutes an exceedance and report accordingly.
Parameter
Specified in the permit as effluent characteristics for each outfall, a parameter can be a chemical, metal,
constituent, property, or other factor which is measured, analyzed, and evaluated to determine effluent
(or sludge) quality or quantity.
Parameter Status
After validation of the measurement data the parameter will have one of these status types:

reserved.
Error - Errors were found when the parameter data was validated. It cannot be submitted until the
errors are corrected.
Valid - No errors or warnings were found when the parameter data was validated. The parameter can
be submitted.
Warn - Warnings were found when the parameter data was validated. The parameter can be
submitted. Warnings include things like Quantity Average and Concentration Average are the same or
when measurements have exceeded the limit values.
Submitted - The parameter data has been submitted but not yet processed. The data is an official
TCEQ record but has not yet been processed. The parameter cannot be edited or deleted in this state.
Processed - The parameter data has been processed and loaded into the EPA system. It can be
edited or deleted in this state.
Permit Limits
Limits as specified in the permit for each parameter.
Quantity Average
Daily average loading (lbs/day) - Daily average loading (lbs/day) is the arithmetic average of all
daily discharge loading calculations during a period of one calendar month. These calculations must be
made for each day of the month that a parameter is analyzed. The daily discharge, in terms of mass
(lbs/day), is calculated as ( Flow, MGD x Concentration, mg/l x 8.34).
Annual average flow - Annual average flow is the arithmetic average of all daily flow determinations
taken within the preceding 12 consecutive calendar months. The annual average flow determination
shall consist of daily flow volume determinations made by a totalizing meter, charted on a chart recorder
and limited to major domestic wastewater discharge facilities with a one million gallons per day or
greater permitted flow.
Daily average flow - Daily average flow is the arithmetic average of all determinations of the daily
flow within a period of one calendar month. The daily average flow determination shall consist of
determinations made on at least four separate days. If instantaneous measurements are used to
determine the daily flow, the determination shall be the arithmetic average of all instantaneous
measurements taken during that month. Daily average flow determination for intermittent discharges
shall consist of a minimum of three flow determinations on days of discharge.
Quantity Maximum
Daily maximum loading - Daily maximum loading (lbs/day) is the highest daily discharge, in
terms of mass (lbs/day), within a period of one calendar month.
Daily maximum flow - Daily maximum flow is the highest total flow for any 24-hour period in a
calendar month. 2-hour peak flow (domestic wastewater treatment plants) is the maximum flow
sustained for a two-hour period during the period of daily discharge. The average of multiple
measurements of instantaneous maximum flow within a two-hour period may be used to calculate the 2-
hour peak flow.
Maximum 2-hour peak flow - Maximum 2-hour peak flow (domestic wastewater treatment plants)
is the highest 2-hour peak flow for any 24-hour period in a calendar month.
Quantity Units
Unit of measure is specified in the permit and cannot be changed.
Sample Type

reserved.
Sample Type is specified in the permit. The default value for this field is the sample type specified in the
permit, but it can be changed if the actual sampling method used is different.
Existing Users: Legacy Migration
Migrating old Access Database

After LABWORKS 6.2 is installed (with a proper control file license for DMR as well), the next step
before the new system can be used is to migrate the data from the legacy system into the core
database.
The tool to perform this migration is called the LWMigrationUtility and is located under the license
path’s \Server\ subfolder.
When the migration module is launched, it will initially prompt you to run the UpdateTool program. If you
have not already done this and executed the LW62 and DMR related service packs, you must complete
this first. This is required in order to add the necessary tables to your database before data migration
can take place.
After connecting to the database, make sure and successfully complete all service packs, but in
particular LW62Release.xsp and LW62DMRRelease.xsp.

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When the UpdateTool service packs have successfully executed, the migration tool can continue. There
are a few different legacy data migration processes that can be selected (and probably should), however
the only migration required for new DMR is the DMR data transfer option. Make sure at least this option
is selected, then click Run.
The data migration will then begin.
Note that during the migration process, you may get a prompt telling you that your template and sheet
fields are blank and that the default Excel template of DMR.XLS will be used.

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This is not an error. It is merely a notice. Early versions of legacy DMR did not give you the option of
template selection. Only one Excel template, called DMR.XLS, was required. However, later versions of
the legacy tool (LABWORKS 5.8) was enhanced to provide the capability of template selection giving
customers the ability to have more than one specific final DMR report format. However, if the user never
defined a specific template, it would always use the default DMR.XLS template and never prompt the
user. In the new DischargeMonitor application, the user can still select from multiple templates at print
time, but a designated default template is required in the database. so the migration tool automatically
adds a reference to the DMR.XLS template file if no template is specified in the legacy tables.
If the migration completes successfully, it will show Complete under the Status column and provide an
option to view the log file which can be printed for more technical detail on data changes that were
performed.
User Field Requirements

After data migration, there is an important LABWORKS user field database modification that you also
may be required to do before using the new application.
The legacy application supported several different user field versions of the DMR Permit Number field
(PERMIT_NUM, PERMIT_NO, PERMITNO, etc.) as well as the DMR Discharge/Outfall Number
(OUTFALL_NUM, DISCHNO, DISCHARGE_NO, etc.). However, in the new DischargeMonitor
application, there is only one specific user field that is accepted for each of these.

reserved.
PERMIT_NO – required user field for permit number

DISCHARGE_NO – required user field for outfall/discharge number
If your database tables (USERFLDS and SUSERFLDS) have any other spelling for these two user
fields, you must change them. The new DischargeMonitor application will not recognize any other user
field. The calculation of final records for the DMR report will not find any samples without correct user
fields.
Requirement Record Changes

At this point, you should be able to open DMR and run the application. After opening the new module,
you will see a nice Windows Explorer-type user interface. All permits, discharges, and requirements
should open into the tree on the left with a listing of records on the right based on your tree selection.
The system may run okay for maintenance, but there could be minor changes that need to happen
within some requirement records before the report will accurately print.
The legacy application had an option (checkbox) for percent removal. With this option checked, certain
calculations are adjusted during the calculation of final records for the report. For example, when a
Monthly Average calculation is used with Calculate Percent Removal checked, it will use a designated
loading (FLOW) value to apply to those samples. Certain permits require a load-balanced calculation. In
other words, the calculation must be based on measured flow values (more / less velocity and quantity
of discharge). Obviously, the same amount of coliform in a large outfall will show a much more diluted
result than a small outfall.
In the new DMR application, the load-based calculations were added as selectable calculations
themselves instead of a check box.
For example, if you want a standard monthly average calculation, you could select Monthly Average in
the Requirement Maintenance screen. If you want this load-based, you would select the Monthly Avg
Calc Load.

reserved.
This must be done for each load-based requirement.

As a final note, you may see a different calculation list than displayed in the screen shot above. This is
because the new DischargeMonitor application uses calculation DLL files to define this list. Each
calculation is a separate function inside the DLL files with designated inputs and outputs used by DMR.
This allows for the simple installation of custom DMR calculation DLLs. See the next section for more
detail.

reserved.
DMR Calculation Installations
DMR DLL Files

The new DischargeMonitor application performs all detailed processing of records via external system
files. There is a standard and custom DLL file that defines the list of available calculations selectable
within the Requirements screen. If you open a requirement within the new DMR, and there are no
calculations available for selection, then you are missing these files.
The application can accept only two calculation DLL files, one is “STANDARD” and other is “CUSTOM”.
If any client needs an extra custom calculation than the provided one, then System Manager or a Field
person has to replace the client’s current custom DLL with a new file. However, the standard DLL must
always be included in the system. This is the base list of calculations most common in DMR.
Adding Custom DLL in Client Environment
1. Copy custom DLL and add it into the “SYSTEM” folder of LABWORKS client i.e.
C:\LABWORKS\Client\System].
2. Only replacing existing custom DLL with new one will not work. A little more is required. To make
them available follow the steps below-
a. The new DMR calculations require three tables “DMR_METHOD”, “DMR_METHODDETAIL” and
“DMR_METHODSUBDETAIL”. These tables contain details of each and every calculation i.e.
“STANDARD” as well as “CUSTOM”.
b. The new DMR calculations are dynamic, to understand it take some examples of custom calculation.
Example 1:- “Rolling Average”: Image below shows a Requirement form; “Rolling Average” custom
calculation is set for “MAXIMUM” section.
The “Rolling Average” calculation requires extra input such as “Rolling average for n months”. User
has to specify the value of “n”. Refer image below-

reserved.
Example 2:- “Percentage of ND”: Image below shows a Requirement form; “Percentage of ND”
custom calculation is set for “AVERAGE” section.
The “Percentage of ND” calculation requires extra input such as “Percent”, “Define ND with” and
“Value”; user has to specify the values of these fields. Refer image below -

reserved.
The image below shows predefined values for “Define ND with”
The above examples demonstrate that both calculations require an extra input. Some of the extra inputs
have predefined values. A single DLL cannot hold these values. To fulfill this requirement we have
introduced three tables.
 DMR_METHOD – master table which lists the actual calculations
 DMR_METHODDETAIL – first level detail table for each calculation
 DMR_METHODSUBDETAIL – second level detail table for each calculation
Calculation Detail in New DB Tables

Image below shows calculations entry in “DMR_METHOD” table. This table contains information about
calculations, not for extra input. Check selected entries for “Rolling Average” and “Percentage of ND”
calculations. A “HASPARAMETER” column has “-1” value for both of these calculations, because they
requires an extra input. The extra input information is saved in “DMR_METHODDETAIL” table.

reserved.
METHODNAME column If the calculation

Display name for the contains actual name of requires an extra input
calculation, which is visible the calculation used in then enter “-1” (means
to user in Requirement form calculation DLL true) otherwise “0”
(means false)
Sequence number for

displaying calculations
in particular order on
Requirement form.
If a calculation is present in
“STANDARD” dll then enter
“STD” otherwise “CUST”
Image below display extra input information in “DMR_METHODDETAIL” table. “Percentage of ND” has
three entries of extra input and “Rolling Average” one entry of extra input. The “Define ND with” of
“Percentage of ND” and “Rolling Average for” of “Rolling Average” has “-1” entry in
“HASFIXVALUES” column.
METHODNAME column
contains actual name of
the calculation used in
calculation DLL
Description for
the extra input
Sequence number for

displaying extra inputs
in particular order on
Extra input form.
If extra input has any

predefined values then
enter “-1” otherwise “0”

reserved.
The actual entries of fix values are in “DMR_METHODSUBDETAIL” table. The image below shows fix
value entries.
METHODNAME column contains

actual name of the calculation used in
calculation dll
Description for
the extra input Sequence number for displaying
values of extra inputs in particular
order on Extra input form
Values of extra
input
Selected are the fix values for the extra inputs of “Percentage of ND” and “Rolling Average”.
Once the necessary entries for the calculations are done in the above mentioned tables, then
calculations are visible in Requirement form.
Available Calculations in DLL Files

The calculation DLL file names must be as follows:
 The “STANDARD” calculation DLL must start with “LWDMRSTD”
 The “CUSTOM” calculation DLL must start with “LWDMRCUSTOM”

Within these DLL files reside the following list of calculations.
Calculation DLL File No. Calculation Name

LWDMRSTDCalculation.dll 1 MonthlyGeometricMean
2 InstantaneousMax
3 InstantaneousMin
4 MonthlyAverage
5 Sum
6 WeeklyAverage_Max

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7 WeeklyAverage_Min
8 WeeklyGeometricMean_Max
9 WeeklyGeometricMean_Min
1 PercentageOfND
2 RollingAverage
3 NthPercentile
4 PassOrFail
LWDMRCustomCalculation.dll 5 RollingGeometricMean
6 MonthlyAverageCalcLoad
7 InstantaneousMaxCalcLoad
8 InstantaneousMinCalcLoad
9 WeeklyAverageCalcLoad_Max
Custom Formula Usage (Details)

The following are formulas that were identified as “custom” since the majority of DMR users do not use
them. Each of the following calculations are included in the custom DLL by default, and they are
described below. The user can decide if they need these or not. If not, the System Admin can remove
the DLL and associated records to keep the calculation list down to only the standard list.
Percentage of ND (PercentageOfND) – in LABWORKS, any analysis can have a ND (non-detected)
value which means the sample result is below the required reportable value and is insignificant. The
insignificant value is often reported as “ND” or “not detected” in LABWORKS. Occasionally, the
governing state may want to know the percentage of these non-detects. For example, if 100 samples
were reported for the month and 12 of them had results of ND, you would report a value of “12%” on the
report. To report this, you’ll need to define what constitutes a non-detect result in LABWORKS. When
selecting this, the user must be able to enter this value (“ND”, “NOT DETECTED”, etc.) that will define a
non-detected result in LABWORKS. Each value with this result will be counted as a non-detected result
that factors into the calculation.
Rolling Average (RollingAverage) – This calculation is really the same as a monthly average, but it
also looks at previous month averages as part of the calculation.
Note: Calculation history is checked to perform this calculation, so performance will be slightly affected
during final records processing when this calculation is selected. If n=4, then 4 months of previous
history must be pulled into the formula where M1 is the current month.
Nth Percentile (NthPercentile) – A calculation where you report the result within a designated
percentile. For example, if you are required to report the 90th percentile and there are 100 results for the
month (in order from smallest to largest), you would report the 90 th result value in the list of data from
LABWORKS.
Pass or Fail (PassOrFail) – A Boolean result requirement. This calculation can either look at a specific
text value (true or false, yes or no, 1 or 0), or a designated point to define whether or not a result passes
or fails the requirement (for example, >30 is pass, <=30 fails). The requirement with this designated
calculation will evaluate each result for the month for qualification as a “pass” or “fail” value. These

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values are totaled for the month to determine the final pass or fail value based on the cut-off value. For
example, for 100 samples within the reporting period, if 70 of these results were “pass” and 30 of them
were “fail”, and the cut-off value was 40 (>40 passes and <=40 fails), then you would report “PASS” on
the report because 70 > 40. To report this, you’ll need to define what this cut-off value is within the DMR
application. This is important because it is not always 50/50. A requirement that passes 60% of the time,
for example, may still fail in the eyes of the government. The user has the ability to define how strict the
requirement is (the higher the cut-off value, the more strict the requirement). The cut-off value defines
the percentage of failure or what percentage this requirement must overcome to pass. When the user
selects this calculation, the UI (in the requirement screen) request this cut-off value. This is required for
the calculation to work properly.
Rolling Geometric Mean (RollingGeometricMean) – This calculation is really the same as a geometric
mean, but it also looks at previous month’s geo means as part of the calculation. See the Rolling
Average calculation above for more detail.
Monthly Average Calc Load (MonthlyAverageCalcLoad) – This calculation is the same as the
corresponding Monthly Average calculation except the CONTROL value (FLOW) is factored. During the
calculate final records process, this “Loading” field is calculated for each requirement. Loading is
calculated differently depending on how the designated CONTROL record is entered. The “Loading” is
used in the Monthly Average CalcLoad calculation instead of the “Result” which is used in the regular
Monthly Average calculation.
Weekly Average CalcLoad (WeeklyAverageCalcLoad_Max) – This is the same as the Weekly
Average calculation but (just as above) the calculated “Loading” fields are used instead of the raw result
from LABWORKS (see above for details).
Instantaneous Max/Min CalcLoad (InstantaneousMinCalcLoad and InstantaneousMaxCalcLoad) –
This is the same as the Instantaneous Min and Max calculations but (just as above) the calculated
“Loading” fields are used instead of the raw result from LABWORKS (see above for details).

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DMR Configuration Settings
SysMgr Keys
No support of the old legacy LABWORKS.INI file exists within the new application. The new
DischargeMonitor application uses SysMgr keys exclusively. However, the majority of system settings
are configured under the options or control screens within the application itself. That is documented
within the Discharge Monitor User Reference chapter.
There are basically only 4 SysMgr keys supported within the new application.
These include:
 DMR_MDLPROCESSING – a Boolean value that when set to false (0) will not factor in standard
LABWORKS MDL processing which will add a “<” character into the result (and into the report)
in front of the MDL value if the result from LABWORKS is less than the MDL. Keep in mind that
if you are already entering the results into LABWORKS like this (<4.0, for example), then
make sure and turn this off. If it is on, and it encounters a result character instead of a
numeric value, the DMR system will assume it is a zero.
 DMR_PAMPROCESSING – a Boolean value that when set to false (0) will not factor in PAM,
Project Analyte Management module, values. PAM is a separate module and set of database
tables that is designed to evaluate results based on reporting limits. If you are already using
PAM and evaluating the results prior to DMR, then this should be turned off.
 DMR_PASSWORD – a system password that is required before a DMR user can change any
system settings within DMR.
 DMR_FINALREPORTTYPE – defines the default report type (EXCEL, CRYSTAL, or EDMR).

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Common DMR Problems

As part of the final section of this document, we wanted to provide some support assistance by listing
the most common errors on DMR final reports turned into governing agencies. These can be used as a
means to catch problems before they occur.
Issue #1: Incorrect Weekly Averages – people reporting or setting up their weeks incorrectly
Issue #2: Exceptions are not tallied and reported properly (actually a rare problem, but this does
happen)
Issue #3: Loadings (for Weekly Average) not calculated properly – this is a good example of the
CONTROL record not being used properly or the wrong formula/calculation is selected.
Issue #4: Loadings (for Monthly Average) not calculated properly – so we can see the complexity of
factoring in the loading calculation is a common source of problems.

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Issue #5: Not filling out all required fields – don’t forget to fill all fields.
Issue #6: Calculation of Monthly Average for FLOW. A correct week designation within the reporting
period and correct results entered in LABWORKS should prevent this.
Issue #7: No explanation for violations – most government agencies require an explanation at the
bottom of the DMR report when a violation (exception) is entered on the report. Sometimes customers
forget to do this, so a possible future enhancement would be to highlight a violation box on the Excel
template when any exception is found.
Issue #8: Geo Mean is not correct
Other problems reported are late reports being filed or reports turned in unsigned, etc. which have
nothing to do with the DMR application.
As your lab begins using the new DMR application, DischargeMonitor, we recommend meeting with the
key lab supervisors, environmental managers or engineers responsible for DMR report production to
discuss these commonly reported issues. If they understand the problems often caught at the agency
level, they can identify procedural methods to prevent them before they occur. About 85% of reported
problems by our software support department are specifically due to user mistake or configuration.
Hopefully you, as the DMR System Administrator, will be able to use this documentation to identify non-
system problems before both lab and IT resources are tied up researching issues that may not actually
be problems.

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7. Discharge Monitor User Reference
Labworks-Discharge Monitor
Introduction
The LABWORKS Discharge Monitoring module is a replacement for the old DMR module for
tracking/reporting on discharges into water systems that may ultimately contribute to pollution.
Water pollution causes degradation of surface waters making them harmful for drinking, swimming,
fishing and other activities. In the United States, authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating
point sources that discharge pollutants into public bodies of water. Point sources usually are pipes or
man-made ditches.
Industrial, Municipal, and other facilities must get the NPDES permits if their discharges go directly to
surface waters. Reports regarding the Water Quality have to submitted to the NPDES by the agencies
which hold these permits.
A need to automatically generate the required monthly NPDES report lead to the development of the
DMR - Discharge Monitoring Report module.
The LABWORKS-DMR module allows a user to record all the details regarding the Permit, Discharge,
Requirements, and Calculations done on the samples and print the form or submit the form online to
NPDES.
Overview of Labworks-Discharge Monitor
Hardware and Software Requirements
Hardware Requirements:
For stand-alone system:

 Processor should be Pentium or it’s comparable.
 Minimum 32 MB RAM.
 At least 100 MB Free Disk Space.
 CD-ROM.
 Printer.
For LAN network:
 Computers along with addition of LAN cards and an Ethernet cable.
Features of Labworks-DMR
 Single click access to the most common functionalities.
 Minimal keyboard or mouse operations required for entries.

 Pre-populated Speciality specific information.

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 Easy to use Graphical User Interface.
 Users, Roles and Workflow management.
 Effective Search Facility to Search any type of Information
Getting Started
Quick Start
This section describes how to start the LABWORKS-Discharge Monitor Application.
1. Double click the icon installed on the desktop.
2. It will open the Login screen.
3. Select the database from the Available Database drop down list.
4. If only one database is in use, then the Available Database list box is not available for selection.
5. Enter the user name in the User Name text field.
6. Enter the password in the Password text field.
7. Click the OK button.
8. The LABWORKS Discharge Monitor page will open.

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The buttons defined in the old main screen are replaced by toolbar buttons and/or menu options at the
top of the form

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Menu Options
The Menu Options available in the application are described below.
File Menu Item
Following is the information about various File Menu items.
1. Click New to open a new file.
2. Click Open to open a file.
3. Click Copy to copy the file.
4. Click Paste to paste a file from another location.
5. Click Delete to delete the file.
6. Click Print List to print a list.
7. Click Align Pre-Printed Form to align the form before printing.
8. Click Print DMR to print the form.
9. Click Exit to close the application.
View Menu Item

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Tree View - provides a tree view of the file
Shortcut View - provides a shortcut view of the file

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Status Bar- shows the Status bar at the bottom of the screen
Refresh- will refresh the information

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Permit Names-will show the Permit names
Show History-will show the history of the file
Tools menu item
Calculate Final Records- clicking this item will open up a Calculate Final Records form.
Setup Menu item

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1. DMR Setup- Clicking this item will open up a DMR Setup form.
2. Control- Clicking this item will open up a Control File Maintenance form.
3. Column Configuration- clicking this item will open up a ListView column configuration form.
Help Menu Item
1. Help - Clicking this item will open up the Help menu
2. About LABWORKS - Clicking this item will open up the About Box with information about Labworks.

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Workflow
This section describes the workflow of LABWORKS- Discharge Monitor module.
The image above shows the general workflow of the LABWORKS-DMR Module.
1. The User first fills up the DMR Setup Form which sets up the date, week details for report
submission.
2. The second step is filling up the Control File Maintenance Form which will set up the controls.
3. The third step is filling in the Permit Maintenance Form which will set up the permit details.

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4. The fourth step is filling in the Discharge Form/s related to the permit.
5. The fifth step is filling in the Requirement/Parameter Form to fill in the details of the parameters to
be tested in the samples.
6. The sixth step is filling in the Calculate Final Record Form which will add details of the calculations
done on the samples.
7. The final step is Printing or submitting the form to NPDES.
DMR Setup form

Filling in the DMR Setup form which is the first step in the LABWORKS-Discharge Monitor Module is
described below.
Through this form the user can set the days of the week when the tests have to be done and also set up
the week schedule for the reports.

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Define Calculation Dates tab
1. On the Menu Bar Go to Setup>DMR Setup.
2. The DMR Setup form will open.
3. Click the first tab Define calculation dates.
4. Select the days from the Available Days list.
5. Click the button to add the days in the Days in Week box.
6. The days will be added to the Days in Week box.
7. If the week is already over, then a message will appear as shown in the following example.

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Define Settings tab
1. From the PAM Processing select the ON or OFF radio button. If this is ON, then the MDL value of
the sample is replaced by the reporting limit of the sample.
2. From the MDL Processing select the ON or OFF radio button. If this is ON, the Result of the sample
gets replaced by its MDL value, only when the result is less than MDL value.
3. From the Allow_Blank_Rows select the ON or OFF radio button.
4. Select an option from the DMR Final Report Type drop down list.
5. Click the Apply button to save the changes.

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6. Click the OK button to close the form.
Define Report Templates tab
1. Select an option from the Templates drop down list.
2. Details of the sheet will be shown in the Excel Settings box.
3. Click the Copy Template button to select a template to copy.
4. It will open a new dialog box as shown in the following example.

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1. Type an option in the text filed and click the OK button to copy the template.
2. Click Cancel to go to the previous screen.
3. Click the Clear row button on Figure 5 to clear a row.
4. Click the Clear table button on Figure 5 to clear the table.
6. Click the OK button the close the form.
7. Click Cancel to go to the previous screen.
8. Click the button to get related Help information.
Control file maintenance form

This Control table contains global information for a permit. Multiple Control records can
be created. Control entries can then be related to the Permit records.
This section describes how to fill in the control file maintenance form.
1. On the Menu Bar Go to Setup>Control.
2. It will open a Control File Maintenance form shown in the following example.

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3. Click the Load ControlCode button to enter the code.
4. It will open up a new dialog box as shown here.

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5. Select the option from the drop down (Outlined in Red above).
6. Click the Select button.
7. The information will be updated on the Control File maintenance form.
8. Fill in other details in the Control File Maintenance Form.
10. Click the Delete button to delete the information.
12. Click the Cancel button to go to the previous screen.
13. Click the Clear Fields button to clear all fields.

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Permits
This section describes how to fill in the Permit details.
1. The screen shows Permits as the Main node on the left hand side.
2. The right hand side shows details of the selected item in the Tree view.
3. Double click the Permit Node to open the permit form (Outlined in Red).
It displays the Permit Maintenance form as shown below.

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Selected Permit Detail tab:
1. Fill in all the respective text fields.
2. Click the button.
3. A new Control File Selection form will open as shown in the following example.

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1. Select an option from this form.

2. Click the Select button shown above. The form will close.
3. The selected option will be updated on the Permit Maintenance form.
4. Click the Apply button on the Permit Maintenance form to save the changes.
6. Click Clear Fields button to clear all the fields.
7. Click the Print button to print the form.
Special Info tab:
1. Click the Browse button (outlined in red) from the Permit Maintenance form.
2. It will open a Special Information Form Selection window.

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3. Select the required Form Name from the displayed list.
5. The selection will be updated on the Permit maintenance form (outlined in red).

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6. Click the Special Info tab.
7. A new form will open shown in Figure 6 with details of the selected form displayed.

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1. Fill in all the details in the respective text fields.
3. Click the OK button to save changes.
4. Click the Clear Fields button to clear the fields.
6. Click the Cancel button to reset the form.
Discharge maintenance form

This section describes how to fill in the Discharge Maintenance form.

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1. Click the Discharge node (Outlined in Red) OR (Outlined in Blue) to open the Discharge/Outfall
Maintenance form.
2. The form is shown below.

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3. Click the Load Permit button to open the Permit File Selection form.

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4. Select an option from the drop down list (Outlined in Red).
6. The information will be updated in the Discharge/Outfall Maintenance form.

(Outlined in Red).
7. Fill in the other details.
Special Info tab:
1. Click the Browse button shown in the Discharge/Outfall Maintenance form (outlined in red).
2. A new form will open as shown in the following example.

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3. Select the required Form Name from the displayed list.
5. The form information will be updated on the Discharge/Outfall Maintenance form (outlined in red).

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7. Click the Special Info tab (outlined in brown).
8. A new page will open as shown in the following example.

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9. Fill in the details in the respective text fields.
11. Click the OK button to save the changes and close the form.
Requirement / Parameters form

This section describes how to fill in the Requirements / Parameters form.

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1. Click the Requirement/Parameters node Outlined in Red OR Outlined in Blue.
2. This will open the Requirement File Maintenance form.

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3. Click the Load Permit button which will open the Permit File maintenance form.

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4. Select an option from the list in Figure 3 (Outlined in Red).
6. The information will be updated in the Permit field in the Requirement File Maintenance form.
(Outlined in Red).
7. Click the Load Discharge button on the Requirement File Maintenance form to open the Discharge
File Selection form.

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8. Select an option from the drop down list (Outlined in Brown).
10. The information will be updated on the Requirement File Maintenance form (Outlined in Brown at
figure 4).
11. Fill in the other details in the Requirement File Maintenance form.

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Special Info tab:
1. Click the Browse button on the Requirement File Maintenance form.
2. A new form will open.
3. Fill in the details in the respective text fields.
5. Click the OK button to save changes and close the form.

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Quality or Loading tab:
1. Clicking the Quality or Loading tab will open the screen shown in Figure 6 below.
2. Fill in the respective fields.
3. In the Section Name grid section, extra rows can be added as needed by double clicking the row.
Quantity or Concentration tab:
1. Clicking the Quantity or Concentration tab will open the screen as shown in the following example.

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2. Fill in the respective fields.
3. In the Section Name grid section, extra rows can be added as needed by double clicking the row.
To Delete the row:
1. Right Click the row, a delete dialog box will open as shown in the following example (outlined in red).

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2. Click the Delete Section to delete the row.
Calculate Final Record form

This section describes how to fill in the Calculate Final Record form.
1. From the Menu Bar choose Tools> Calculate Final Records OR

2. From the Tool Bar click the icon to open the Calculate Final Records form.
3. The Calculate Final Records form opens up as shown in the following example.

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4. Select the Permit Number and Permit Name from the list.
5. Click the Next button.
6. The Date Range form will open as shown in the following example.

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7. Select the From Date and End Date from the date picker.
8. Click the Next button.
9. The Select options form as shown in the following example will open.

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10. Check the required options and click Finish.
11. Application will do the calculations for the selected permit number.
12. After that the application will prompt the user with the message "Do you want to view Report?"

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13. Click the Yes button to see the report shown in Figure 5. Click No to close the form.
Print DMR
The DMR printing form can be loaded by clicking the Print icon on the Tool Bar.
1. Click the icon on the Tool bar.
2. A new page as shown in the following example will open.

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3. Select the Permit Number and Permit Name from the displayed list.
4. Select the date range from the list.
5. From the Selected Template drop down, select the template.
6. Click the Print Fix DMR button OR the Print Dynamic DMR button to print the DMR report.
Print Fix DMR:
Clicking this button will allow the user to print the DMR report in fixed format based on the template
selected. All the sections will not be covered if this option is selected, that means only standard sections
will be printed. To print Customized section user has to select Print Dynamic DMR option.

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Print Dynamic DMR:
Clicking this button will allow the user to print the DMR form in dynamic format with all sections covered.
A new template is made which will include all the sections.
The section outlined in red are the customized sections which are printed only on clicking the
Print Dynamic DMR button.

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8. Automated Results Posting
Introduction to Automated Results Posting

Automated posting in LABWORKS is a means of entering results into the LIMS without the use of the
Results Entry module itself. There are many activities going on in the background when a user enters
results. These same activities happen when another application posts results into the system through
an automated process.
Tools used for posting results automatically up to LABWORKS 6.1 has been the following:
1. PostSCRO (5.8) and PostSCR6 (6.0 and 6.1) - used for command-line single component
results posting
2. PostMCRO (5.8) and PostMCR6 (6.0 and 6.1) - used for command-line multi-component
results posting
In LABWORKS 6.2, the automatic posting of results was replaced by PostResults6. PostResults6 is a
new command-driven module for posting both single and multi component tests through either the
legacy input (CSV) format from PostSCRO / PostMCRO or via a new Excel input format that can be
predefined with several additional input values other than only results. PostResults6 has the
capabilities of importing not only results but also data such as qualifiers, dilution factors, MDL, PQL,
start/end dates, etc. This gives an external lab, for example, the ability to adjust key "result related"
fields automatically (if anything is changed or needs adjustment during results entry) without the
destination lab's involvement.
Launching and configuring PostResults6 is best through the user interface (UI) tool, LWPostResults6
which will be covered initially in this chapter. This tool greatly simplifies both the setup and launching of
the command-line tool by the user of a step-by-step setup wizard.
Firing off the posting of reports can also happen by launching the UI tool, LWPostResults6, with the
AR:1 parameter after it. Or, you can configure a shortcut with the proper command-parameters to
launch PostResults6 directly from the LABWORKS Desktop, Process Scheduler, or Scan Daemon.
Diagram of Results Posting Process

Whether the process is done manually in the Results Entry module or automatically via an automated
posting tool such as PostResults6, the steps that occur from results data input to database storage is
the same (for the most part). The following diagram shows the process from both the manual and
automated side in a side-by-side comparison.

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Results Entry Module Process PostResults6 Process

Add / Edit Result Import Result
Typed in from file
AUDIT Change AUDIT Change

Prompt for Reason (if Automatic “silent” audit of the change and who
editing existing) posted the file unless the “AUDIT” parameter
is used to pass a reason
Result Conditioning Step Result Conditioning Step

Check PAM – Apply PAM Settings if found If no (Done unless “NORESULTCOND” parameter is used)
PAM, check Rounding Rules, Dilution Factors, Check PAM – Apply PAM Settings if found
etc. If no PAM, check Rounding Rules, Dilution Factors, etc.
Calculation Step
Calculation Step
Check for XLCALCS first – If found, run it
(Done unless “NOCALC” parameter is used)
If no XLCALCS, check for built-in calcs – if found, run
Check for XLCALCS first – If found, run it
it If no XLCALCS, check for built-in calcs – if found, run it
Spec Checking Step

Check against standard specs – Any Violations? Spec Checking Step
Check against custom specs – Any Violations? Check against standard specs – Any Violations?
(changes colors on screen if violated) Check against custom specs – Any Violations?
SAVE RESULTS SAVE RESULTS

User clicks the SAVE button Posted directly to database

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As diagramed, there are a series of steps that the result is evaluated against (inorder) before anything is
posted to the database.
1. Audit Step - If a change is made to an existing result, the system will audit that change using
both automated or manual methods. If the audit occurs within automated posting, there will be no
prompt for a reason unless PostResults6 is passed the AUDIT parameter.
2. Result Conditioning Step - If PAM, Project Analyte Maintenance, data is found which will
evaluate the entered or imported result against other values (which could change the result
value), it is executed. If not, the system will continue to check other areas of the system for
rounding rules, standard "text results", or dilution factor values which all could also change the
result value before posting to the database.
3. Calculation Step - After result is "conditioned", if XLCALCS exist, calculations which are
Microsoft Excel based, the system will fire these calculations and NOT execute the built-in
calculations. If there are no XLCALCS for the specific result, then the built-in calculations are
executed. This step could also change the result, but only if it is an OUTPUT parameter result.
4. Specification Checking Step - If standard or custom specs are entered for the analyte being
evaluated, it will determine if a violation exists based on the conditioned or calculated result
value. If a violation or warning occurs, it will change the color within the UI if manually entering
the value in the Results Entry module. If automatic posting, it will simply store the violation in the
database. This step will NOT change the result value itself.
Regardless what method the user uses to enter results into LABWORKS (in build 6.2 or later), this is the
process. Please note that steps 2 and 3 can change the original result value while steps 1 and 4 do not.
Results Posting Process Example

To understand the process and the 4 steps, a simple example will be used.
First of all, four analysis codes for PH is created for water "grab" samples done four times during the day.
Another code, PH_AVG, is used to determine the average of those four samples. We will show both the
internal calculations and Excel calculations.
For built-in calculations, we access the Calculation tab within the analysis code itself that will be storing
the output of the calculation. Here we can add the four inputs (PH1 - PH4) for the final PH_AVG output.
Then, we can test to make sure it is correct. When we are done, we can click the APPLY button to
commit the changes. W e can adjust the specifications on the ASpecifications tab or within a location
code that the analysis code is assigned to (if desired).

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Now we can log in some samples that include all three of the test codes.

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If we plan to adjust specifications at sample login (which is sometimes required because specs could
change from customer to customer in contract labs), we can use the SampSpecLogin6 program under
Post Login Settings.
Specifications are important and will be evaluated within "step 4" of the results posting process. Now,
proceed to login the samples.

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We now have a sample (AB07001) in our system ready for results posting (manually or automated). Let's
proceed to do the manual posting to visually demonstrate each step as defined.
Open Results Entry and select our sample.
Now we enter the results.

As we proceed to enter the "input" results, the calculation that we defined in PH_AVG is executed once all
the input
values are entered. Also notice the specification step is executed as well since we entered specifications
at login. Once we did this, the values posted to the database after login had the specifications that we
entered. These login specifications may not be the same as the default specifications. However, what we
logged in (if we changed them), will take precedence.
We can see that immediately following the final "input" value entry (PH4_GRAB), the PH_AVG is
correctly calculated.

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Since this is a new result posting, the AUDIT step was skipped. If this was an existing (already posted) set
of results, the AUDIT prompt would have launched for each value entered (assuming the audit trail was
turned on and operational). The Results Conditioning step was also skipped because we did not have
PAM data or any other means of changing the result value entered into the system. The Calculation step
(3), however, did execute. The Specifications Checking step (4), also executed properly since we see the
cells were colored showing the violations.
We can now post these results by clicking SAVE. All four steps defined in the previous section executed
successfully within the Results Entry module for each of these results. Note that Excel calculations were
checked first, but since we did not have any in the system for these analysis codes, the built-in
calculations were executed.
Now we can proceed to enter an Excel calculation by opening the XLCALC module (XLCALC6.EXE).
First, we create an Excel sheet with the calculations needed to produce the same result.
We then proceed to save the Excel sheet within the XLCALC folder of the data path.
We now launch the XLCALC module and enter a new XL Calculation defining our inputs and 1 output.
Going back into Results Entry, we see the same result. The only difference is now we notice our Excel
sheet is launched, accessed for the "output" cell, then closed.
Note that as long as an Excel Calculation exists, the built-in calculation will NOT get executed. This is the
case in both the manual and automated process. W e must remove any Excel Calculations first before
built-in calculations are executed.

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As before, we "post" the results to the database with the SAVE button.
The same series of steps happen during the automated posting of results as well just without the UI.
The following section will now discuss how the automated posting modules (LWPostResults6 and
PostResults6) are configured and used for automated results posting (doing the same process in our
previous example automatically from a file import). The remaining chapters will cover the above steps as it
is related to only automated posting of results.
Automated Results Posting Tools: Configuration and Usage
LwPostResults6 and PostResults6

This section will walk you through a step-by-step process for using the Automated Results Posting
module (PostResults6) within the User Interface (lwPostResults6) to its full potential.
The user interface tool, lwPostResults6, can be executed in one of three ways.
1. Stand-alone execution (without parameters) to launch the Setup/Configuration Wizard.
2. Execution from MultiSample Login (with Login Batch selected and an optional
path/filename) to build the input file with all samples and tests. This file will be formatted
exactly as defined in the Setup/Configuration Wizard for later importing results. It is designed
to be sent off (to an external lab, for example) for data entry of results and/or other related
fields. When this file is returned, it will be imported (posted) - see below.
3. Importation (of results) by execution with the parameter “PR:1” to fire off the results posting
process (which calls PostResults6 with all configured settings defined during the
Setup/Configuration Wizard) and imports all data returned in the input file
We will walk through each of the three uses in the following sections.
lwPostResults6: Stand-Alone Launch – for Setup/Configuration of Process (the "Wizard")
You can add a link on your LABWORKS Desktop for lwPostResults6 (with no command-parameters) in
order to launch the Setup/Configuration Wizard whenever needed. This allows you to quickly configure
the automated results posting process at any time.
Example Menu Maintenance for a “Post Results Setup” Option
Program
executable with no
parameters

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Launching lwPostResults6 without command parameters (CmdLine Parameters) will launch the
setup process in the form of a Wizard. We called this menu option Post Results Setup. When
finished, save the new Desktop menu configuration and apply it to all users before beginning
the steps below.
1. Click the Post Results Setup link in the LABWORKS Desktop. The first “step” in
the setup process is displayed.
2. Enter a USER ID, PASSWORD, and DATABASE that will define exactly how the
PostResults6 program will log into the database for results posting.
Note: Generally you would not want to use a specific user’s account in your lab for doing this.
We suggest setting up a contract lab or separate user account in LABWORKS specifically for
this process to show (within the audit trail) the specific results posted directly from this
process separate from any actual user account.
3. There are a number of options on the right-side of this step, select (click) all that apply.
• ADD TESTS Option - This parameter is used to specify that tests can be added later.
If the parameter is not specified then it will not allow adding new analysis in the
database when specified in the input file.
• NO CHANGE Option - This parameter is used to disallow overwriting previously

entered results. If this parameter is not specified then overwriting is allowed as
default behavior.
• PROMPT FOR AUDIT Option - This parameter is used to specify an audit reason.
Audit reasons are specified as the value of the parameter. If this parameter is not
specified then it will perform a silent audit with a default reason.
• DELAY AUDIT Option - This parameter is used for saving audit information in a
temporary file and posts all this information into the database once all result posting is
completed. If the parameter is not specified then it will not save audit information in the
temporary file.

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• NO EXECUTION of Excel Calcs Option - This parameter is used to disallow performing

calculations on the results. If this parameter is not specified it will perform the calculations
by default. When this parameter is specified no calculations will be done on results.
• GENERATE LOG FILE Option - This parameter will create a DAT file showing
everything done during the posting process (good for troubleshooting).
• NO RESULT CONDITIONING Option - This parameter will cause PostResults6

to skip the result conditioning step completely (PAM, etc.) and post raw results
as-is to the database.
4. Click Next> to proceed to the next step. The step to define the input file is displayed.
5. Enter the input file path and filename at the box on the top. PostResults6 will automatically
check for the existence of this file each time the results posting process is initiated. If you
have an example file already in a specific folder, you can select it to the right (the “…”
button).
6. Now define the file contents by selecting (double-clicking) the available fields to the left. The
selected fields for the input file are displayed on the right. Use the green arrow keys to move
fields up and down to define the order of columns in the file. You can click Create
Example File to see what the file will look like after it’s created at sample login.
7. Click Next> to move to the final step.

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8. Enter the path to the PostResults6 program at the top box.

Note: the actual .NET PostResults6 program is installed separately for LABWORKS 6.1
installations. By default it is installed in the client’s C:\Program
Files\PerkinElmer\LABWORKS\PostResults6\ folder. However, if you are running a
6.2 setup with a folder (\LABWORKS62\) that includes the PostResults6.exe file in the
same folder as your other 6.2 applications, you still need to enter that path here. Use the "…"
button to browse for this program to be sure the path and filename (PostResults6.exe) is
correct.
9. Select the final few options below if applicable.
• Store settings GLOBALLY Option – This parameter, when checked, will store all
settings as System
Manager keys in the database for all users. If this parameter is not checked, it will store
settings locally on the PC (in the Windows registry). If multiple users are posting results, it
is a good idea to store the settings globally. If only 1 PC is doing the posting (manually or
through a scheduled process, for example), then a local settings storage should be
sufficient.
Note: you will have to initiate System Manager mode (the button to the right of the
option) before the system will write any new system manager keys. Before you can
globally store these, you must first know the System Manager password.
• REMOVE IMPORT FILE Option – This parameter, when checked, will
remove the import file automatically after results posting is complete.
• LAUNCH RESULTS ENTRY MODULE Option – This parameter, when checked,
will launch the Results Entry module after posting completes to review the results just
posted.
10. Click Finish to complete the setup process and store all settings. You are now ready
to run the process. Note that you can rerun the setup process at any time to revise these
settings.
lwPostResults6: Execution from MultiSample Login for Input-File Generation
From within the MultiSample Login module, you can add lwPostResults6 under login settings to
generate an input file automatically for you. It will create the CSV file exactly as you defined it in the

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setup process (in the previous section) and enter all the samples and analysis codes into the file
for you with default data. You can then send this file to your contract lab for results entry. W hen
you receive the file back with results included, you can then post the results (in the next section).
The following steps show the setup in MultiSample Login.
1. Open MultiSample Login and select the Configure Login Settings menu option under the
Config menu.
2. On the LABWORKS Login Settings screen, add the lwPostResults6.exe program to the list.

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3. Click the ellipse (…) button to the right to configure settings.
Note: make sure you select to Send Log Batch, this is required. It is also recommended that
you select to wait for program to end before continuing since it could take some time to
generate the file. You can also add an IF: parameter to enter the path and filename of where
you want this input file created. This is optional, but without it the system will create a file that is
date/time stamped in the user folder. This parameter allows you to control the file's name and
where it is generated to be easily picked up and sent to the contract lab.
Note #2: we recommend you keep the file names consistent to reduce confusion. Although
not required, it is easier to keep the same filename here that you defined in your
Setup/Configuration process in the previous section. If you don't, then when it is returned from
the contract lab later, you will need to rename it before PostResults6 will find it during the
posting process (next section).
4. Click OK, then SAVE the settings to exit back to MultiSample Login.
5. Now login a few samples.
Note: for the purposes of this example, we are logging in 2 samples with PH, BOD, and TSS
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as the tests for each. Once the LOGIN button is clicked, the CSV file should have been
created with these samples and tests included… ready to be sent to the contract lab.
6. Check for the creation of the CSV file.
Note: we see it was created successfully exactly where we told it to be saved.

7. We can double-check the contents of this file before sending it off to the contract lab.
Note: the file looks good! Exactly how we defined it in the previous setup process.
Keep in mind if you define the "IF:" parameter it will get replaced each time a login is performed. If
you don’t define this parameter, CSV files with date/time stamps will accumulate into each user’s
USER path. It will NOT delete these created files for you. Instead of defining this file, you could
instead consolidate all the CSV files from the USER paths and send 1 file at the end of the day, for
example.
lwPostResults6: Posting Results
From the LABWORKS Desktop (or a shortcut on the Window Desktop), you can define a link to the
lwPostResults6 program with the PR:1 command parameter in order to fire off the results posting
process when selected.
Generally you would ONLY fire off this process after the previous 2 sections have been completed
successfully.
1. You have successfully completed the Setup/Configuration process in the previous section
2. You have received a completed INPUT FILE back from the contract lab with results (created
from Sample
Login in the previous section) and have placed it in the correct folder where the input file was designated.
When this is done, and the file is in place and ready for importing, you can fire off this process of results
posting.
For the purposes of this example, we added a desktop option called Post Results Now. We placed this
in the Options folder below the Post Results Setup. You may want to add these links to the Results Entry
section, but that is up to the user. You simply need to add the PR:1 parameter (CmdLine Parameters)
to make this link fire off the posting process.
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The following will define the process of posting results.
1. First, after you receive your correctly formatted CSV input file back from the contract lab with
results, you need to drop it into the folder you defined in the setup process in section 1.
(Note: obviously you don't have to open the file returned if you trust your source. However, it
may be a good process to give it a quick check by opening it and browsing the contents
before posting just in case someone made some data-entry typos - entered data in a wrong
column, for example)
2. Now simply click the Post Results Now link (or whatever you called it) that launches
lwPostResults6 with the "PR:1" parameter and watch the process begin. You should see a status
box showing the progress.

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3. If you selected to launch Results Entry after posting (last step option during the
Setup/Configuration process explained previously), then Results Entry will launch allowing you
to review the results just posted.
Note: now you can fix any problems that you notice directly from Results Entry. However, keep in mind
that the
AUDIT trail step will now be fired because you are now editing results that have already been posted.
You are allowed to run the process again if any error or problem occurred unless you elected to remove
the input file in the Setup/Configuration process. If you selected that option, the input file will be
deleted from the folder.
Rerunning the posting process will not hurt anything. It will simply over-write existing results unless you
specified the NO CHANGE option in the Setup/Configuration process. The NO CHANGE option will
not allow over-writing of already posted results. Also keep in mind that rerunning the process will fire off
an AUDIT since you are modifying already posted results.

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Additional Features of PostResults6 (Outside of lwPostResults6 UI Tool)

As mentioned previously, the PostResults6.exe application is a command-line results posting tool. It does
not have to be executed through lwPostResults6, the user interface app, although it is much easier to do
for the novice user.
If you wish to run the command-line application itself, PostResults6, and add the parameters to a shortcut
(in the LABWORKS Desktop, Process Scheduler, Scan Daemon, etc.), a batch file, or other means, you
can.
Keep in mind that the UI tool, lwPostResults6, only works with the new Excel input format. If you want to
use PostResults6 for importing legacy formats (from PostSCRO/PostSCR6 or PostMCRO/PostMCR6),
then you must use the command-line process.
Command line screen example with parameters

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The following are all available command parameters for PostResults6.

Parameter: USER
The USER parameter is used for specifying the LABW ORKS User ID.
It is an optional parameter. If LABW ORKS Session is not running and parameter USER is not
specified in the Command
line then the LABW ORKS authentication window will appear and these credentials can be entered.
Format for the parameter USER: "LABW ORKS User Id".
Parameter: PW
The PW parameter is used for specifying the LABW ORKS Password.
It is an optional parameter. If LABW ORKS Session is not running and parameter PW is not specified
in the Command line then the LABW ORKS authentication window will appear and these credentials
can be entered.
Format for the parameter PW : "LABW ORKS Password".
Parameter: DB
The DB parameter is used to specify the target Database name. It is an optional parameter. If the
LABW ORKS Session is not running and parameter DB is not specified in the Command line, error will
be logged.
Format for the parameter DB: "Valid Target Database Name".
Parameter: ADDTEST
The ADDTEST parameter is used to specify that tests can be added later. It is an optional parameter.
If parameter ADDTEST is not specified in the Command line then it will not allow adding new analysis
in the database, else when ADDTEST is specified in the Command line it will allow add new analysis
in the database.
Parameter: NOCHANGE
The NOCHANGE parameter is used to disallow overwriting previously entered results. If this
parameter is not specified on command line then overwriting is allowed as default behavior. It is an
optional parameter.
Parameter: AUDIT
The AUDIT parameter is used to specify audit reason. Audit reason is specified as the value of the
parameter. It is an optional parameter. If parameter AUDIT is not specified in the Command line then it
will perform silent audit with default reason.
Parameter: DELAYAUDIT
The DELAYAUDIT parameter is used for saving audit information in temporary file and posts all these
information into the database once all result posting to database is completed. It is an optional
parameter. If parameter DELAYAUDIT is not specified on the Command line then it will not save audit
information in the temporary file.
Parameter: INFORMAT

reserved.
The INFORMAT parameter is used to specify the input file mode in POSTSCRO, POSTMCRO and
EXCEL format. It is an optional parameter. If input value of INFORMAT is POSTSCRO then it will post
a single component result in database. If the input value of INFORMAT is POSTMCRO it will post a
multiple component result in database. If input value of INFORMAT is not specified then it will use
EXCEL format as default.
Format for the parameter INFORMAT: "POSTSCRO"
Parameter: DISPLAY
The DISPLAY parameter is used to enable displaying the status dialog, as shown in Figure 4. It is an
optional parameter. If DISPLAY parameter is not specified on the Command line then it will not
display the status dialog screen. W hen parameter DISPLAY is specified on the Command line it will
display the status dialog screen.
Parameter: INTERIM
The INTERIM parameter if specified saves the output data to INTERIM.dat file. It is an optional
parameter. If parameter
INTERIM is not specified on the Command line, it will not save the output data.
Parameter: INFILE
The INFILE parameter is used to specify the input results file name with path. This parameter is
mandatory. Format for the parameter INFILE: "sample.tmp".
Parameter: LOGACTIVE
The LOGACTIVE parameter if specified creates the activity log file. It is an optional parameter. If
parameter LOGACTIVE is not specified on the Command line then it will not generate the log file.
Parameter: NOCALC
The NOCALC parameter is used to disallow performing calculations on the results. It is an optional
parameter. If parameter NOCALC is not specified on the Command line then it will perform the
calculations by default. W hen NOCALC parameter is specified in the Command line then no
calculations will be done on results.
After entering all the required parameters execute the command line. Following Result posting screen
will appear only if
"DISPLAY" parameters is included in Command line.
INPUT FILE: The Different Input File Types

In the previous section of this chapter, only an Excel input file was discussed. This is the only
supported format if used through the lwPostResults6 user tool. If you want to use a legacy format
(previous input files used by POSTSCRO or POSTMCRO), then you are required to run PostResults6
from the command-line or from another tool besides lwPostResults6.
Example: POSTSCRO file contents
"AA22336","MYTEN","056","1","1/1/2008","5:30:00","2/2/2008","TOM"
"AA22336","MYtemp","34","2","10/12/2008","16:27","08/11/2010","PETER"
Example: POSTMCRO file contents
AA22337

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$MULTITEST
05:31
01/12/2008
06:31
Michael
C:\GCDATA\PE_WINLAB32\STP0818.$X$
New result loaded from scanned instrument interface
2 kcn
5000
2 magnesium
6500
3
Example: Excel file contents
SIDN ACODE RLT ASTD RLT2

AA22336 KANAL 6781 16-Dec-08 3
AA02665 KANAL 3 28-Nov-08 2
AA02655 MYANA 4 28-Nov-08 1
AA22105 SINGLE1 5 30-Nov-08 2
AA22107 SQLTEST 645 28-Nov-08 3
AA22337 MYANA 33 23-Dec-08 233
List of all supported header fields for Excel input format

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Specifier Property
SIDN Sample ID
ACODE Analysis code
ASTD Analysis start date
ASTT Analysis start time (start date must also be passed)
AEND Analysis end date
AENT Analysis end time (end date must also be passed)
AANALYST Analysis analyst (do not default)
APRC Analysis price
ACMT Analysis comment (append, not replace)
ANUM Analysis number
ANLNAME Analyte name
AVALDATE Analysis validate date
AVALUSER Analysis validation user
REPNO Replicate number (default to 1)
RLT Analyte primary result
RLT2 Analyte secondary result
RQUAL Analyte qualifier
RRAW Raw result
RDLF Analyte Dilution factor (default to 1)
RMDL Analyte MDL
RPQL Analyte PQL
RUNT Analyte unit
RSTD Analyte start date
RSTT Analyte start time (start date must also be passed)
REND Analyte end date
RENT Analyte end time (end date must also be passed)
RANALYST Analyte analyst (do not default)
RNUM Analyte result number
RRLTSRC Analyte result source

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Summary of the Output for PostResults6
• After execution of the program, the data is posted into target database (ANALYSIS and
RESULTS table)
• The Audit trail file generated on DELAYAUDIT parameter is saved as

<<InputFileName>>_AuditTrail.xml to User Path.
• All errors are trapped in ERRORLOG table. Pre-authentication errors are saved in
ERRORLOG.xml file
• The Log file generated on LOGACTIVE parameter is saved to User Path as
POSTRESULTS6.log
• INTERIM.DAT generated on INTERIM parameter is saved at LW DATA\ RESULTS location
• The result of operation in terms of number of success and failure is saved in
MESSAGEQUEUE table as DESKTOP type of message
Contents of the error log file generated by PostResults6

If the database name is not entered correctly at the Command line then following error message will
occur. Example: Contents of error log file is shown below.
<LWERROR>
<ERROR>
<ErrorDescription>The requested database LABWORKSB is not defined in configuration.</ErrorDescription>
<ErrorDateTime>12/12/2008 12:40:31 PM</ErrorDateTime>
<SecurityLevel>HIGH</SecurityLevel>
<LogType>SECURITY</LogType>
<UserID>0</UserID>
<UserInitials>
</UserInitials>
<AssemblyName>Microsoft.Practices.EnterpriseLibrary.Data, Version=2.0.0.0, Culture=neutral,
PublicKeyToken=null</AssemblyName>
<AssemblyVersion>2.0.0.0</AssemblyVersion>
<ApplicationName>Microsoft.Practices.EnterpriseLibrary.Data</ApplicationName>
<ClassName>DatabaseConfigurationView</ClassName>
<MethodName>
</MethodName>
<WorkStationID>SVR006</WorkStationID>
</ERROR>
<ERROR>
<ErrorDescription>Authentication failed!</ErrorDescription>
<ErrorDateTime>12/12/2008 12:40:31 PM</ErrorDateTime>
<SecurityLevel>MEDIUM</SecurityLevel>
<LogType>APPLICATION</LogType>
<UserID>0</UserID>
<UserInitials>
</UserInitials>
<AssemblyName>
</AssemblyName>
<AssemblyVersion>
</AssemblyVersion>
<ApplicationName>POSTRESULTS6</ApplicationName>
<ClassName>Program</ClassName>
<MethodName>Main</MethodName>
<WorkStationID>SVR006</WorkStationID>
</ERROR>

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Contents of the Process Log file Generated by PostResults6

The Log file displays the UserID, database name, Log datetime, result input file path, number of
results posted, number of samples posted, number of analyses posted, number of results posted
successfully, and number of results posted failure after the posting process has completed. This file is
simply a general process log that can be used to troubleshoot any problems that happened during a
posting.
Example: Contents of log file is shown below.
User : USR
Database name : LABWORKSBLANK
Log datetime : 12/10/2008 7:42:43 PM
Result input file path : C:\L1342139_POSTMCRO.TMP
Number of result to be posted : 3
Number of samples posted : 1
Number of analyses posted : 3
Number of results posted successfully : 3
Number of results posted failure : 0
Contents of INTERIM.dat file Created by PostResults6

This optional DAT file is used as an interim step to display the formatted data prior to database
storage.
Example :Contents of INTERIM.dat file is shown below.
"AA22336","GR1","","09/12/2008","14:43:10","09/12/2008","14:43:10","10/12/2008","03:48:34","TA1","TA1","056660","1","
SUNIL","NONE" .
Contents of Message Queue after PostResults6 Posting Process

PostResults6 will write data to the message queue displaying the number of results posted
successfully and number of failures if any. W hen users log into the LABW ORKS Desktop, they will
receive this message (if elected to) showing that results were just posted.
Example: Contents of message queue is shown below.
POSTRESULTS6: C:\SAMPLE.TMP.Number of results posted successfully: 1 and number of failures: 0

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The AUDIT Step: Automated Results Posting

Posting to the audit trail happens whenever existing results change. Unless you have your audit trail
turned off in your System Manager key settings, it will always post an audit record showing what
changed, the date/time, who changed it (posted the result file), and why (a reason). A generic message
for the reason will be posted to the audit trail that will notify the user that the change happened during an
automated result posting process (by the user account you defined within the Setup/Configuration of
lwPostResults6 or the user account entered in the command-parameters of PostResults6 itself). You
are allowed to enter a reason using the “AUDIT” parameter.
As mentioned in the introductory section, we suggest adding a separate user account to the system to
easily distinguish between results posted by the automated process (PostResults6) or by actual “real”
users. Some people do this by entering a user account with their contract lab’s name, for example.
AUDIT User Setup: from lwPostResults6

After adding a new user account specifically for automated results posting (we will call this new user
CLAB for our testing purposes). Proceed to the following steps.
1. Select the Post Results Setup link (or whatever you called it) from the LABW ORKS Desktop
that launches the lwPostResults6 application with no command-parameters (or run it stand-
alone from the programs path). The initial screen of the W izard is launched. Everything related
to auditing can be configured from here.
2. Enter the contract lab user account and password on the left along with the name of your
database (which should automatically default within the box to the database currently
logged into).
3. Set any AUDIT-Specific parameters accordingly.

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• NO CHANGE Option - This parameter is used to disallow overwriting previously entered

results. If this parameter is NOT checked then overwriting is allowed as default behavior
along with auditing. If you check this option, no auditing will ever take place because no
existing results will ever be touched.
• PROMPT FOR AUDIT Option - This parameter is used to specify an audit reason. Audit
reasons are specified as the value of the parameter that is prompted to the user. If this
parameter is not specified then it will perform a silent audit with a default reason.
• DELAY AUDIT Option - This parameter is used for saving audit information in a temporary
file and posts
all this information into the database once all result posting has completed. If the parameter
is not specified then it will not save audit information in the temporary file.
4. Click Next, keep settings as defined in Chapter II, then Finish to store them.
Now the next time the process is fired for posting results, your audited values (if exists) can be viewed
from within the screen for displaying audit records (from the Desktop). You can search for audit records
specifically from the contract lab user account entered (CLAB in this example) to see all audit records
from only this process.
AUDIT User Setup: from PostResults6 Console (Command-Level)

After adding a new user account specifically for automated results posting. The PostResults6.exe
console application can be launched with the same parameters as defined in the previous section.
Define the user account that will be audited during the posting process using the USER: and PW:
parameters.
Exactly as described in the previous section, the AUDIT parameter, if included within the command
parameter string, will cause a prompt to be displayed to the user. This will obviously break the
automation part, so if this tool is scheduled within another application for silent posting of results that
parameter needs to be omitted.
Also as mentioned previously, the DELAYAUDIT parameter can also be added within the command
parameter string to save audit information in a temp file before posting to the database (quicker usually).
The NOCHANGE parameter, if included in the command parameter string, will not allow changes to
existing (already posted) results. If you add this within the command parameter string, it will not fire off
any audit because no modification of existing results will be allowed.

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The Result Conditioning Step: Automated Results Posting
Introduction: Business Rules Component

Numeric value rounding and result conditioning are separate but closely related overlapping areas of
LIMS functionality. As already explained previously, result values generally make their way into LABW
ORKS through one of a few different methods: from manual entry, by calculation, by importation from an
instrument interface, or by posting from a command line routine through an externally provided file. New
results, regardless of their origin need to be evaluated for possible result conditioning or rounding. As
with specification checking and calculation triggering, rounding and conditioning need to be applied in a
uniform and reliable manner in all applications that generate or post results, whether generated via the
web or W indows.
In regulated laboratory settings, rounding rules can be very specific and strenuously enforced. Mandated
analytical protocols may specify rounding rules that vary from analyte to analyte and even within
concentration levels of the analyte. Legacy result conditioning and rounding functionality has been
implemented through a variety of add-on “user” programs and application code that was never uniformly
applied and not well understood, leading to high potential for incorrect behavior and results. Tools in
LABW ORKS 6.2 have since been designed to address this problem.
To provide uniform rounding and result conditioning functionality to all LABW ORKS applications, a new
business rules component was developed specifically for calculations and rounding.
To form an understanding of the new component for results conditioning and how LABW ORKS evolved
from a legacy standpoint, the various types of result conditioning and rounding functionality present in
legacy LABW ORKS applications will be described and discussed followed by an enumeration of
problems, limitations, and complaints associated with that functionality.
Abbreviations and Terminologies

The following abbreviations appear throughout this chapter. Some of these terms have already been
discussed previously.
PAM: Project Analyte Management

SF: Significant figures
MDL: Minimum detection limit
BDL: Below detection limit
ND: Not detected
RL: Reporting limit
MRL: Minimum reportable level
Although this section is not intended to cover any of these terms individually, the following is a
description to understand what each are and how they are used.

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Project Analyte Management (PAM): A result conditioning scheme which strips component analytes
that are not of interest from samples and then replaces numeric results that fall below specified
“reporting limits” with preconfigured text values. PAM has the highest precedence of all result
conditioning and rounding functionality in legacy LABW ORKS.
PAM functionality has been implemented via special code in LABWORKS results entry and
multicomponent result transfer applications.
Significant Figure Range Rounding (SF): A result conditioning scheme in which rules are
implemented on an analyte specific basis for dealing with results falling in specific numeric ranges. A
text string can be specified for replacing primary result values falling numerically below a certain MRL
(minimum reportable level). Rounding rules can be specified for up to 10 numeric ranges (higher than
the MRL). Those rounding rules can specify the number of significant figures to retain or a range interval
to which to round off to the closest one of. SF Range rounding is implemented in legacy LABW ORKS as
a post results entry “user” program, SFRound6.exe. This program is launched by command line and
must be passed a file containing the sample numbers and analysis codes of assigned analyses with
results to review for SF rounding.
** IMPORTANT NOTE ON RANGES: Keep in mind when entering these ranges that order matters.
The first statement that evaluates to TRUE causes the system to refrain from continuing its evaluation.
For example, if you are evaluating a result that is “< 100” after evaluating between “1 and 10”, then the
result will never make it to the second statement if the result is 5 because it is already evaluated as
TRUE.
Odd-to-Even Rounding: A rounding method, also sometimes called “round-to-even”, intended to yield
perfectly neutral results over time that display neither positive nor negative bias. Use of this rounding
method is often required by agencies regulating laboratories and bodies that promulgate methods for
performing analyses and handling data. This rounding is conducted in the following manner:
• Decide which digit is the last (least significant) to keep.
• Increase it by 1 if the next digit (most significant digit to discard) is 6 or more, or a 5

followed by one or more non-zero digits.
• Leave it the same if the next digit is 4 or less
• Otherwise, if all that follows the last digit is a 5 and possibly trailing zeroes; then change the
last digit to the nearest even digit. That is, increase the rounded digit if it is currently odd;
leave it if it is already even.
All rounding that is currently performed in LABW ORKS uses this method.
“Below Detection Limit” and “Not Detected” Result Conditioning: When results are imported from
instruments they sometimes have a positive value that falls below the MDL of the particular analyte. In
that range, the analyte is assumed to be present but determining its exact amount is deemed
impossible. In such cases the analyte is said to be “below detection limits” and a replacement of the
numeric value with some special text may be required.
When the results reported for an analyte are 0 (zero) or some negative number or, alternatively, the
instrument reports nothing at all for an analyte that the instrument method was capable of measuring,
the analyte is said to be “not detected”. In this case also, some special text may be required to report
the result for the analyte.
The text to be inserted (substituted for the instrument numeric result) as the analyte result in not
detected and below detection limit cases are currently specified by settings in the
[Spread_Result_Entry] section of LABW ORKS.INI (see example below) for use in legacy

reserved.
applications.
[Spread_Result_Entry]
'specifies result labels to be used for 0 and below MDL in single component instrument imports
SCND = Not detected
SCBDL = Present < MDL
'specifies result labels to be used for 0 and below MDL in multicomponent instrument imports
MCND = Not detected
MCBDL = Present < MDL
[EndSpread_Result_Entry]
Note: The settings that appear above are used by Mcxfer6.exe, ScanDaemon6.exe, and Postmcr6.exe
as well as
ResultsEntry6.exe and potentially other legacy tools and user programs.
“Standard Results” Substitution: A process that replaces abbreviations from one to four characters
entered or imported into results fields with text looked up from a pick list (RLTCODES) in the database.
The lookup and replacement occurs immediately upon leaving the field containing the abbreviated
entry within Results Entry (when manually entering results). For automated posting, the string is
inserted after the audit step and before calculations are executed. If a field is text (non numeric),
calculations are aborted in the following step in the process.
This feature was created to make it easier and quicker to manually enter commonly used text result
values in “standard”
format. A few typical examples are:
Abbreviation Standard Result
+ Positive p
Present
nd Not detected d
Done
< Below MDL
Previous (Legacy) Rounding Processes

Rounding and result conditioning processes in legacy applications are carried out by a mixture of
application code and post run programs. Behavior differs depending upon whether the results are
imported, calculated, or manually entered and whether the results are for single component analyses or
analytes of multicomponent analyses. This lack of consistency has been the source of many user
complaints and has consumed lots of sustaining engineering time.
LABWORKS 6.2+ Rounding/Conditioning Engine

The following were requirements of the new LABW ORKS business rules component that handled
all results rounding and conditioning.
• Preserve as much current functionality as possible while achieving a cleaner more logical
design.
• Do not change or complicate existing data structures any more than absolutely
necessary and simplify them if possible.
• Simplify configuration and specification of rounding behavior with minimal changes to

reserved.
existing UI.
• Move away from INI file settings for specifying result conditioning and rounding behavior.
• Provide a choice of number of significant figures rounding, number of decimal places

rounding, or no rounding at all on an analyte by analyte (not analysis) basis.
• Perform substitutions for standard result abbreviations.
• Perform text replacement when specified for result quantities of zero or less, less then
detection limits, and less that PAM reporting limits.
• Perform magnitude (range) dependent significant figures rounding when specified.
• Yield identical rounding results in all applications and on all supported platforms.
• Perform rounding in real time, providing immediate feedback to interactive users.
• Retain all unrounded (or prerounded) result values for later inspection and reporting.
• Provide granular control to apply (or not apply) rounding to each of the following types of
results:
o Results imported from instruments
o Calculated results
o Manually entered results
o Results posted at login time
• Do not depend upon user programs for performing rounding.
Business Component Approach

The approach to be applied for result conditioning and rounding in LABW ORKS 6.2+ will consist of
specifying all rounding behavior within the LABW ORKS database (System Manager settings, Analysis
List Maintenance, etc.) instead of configuration files as required in previous legacy modules. The internal
XML-based LABW ORKS tool that handles this, controlled by the LW PlatformService W indows service,
is called the SIMC, Sample Information Management Component.
Note: All SIMC component analytes possess mean average and first replicate result parts by definition.
In cases where more than one replicate measurement is specified for an SIMC Component Analyte,
calls to the engine will be made only when all replicate results have been entered or imported.
Three levels of rounding behavior specification will consist of hard coded default behavior that can be
overridden by global rules and policies which, in turn, may be overridden by special case exceptions to
global policies.
All global rounding policies are stored in System Manager settings. Rounding settings that are for
specific analytes are stored in table SFRANGES and set using the Analysis List Maintenance
application.
Opening any analysis code within Analysis List Maintenance will display the rounding information at the
bottom of the first tab. The user is then allowed to adjust whether they want rounding for this analyte by
significant figures, by places that match the assigned MDL, or defined by custom ranges.

reserved.
If Use Ranges is selected, the user will have several options to define how the result for this analysis code is
rounded.
** IMPORTANT NOTE: Keep in

mind when entering these ranges that
order matters. The first statement that
evaluates to TRUE causes the system to
refrain from continuing its evaluation to
other statements in the list. For example,
if you are evaluating a result that is “<
100” after evaluating between “1 and 10”,
then the result will never make it to the
second statement if the result is 5
because it is already evaluated as TRUE.
You can use the arrow keys to adjust the
order here.
To define the conditioned values selectable at Result Entry time (text values or whatever), the
user can select the Result Source tab. However, any pick list assigned will not be available
during any Automated Posting process.
You can “condition” results

using a pick list (only when
doing manual results entry)
The default is no rounding for all analytes initially.

reserved.
A new SIMC component field, RawResult, is used to store all results of any origin before rounding is
applied to yield the(primary) Result. If no rounding is specified, the primary and raw results will be
identical.
Rounding will no longer be implemented by “user” add-on programs.
Legacy SFROUNDO / SFROUND6: Where Does it Fit?

Support for this legacy tool was not removed although in LABW ORKS 6.2 it is no longer required. The
legacy usage of this tool was for the assignment of rounding rules / ranges within a text file
(SFRanges.txt) located within the LABW ORKS Data path. The user could then add SFROUNDO.EXE
(for version 5.8 or prior) or SFROUND6.EXE (for versions 6.0 – 6.4) in the LABWORKS.INI’s
[Spread_Result_Entry] section as a defined post-results entry program (using the
POST_RESULT_PROGRAM parameter). It will then cause the program to fire after results entry (manual
posting) and any ranges text file found will be implemented on the results entered.
If a LABWORKS user implements version 6.2 and wants to continue using text files that define these
rounding ranges, that’s fine. SFROUND6.EXE will continue to work. Otherwise, the user has the option of
getting rid of the ranges text file, removing the reference to SFROUND6.EXE in the LABW ORKS.INI,
then simply enter these rounding ranges within the individual Analysis List Maintenance application. The
choice is the user’s to determine. Either way is supported. However, the original legacy module used for
5.8 and previous versions, SFROUNDO.EXE is not supported. The user will, as a minimum, need to
replace the SFROUNDO program reference in their LABW ORKS.INI with the newer SFROUND6 program
before any of the previous legacy ranges defined in the SFRanges.txt file will work.
Keep in mind that SFROUND6, although supported, is only launched from legacy tools. In order to use
automated results posting (PostResults6), the rounding information in the SFRanges.txt text file must be
entered into the individual analysis codes in Analysis List Maintenance instead. This information must be
in the LABW ORKS database, not text files, for the automated posting to utilize it.

reserved.
Global Rounding System Manager Settings

System global rounding defaults is governed by a set of new system manager settings. Those settings
are defined in the following list.
Setting Name: DEFAULT_ROUNDING_METHOD

Type: Text
Valid Values: N (none) / S (significant figures) / D (decimal places)
Comment: Default (hard coded is None)
Setting Name: DEFAULT_ROUNDING_STYLE

Type: Text
Valid Values: S (simple) / E (round to even -default)

Comment: The choice of “simple” rounding where 5 is always rounded up and “round-to-even” rounding is
selectable on a system global basis.
Setting Name: DEFAULT_ROUNDING_SIGFIGS

Type: Integer
Valid Values: 1 – 10
Comment: Applies only if DEFAULT_ROUNDING_METHOD = S
Setting Name: DEFAULT_ROUNDING_ DECIMALS

Type: Integer
Valid Values: 0 – 10
Comment: Applies only if DEFAULT_ROUNDING_METHOD = D
Setting Name: DEFAULT_REPLACE_BDL

Type: Boolean
Valid Values: True (do replace number < MDL with value of DEFAULT_BDL_REPLACE_VALUE) / False (do not
replace numbers < MDL)
Setting Name: DEFAULT_BDL_REPLACE_VALUE

Type: Text
Valid Values: Literal text string up to 14 characters long
Comment: Text to replace numeric result falling between 0 and the minimum detection limit. Run time replacement
variables can be embedded in literal text. Applies only if DEFAULT_REPLACE_BDL = True
Example: “Less than %MDL%”
Setting Name: DEFAULT_REPLACE_ND

Type: Boolean
Valid Values: True (do replace number <= 0 with value of DEFAULT_ND_REPLACE_VALUE) / False (do not
replace numbers <= 0)
Setting Name: DEFAULT_ND_REPLACE_VALUE

Type: Text
Valid Values: Literal text string up to 14 characters long
Comment: Text to replace numeric result falling at or below 0. Run time replacement variables can be embedded
in literal text. Applies only if DEFAULT_REPLACE_ND = True
Example: “Less than %MDL%”
Setting Name: ROUND_MANUAL_RESULTS

Type: Boolean
Valid Values: True (do round off manually entered results) / False (do not round off manually entered results)
Comment: This functionality was only available via identity calculation definition in legacy.
Setting Name: ROUND_CALCULATED _RESULTS

Type: Boolean
Valid Values: True (do round off results of calculations) / False (do not round off results of calculations)
Setting Name: ROUND_IMPORTED _RESULTS

Type: Boolean
Valid Values: True (do round off results imported from instruments) / False (do not round off results imported from
instruments)
Setting Name: ROUND_LOGGED _RESULTS

Type: Boolean
Valid Values: True (do round off results posted at login time) / False (do not round off results posted at login time)

reserved.
Comment: New command line application for logging in samples will allow results to be posted too.
Setting Name: ROUND_SPECIFIED_RESULTS

Type: Boolean
Valid Values: True (do round off results filled from location specifications) / False (do not round off results filled
from location specifications )
Comment: Default results for filling at result entry time can be optionally specified as a type of user defined
“specification” in the 6.1 location list maintenance application.
All “global” system rounding settings will be overridden for “specific” analytes settings defined within
Analysis List
Maintenance using the “Specify Ranges” dialog.
Results Substitution and PAM Specifics

Standard results substitution serves to provide shortcuts and standardization for manually entering
non-numeric result values. The lookup and replacement of manually entered abbreviations from pick list
RLTCODES takes place at the initial result-entry level and is performed by the background process
engine before any other rounding or result conditioning is attempted. Lookup and replacement of
abbreviations with “standard” results will be restricted to manually entered results only. In other
words, during the automated results posting process, PostResults6 will not evaluate an imported result of
“ND” as Not Detected”. Calls to the process engine to perform this substitution will be made as soon as
any manual entry has been made in a results entry UI control.
Project analyte management (PAM) is separate from but overlaps with rounding issues. As mentioned
previously, PAM restricts which component analytes of an analysis can have results recorded, how
(which text label is used for) results that are numerically below the specified reporting limits for the
assigned project (PAM group), and how qualifiers are assigned for three possible analyte result
classifications (below MDL, below reporting limit, at or above reporting limit). PAM functionality related to
this process works as follows.
• PAM groups and analyte settings continue to be created and modified with the PAM
configuration utility.
• Because PAM is project specific (affects certain samples only), PAM result conditioning
(for any analytes of PAM assigned analyses) will trump all other rounding settings. No
further conditioning will ever be attempted after PAM has been applied to results for an
analyte.
• PAM result conditioning and qualifier assignment is performed by the backend process
engine at result entry time.
• PAM analyte filtering (removal of component analytes from analyses) is applied at the
time of analysis assignment to samples.
• SIMC assigned analyses has a PAMLimits property that is set if the analysis is controlled
as part of a PAM group assignment to a sample. If the PAMLimits property of the
assigned analysis is set, only SIMC analytes will appear under the assigned analysis.
• Each analyte that is under PAM control will have properties set that specify how
the result will be conditioned and how qualifiers shall be assigned.
LABWORKS Rounding Methods

The result conditioning step within the process of results posting shall expose the following public
methods.

reserved.
PerformRoundingForAnalyte: Performs result conditioning, rounding, and PAM operations on a

passed SIMC Component Analyte object. Result conditioning is performed on only the Mean Average
result part (SIMC Component Result object) of the component analyte. This method is called every time
a Component Result for a replicate is entered or modified but no operations are performed until values
exist for all specified replicates.
This method is passed a SIMC Component Analyte object and it returns the same object either
modified or not.
Note: The term “Component Analyte” refers to the lone analyte of a single component assigned analysis
or to any one of the analytes of a multicomponent analysis. At the SIMC level, all component analytes
are considered to be equivalent, regardless of the type of analysis that contains them.
PerformStandardResultSubstitution: Checks a replicate result to determine if a substitution is
specified (in pick list RLTCODES). If so, the substitution is performed. This method is called every time a
replicate result is manually entered or modified.
This method is passed a SIMC Component Result object and it returns the same object either modified
or not.

reserved.
The Calculation Step: Automated Results Posting
Introduction
LABWORKS has provided two types of configurable calculations since its earliest versions, “built-in”
calculations and Excel calculations.
When samples have analyses that are included within calculation definitions and are loaded into the
results entry application or automatically posted, the calculations are automatically activated without
the need to set any specific properties of the sample or the application.
LABW ORKS calculations are now performed within a calculation engine in order to extend
calculation capabilities to web based applications as well as those running on W indows workstations.
These two basic types of LABW ORKS calculations, built-in and Excel, are utilized within the 3rd step
defined within the “results posting” process immediately following results conditioning. Both of these
methods are discussed in the following sections.
Terminology
Trigger: Every calculation defined in LABW ORKS has one or more analyses specified that provide
input values for the calculations to be performed. These analyses are referred to as “triggers”
because entering or changing their result values may cause the calculation to “fire” (be performed).
Target: Every calculation defined in LABW ORKS has at least one analysis specified that receives
the output (or result) of the calculation. Analyses receiving the results of calculations are referred to
as calculation “targets”.
Fire: When a result value is entered for the last pending trigger analysis of a calculation or the
result of one trigger analysis is changed after all triggers have values, the calculation is “fired”
(or performed).
Cascading Calculation: An analysis specified as the target of one calculation may itself be a
trigger for one or more other calculations. When the output of one calculation fires additional
calculations, the additional calculation is referred to as a “cascading calculation”.
Built-In Calculations
Built-in calculations are performed by LABW ORKS code without the need for any external tool.
Legacy built-in calculations may have from one to ten trigger analyses specified whose primary result
values form the inputs to the calculation. Built-in calculations always have exactly one target analysis
specified, whose primary result will be the output of the calculation.
Built-in calculations are configured in the Analysis List Maintenance application (under the
Calculation tab of an opened analysis code record). The analysis is defined by specifying the trigger
analyses (inputs) and an algebraic formula relating the triggers to the target (output).
A built-in calculation can be fired only when all of its triggers have primary result values assigned.
This is true for both manual and automated result posting processes.

reserved.
Any calculation that is entered for an analysis code within Analysis List Maintenance can be tested as
well right from the Calculation tab by entering example input and output parameters. Since LABW
ORKS 6.2+ does these calculations through a calculation engine (not in separate applications), if a
calculation performs properly within this test screen, it should also perform the same throughout
LABW ORKS.
After a calculation is performed, its result is rounded according to specified criteria then checked for
exceptions. If the calculated analysis is itself configured as a trigger for one or more other
calculations, those calculations are also triggered, resulting in cascading” calculations. Calculations
continue until no calculation output changes the value of any trigger.
Data Layouts for Built-In Calculations: The definitions of built-in calculations are stored in table
CALCDEFS, whose primary key is the analysis code of the target analysis. This restricts any
LABW ORKS analysis to having no more than one built-in calculation defined for it. That table also
contains columns for identifying up to 10 input trigger analyses, a column for specifying which input
(if any) is the key input, a column specifying whether or not to calculate the MDL of the target
analysis along with its primary result, and a column specifying how to handle nonnumeric key input
values.
Table CALDEFS is queried by the legacy results entry program to determine which analyses in
results entry grid are triggers for calculations and which are targets of calculations so that flags
can be set to launch calculations as trigger values are entered or modified.
Key Input Analysis: One of the input analyses for a calculation can be optionally designated as
the “key input”. A key input is special because:
• Its start date-time, ending date-time, and analyst ID can be copied to the calculated
analyte. If no key input is designated, the current clock time is assigned to the start and

reserved.
ending date-times of the calculated analyte and the current LABW ORKS user ID is
assigned to the analyst ID property of the calculated analyte.
• Options can be specified for how to perform the calculation if the key input value is
non-numeric. Those options are:
o Do not perform the calculation leaving the result value empty

o Do not perform the calculation but assign the value of the key input to the
calculation result.
Example: The value of the key input result was “Not detected”. The calculated
result is also set
to “Not detected”.
o Do not perform the calculation but assign the MDL value of the calculated
output as its primary result. Example: The value of the key input result was
“Not detected” and its MDL value was “0.10”. The calculated result is set to
“0.10”.
o Do not perform the calculation but assign < MDL value of the calculated
output as its primary result. Example: The value of the key input result was
“Not detected” and its MDL value was “0.10”. The calculated result is set to “<
0.10”.
o Do not perform the calculation but assign a value of zero to the output as its
primary result.
Example: The value of the key input result was “Not detected”. The calculated
result is set to
“0”.
o Perform the calculation substituting a value of zero for the key input result.
Example: The value of the key input result was “Not detected”. The calculation
is performed using 0 as the key input result.
An MDL value can also be used to recalculate the MDL of the calculated analyte by applying the
same formula and other input values as was used for calculating the result. In this optional
calculation, the initial value of the MDL for the key analyte is substituted for the primary result value
in the calculation inputs, leaving all other inputs unchanged. After the calculation is performed, the
result of the calculation is used as the “corrected” MDL of the calculated analyte.
Calculating Multicomponent Results: The results of both single and multicomponent analyses
can be generated by built-in calculations. To calculate multicomponent results, at least one of the
trigger analyses must also be a multicomponent analysis that has some component analytes in
common with the target analysis. A calculation is attempted for each component analyte of the
target analysis. That calculation for the analyte is completed only if result values are present for
that analyte in every multicomponent trigger analysis.
For example:
• Assume we want to calculate results for a multicomponent analysis, $TESTD.
• Assume that $TESTD has 10 defined component analytes, Analyte01, Analyte02, …,

Analyte10.
• Assume that the calculation has one single component trigger, TESTB, and two
multicomponent triggers, $TESTA and $TESTC.
• Assume that $TESTA has the same ten analytes as $TESTD (namely
Analyte01, Analyte02, …, Analyte10).
• Assume that $TESTC has only three analytes, Analyte01, Analyte04,

reserved.
and Analyte06.
The overall calculation could be summarized as:
$TESTD = function ($TESTA, TESTB, $TESTC)
An attempt would be made to calculate results for each of the ten component analytes of $TESTD. The
value of the single component trigger, TESTB, would be used for all ten attempts.
The component calculation for Analyte01 would be summarized as:
$TESTD.Analyte01 = function ($TESTA.Analyte01, TESTB, $TESTC.Analyte01)
The component calculation for Analyte02 would be summarized as:
$TESTD.Analyte02 = function ($TESTA.Analyte02, TESTB, $TESTC.Analyte02)
However, because there is no result for $TESTC.Analyte02, the calculation would not be completed.
In the end, only three analytes results would be calculated for $TESTD, those that were
present in all of the multicomponent triggers, namely Analyte01, Analyte04, and
Analyte06.
Recalculation: If a target analysis already has a previously calculated result stored in the database
and one of its trigger analyses has a result changed, the default behavior is to not recalculate the
output. This behavior can be modified by means of the setting in SYSMGR.
RECALC - If True then automatic recalculation of results when input values are changed. Otherwise
recalculation is not performed.
If this setting is present, previously saved calculated results will be recalculated when the result
of a trigger analysis is updated.
Formulas and Operators: Formulas for built in calculations consist of place holder variables, literal
numbers, operators, optional parentheses for explicit specification of the order of operation
processing, and optional spaces to aid readability.
A formula may contain up to 10 different place holder variables, each of which will be replaced at
evaluation time with result values from specified input analyses. The following place holders variables
are recognized:
X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, X9, and X10
A given place holder may appear more than once within a formula.
Literals used in calculation formulas may be integer or real numbers, expressed in decimal or scientific
notation.
Note: The formula parser must be able to distinguish between the “+” and “-“ characters used in the
exponent part of a scientific notation literal value and the same characters used as addition and

reserved.
subtraction (or negation) operators. It does this by checking for the proximity of the “E” character that
is also part of the exponent in a scientific notation literal.
The operators that can be used in built-in calculations are classified as unary and binary. Unary
operators accept one input value (operand). The following unary operators are recognized in LABW
ORKS built-in calculation formulas:
Operator Name Usage Example Note
- negation -X1 no space before operand

INT integer INT(X1) integer part of number
ABS absolute value ABS(X1)
SQR square root SQR(X1)
LOG log to base 10 LOG(X1)
LN natural log LN(X1)
EXP exponential EXP(X1) e raised to power of X1
SIN sine SIN(X1) X1 expressed as pi radians
COS cosine COS(X1)
TAN tangent TAN(X1)
ATN arctangent ATN(X1)
Binary operators accept two input values (operands). The following binary operators are recognized in
LABWORKS built- in calculation formulas:
Operator Name Usage Example Note
+ addition X1 + X2
- subtraction X1 - X2
/ division X1 / X2
* multiplication X1 * X2
^ raise to power X1 ^ X2 X1 raised to X2 power
MIN minimum value X1 MIN X2 returns lower of X1 and X2
MAX maximum value X1 MAX X2 returns higher of X1 and X2
Operators are processed from right to left within a given level of parentheses. There is no implicit
order of operator precedence. Pairs of parentheses should be used when necessary to explicitly
specify the order of operations. Operators contained within parentheses are carried out deepest
(surrounded by the largest number or parentheses) first.
Examples:
X1 + X2 * X3
X1 is added to X2 then their sum is multiplied by X3
X1 + (X2 * X3)
X2 is multiplied by X3 then their product is added to X1
SQR((X1 ^ 2) + (X2 ^ 2))
Distance formula: The square root of X1 squared plus X2 squared
((ABS(X2 – X1)) / ((X1 + X2) / 2)) * 100
% Precision calculation: The absolute value of the difference of two measurements is divided by their
average and multiplied by 100
(X1 + X2 + X3) / 3

reserved.
Average of three values
Excel Calculations
LABWORKS Excel calculations are performed by opening an instance of Microsoft Excel on the
workstation (but leaving it hidden), opening a specified workbook file, selecting a specified
worksheet, and then copying input (for the calculation) data values from LABW ORKS into specified
cell addresses. After copying the input values into the worksheet,
LABW ORKS calls the Excel calculate method. Calculation output values are then copied from
specified cell addresses
back into the LABW ORKS application and the workbook is closed without saving any modifications.
Unlike built-in calculations, Excel calculations may return multiple output values. Also, Excel
calculations may return nonnumeric results, and the input and output values can be properties other
than just primary results. Sample properties as well as analysis component result properties can be
specified as input of Excel calculations.
Many LABW ORKS Excel calculations can be defined that all use the same workbook and
spreadsheet. Extremely complex calculations and decision logic can be implemented using all the
functions provided by Excel, any add-in libraries, and any VBA code programmed into the
workbook. The workbook macro code can even contain database table calls for external lookup
values if needed.
LABW ORKS Excel calculations leverage the power of a very popular and mature spreadsheet
application in a way that is easy to configure and virtually transparent to the end user. One of the
factors that makes Excel calculations attractive to LABW ORKS users is that many of them already
know how to set up and test complex data manipulations in spreadsheets. Excel spreadsheets are
also very common tools generally already being used by both Chemists and Process Engineers in
their daily operations. This gives users of Excel spreadsheets the ability to utilize these files within
their LIMS simply by providing LABW ORKS what data items flow into and out of that spreadsheet.
Whether you are creating a new Excel spreadsheet or want to use an existing one, you will need to
enter/setup an Excel
Calculation template within LABWORKS using the XLCalc6.exe application.

reserved.
Specifics for Excel Calculations:
Workbook files to be used with LABW ORKS calculations must be stored in folder \XLCALCS in
the main data path. Utility program XLCalc6.exe is used for defining and maintaining all LABW
ORKS Excel calculations.
Every LABW ORKS Excel calculations is defined by one header row in table XLCALCHEAD and two or
more rows in table
XLPARAMS.
The header row specifies a unique code for identifying the calculation, a user friendly description for it,
and the name of the Excel workbook file and worksheet name to be used in the calculations.
A row in table XLPARAMS is used to specify every input and output parameter of an Excel calculation.
Columns in the row are used to specify the analysis code, analyte name, property code, and worksheet
cell address of every input and output parameter. Input parameters can be sample properties
(including user defined field and special information) or they can be analyte result properties. If the
input is a sample property, “_SAMPLE_” is stored as the analysis code and the sample property code
(for example “US03” for user defined field 3) is stored as the analyte name.
Only analyte result properties can be specified as output parameters of LABW ORKS Excel
calculations. The analyte result properties that can be used as input and output parameters for Excel
calculations are:
• Primary result
• Secondary result
• Qualifier
• MDL (minimum detection limit)
• PQL (practical quantitation limit)
• PAM dilution factor
Some differences between built-in calculations and Excel calculations are listed as follow:
• An analysis may be the target (output) of only one built-in calculation but it can be a target
of any number of Excel calculations.
• Only the analyte primary result properties can be inputs to built-in calculations. Input
parameters for Excel calculations can be sample properties or several different analyte
result properties. Sample properties can be useful for decision logic. For example, a state
code (political jurisdiction) might be passed into an Excel calculation to determine which of
several columns of contamination limits to apply.
• Built-in calculations can have only one output parameters which must be an analyte
primary result. Excel calculations may have many output parameters which can each be
any of several different analyte result properties.
• Built-in calculations can have a maximum of 10 input parameters. Excel calculation allow for
as many as1500 combined input and output parameters.

reserved.
Order of Calculation Preference:

Often, a sample may have all of the trigger analyses and target analyses of more than one Excel
calculation assigned to it. It may also have the triggers and output of built in calculations assigned to it.
In such cases rules control which of several possible calculations to perform at run time. Those rules
are:
• If a given analysis is the target of a built-in calculation and one or more Excel
calculations (all of whose triggers are present in the sample), an Excel calculation is
performed rather than the built-in calculation.
• If a given analysis is the target of more than one Excel calculation (all of whose triggers are
present), the
Excel calculation with the greatest number of triggers present will be performed.
Mixing Calculations: Outputs of built-in calculations may be triggers for Excel calculations and,
conversely, outputs of Excel calculations may trigger built-in calculations. Therefore, cascading
calculation schemes, using both types of calculations, can be configured. However, this practice is
not encouraged due to the possibility of complex support problems if a calculation is incorrect or not
performing properly.
Legacy Calculation Complaints and Deficiencies

In this section we will counteract several common complaints of legacy calculation functionality using
the current LABW ORKS 6.2 calculation engine solution.
Legacy Compliant: Although there are several applications for entering and modifying LABW ORKS
analysis results,
only one, Results Entry, performs calculations. Therefore, the samples must be opened in results entry,
either manually or via command line to perform calculations after new results are posted by
multicomponent transfer or ScanDaemon.
All calculation triggers and the calculation target must be available for a calculations to fire.
Applications such as multicomponent transfer and ScanDaemon have no way of knowing if the
analyses whose results are being loading are, in fact, triggers to any defined calculations, let alone
what the state of any other triggers might be.
Solution: Calculations are now in a business rules component that can be called from any web or
Windows based LABW ORKS application. After all pending calculations are performed, the calculation
engine would pass back the SIMC Sample object (as XML) with the results of all calculations that were
performed. Any application could call this engine after adding one or more new or updated results to a
sample before saving the updated object back to the database. This process is standard in the
automated results posting process as well as the manual results entry.
Legacy Complaint: The limitation of 10 inputs at most per calculation is too restrictive, sometimes
requiring multiple cascading calculations to obtain one result (the 5 Day BOD calculations for an
example). Excel calculations do not have this limitation. However, Excel calcs can’t be launched by
automatic results posting tools when pulling in CSV files or instrument interface files.
Solution: The LABW ORKS 6.2 calculation engine now fires Excel calculations for automated posting
of results (via PostResults6). Also legacy memory restrictions for built in calculations was also removed
because the calculation engine can easily query the parameters table to determine if assigned
analyses in the SIMC sample object are calculation triggers or targets.
Legacy Complaint: Calculation behavior should not be dependent upon INI file settings which are
insecure and subject to accidental or malicious changes. Furthermore, INI files settings are not
appropriate for use by back-end business layer components.

reserved.
Solution: Move all run time calculation settings into system manager settings where they can be
secured and controlled and readily available.
Legacy Complaint: Only the designated “key” input of a LABW ORKS built-in calculation can
nonnumeric and the calculation still be performed. Settings are provided to specify how to interpret
nonnumeric key input values. If the value for any other input is nonnumeric, the calculation is not
performed.
Solution: Additional properties to built-in calculations now exists to allow specification of how to
handle nonnumeric values for inputs other than the key input. This is reflected in new data structures
used for storing calculation definitions.
Legacy Complaint: Excel must be installed on every workstation that performs LABW ORKS Excel
calculations. These installations can be expensive and time consuming. Besides, they cannot be used
by web applications running in a browser. Remotely automating an Excel application instance on a
web server is not feasible.
Solution: The calculation engine executes Excel calculations without the need for Microsoft Excel to be
installed. The calculation engine performs LABW ORKS Excel calculations using the Excel calculation
services library fromMicrosoft and shared workbook files published on a Microsoft SharePoint server.
This option will not require multiple installations of Excel and it can be used by any application, whether
web or W indows based. Despite its universal applicability, this option may not appeal to customers who
are not hosting LABW ORKS web applications or who do not want to maintain SharePoint servers.
Legacy Complaint: Only intra-sample calculations can be performed. No inter-sample calculations are
provided.
Solution: The calculation engine provides an extensible platform for adding future enhancements to
calculation functionality. One can envision the future addition of a several new potential functions
within this engine. However, the means will have to be provided to define and store the definitions of
inter-sample calculations.
Additional Methods Provided By the Calculation Engine

In addition to methods for performing calculations, the calculation engine must also provide a method
for setting four Boolean properties of every SIMC sample assigned analysis.
Those properties are:
IsCalcTrigger (is a trigger for a built-in calculation)
IsCalcTarget (is a target of a built-in calculation)
IsXLCalcTrigger (is a trigger for an Excel calculation)
IsXLCalcTarget (is a target of an Excel calculation)
This method is called once when an SIMC sample is loaded into a results entry application to set the
properties which will then be used throughout the session by the SIMC and result entry application (or
automated results posting process) to determine when calls to the methods for performing calculations
need to be made.

reserved.
The Specifications Check Step: Automated Results Posting
Introduction
A key step in the results posting process is the final step, when violations are checked. During the manual
posting of results in the Results Entry module, violations are shown as color variances (yellow for a
warning, red for a full violation). During the automated results posting process, there are no visual
designation of violations until the posted results are reopened in Results Entry. However, the violations
are posted into the database during the process.
Specifications used in the results posting process (manual or automated) can be defined in four possible
places.
• Within Analysis Code (through Analysis List Maintenance)

• Within Location Code (through Location List Maintenance)
• Within Certificate of Analysis (using the program COAPRN6)
• At Sample Login (using post-login program SampSpecLogin6)
The Analysis Code level is the broadest range and is considered a global specification. The Location
Code level takes precedence over the Analysis Code level as it is becoming more finely tuned or
narrower in its use, and it’s for a specific location code rather than a broad analysis code definition that
can be used for any location code. The Certificate of Analysis level is the most specific / defined level of
specifications generally for a specific client and/or product of the lab. These specifications take
precedence of the previous two. However, any of these specifications can be modified after Sample
Login using the SampSpecLogin6 before the final posting to the database. Generally, this program is
used to make any final specification modifications before final posting to the database in preparation for
results entry (last minute spec changes at login).
Specifications Defined in Analysis List Maintenance

The first, most general, form of specification entry mentioned above is within the Analysis List
Maintenance module. Keep in mind that specifications entered in other areas of the system take
precedence over specifications entered here.
After opening a specific analysis code for modification, click the Specifications tab.

reserved.
5 “general specifications” are displayed initially followed by any defined Custom Specs (fields added
manually to the RLTSPECS table for additional spec checking needed) will displayed on this tab.
MultiComponent Specifications
Multicomponent specifications are also entered within the Specifications tab although the components
are listed in a tabular form and specs must be entered for each individual component (each row).

reserved.
These “general” specs on this tab are defined as follows.
• Upper specification – an upper violation shown within the UI as RED when results are above this
value.
• Upper warning – an upper warning shown within the UI as YELLOW when results are above this
value yet below the upper specification limit defined above.
• Target – normally used for text type results. For example, PASS vs. FAIL. Numeric targets are
not typically used outside of for informational purposes only.
• Lower warning – a lower warning shown within the UI as YELLOW when results are below this
value yet above the lower specification limit defined below.
• Lower specification – a lower violation shown within the UI as RED when results are below his
value.
When doing manual results posting within Results Entry module, these violations can be clearly viewed
prior to saving the results to the database.
After the results are saved, or “posted”, the violations are stored in the database.
The color-coded UI within the manual results posting process is a good way of catching typos that can be
corrected prior to clicking the SAVE button. However, when posting the results through an automated
process (PostResults6), the user does not have the option to view the violations before the results are
saved to the database. This opens potential data- entry issues that could exist within the input file. As
mentioned earlier in this chapter, we always suggest a visual inspection of the input file prior to firing off any
automatic posting process. Otherwise, any modifications that are made after-posting will fire off an audit
which could itself create issues for any ISO-certified lab that is required to explain/document every result
change after posting. A quick inspection of a result input file prior to an automated posting may save
headaches later.

reserved.
Specifications Defined in Location List Maintenance

The next form of specification entry mentioned which takes precedence over any specs entered within
Analysis List
Maintenance module, is the Location List Maintenance module.
From a support standpoint, if someone is noticing a specification within an Analysis Code that is not
behaving properly in Results Entry, it is usually because there are also specifications defined within the
Location Code used.
The general and custom specs defined in the previous section work the exact same way (as result
posting violations and warning colors) for Location Codes.
Specifications Defined in Certificate of Analysis (COA)

The next form of specification entry mentioned takes precedence over any specs entered within both
Analysis List Maintenance and Location List Maintenance modules. As mentioned in the previous
section, if specifications are not operating properly in either maintenance modules, always check the
COA module.

reserved.
Certificate of Analysis (COA) is an optional program for use within LABW ORKS. It is used to generate
Certificates of Analysis (documentation regarding ingredients or composition of a material). It stores
information about shipments of materials to customers that can be used to create quality control charts.
This COA option also has two modes for evaluating material, Forward Search and Reverse Evaluate.
• Forward Search takes a batch of material and evaluates all the customers who purchase that
type of material to determine which customer’s specifications the material satisfies.
• Reverse Evaluate looks for batches of material that satisfy a single customer’s requirement.
Certificates of Analysis may be generated by establishing a client database for specifications on
products. After setting up the option, laboratory identification numbers (Lab ID#) may be selected along
with customer product numbers to extract all pertinent data from LABW ORKS for display. Information
about items such as common carriers, trailer/car numbers, and other items may be entered as well. The
COA displays the sample analysis versus customer specifications with any out-of-spec results
highlighted. W hen the COA is approved, the program generates a Certificate of Analysis automatically.
This shipment data is also stored so the customer shipment history can be reported.
The COA module requires some setup time. Customer “bases” are used to define client data where
specifications can be entered. If there exists COA data for analysis codes or analytes selected within a
results posting process, these will have precedence over any other specifications entered in LABW
ORKS.
Specifications Defined at Sample Login

The last form of specifications entry prior to results posting is done through Sample Login using the
SampSpecLogin6.exe program defined as a post-login user program.
Regardless which of the previous three forms of specifications take precedence, the SampSpecLogin6
program allows the user to make any final adjustments before the samples are posted to the database.

reserved.
These final adjustments will be the final specifications used at results entry in both manual and
automated processes.
Changing specifications at login is rarely done. However, it is sometimes required to be done by certain
labs who need to make final adjustments as required by clients dropping off samples before analysis is
performed. It provides a quick way to do that at Sample Login without requiring the user to exit Login
and enter either of the Maintenance programs or the COA module (if used) to make that change.
When the SampSpecLogin6 program is launched from Sample Login, it will display all samples in
tabular form with the corresponding analysis code, associated analytes, and all general and custom
specs pulled from any of the three modules defined in the previous sections (whichever took
precedence).
The user can either ignore this screen by clicking Cancel (which does nothing to the specs displayed),
or the user can modify the specs and click Save. Saving specs changed here will over-write any
previous specs. Specs saved here will be the final specs used during the results posting process.
Setting up SampSpecLogin6
The process of setting up SampSpecLogin6 to fire after Sample Login requires adding it to the list of
post-login programs.
1. Open MultiSample Login

2. Click the Config menu
3. Select Configure Login Settings

reserved.
4. Find a blank spot under the User Programs to enter the path to the SampSpecLogin6.exe
program (in the applications path under C:\LABWORKS\Client\ or where ever programs are
running on the client) – click the yellow open button to browse to find the program
5. Click the ellipse button (…) and enter the User Program Options
6. Enter all required settings

reserved.
a. Run Style: Normal with focus

b. Run Type: After all samples
c. Password: None
d. Command Line: EXPANDALL (causes the expansion of sample/analysis list for quick
viewing)
e. Check “Wait for program to end before continuing”, “Send Sample List File”, and
“Send Log
Batch”
7. Click OK
8. Click SAVE
Now you will have the capabilities to make any final modification of specs at Sample Login prior to
the results posting step.
Note: if you are also using lwPostResults6 at Sample Login as well, it really makes no difference
what order they are placed in.

reserved.
Summary
Automated posting in LABW ORKS is a means of entering results into the LIMS without the use of the
Results Entry module itself. There are many activities going on in the background when a user enters
results. These same activities happen when another application posts results into the system through an
automated process.
Automated posting of results in LABW ORKS 6.2 is done via the PostResults6 tool which is a console
application driven by command parameters. The process of configuration and execution of this tool can
be made easier by the use of its UI counterpart, lwPostResults6. W hen lwPostResults6 is executed
stand-alone a Setup Wizard is launched. W hen launched with a PR:1 parameter, it will fire off the
console tool for posting results. Finally, lwPostResults6 can be added to Sample Login for easy creation
of the input file to be sent off to a contract lab for results entry (and for later importing).
The PostResults6 tool follows all the standard manual result entry posting process which includes
auditing, results conditioning, calculations, rounding, and finally spec checking and violation posting. This
is done via new results conditioning and calculation/rounding components in the new LABW ORKS 6.2
architecture making the process far superior over legacy results posting methods for several reasons.
Some of these reasons include (but not limited to) performance, additional field posting ability, Excel
calculations available without needing Excel installed, etc.
Within this manual, each of the steps within the results posting process both during manual entry and
through automated tools in LABW ORKS 6.2 was analyzed and documented. Any additions or
amendments to the process will be reflected within forthcoming versions of this documentation.

reserved.
Appendix A: The Complete List of System Control Options in SYSMGR/System Manager
SYSMGROPT SYSMGRVAL SYSMGRLVAL SYSMGRBVAL SYSFIELDTYPE Description
SYSMGRBVAL = 0 then test codes with @ prefix

(container test codes) will not be displayed in
@CODE_IN_RESULTS 0 0 IB results entry but can be edited in container tracking
module. SYSMGRBVAL = -1 and @test codes
show up in results entry.
ACTIONPASSPW AP 0 0 INTERNAL Use/any string value is ok
SYSMGRLVAL = # of minutes client without update

ACTIVITY_NOTIFY_TIME 10 0 IL
before client is considered off line
SYSMGRLVAL = Not Used - migrated to

ACTIVITYTIMEOUT (long) 1800 0
ACTIVITY_NOTIFY_TIME
SYSMGRBVAL = 0 and samples logged into from

Labworks Sample Login module will not be added
ADD_TO_PROCESS_SCHEDUL PS add sample 0 0 IB
to Process Scheduler. BVAL = -1 and samples
ER
will be added to Process Scheduler.
Adjust PQL for SYSMGRBVAL = On data upload, should PQL's be

ADJUST_PQLS_FOR_DILFACT 0 -1 IB
Dilution Factor adjusted for the dillution factor
OR
allow ad-hoc
ALLOW_AD_HOC_GROUP_PA SAMPLE LOGIN/Persisted Groups - allow ad-
group 0 0 IB
RAMETER S hoc group parameters
parameters
allow ad-hoc SAMPLE LOGIN/Persisted Groups - allow ad-

ALLOW_AD_HOC_GROUP_PRO 0 0 IB
group properties hoc group properties
PERTIES
DMR REPORT
ALLOW_BLANK_ROWS PRINT 0 -1 IB DMR / DMR REPORT PRINT SETTING
SETTING
503 of 524
© Copyright 1998-2019 LABWORKS, Inc. All rights
reserved.
SYSMGRBVAL = -1 allows a calculated result

ALLOW_CALC_RESULT_MANU
0 -1 IB to be changed in Results Entry. = 0 and
AL_ENTR Y
calculated result is locked for editing.
ALLOW_CUSTOM_REASON 0 -1 IB Audit Trail - Allow user entered audit reasons
ALLOW_PREVIOUS_REASON 0 -1 IB Audit Trail - Show previous reason list
ALLOWPASSWRDCHNG (bool) 0 0 IB Depricated
Analysis
ANALYSIS_OWNERSHIP_ACTIV ownership 0 0 IB Analysis (Sample) ownership tracking is active
E tracking is active
Analysis
ANALYSIS_OWNERSHIP_PESSI ownership is 0 0 IB Analysis (Sample) ownership is pessimistic
MISTIC pessimistic
Obsolete - AuditTrail improved to keep track of

ANL_LIST_HIST 0 0 IB
analysis list changes
ANLCODE_OWNERSHIP_ACTIV 0 0 IB Analysis Code ownership tracking is active

E
ANLCODE_OWNERSHIP_PESSI 0 0 IB Analysis Code ownership is pessimistic

MISTIC
ANLYST_BY_DATE 0 -1 IB Analysis Assignement - Check Analyst Date
ANLYST_BY_STATUS 0 -1 IB Analysis Assignement - Check Analyst Status
ANLYST_BY_TEST 0 -1 IB Analysis Assignement - Check Analyst Tests
SYSMGRBVAL = -1 activates audit trailing. = 0

AUDITON 0 -1 IB
and audit trail will not be active.
AUTO_VALIDATE_RULE 0 0 IB SYSMGRVAL = "NO_VIOLATIONS" then

sample is auto validated when all analyses
complete without violation (PostResults6)
504 of 524
reserved.
SYSMGRVAL = "5.8" or "6.2" | 6.2 adds adtional

BACKLOG_CSV_FORMAT 5 0 0 IT
fields to CSV export
Out of box name for Billing Address field name

Invoicing
BANAME1 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL
address
column (long name label)

invoicing
BANAME2 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL
address

BANAME3 InvAddr 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL
column (abbreviated name label)

BANAME4 Inv Addr 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL
BARTENDER_DOMAIN DomainName 0 0 IT WebTop Bartender Printing - User Domain
BARTENDER_PASSWORD Password 0 0 IT WebTop Bartender Printing - User Password
Always display
BARTENDER_SHOWDIALOG 0 0 IB WebTop Bartender Printing - Show Print Dialog
print dialog
BARTENDER_USERNAME UserName 0 0 IT WebTop Bartender Printing - User Name
Next QC Batch Number sequence in

BATNUMBER 111 0
SYSMGRLVAL column
Display label for Analyte CAS (Chemical

CASNUMB CAS# 0 0 IT Abstract Number) out of box changed to
value entered into SYSMGRVAL column)
505 of 524
reserved.

Configure email ids separated by comma to get
CALIBRATION_NOTIFY_RECIPI Email address 0 0 IT calibration due date notification mails.
ENTS In case, the default value is zero, email
notifications will not be sent.
Configure number of prior days to the calibration

CALIBRATION_WARNING_DAY due date, on which email notifications should be
2 0 IL
S sent.
In case, the default value is zero, email
notifications will not be sent.
CINV_AUTOLOT 0 IB Chemical Inventory AutoIncrement Lot Number
CINV_LOTCOUNTER 0 IL Chemical Inventory Lot Number
CINV_OVRDEXPDATE 0 IB Chemical Inventory Override Expiry Date
Certificate of Analysis - Used by sample selection

SSTA LCOD
COA_CERT_SAMP_SELECT_ 0 0 IT when more than one sample is entered for COA
SUBDT COLDT
FIELDS generation
Certificate of Analysis - Used to enable client

COA_CUSTOMER_NAME 0 0 IT
specific code
Certificate of Analysis - Reverse evaluation

COA_REV_EVAL_SAMP_FIEL 0 0 IT
sample selection fields
DS
COANUMBER 1 0 Certificate of Analysis - Next COA number
CONTAINER_FORMAT 123 0 0 Unique Container naming - Either 123 or ABC
Unique Container naming - Number of next

CONTAINERID 2946 0
container
Crystal Reports Version - "XI" or any other value

- "XI" uses Crystal XI and supports embedded
CRYSTAL_VERSION 10 0 -1
designer. <> "XI" uses Crystal 2013 runtime
version for display
Sample Selection Component, number of days

CURRENT_LB_DAYS 3650 0 IL
prior to today for including Login Batch selection.
506 of 524
reserved.
It is a human-readable current location description

CURRENT_LOCATION 0 0 IT
(address/city/state/zip code). When opening maps
(from Sample Login or from Location
Maintenance), the map is positioned at this
location if the address field is not defined.
Custom (lwiiso.dll) interfaces

CUSTINST_01_NAME LEEMAN 0 0 IT
CUSTINST_XX_Name/Type
CUSTINST_01_TYPE MC 0 0 IT Type is either MC or SC
DATABASEID LABWORKS 0 0 IT Description displayed in Help/About

Water Demo
Database
Depricated: Databasetype is read from

DATABASETYPE SQLSERVER 0 0 IT
LWSysconfig value
DATAREADPW MASTERRO 0 0 Depricated: Foxpro password
DATAWRITEPW MASTER 0 0 Depricated: Foxpro password
DBVERSION 6.9.0.0 0 0 Database version
PostResults6 - Default Below Dection Limit

DEFAULT_BDL_REPLACE_VA IT
Replacement Value
LUE
PostResults6 - Default Not Detected

DEFAULT_ND_REPLACE_VAL IT
Replacement Value
UE
PostResults6 - Yes/No Replace Below Detection

DEFAULT_REPLACE_BDL 0 IB
Limit
DEFAULT_REPLACE_ND 0 IB PostResults6 - Yes/No Replace Not Detected
DEFAULT_ROUNDING_DECI 0 IL PostResults6 - Number of default decimal values

MALS
PostResults6 - Rounding Method S/D S =

DEFAULT_ROUNDING_METH N IT
SigFigs, D = Decimal point
OD
507 of 524
reserved.
DEFAULT_ROUNDING_SIGFIGS 0 IL PostResults6 - Number of default sig figs
PostResults6 - Rounding Style - S/E E = Even/Odd

DEFAULT_ROUNDING_STYLE IT
(Default), S = Non-Even/Odd
DMR MDL
DMR_MDLPROCESSING 0 0 IB DMR - Evaluate results with >, < prefixes
PROCESSING
DMR_PAMPROCESSING DMR PAM 0 0 IB DMR - Get PAM (Project Analyte Management)

PROCESSING Limits
DMR_PASSWORD 0 0 IT Depricated
DMRFINALREPORTTYPE EXCEL 0 0 IT DMR - Report Type EXCEL/CRYSTAL
Out of box name for Sample Description field name

Sample
DNAME1 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL
Description

sample
DNAME2 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL
description

DNAME3 Descript 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL
column abbreviated name label)

DNAME4 Descript 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL
DUE_COLOR GREEN 0 0 IT Backlog - Color used for Due samples/analyses
DUE_HOURS 24 0 IL Backlog - Hours used for Due samples/analyses
DV_DEFAULT_ACODE 0 0 IT DataViewer - Acode user for interpretation
DataViewer - List of values used for interpretation

DV_LIST_OF_VALUES 0 -1 IB
DataViewer - Mouse action COMMENTS or

DV_MOUSE COMMENTS 0 0 IT
NARRATIVE
508 of 524
reserved.
DV_NR_COLOR 0 -1 IB DataViewer - (For future use)
DataViewer - Number of Data points for history

DV_NUM_POINTS 0 0 IL
display
DV_NUMBER_OF_STATUS 0 0 IL DataViewer - (For future use)
DV_PICKLIST_NAME 0 0 IT DataViewer - Interpretation Picklist
DataViewer - Include display of control chart in

DV_SHOW_CONTROLCHART 0 0 -1 IB
history
DV_USE_NR_VALUES 0 -1 IB DataViewer - (For future use)
DataViewer - Use Picklist in Narrative

DV_USE_PICKLIST 0 -1 IB
Interpretation Form
EXPLORER_GRAPH_DEFAULT 10 0 IL Explorer - History- (For future use)
EXPLORER_GRAPH_POINTS 30 0 IL Explorer - History - Number of points to include
Explorer - History - Include Qualifier in table display

EXPLORER_GRAPH_QUALIFIER 0 -1 IB
Explorer - History - Include Results2 in table

EXPLORER_GRAPH_RESULT2 0 -1 IB
display
Explorer - History - Sort (COL/SUB/ANL -

EXPLORER_GRAPH_SORTDATE COL 0 0 IT
Collect/Submit/AnalysisStart
EXPLORER_GRAPH_TOP EARLY 0 0 IT Explorer - History - Sort EARLY/LATE
509 of 524
reserved.
(2, 97, 2000, Export - Version of MDB < 2007 then "mdb".
EXPORT_MDB_VER 2000 0 IL
2007, 2010) >= 2007 then "accdb"
FILTER_BY_MATRIX 0 0 IB Sample Login, filter analysis codes by matrix
FORCE_AUDIT_REASON 0 0 IB AuditTrail - Force user to enter a reason
Validation - Require Analyses to be validated before

FORCEANALYSISVAL 0 0 IB
Samples can be validated.
Require user to enter password before data changes

FORCECHECKIN 0 0
are saved
It is a Google Maps API key that is used to map

GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY 0 0 IT
controls work correctly.
PAM/Project Analyte Management - Use Dilution

HASPAMDILFACTOR 0 0 IB
Factor from PAM
Do not display checksum violations to user, only

HIDE_CHECKSUM_VIOLATION 0 0 IB
record in errorlog
HIDE_MENU_ITEMS 0 0 Desktop - (For future use)
Depricated - ID of Workstation for I18N Translation

I18N_WORKSTATION 0 0 IT
Create, Modify,
Depricated - Moved to PRIVS - Modify Instrument
IMCMODIFY Delete IM&C 0 0
Maintenance Records
records
INSTR_BY_DATE 0 -1 IB Qualify Instrument by Date
INSTR_BY_STATUS 0 -1 IB Qualify Instrument by Status
INSTR_BY_TEST 0 -1 IB Qualify Instrument by Analysis
510 of 524
reserved.
INVNUMBER 32 0 Invoice Number - Next value
LABELPRINTERSEARCH Microsoft Office 0 0 IT LWSampleLogin - Bartender Label search value
Out of box name for LocationCode field name

LNAME1 Sample Point 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL column
(long name label)

LNAME2 sample point 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL column
(long name label)

LNAME3 SamplePt 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL column
(abbreviated label)

LNAME4 SamplePt 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL column
(abbreviated label)
Location code
LOCCODE_OWNERSHIP_ACTIVE ownership 0 0 IB Location code ownership tracking is active
tracking is active
Location code
LOCCODE_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMIS ownership is 0 0 IB Location code ownership is pessimistic
TIC pessimistic
Lock Sample
LOCK_VALID_SAMPS modify after 0 0 IB Lock Sample modify after validation
validation
Amount of time query waits for table lock before

LOCKWAITSECS 60 0 IL
generating error
YYYY-MM-DD- Login Batch Format - See document on supported

LOGBATCHIDFORMAT 0 0 IT
XXX formats
LWSampleLogin - Process Scheduler department

LOGIN_DEPT 0 0 IT
value
LWSampleLogin - Process Scheduler initial status

LOGIN_INITIAL_STATUS 2 0 0 IT
LOGIN_PRIORITY 1 0 IL LWSampleLogin - Process Scheduler initial
511 of 524
reserved.
LOGINBATCHID_MODIFY 1 IT Login Batch ID - User can modify
LOGINBATCHNAME 2014-02-03-004 0 0 IT Record of most recent login batch
Out of box name for Login Record File (aka Login

Batch, Login Group, Sample Group, etc.) field
LRFNAME1 Log Group ID 0 0
name changed to value entered into
SYSMGRVAL column (long name label)

LRFNAME2 log group ID 0 0
SYSMGRVAL column (long name label)

LRFNAME3 LogGrpID 0 0
SYSMGRVAL column abbreviated name label)

LRFNAME4 LogGroupID 0 0
SYSMGRVAL column abbreviated name label)
Configure email ids separated by comma to get

IT maintenance due date notification mails.
MAINTENANCE_NOTIFY_RECIPIE Email Address 0 0
NTS
Configure number of prior days to the
MAINTENANCE_WARNING_DAYS 2 0 IL maintenance due date, on which email
notifications should be sent.In case, the default
value is zero, email notifications will not be sent.
Process Scheduler - If number of samples to display

max samples to
MAX_SAMPLES 0 0 IL is greater than this value, then warn user
process in PR6
performance could be slow
MC_NONPOS 0 0 IT PostResults6 - For Future Use
PostResults6 - MultiComponent Below Dection Limit

MCBDL <MDL 0 0 IT
512 of 524
reserved.
MCND ND 0 0 IT PostResults6 - MultiComponent Not Dected
Produces an
audit when
MultiComponent Select - Produces an audit when
MCSEL_EDITAUDIT anything is 0 0 IB
anything is edited AFTER Sample Login
edited AFTER
Sample Login
Produces an
MultiComponent Select - Produces an audit at Sample
MCSEL_LOGINAUDIT audit at Sample 0 0 IB
Login
Login
Client
ML_APP_NAME 0 0 IT Rename Mail List AppName
Information
MOVETOARCHIVE 0 -1 IB Move serviced messages to message archive
NOEXCEPTNOEMAIL 0 -1 IB Exception Report - Only send email if exception
NOTIFY_REFRESH 1 0 0 Desktop - Refresh user messages
OVERDUE_COLOR RED 0 0 IT Backlog - Overdue Color
Sample ownership feature turned on (SYSMGRBVAL

OWNERON 0 -1 IB = -1) or turned off (SYSMGRBVAL = 0)
OWNERPESSIMISTIC 0 0 IB Sample Ownership pessimistic
PASSWORDEXPIRES (long) 0 0 IL Depricated
PASSWORDLOCKOUT (bool) 0 0 IB Depricated
PASSWORDWARNING (long) 0 0 IL Depricated
PG_ALLOW_AD_HOC_GROUP_PARA
0 -1 IB Persisted Group - Allow Ad-hoc Parameters
ME TERS
513 of 524
reserved.
PG_ALLOW_AD_HOC_GROUP_PROPER
0 -1 IB Persisted Group - Allow Ad-hoc Properties
TIES
PGMA GROUP
PGMANUMBER 0 -1 IL Persisted Group - Next number
ID COUNTER
Out of box name for Project Code field name

PJNAME1 Project 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL

PJNAME2 Project 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL

PJNAME3 project 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL

PJNAME4 PROJECT 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL
Out of box name for Purchase Order field name

PONAME1 Comp/Grab 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL

PONAME2 Com/Grab 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL

PONAME3 comp/gra 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL

PONAME4 COMP/GRAB 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL
514 of 524
reserved.
Next Process Scheduler ID in SYSMGRLVAL

PSID 5340 0 IL
column
Process Scheduler maximum number of records

PSMAXRECORDS 3000 0
to return on refresh
Process
PSSHOWRESOURCE Scheduler 0 -1 Process Scheduler Resource Tab
Resource Tab
PSSHOWSHELFLIF 0 0 IB Process Scheduler Show Shelf Life tab
Nov-23-2010 Most recent update of ProcessScheduler

PSUPDATETIME 0 0
10:57 automatic sample login
Create, Modify,
Delete
PTMODIFY 0 0 Depricated
Personnel
Training records
0 -1 IB In LW Sample Login add “COLLECTED” status to

PS_USECOLLECTED initial status if PS_USECOLLECTED is checked.
BLKV_ ICB_
ICV_ LCSV_
LCSA_ LCSR_
DUPV_ DUPP_
QA_PARAM_ORDER 0 0 IT QA Parameter order used in QAQC Setup
SPKV_ SPKA_
SPKR_ SPDV_
SPDR_ CCB_
CCV_
QA_PREFIX_BLKV_ BLANK 1 0 QA Prefix - User defined
QA_PREFIX_CCB_ CCB VALUE 14 0 QA Prefix - User defined
QA_PREFIX_CCV_ CCV VALUE 16 0 QA Prefix - User defined
QUOTENO Quote Number 1 0 IL Depricated - Next Quote Number
515 of 524
reserved.
REMOVEINTERVAL 0 0 IL Period of time for removal of serviced messages
REPBATNUMBER 1 0 IL Email Report Batch Number
Report template
REPORT_OWNERSHIP_ACTIVE ownership 0 0 IB Report template ownership tracking is active
tracking is active
Report template
Report template ownership is pessimistic - don't
REPORT_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC ownership is 0 0 IB
include un-assigned
pessimistic
Period before reserviceing messages that are in-

RESERVICEINTERVAL 0 -1 IB
process
Disable time check 0 ResultsEntry6 - to disable time check

RESULTSENTRY_DISABLE_TIMECHECK 0 IB
ROUND_CALCULATED_RESULTS -1 IB PostResults6 - Round calculated values
ROUND_IMPORTED_RESULTS -1 IB PostResults6 - Round Imported values
ROUND_LOGGED_RESULT -1 IB PostResults6 - For Future Use
ROUND_MANUAL_RESULTS -1 IB PostResults6 - For Future Use
ROUND_SPECIFIED_RESULT -1 IB PostResults6 - For Future Use
SAMPMODIFY_DUEDATE_RECALC 0 0 IT Show/Hide prompt to recalculate due date in

sample modify
Source for Sample Specs -

SAMP_SPEC_T
SAMP_SPEC_SOURCE 0 0 IT SAMP_SPEC_TABLE/SAMP_SPEC_TABLE_O
ABLE
NLY/NULL
Sample
SAMPLE_OWNERSHIP_ACTIVE ownership 0 -1 IB Sample ownership tracking is active
tracking is active
516 of 524
reserved.
Sample
Sample ownership is pessimistic - don't include
SAMPLE_OWNERSHIP_PESSIMISTIC ownership is 0 0 IB
un-assigned
pessimistic
LWSampleLogin - Maximum number of samples

SAMPLELOGIN_MAX_SAMPLES 50 0 IL
in login batch
SAMPNUMBER 400336 0 Sample Number - Value of next number
Database Query Parameter, how many

SAMPQUERYSIZE 200 0 IL
SAMPNOs to query in a single statement
SAVE_CUSTOM_REASON -1 IB Audit Trail - Save new reasons
May-04-2010
SCAND_UPDATETIME ScanDaemon - Last updated time
15:14
PostResults6 - Single Component Below Dection

SCBDL <MDL 0 0 IT
Limit
Used with Custom program for Schumaker

SCHUMAKER 0 0 IB
Instrument Validation
Used with Custom program for Schumaker

SCHUMAKER_AREF SCHU 0 0
Instrument Validation - Acode
Out of box name for Sample Collector field name

Sample
SCNAME1 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL
Collector
column (long label)

SCNAME2 sample collector 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL
column (long label)

SCNAME3 Collectr 0 0 changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL
column (abbreviated label)
517 of 524
reserved.
SCNAME4 Collector 0 0 Out of box name for Sample Collector field name
changed to value entered into SYSMGRVAL
column (abbreviated label)
SCND Not detected 0 0 IT PostResults6 - Single Component Not Dected
Used with SYSTEMTIMEOUT to control the type

SEC_RESUME_PROC PROMPT_PW 0 0 IT of prompt to display: PROMPT_PW or
PROMPT_PW_USERID
Used with ForceCheckIn to control the type of

PROMPT_PW_
SEC_VERIFY_PROC 0 0 IT prompt to display: PROMPT_PW or
USERID
PROMPT_PW_USERID
SELECTPASSPW AP 0 0 INTERNAL Use/any string value is ok
SEQUENTIAL_ANALYSIS_DUEDATE_RE PostResults6 - Update duedates for Sequential

-1 IB
CALC Analyses
Show Crystal Report Export button on Webtop

SHOWCRYSTALEXPORT 0 -1 IB
Crystal Report Viewer
SIGID 1 0 Quick Track - Signature ID Index
Sample Selection Component, number of

SSC_WARN_SAMPS 500 0 IL
samples limit before possible delay warning.
STATE_MGMT_ON 0 0 IB State Management On/Off
Period of time of inactivity before application

SYSTEMSHUTDOWN (long) 0 0 IL
closes
Period of time of inactivity before application

SYSTEMTIMEOUT (long) 0 0 IL
prompt for User Password before continuing
518 of 524
reserved.
SYSWRITEPW MASTER 0 0 Depricated
TC_PASSWORD 1234 0 0 IT Total Chrome Password (Optional)
TC_USER_NAME Mike Lehtola 0 0 IT Total Chrome User Name (Optional)
Database Query Parameter, how many

TESTQUERYSIZE 200 0 IL
ACODES to query in a single statement
Unlock messages that are locked for period

UNLOCKMESSAGEINTERVAL 0 -1 IB
greater than interval
USE_62_PLATFORM 0 -1 IB Use 6.2+ data storage and logic
USE_CONTAINER 0 -1 IB Quick Track - Use Container
USE_IDS_MAIL Use IDS Mail 0 -1 IB Use IDS (3rd party component) email interface
Allow users to
USER_SET_LOC_OWN set location 0 -1 IB Sample Modify - User can change owner
ownerships
WARN_DUE_COLOR YELLOW 0 0 IT Backlog - Warning Color
WARN_DUE_HOURS 3 0 IL Backlog - Warning Hours
USE_CALCULATION_ENGINE 0 -1 IB If True then use LWCalculationEngine for

calculation otherwise use Result Entry calculation
logic for calculation
RECALC 0 0 IB If True then automatic recalculation of results

when input values are changed. Otherwise do not
perform recalculation.
519 of 524
reserved.
ADMINISTRATOR_EMAIL 0 0 IT 0
ALLOW_ANLCODE_DELETION ALLOW_ANLCOD 0 -1 IB 0
E_DELETION
ALLOW_LOCCODE_DELETION ALLOW_LOCCOD 0 -1 IB 0
E_DELETION
ALLOW_RAW_RESULT_MANUAL_ENTRY 0 0 IB 0
AUDIT_REASON_LATEST_AT_TOP Allow latest 0 -1 IB 0

reason to
displayed at top.
DUE_COLOR_FONT WHITE 0 0 IT 0
EXPORT_SAMP_SPEC 0 -1 IB 0
OVERDUE_COLOR_FONT BLACK 0 0 IT 0
SHOW_STATUS PS status 0 -1 IB 0
STATISTICAL_SIGFIG_VALUE 3 0 IL 0
USE_COL_SUB_TIME 0 0 IB 0
WARN_DUE_COLOR_FONT BLACK 0 0 IT 0
WEB_REPORT_PATH C:\LABWORKS\L 0 0 IT 0
W_REPORT
520 of 524
reserved.
Appendix B: The Complete List of LABWORKS.INI Settings
Module Name Setting Name Setting Value Description

ALOGINO LOGACTIVE YES specifies event and resource logging to lwuserpath\alogino.log
PROJECT_ANALYTE_GR PROJ Specifies a project analyte reporting group for default (LCOD, SCOL, PORD,
OUP PROJ, USXX)
Enterprise with sql compliant databases only
Analysis_Selection FIELD REF Optional fields to display in analysis selection dialog (anlysis code and name
are standard)
Options are: DEPT (department) REF (reference) MDL UNIT PRICE
Analyte_Limiting Remove R_ This section allows you to remove test codes from the test selection in Zip login,
Single sample login and Multi sample login. Remove = R_ - will remove any
analysis code that starts with R_
Example: Remove = R_ -- will not list R_CD or R_AS
AUTO_MC_RLT_SPEC_KEYS Specify function key (F2-F12) string substitutions for help topic
"auto_mc_rlt_spec"
keys are accessed by typing Ctrl-Fx combination at prompt key Ctrl+F1 is

reserved for displaying current substitutions
BARTENDER_LABELS LABEL_TYPE 1 This section is for labels using bartender and COC's using Access
'Label types:-
1 = all analyses on one record
2 = one record for each department
3 = one record for each bottletype.
4 = one record for each pscontainer
5 = one field for each analysis department
SHOW_PRINT_DIALOG NO Setting for display print dialog.
CertOfAnalysis COA_VERSION NEW Default settings for certificate of analysis option (DOS version)
COA_VERSION specify as : NEW or OLD (default is NEW)
CUST_BASE_DEFAULT PROJ Specifies a .cbf for default (LCOD, SCOL, PORD, PROJ, USXX)
LOTNUMBER How to build a lot number (NONE / BASF or SCOL / BASF1 / US01 / US02 /
default)
521 of 524
reserved.

NONE (no lot number)
SCOL or BASF (use sample collector)
SIDN (use sample number as lot number)
US01 (user field 1)
US02 (user field 2)
BASF1 (ponumber-project-coldate)
default (numeric_part_of_sampno-project-coldate)
PRINT_VIOL_WARNING NO Print notice of violation on standard format coa (yes / no (default)
DISABLE_ON_VIO NO Disable printing of coa if violation (yes / no default)
MULTISAMPLE
RESULT_REVIEW Review / modify results on screen before printing coa
HEADER_SAMP LOWEST Specify sample for coa header info if multisample - LOWEST (default) /
HIGHEST / SELECT
VIOL_IF_BLANK Yes Is a blank (empty or pending) result for a numeric or non-numeric spec a
violation? (Yes / No Default is Yes)
VIOL_IF_NOT_NUMBER Yes Is a non-numeric result for a numeric spec a violation? (Yes / No Default is Yes)
CUSTOM_PREVIEW NO Preview custom format coa before printing (default = NO)
ENVELOPE NO Pause for envelope printing (hp laser only) (default = NO YES or #)
ENVELOPE_BIN 6 Printer bin for feeding envelopes (if ENVELOPE = YSE)
5 if automatic envelope loading is available on printer
6 if envelopes are manually fed into printer (default)
ENVELOPE_SIZE 20 Envelope size option
20 Envelope #10 (4 1/8 x 9 1/2) default
19 Envelope #9 (3 7/8 x 8 7/8)
METREFA Method reference prefix substitutions for COA
specify as: METREFx = PREFIX
522 of 524
reserved.

example: METREFA = ASTM- (changes "A" to "ASTM-")
HIST_POINTS 10 Number of most recent results points to display default is 10 min is 3 max is
100
HIST_SORT_ORDER ASCENDING Sort order for as shipped history display (ASCENDING / DESCENDING) default
is ASCENDING
EXCEL_COA_COPY_PAT Path for saving excel workbook files after printing

H
Cross_Reference SHOW_CURRENT_DATE YES Display current date when search routine is opened.
If NO it will display last saved date in the search routine when re-run
Custody_Tracking NULL_LOCATION Not in custody specifies report label for null (not entered) contained location (default =
Unspecified)
INITIAL_LOCATION Receiving Specifies default initial location for all container types
PRELOGIN_LOCATION Not in house Specifies report description for location of sample containers before login
Specifies initial locations for specific container codes which supercede default
IL_@TCOL = Bact receiving
IL_@WET = Chem receiving
IL_@VOA = Orgn receiving
IL_@VOAD = Orgn receiving
IL_@VOAS = Orgn receiving
IL_@VOAT = Orgn receiving
INITIAL_REASON New sample submitted Specifies reason to be associated with initial placement of all container types
to laboratory during login
CURRENT_SAMPS 20 Specifies number of samples (default=20) considered current for tracking by

sample designation of loccode or user field 1
SELECT_CURRENT_SAM NO Specifies if automatically selects current samples (default=No)

PS
FORCE_MOVE_REASON NO Specifies if reason must be entered for moving sample container (default=No)
SAVE_MOVE_REASON YES Specifies if entered reason for moving sample container is saved to list
(default=Yes)
SAVE_MOVE_DESTINATI NO Specifies if entered destination for sample container move is saved to list
523 of 524
reserved.

ON (default=No)
DMR SMP_TYP COMP24 = 24HC Entry to tell DMR to change COMP24 to 24HC
Smp_Frq Continuous = CONT Smp_Frq = Continuous = CONT
Smp_Frq = INSTAN = RCORD
Drive_S PATH Location of SQC data files... *.hed, *.dat, *.run (for LABWORKS DOS use only)
NWA_VERSION DOS Specify the nwa application environment... WIN, DOS (default)
LWSQCNET NO specifies if quality analyst is being run in a shared network mode
ie, file qa.nwa in lwuserpath has data file path info => YES
or go to lwsqcpath to launch quality analyst => NO (default)
NO_UNITS NO Specifies if units should not appear with analyte name at tops of charts... YES /
NO (default)
Email EMAIL_SERVER Specifies the name of the e-mail server in use at the workstation
Exception_Report_Sender Specifies the name of the exception report sender
EPA_CONTROL_CHART MATRIX_FIELD SAMPTYPE The user field associated with the matrix
NPOINTS 25 The default number of points in a chart group
STDEV 3 The number of standard deviations for calculating control limits
STARTDATE 1/1/95 The default starting data for looking for new datapoints
Exception_Report 'EXCEPTION_DATE COLDATE Specifies date/time to use for sorting and displaying exception trail
Sql compliant, 32-bit only
COLDATE (collection) SUBDATE (submittal) ANSDATE (anl start) ANEDATE

(anl end) VIOLDATE (violation posting - default)
GPS GPS_LAT_USERFIELD 11 The GPS data is stored in two user defined fields, these fields are defined below
as GPS_LAT_USERFIELD and GPS_LON_USERFIELD.
Set each keyword equal to the field number to use.
Ex: GPS_LAT_USERFIELD = 3 will place the Latitude data in user field 3
GPS_LON_USERFIELD 12
History_Display POINTS 10 Number of most recent results points to display default is 10 min is 3 max is
100
524 of 524
reserved.

SORTDATE ANL Date to sort history by (supercedes HISTSORT environmental variable)
values (COL / SUB / ANL) coldate / subdate / analysis_date - default is COL
TOP EARLY Display earliest or latest point at top (EARLY / LATE) default is EARLY
RESULT2 NO Display secondary result also (YES / NO) Enterprise only - default is NO
QUALIFIER NO Display qualifier also (YES / NO) Enterprise only - default is NO
PQL NO Display PQL also (YES / NO) - default is NO
RAWResult NO Display raw result also (YES / NO) Enterprise only - default is NO
Interim_Result_Transfer INTERIM_RESULT Specifies if results being saved get sent to results directory for immediate
transfer
dos rev 3.40 and vb (dos 3.3 rev used l:lwks.ini for this feature)
RESULT_EXPORT_FREQ 3 Settings for windows interim result export program
RESULT_EXPORT_OUTFI Z:\DATA\LW300\ACCE
LE SS\SITEWIDE.DAT
RESULT_EXPORT_PROG X:\APPS\LAB340\SITE
WIDE.EXE
Invoicing PRN_FIELD PROJ Specifies additional fields to appear in invoices.prn line
fields appear in order specified immediately after invoice number, before the
other standard fields
Options currently supported: PROJ, SCOL, SBAT, US01-Usxx
PRN_FIELD = PROJ
PRN_FIELD = SCOL
PRN_FIELD = US01
LABWORKS_EXPLORER SHOW_SQC YES
SHOW_XREF YES
SHOW_EXCEPTION YES
SHOW_LOCDESCR NO Show Location Code Description
SHOW_VALID_STATUS NO Show Pending Validation Status
525 of 524
reserved.

Localization TooltipLanguage specify language for application tool tips
TooltipLanguage = CtlNames
TooltipLanguage = German
MC_Result_Import DataSystem GRF Specifies installed data systems and defaults for windows mc result transfer.
' Examples:
' GRF - LABWORKS GRF format
' TURBO41 - PE Nelson TurboChrom 4.1 (.RST)
' TURBO40 - PE Nelson TurboChrom 4.0 (.RST)
' TURBO33 - PE Nelson TurboChrom 3.x (.RST)
' PEN2600 - PE Nelson 2600 (.ATB)
' QMASS - PE Q-Mass (.QPT)
' HPCHEM - HP PC Chemstation (.TXT)
' HPMSD - HP MSD (.REP)
' HPMS_CSV - HP MSD CSV (.CSV)
' HPMS_RR - HP MSD Reduced Result File (.RR)
' AC_SRP - AC PIONA/Reformulyzer (.SRP)
' ACSIMDIS - AC HT-750 SIMDIS (.REP)
' ACPIONA - AC PIONA Analyzer (.REP)
' ADA - Precision ADA (.???)
' DIONEXAI450 - Dionex AI-450 (.R??)
' EZCHROM - EZChrom (.SQC)
' LABQUEST - Tremetrics LabQuest (.SQC)
' VSTAR - Varian GC Star (.RPB)
' CHROMPERFECT - ChromPerfect (.Axx)
' MILLENNIUM - Waters Millennium
' VG_MINICHROM - VG MiniChrom
ResultPath c:\
526 of 524
reserved.

DSType GRF
NDResult Not Detected
BDLResult Below Det Lim
ResultType A
DilFactor 1
RenameOption N
MC_Result_MDL MDL_GRF ANLIST Specify whether to use instrument or analysis list MDL for result loading
Options are: ANLIST, INSTR (default), HIGHER, LOWER
specify as MDL_ + InstType = Option
example: MDL_GRF = HIGHER this sets .grf file imports to uses the higher mdl
Process_Scheduler SECURITY_MODE GLOBAL Settings for Security Mode
GLOBAL or DISCRETE
PREVIEW_TIME 59 Settings for optional process scheduler
Preview time = # of minutes before sample requested time sample displays in list
PREVIEW_HOURS_DAILY 12 Preview_Hours_Daily = Number of hours prior to schedule hourly samples will be

displayed, max = 23
PREVIEW_DAYS_WEEKL 4 Preview_Days_Weekly = Number of days prior to schedule weekly samples will

Y be displayed, max = 6
PREVIEW_DAYS_MONTH 20 Preview_Days_Monthly = Number of days prior to schedule monthly samples will

LY be displayed, max = 28
RESTRICT_PREVIEW NO Restrict Preview for pre/logged in samples, Show all samples or Only Samples
with request time in preview window
REFRESH_INTERVAL 5 Refresh Interval is frequency data is updated
RETAIN_WINDOW 1 Retain Window the number of hours a sample is displayed after Production OK
VALIDATION_TYPE SAMPLE Validation Type, NONE = results finished only, SAMPLE = sample validation,
LAB = manual lab validation
ADD_TIMED_SAMPLES YES ADD_TIMED_SAMPLES, adds samples in time scheduled database, only one
machine need to run this
AUTOLOG_TIMED_SAMP YES AUTOLOG_TIMED_SAMPLES , automatically logs in Timed Samples

LES
527 of 524
reserved.

AUTOLOG_PASSWORD 1 LOGIN PASSWORD , User password for Autologin of Samples
PRIMARY_SYSTEM PF-DELL650 PRIMARY_SYSTEM is the Labworks Machine ID for the system doing autologin
and adding of timed samples
PROGRESS_FORMAT DEFAULT Progress Report Format ' format for displaying progress report
RESULT_FORMAT RESULTS Result Entry Format ' format for displaying results entry
VIEW_PROGRESS YES View results format , if native then one sample at a time , No is native, YES =
Progress Report, default
USER1_DESC Collect Type User field descriptions / Leave blank to omit field
USER2_DESC Location
USER3_DESC QC Type
USER4_DESC
NUSER1_DESC
NUSER2_DESC
USER1_ASSIGN USR15 User field to Labworks Field Mappings
USER2_ASSIGN USR1
USER3_ASSIGN USR20
USER4_ASSIGN
USER1_COMBO YES
USER2_COMBO NO
USER3_COMBO NO
USER4_COMBO NO
USER1_REQUIRED NO
USER2_REQUIRED NO
USER3_REQUIRED NO
USER4_REQUIRED NO
PROJ
DSCR
528 of 524
reserved.

PORD
LBAT
RAD1
USR1 - USR20
LOGIN_PRIORITY 1
LOGIN_DEPT
LOGIN_NOPROMPT YES
LOGIN_DEPT_FIELD PROJ
LOGIN_INITIAL_STATUS 2 Options:-
'0 = NOT READY
'1 = READY TO COLLECT
'1.5 = COLLECTED
'1.8 = IN TRANSIT
'2 = WAITING ANALYSIS
LOGIN_USELRF YES
SHOW_DESC YES Show Description displays the location code description instead of the location
code in the main display.
SHOW_REQ YES
SHOW_COLOK NO
SHOW_COL NO
SHOW_WAITINGANALYSI NO
S
SHOW_ANALYSISCOMPL NO
ETE
SHOW_LABOK NO
SHOW_PRODOK NO
SHOW_VIOLATION YES
SHOW_PSID NO
529 of 524
reserved.

TOP LATE Display earliest or latest point at top (EARLY / LATE) default is EARLY
USECOLLECTED NO Uses status collected between ready to collect and login
LOGIN_AT_READYTOCOL NO Logs sample in at Ready to collect for label printing

LECT
COLLECTED_IN_BACKLO NO Show Collected samples in Backlog, Default is NO, Sample is inactive until lab
G receipt
SHOW_COLLECTED NO
REQUIRE_PRODUCTION YES REQUIRE_PRODUCTIONOK default is YES, Must be reviewed by requester,

OK NO and Last status is LABOK
DEFAULT_NO_LABELS 1 Default Number of Labels
NO_PS_PROMPTS NO Eliminate Login OK Prompts / make barcoding easier
SHOW_BARCODE YES Show Barcode Enhancements
USE_IN_TRANSIT NO Include Status Transit to Lab
USE_PSCONTAINER NO Use Bottle/Analysis Definition in PSCONTAINER table
USE_BARTENDER NO Use Bartender Labeling Software
PSAUDIT_DAYS_TO_KEE 30 Days of Audit Trail to keep - Default is 30

P
LEFT_CLICK NO For pen computers used left or right click
COLLECTOR_REQUIRED YES Sample Collector is required by default when assigning LABWORKS SampleID
Default COLLECTOR_REQUIRED = YES
SHOW_COC YES Show Coc
USE_MULTILOG YES Use Multi-Sample login for Sample Login
USE_SINGLELOG YES Use Single-Sample login for Sample Login
SHOW_PRELOGBATCH NO
SHOW_LBPROMPT YES
CUSTOM_LOGIN_RECOR SAMNUMB.EXE To create a custom login record group set "Custom_Login_Record_Group" to the
D_GROUP exe program name. be sure to include to entire path to the program.
SHOW_LOGBATCH YES Show Login Record Group.
SHOW_COLLECTION_DE YES Prompt for Collection information at login time, when used with
530 of 524
reserved.

TAIL login_ready_collect=yes
SHOW_SUBMIT_TIME YES prompt for sample submit time
EDIT_LOCDESCR YES Permit editing of Location Description Field
USE_ACCESS_FOR_COC YES Use access reporting for COC
MAKE_PDA_FILE YES Create pda file YES/NO/ASK
PDA_PATH C:\LWUSER\PDA Folder to put downloading PDA files to:
PDA_ANALYSIS_ORDER ANUM Order for analyses for PDA, ANUM or ALPHA
PDA_EXCEL_FORMAT YES Output PDA file in Excel Format
SHOW_MASTER_STATUS YES Enable/Disable Master Status Display
HISTORY_FROM_PICKLIS YES
T
QAQC_BATCH_CREATIO 0 QAQC Batch Creation Option

N_OPTION
QAQC_BATCH_CREATION_OPTION = 0
'0 = QABatching6
'1 = LWQAQCBatchBuilder
SHOW_MCSELECT YES Display MC Select menu item in Process Scheduler if flag SHOW_MCSELECT
configured as YES.
Progress_Report CURRENT_SAMPS 20 Specifies number of samples (default=20) considered current for progress report
by sample designation of loccode or user field 1
SELECT_CURRENT_SAM YES Specifies if automatically selects current samples (default=No)

PS
SAMP_DESG_ENTER_AC OK This setting specifies program response to enter key in sample designation text
TION box
OK (default) - pushes OK button NONE - no action SPACE - adds space to

end of currently entered text
used to allow multiple barcode scans into text box before loading samples
SAMP_DESG_ENTER_ACTION = SPACE/NONE/OK
QA Batching DEFAULT_BATCH_SIZE 15 Sets default batch size for all analyses (if not set here default is 10 samples)
BATCH_SIZE_CD 20 Sets default batch size for a particular analysis
531 of 524
reserved.

‘BATCH_SIZE_analcode = nn
RECALC_GENERAL_SPECIFICATI MINIMUM_NO_OF_POINT 5 MINIMUM_NO_OF_POINTS refers to the minimum number of results needed

ON S
to recalculation specifications. Default is 5.
NUMBER_OF_MOST_REC 10 NUMBER_OF_MOST_RECENT_POINTS refers to the number of most recent

ENT_POINTS points
used to recalculate specifications. Default is 10
PRECISION_CALCULATE YES PRECISION_CALCULATE_UPPER_WARNING indicates if the upper warning

_UPPER_WARNING for
precision is to be recalculated. PRECISION_UPPER_WARNING_SIGMA is the
number of sigmas to recalculate the upper warning from the mean.
Ex. - PRECISION_CALCULATE_UPPER_WARNING=YES. Default is Yes.
Ex. - PRECISION_UPPER_WARNING_SIGMA=2. Default is 2.
PRECISION_UPPER_WAR 2
NING_SIGMA
PRECISION_CALCULATE YES PRECISION_CALCULATE_UPPER_LIMIT indicates if the upper warning for

_UPPER_LIMIT
precision is to be recalculated. PRECISION_UPPER_LIMIT_SIGMA is the
number of sigmas used to recalculate the upper warning from the mean.
Ex. - PRECISION_CALCULATE_UPPER_LIMIT=YES. Default is Yes.
Ex. - PRECISION_UPPER_LIMIT_SIGMA=2. Default is 2.
PRECISION_UPPER_LIMI 3
T_SIGMA
RECOVERY_CALCULATE YES RECOVERY_CALCULATE_WARNINGS indicates if the upper and lower

_WARNINGS warnings
are to be recalculated. RECOVERY_WARNING_SIGMA is the number of

sigmas
to used recalculate the upper and lower warnings
Ex. - RECOVERY_CALCULATE_WARNINGS=YES. Default is Yes.
Ex. - RECOVERY_WARNING_SIGMA=2. Default is 2.
RECOVERY_WARNING_S 2
IGMA
532 of 524
reserved.

RECOVERY_CALCULATE YES RECOVERY_CALCULATE_LIMITS indicates if the upper and lower limits
_LIMITS
are to be recalculated. RECOVERY_LIMIT_SIGMA is the number of sigmas
to used recalculate the upper and lower limits
Ex. - RECOVERY_CALCULATE_LIMITS=YES. Default is Yes.
Ex. - RECOVERY_LIMITS_SIGMA=3. Default is 3.
RECOVERY_LIMIT_SIGM 3
A
CALCULATE_SIGMA SAMPLE CALCULATE_SIGMA indicates to use either Sample or Population Statistics
Ex. CALCULATE_SIGMA=POPULATION
Result_Conditioning RULENAME ANLCODE specify result conditioning rule names for specific analysis codes when
loading data from interfaced instruments
specify as: RULENAME = ANLCODE
ResultScan LOGACTIVE YES Post log entries during operation (default is 'NO')
LOAD_FREQ 3 How often to load data in minutes
LOAD_MODE SINGLE loading modes:
"MULTI" parse all result files at once then post to database (default)
"SINGLE" parse and post each result file one by one
SCAN_INSTR IAI_ASCII 'SCAN_INSTR = inst_code data_path rlt_file_template addtest (optional)

C:\data\lw300\user *.rlt nochange (optional) norename (optional)
'"NORENAME" option applies only to single load mode causes file to be renamed
AFTER posting rather than before parsing (default)
' Philips PW-1480 XRF (imports PW1480 results from c:\results\xray\*.lst files
with result changes but no work order additions)
'SCAN_INSTR = IAI_PHILIPS_X40 D:\DATA1\ *.SAV
'SCAN_INSTR = IAI_CANNON_VISC D:\DATA2\ CAVDAT.DAT
SCAN_INSTR IAI_ASCII
C:\data\lw300\user
*.asc
533 of 524
reserved.

RouteSheets PRINTER variable - printer defaults to LPT1:
BARCODE barcode defaults to ON unless set to OFF, supercedes RBARCODE

environmental variable
SPECIAL_INFO NO Include special info fields, defaults to NO unless set to YES (new)
COMMENT_LINES free text comment to include, defaults to 0 unless set to positive number new)
Sample_Modify Auto_Validate_Rule No_Violations Should sample be auto validated when no test is pending
CURRENT_SAMPS 14 Specifies number of samples (default=20) considered current for modification by

sample designation of loccode or user field 1
TION box
OK (default) - pushes OK button NONE - no action SPACE - adds space to

end of currently entered text
used to allow multiple barcode scans into text box before loading samples
SAMP_DESG_ENTER_ACTION = SPACE/NONE/OK
ADD_TEST_BASEDATE LOCCODE Specifies the base date option to use for calculating due dates of analyses added
during sample modification
'ADD_TEST_BASEDATE = LOCCODE (default) COLDATE SUBDATE

CURDATE
SINGLE_SAMPLE_USER_ SHELTEST Specifies program to run after each modified sample in single sample modify
PROG
include full path and extension or program path and .exe are assumed
MULTI_SAMPLE_USER_P SHELTEST Specifies program to run after multisample modifications are saved
ROG
include full path and extension or program path and .exe are assumed
SampleReceipt SPECIAL_INFO Receipt printing parameters for Windows
Include special info fields, defaults to NO unless set to YES (new)
COMMENT_LINES Receipt printing parameters for Windows
Free text comment to include, defaults to 0 unless set to positive number
SC_Result_Import INSTRTYPE_NEG ZERO If instrument reports negative values change negative result to 0
INSTRTYPE_NEG OMIT If instrument reports negative values don't report negative result
INSTRTYPE_NEG MDL If instrument reports negative values report negative result as default MDL value
for analysis
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reserved.

INSTRTYPE_NEG <MDL If instrument reports negative values report negative result as 'less than ' default
MDL value
INSTRTYPE_NEG RESULT If instrument reports negative values report negative result as it is
INSTRTYPE_NEG other If instrument reports negative values report negative result as 'other'
INSTRTYPE_COL_WIDTH 14 how wide to make result review columns in spreadsheet (default = 8 chars)
Serial_Instruments ANL_-TSSTARE BALANCE_01 ANL & Analysis Name = Instrument_Name (in InstrumentLibrary) for results entry
ANL_-TSSFWT BALANCE_01 ANL & Analysis Name = Instrument_Name (in InstrumentLibrary) for results entry
ANL_TAREWT BALANCE_01 ANL & Analysis Name = Instrument_Name (in InstrumentLibrary) for results entry
ANL_FINALWT BALANCE_01 ANL & Analysis Name = Instrument_Name (in InstrumentLibrary) for results entry
ANL_PH PHMETER ANL & Analysis Name = Instrument_Name (in InstrumentLibrary) for results entry
SEQ_WEIGHT_PE_5100 BALANCE_05 SEQ_WEIGHT_ & INSTR CODE = Instrument_Name (in InstrumentLibrary) for
sequence loading
Spread_Result_Entry POST_RESULT_PROGRA SHELTEST Enables custom program to run after results are saved, Path defaults to
M programs path, extension defaults to .EXE
POST_RESULT_PROGRAM = ProgramName ProgramParams (optional)
SCND Not detected Specifies result labels to be used for 0 and quantities below mdl in single
component instrument imports, replaces environmental variables SCND and
SCMDL used in DOS for same purpose
SCBDL Present < MDL Specifies result labels to be used for 0 and quantities below mdl in single
component instrument imports, replaces environmental variables SCND and
SCMDL used in DOS for same purpose
MCND Not detected Specifies result labels to be used for 0 and quantities below mdl in
multicomponent instrument imports and defaulted manual entries in results entry
(RENTERO.EXE rev 4 only), replaces environmental variables used in earlier
versions for same purpose
MCBDL Present < MDL Specifies result labels to be used for 0 and quantities below mdl in
multicomponent instrument imports and defaulted manual entries in results entry
(RENTERO.EXE rev 4 only), replaces environmental variables used in earlier
versions for same purpose
AUTO_VALIDATE_RULE Specifies option for auto validation of sample upon completion of results entry,
Set to 'NO_VIOLATIONS' to automatically validate samples with no exceptions
CURRENT_SAMPS 20 This setting default to 20 and controls the number of the most recent samples
considered current when selecting them by sample designation and entering
535 of 524
reserved.

either a location code or user field 1 value.
SELECT_CURRENT_SAM NO This setting controls whether results entry will automatically bring up the current
PS samples for a location code or user field 1 value, bypassing the sample selection
screen.
TION box, OK (default) - pushes OK button, NONE - no action, SPACE - adds space
to end of currently entered text, used to allow multiple barcode scans into text
box before loading samples “SAMP_DESG_ENTER_ACTION =
SPACE/NONE/OK”
ADJUST_PROJECT_REP NO specifies adjusting project analyte reporting (PAM) limits for analysis be dilution
ORT_LIMITS factor
(sql compliant only). Values: Yes / No
EXCEL_CALC_VISIBLE YES Specifies if Excel spreadsheet appears during calculations - YES (default) or NO
SpecSound Set SpecSound = ON to enable the playback of WAV files for spec violations
(requires sound card and windows multimedia drivers)
UpperSpec_Sound Specify .WAV files for violation that may occur
UpperWarning_Sound Specify .WAV files for violation that may occur
Target_Sound Specify .WAV files for violation that may occur
LowerWarning_Sound Specify .WAV files for violation that may occur
LowerSpec_Sound Specify .WAV files for violation that may occur
SortType 5 Change the sort type for tests based on the type of test code you create.
1 = Generic, 3 = Numeric, 5 = String (no case), 7 = String
Test_Sort USER1 Seed Only USER FIELDS support Incrementing.Each field must start with a seed. The
seed will be used as the first number and will be incremented each time it is
used.Seeds may include numbers and letters.Make sure you include enough
digit positions in the seed to cover your needs. ex: if your seed is 1 then it will
increment up to 9 and roll over back to 0. If you want to increment up to 10000
then make your seed equal to 00001.You can not use spaces at the beginning or
end of the seed. Fields must be setup using the following syntax with the word
Seed being replaced by your actual seed data.
USER1 = AA-AAA-00091
USER2 = Seed
User_Field_Increments 'QAQC_SEARCH ON Parameters for windows sample validation program should a search be done for
qa/qc results for validation samples (ON / OFF default is ON)
536 of 524
reserved.

Validation LOGACTIVE YES Specifies event logging to lwuserpath\validato.log
TION box OK (default) - pushes OK button NONE - no action SPACE - adds space
to end of currently entered text used to allow multiple barcode scans into text box
before loading samples SAMP_DESG_ENTER_ACTION = SPACE/NONE/OK
ACC_PATH USER ACC_PATH determines where the Access Report Writer support files will be
located. Use USER for the user path, and DATA for the datapath. Any other
desired path may be hard coded (i.e. C:\lwuser\) or if left blank, the datapath is
used.
Windows_Desktop Sound OFF Set Sound = ON to enable the playback of WAV files.
Startup_Sound Startup_Sound is the sound that will play when the desktop has first loaded,
before the password prompt.
Welcome_Sound Welcome_Sound will play after the user has entered a correct password.
Update_Time 5 Update_Time determines how often (in minutes) the Desktop should check for
new Xref.dat files and changes to the location code list. Default time is 5 minutes
- minimum time is 1 minute.
Zip_Reports_Printer 1 Zip_Reports_Printer allows you to set the LPT port for zip advanced reports.
MSWord_Null_Data_Repla "---"
cement
UPDATE_HISTORY_FILE To turn off saving entries into History Lists, set the following variable to No
Windows_Multi_Sample_Login Button_Text Text description to display on special button.Example: Button_Text = "Select

Sample".
Test_DueDate_BaseDate COLDATE To change the way due dates are calculated for tests, set this entry to One of the
following: LOCCODE (default) COLDATE SUBDATE
Special_Button Special button assignment can be one of the following: "Sample Description",
"Project Account Code", "User Field 1","User Field 2".
Example: Special_Button = "Sample Description".
Use_Login_Record_Group Set "Use_Login_Record_Group" equal to "Yes" if you want to add/create a

sample login group.
CUSTOM_LOGIN_RECOR To create a custom login record group set "Custom_Login_Record_Group" to the

D_GROUP exe program name. Be sure to include to entire path to the program.
LOGIN_RECORD_FILE_T This entry is used to transport the login record group information from a custom
RANSFER program back to login. Setting it to a complete filespec will change the way the
537 of 524
reserved.

data is passed back to login. The filespec will be passed to the program as a
command line parameter with " Result:" preceding the file name. If it is empty or
missing, the transfer will take place as normal, through the keyboard.
EXPORT_LOCATIONS Setting this entry to YES will cause login to create a file containing the location
codes that are about to be logged in.The filename will be passed as a command
line parameter with "Export:" preceding the filename.
FIELD1 Sample ID: = SIDN Information to display when sample login completed. .
FIELD2 Location Code: = LCOD Information to display when sample login completed.
FIELD3 Submit Date = SDAT Information to display when sample login completed
FIELD4 Due Date = DDAT Information to display when sample login completed.
FIELD5 User 1 = USR1 Information to display when sample login completed
TDAT Current Date LABWORKS data item for Current Date.
SIDN Sample ID LABWORKS data item for Sample ID
LCOD Location Code LABWORKS data item for Location Code
DSCR Sample Description LABWORKS data item for Sample Description

SCOL
Sample Collector LABWORKS data item for Sample Collector
CDAT Collection Date LABWORKS data item for Collection Date
CTIM Collection Time LABWORKS data item for Collection Time
SDAT Submit Date LABWORKS data item for Submit Date
STIM Submit Time LABWORKS data item for Submit Time
DDAT Due Date LABWORKS data item for Due Date
PORD P.O. Number LABWORKS data item for P.O. Number
PROJ Project Code LABWORKS data item for Project Code
RFOR Report Format LABWORKS data item for Report Format
LUSR Login User LABWORKS data item for Login User
LBAT Login Batch LABWORKS data item for Login Batch
RAD1 Report Address 1 LABWORKS data item for Report Address 1
538 of 524
reserved.

BAD1 Billing Address 1 LABWORKS data item for Billing Address 1
USR1 User Field 1 LABWORKS data item for User Field 1
COM1 User Field 5 LABWORKS data item for Comment Line 1
COM2 Comment Line 2 LABWORKS data item for Comment Line 2
MAX_Samples 50 Indicates to MultiLog the maximum number of samples that can be logged in.
ENTER_KEY_ACTION ENTER_KEY_ACTION determines the movement of the cell pointer when the
ENTER key is pressed. current options are "DOWN" and "NEXT".
FIELD_LOCKED FIELD_LOCKED allows data to only be selected using the history lists.Use the
four character codes to specify which field is to be locked. In order for the lock to
take place the field must be placed on the spreadsheet. USE USXX, (US01) for
userfields
539 of 524
reserved.

FIELDS_FROZEN FIELDS_FROZEN allows data to remain on screen when scrolling horizontally.
Set the value equal to the number of rows to be frozen starting from the first
editable column (not the row number column).
Select_Field USERFLDS.USER1 These are the fields for selecting location codes using the "Custom Selection
Screen" up to five fields can be used. The first column is the field number, the
second column is the description to display on screen, and the third column is
the name of the field contained in the database using the syntax
"TableName.FieldName" If the field name contains spaces then it must be
surrounded with brackets "[]" such as USERFLDS.[Analysis number]
' Field Counter - Description - TableName.FieldName
Select_Field USERFLDS.USER2
Select_Field LOCLIST.DESCR
ADD_TO_PROCESS_SCH YES Turn on adding samples to process scheduler

EDULER
USE_STORED_COLLECTI NO Use times stored in pre-login file

ON_TIMES
UPDATE_HISTORY_FILE To turn saving entries into History Lists, set the following variable to No
Windows_Single_Sample_Login Button_Text Text description to display on special button. Example: Button_Text = "Select
Sample".
Special_Button Special button assignment can be one of the following:
"Sample Description", "Project Account Code", "User Field 1", "User Field 2".
Example: Special_Button = "Sample Description".
Use_Login_Record_Group NO Set "Use_Login_Record_Group" equal to "Yes" if you want to add/create a

sample login group.
CUSTOM_LOGIN_RECOR To create a custom login record group set "Custom_Login_Record_Group" to the

D_GROUP exe program name.Be sure to include to entire path to the program.
FIELD1 = Sample ID SIDN 5 fields can be displayed when sample login completed.
FIELD2 = Location Code LCOD 5 fields can be displayed when sample login completed.
FIELD3 = Submit Date SDAT 5 fields can be displayed when sample login completed.
FIELD4 = Due Date DDAT 5 fields can be displayed when sample login completed.
FIELD5 = User 1 USR1 5 fields can be displayed when sample login completed.
ADD_TO_PROCESS_SCH Turn on adding samples to process scheduler YES/NO

540 of 524
reserved.

EDULER
FIELD1 KEY WORDS or the line syntax must not be changed. All key words must be
followed by an equal (=) sign.
Windows_Standard_Labels FIELD2
FIELD3
FIELD4
FIELD5
PRINTER_NAME
BARCODES Barcodes and barcode text can be toggled on or off depending on user
preference.The parameter BARCODES turns the barcode on and off on the
label, and the parameter 'BARCODE_TEXT turns the caption under a barcode
on or off. Note that the barcode option for LABWORKS must be installed for
these parameters to work. Default settings are ON for both these parameters.
BARCODE_TEXT Barcodes and barcode text can be toggled on or off depending on user
preference.The parameter BARCODES turns the barcode on and off on the
label, and the parameter 'BARCODE_TEXT turns the caption under a barcode
on or off. Note that the barcode option for LABWORKS must be installed for
these parameters to work. Default settings are ON for both these parameters.
BARCODE ON Work sheet printing parameters for *** WINDOWS DESKTOP *** barcode
defaults to ON unless set to OFF, supercedes WSBARCODE environmental
variable (for STANDARD format worksheets only)
Worksheets WS_SORT sort options = 'ODUEDATE', 'SDUEDATE', 'ADUEDATE', 'SAMPNO',

'COLDATE', 'SUBDATE'
Note: sort options do not overide sorting specified in Windows Backlog report
when worksheets are printed there but do control which due date is printed
' WS_SORT = ODUEDATE - Overall Due Data.
QA_SAMPLE_SUFFIX None how to print sample id on worksheets for qa parameters
DESCR (default - prints SampleID + BLANK, DUPLICATE, PRECISION, etc.)
ABBR (prints SampleID + _B, _D, _P, etc.)
NONE (prints SampleID only)
PORT Select the com port number being used by the Zebra Printer.
Valid options are: 1 or 2.
Zebra_Barcode_Printer
541 of 524
reserved.
542 of 524
reserved.

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Labworks, LLC

230 North 1200 E #202

LABWORKS LIMS v6.9

Last Updated: May 2019

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright.

This software is supported by LABWORKS Informatics Support.

LABWORKS LLC. | For the Better

Copyright Information ....................................................................................................................................................... 2

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................................... 1

1. System Administrator Reference ........................................................................................................................ 1

Data Fields Setup.......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Error Codes and Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................. 8

Translation Tool ............................................................................................................................................................ 9

Automatic Email Reporting ......................................................................................................................................... 16

BarTender Label Setup ............................................................................................................................................... 25

Archive Setup and Configuration ................................................................................................................................ 39

LABWORKS INI File ................................................................................................................................................... 49

Additional Reference Material ..................................................................................................................................... 81

SYSMGR/System Manager Settings .......................................................................................................................... 92

2. LABWORKS Sample Login - Sample Reporting (“Paperwork”) ....................................................................... 95

LABWORKS Sample Login ......................................................................................................................................... 95

Sample Login Configuration ........................................................................................................................................ 96

List Screen Configurations .......................................................................................................................................... 99

User Program Configuration ..................................................................................................................................... 102

Group Configuration .................................................................................................................................................. 104

Paperwork Configuration .......................................................................................................................................... 104

Sample Login Reporting Overview – The Complete Process .................................................................................. 108

New Paperwork Template Design or Modification .................................................................................................... 109

LABWORKS Reporting ............................................................................................................................................. 113

Data Model Configuration ......................................................................................................................................... 116

LABWORKS Sample Login – Logging in Samples ................................................................................................... 118

Sample Login Complete Report Rendering Process ................................................................................................ 121

Persisted Groups in LABWORKS ............................................................................................................................. 123

3. LABWORKS Crystal 11 Report Designer ....................................................................................................... 132

About the Program and Getting Started.................................................................................................................... 132

Create/Edit Reports Using Exported Data ................................................................................................................ 134

Create/Edit Reports Using Direct Connect ............................................................................................................... 144

Menu Items and Special Editing Features ................................................................................................................ 151

Record Selection ....................................................................................................................................................... 163

Sorting and Grouping Data ....................................................................................................................................... 171

Running Totals .......................................................................................................................................................... 183

Multiple Section Reports ........................................................................................................................................... 188

Formatting ................................................................................................................................................................. 197

Charting ..................................................................................................................................................................... 206

Cross-Tab Objects .................................................................................................................................................... 224

Using Formulas ......................................................................................................................................................... 231

Creating Formulas with Basic Syntax ....................................................................................................................... 240

Creating Formulas with Crystal Syntax ..................................................................................................................... 272

Parameter Fields ....................................................................................................................................................... 306

Subreports ................................................................................................................................................................. 314

4. QA/QC Module Technical Reference ............................................................................................................. 324

Technical Prologue ................................................................................................................................................... 324

QA/QC Module Execution ......................................................................................................................................... 324

QA/QC Application Specifics .................................................................................................................................... 326

Common QA/QC Problems ....................................................................................................................................... 339

5. QA/AC Module Setup and Configuration Reference ...................................................................................... 340

Overview and Setup .................................................................................................................................................. 340

QA/QC Template Builder .......................................................................................................................................... 343

QA/QC Batching and Other LIMS Modules .............................................................................................................. 364