Jargon

Raw Data

Actual Data entered in the database. This Data is never changed or altered by our system and is stored in its own table in the database. (back to top)

Derived/Calculated Data

This is the Data derived from the original Data. It is stored in the database in the units set applied to the Meter and using any Unit Conversion applied. The database also calculates the Cost, Target and Target Cost for this Meter if set up (back to top)

Site

The Site which the Meters are applied to (back to top)

Meter

The individual parameter set up in the database. Does not have to be a physical meter can relate to anything that you wish to monitor. Examples would include; flow, temperature, pressure, concentrations, bags of chemicals, number of tanker loads of sludge removed, tonnes of product manufactured etc (back to top)

Incrementing meter

Counting type Meter where the reading will increase on a day to day basis. E.g. Flow meter, electricity meter etc. System includes provision to adjust for meters that lap. Calculation engine works out the difference between one reading and the previous reading and then splits the difference across the number of days in between the two readings. (back to top)

Consumption meter

Used when you have used X bags of chemical since the last data entry. System splits the use over the number of days since the last entry. (back to top)

Absolute meter

This is the default type Meter and is used for anything that is measured at a specific moment in time. Calculations that use an Absolute Meter will only display results for the day in which there is an actual value. This is called non-interpolated data (i.e. we are only showing calculations when we know the individual readings for the day). It is possible to display interpolated data but this option is only available in the Expert version and even then we advise caution in using this Information. For more details on interpolated vs non-interpolated data please click here . (back to top)

Calculated meter

This is used if the Meter you have set up is to perform some any sort of calculation. The IPMS Calculation Engine supports a broad range of mathematical functions including the standard mathematical functions, nested brackets, some statistical functions, Boolean functions and the use of datasets to define a range of readings.
A Calculated Meter is not required if you wish to convert a number entered into other units - see Unit Conversion for this - or if you wish to calculate a Cost for the Meter - see Unit Cost for this. (back to top)

Level meter

This Meter is used if you wish to record the level in say an oil storage tank. The Level Meter automatically takes the current level reading and subtracts it from the previous reading. Using a Unit Conversion it converts the difference into a actual consumption of oil for the period and then splits that consumption back over the period in question. (If the tank has a level scale of 0 to 100% and the tank is 4 m high and has a surface area of 10m2 then a change in level of 5% in the tank equates to 2m3 used in the period. To calculate this you will need to set up a Unit Conversion of 0.4 in the Meter i.e. every 1% change in the level equates to 0.4 m3 ).
If the Level Meter notes that the current reading is greater than the previous reading it assumes that a delivery has been received during the period. For this period the Calculation Engine does not calculate any readings but instead estimates the consumption as being the average over daily use over the past three months. Level Meters work best with regularly entered Data. (back to top)

Stock meter

This Meter is used if you wish to calculate the Opening and Closing Stock Levels for use in a Stock Report which calculates the Opening and Closing Stock Levels (both cost and quantity), the Delivery Data and then works out the Stock use for the period in question. To see an example Stock Report click here .
A Stock Meter takes the current stock reading and subtracts the previous Stock Reading. It then converts this difference using the Unit Conversion in a manner very similar to the Level Meter. However a Stock Meter is not included in the Interpolated Data Calculation so that you can view the Stock Level for any day - even if there is no Actual Data reading for the day in question. To see more on the difference between Interpolated vs Non-Interpolated Data click here .
If the current stock reading is greater than the previous reading then the Calculation Engine will assume that a delivery was received during the period. The Calculation Engine then assumes a straight line change in level between the low reading to the high reading. For accurate calculation of stock it is therefore important to record the stock level after the delivery has been made - ideally on the same day. In this way the level will be correct. (back to top)

Meter Start date

This sets the time from which the data will be used in Calculations etc. You cannot calculate data for a Meter before it's Start Date nor can use you this Data in a calculation for another Meter before its Start Date (back to top)

Meter End date

This sets the time from which the data will stop being set in Calculations etc. You cannot calculate data for a Meter after it's End Date nor can use you this Data in a calculation for another Meter after its End Date (back to top)

Meter Start value

The Start value is only used for Incrementing, Level and Stock type Meters. It sets the initial reading for the Meter which the second reading will use to calculate the difference. If no initial reading is included then you will see a big spike in the data from day one.
Note. If say you create a Meter on the 6th July and enter a Meter Start Value of 12345 then you should not enter the same number as Data otherwise the Calculation Engine will work the value out as 0 for the day. (back to top)

Meter high value

This sets the High Value for the Meter above which the Meter is assumed to have lapped and reset itself to 0 again. Only used for Incrementing and Level Meters.
If the maximum reading that a flow meter can record before resetting itself back to 0 is 999999 for example then this is the value you should enter in the Meter High Value (back to top)

Meter low value

This sets the Low Value for the Meter below which the Meter is assumed to have returned to the High Value and reset itself to 0 again. Only used for Level Meters.
If the Low level in a tank is set to 10% then the Calculation Engine will automatically assume that the level has increased back to the High Level reading (back to top)

Meter high/low exceptions

This is used if you wish to monitor a High or Low Exception for a Meter. If the value for a Meter is greater or less than the High or Low Exception then this will be shown in the Exception report ( click here to see an example ) or in the Exception breaches summary table on the graphs table.
The High and Low Exceptions can be a calculation if required. Applies to all Meters (back to top)

Missing Data Value

Entering a value here will ensure that this value is always set in the database - even if there is no data entered for this Meter. Very useful for entering fixed variable information (I.e. the standard dose rate for a chemical) or if you wish to record the number or quantity of chemicals delivered and to use this data in a subsequent calculation - in this case you would set the Missing Data Value as 0 - i.e. the quantity of chemicals delivered is always 0 unless specifically entered as something else. (back to top)

Aggregation

This allows the user to set up the way that multiple readings per day are aggregate.. This option is only normally used with data collected from automated data collection and recording systems such as SCADA or Telemetry based applications. Check the tick box to allow Data Aggregation and then select the Aggregation method from the drop down box. Available Aggregation values range from 1 minute through to daily. (back to top)

Real Time Data Processing

The IPMS Calculation engine now has the ability to derive calculation in Real Time and to display this information on the web site in Real Time. Raw data from SCADA systems can be uploaded automatically to our ftp site and then automatically imported and calculated so that you can view calculated process performance indicators on the web site in Real Time (back to top)

Periodicity

Used in the calculation of Real Time data, periodicity is the time interval between different raw data readings. (back to top)

Date Adjust

This option allows the user to store the raw data with a different date to that entered via the web site or via the Psion Workabout. Entering a value of -1 enters the value with yesterday's date. Entering a value of +1 enters a value with tomorrow's date. This option can be useful for recording, say analysis data, where the laboratory always takes say 1 day to undertake the analysis and then sends the results back to the operator for information purposes and for data input into the IPMS site. (back to top)
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Target

Can apply a target to any Meter. This Target is a calculation and is used to monitor performance of any Meter against a desired Target.
For example. If the electricity for a part of a process is directly related to the flow to the process (i.e. there is a correlation between the parameters in a linear regression) then you can define the correlation as a target for the electricity meter so that you can compare the actual electricity use against the target electricity use.
Only available in the Expert version (back to top)

Unit Conversion

This converts the Data, entered as actual Data into the database, into some other unit.
For example. You may record the number of bags of chemicals used in a process as - "number of bags of chemical used" but you may wish to use this data in calculations as the number of kilograms of chemicals used. Therefore you will need to create a Unit Conversion that converts bags of chemicals into Kg of chemicals. If each bag is 25 Kg then the conversion from bags to Kg is 25.
This can be used to change levels in tanks from % to Kg of chemical use (need to know tank height, surface area and the specific gravity of the chemical), convert hours run into estimated power using the rated kW of the motor, convert a SCADA based flow signal in l/s into a totalised daily flow value of m3/day etc (back to top)

Unit Cost

This converts the Data into a Cost. The Unit Cost is applied once any Unit Conversions have been calculated. For example. If chemical use is recorded in the number bags and each bag of chemicals is 25 Kg and each Kg of chemical cost £0.25 then the Unit Cost for that Chemical will be £0.25
Note that the same Unit Cost can be applied to a target to calculate a Target Cost (back to top)

Category

Categories are used to simplify reporting and to allow the user to specify the type of Data that they wish to see on a report. More than one Category can be applied to any Meter.
A number of categories are already set up. When assigned to a Meter the categories allow the user to simply and easily view graphs and reports for each category independently. Examples of categories include: Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Benchmarks, Environmental, Compliance, Utilities, Process, Plant input, Plant output, Climate Change Levy.
For example. If the user wishes to quickly see a graph of all Key Performance Indicators for a site then they would assign each Meter they wish to see with a Category of KPI. They can then select a specific report for all KPI Meters from the Graphs and reports section.
To include parameters in the Performance Traffic Lights section of the web site requires that meters are included in certain categories.

Quality Traffic Light - include meter in the Compliance category

Cost Traffic Light I include meter in the Utilities Category

Process Traffic Light - include meter in the Process Category (back to top)

Process

A subset of Sites. Used to split the site into manageable segments primarily for reporting purposes. We recommend that Processes relate to actual physical processes used on the site (back to top)

Area

A Subset of Processes. Used to split the Process into more manageable segments primarily for reporting purposes. An Area can also be used to summarise a number of Meters and as such you have the ability to create calculations, targets and costs for Areas. The use of Areas makes it easier to create multi level drill down reports where you summarise the cost of a Process and then allow drill down into the Areas that make up the Process and then drill down into the Meters that make up the Area. (back to top)

Web based graphs

Graphs displayed on the web site that requires no ActiveX or Java based components to be downloaded to your PC prior to viewing. (back to top)

Process Traffic Lights

A set of three lights that provides a quick overview of the performance of the site. Includes three lights displaying Quality, Cost and Process performance. A Red light indicates that a meter has exceeded a high or low limit some time over the specified date range. An Orange light indicates that either a meter has exceeded its target value by more than 10% or a Statistical process Control rule has been triggered. A Green light indicates that all is well. (back to top)

Regression graph

Regression graph is used to correlate twp Meters to determine the degree of relationship between them. Selecting All Data uses all data taken from the calculated/derived dataset. Selecting Pairwise data only uses data when there is a reading available for both Meters. We recommend using All Data when correlating data for calculated Meters and use Pairwise data when correlating data from Absolute meters. The period for the regression can be calculated on a Daily, Weekly or Monthly basis. For the majority of regressions we suggest using the Daily Period. Weekly and Monthly Periods should only be used if the readings are normally taken on the same day of the week or month. If weekly then the day when the readings are normally taken must be input - Select Start Day Period. (back to top)

CUSUM graph

The CUSUM graph is a standard statistical report and is a report frequently used when plotting Energy data. It plots the Cumulative Sum of the difference between the actual value for a Meter and the target for the Meter and is a very powerful tool for analysing when the target value begins to deviate from the actual figure. The key think to look for in the CUSUM graph are significant changes in slope since the point of change in slope indicates when the deviation began to occur. A CUSUM graph is only available for Meters that have a Target set. (back to top)

Drill Down graph

Provides user with the ability to drill down into a calculated meter to view graphs for the meters that are used in the calculation. Supports up to 4 levels of drill down. Useful for identification of unusual data patterns in calculated meters (back to top)

Multi parameter graph

Allows the user to select a range of graphs to select and to display at the same time to enable users to compare multiple graphs simultaneously. Provides options to select meters for specific processes, Areas, Categories, Reading Forms or to manually select any combination of meters (back to top)

Multiaxis graph

This graph allows the user to plot two Meters on the same graph to compare values. Very useful when used in conjunction with regression graphs. Calculated Data uses data taken from the Calculated/Derived data and is the default value. The Raw Data options are principally used to view data for Meters when there is more than 1 reading per day - frequently this will be SCADA type data. The Raw Data summed daily option plots the Raw Data - summed daily and the Raw Data summed hourly plot the Raw Data - summed hourly. If using this plot we do suggest entering a data range which is less than a couple of months otherwise the graph will take a while to appear due to the volume of data to be downloaded. (back to top)

Crystal ReportsT

Sophisticated reporting package that allows the web based presentation of complex management reports including drill down facility. The standard viewer is the HTML viewer and this ensures that anyone can view the report - regardless of firewall settings. The drawback with this viewer is that printing the report is not straightforward and the reports cannot be exported directly to Word or Excel. We recommend, where possible to, select either the ActiveX viewer of the Java using Browser JVM viewer option. These options present better graphs, simplify the drill down ability, allow export to Word and Excel (plus other common formats) and make it much easier to print the reports. Both options require the download of an ActiveX or Java control and many corporate firewalls do not allow such downloads and you need to seek advice/assistance from your IT team to provide you with suitable access rights to install these controls. (back to top)

Expert System

Complex statistical based systems that allow the user to set up specific rules and to then apply those rules to the data as and when it is submitted to the site. This is a service that is set up in conjunction with Meniscus and requires detailed interaction with operational and technical personnel. Rules fired from the system can be e-mailed direct to key personnel normally within minutes of receiving the data (back to top)

Why use a Process

A Process provides a simple way to split your data into more manageable chunks. There is no ability to create calculations, etc for a Process. (back to top)

Why use an Area

An Area provides a simple way to split your data in your Process into more manageable chunks and/or to display similar type data together in one place. To view Meters in the Site Structure tree in the IPMS site a Meter must be assigned to an Area. (back to top)

Why use a Category

Categories are very useful when you wish to view reports for similar type Meters across multiple sites or to control the output of many of the Crystal Reports. This is a very useful tool for undertaking benchmark analysis. For example. If you wish to create a benchmark for a number of sites called "Power use per unit of production", then setting the Category = Benchmark for this Meter on each site automatically allows this Meter to be displayed in a number of the Crystal Reports. For many of the cost based graphs and reports the Category for the Meter that calculates the cost must be set to Utilities. The information setting out which Categories must be set for each report is normally included in the text at the top of the Crystal Report. If the Category Exception E-mail is set then if the Meter exceeds the Meter High or Meter Low limits then an e-mail will automatically be sent to the authorised user. Please note that at present the e-mail address for this person needs to be entered by Meniscus personnel so please e-mail this address to Meniscus at sales@meniscus.co.uk. (back to top)

Why use a Unit Conversion

Unit Conversions are used when the units of the data entered on site differ from the units that you wish to store the readings in the database. Examples include: Operator enters the chemical use on site in number of bags used per day. Use a conversion to convert each bag into the appropriate number of kg. An electricity meter on site uses a X10 meter correction factor. Unit Conversions allows the operator to enter the data as they see it (i.e. without the unit conversion taken into account) but allows the conversion to be taken into account in the database. When you wish to calculate say the power use of a pump but the only information that you have is the hours run for the pump and the kW rating of the pump itself. When you wish to convert a change in level in a tank into a volume of mass. Operator enters the tank level with units of height or percentage full, and you subsequently convert this into kg using the surface area of the tank and the density of the material in the tank. (back to top)

Why use a Unit Cost

Unit Costs are used when you wish to calculate the cost for the Meter. (back to top)

Why use High or Low Exception Limits on Meters

Meter High or Meter Low exception limits are used to flag up potential data errors or problems during data entry via the web page or where you wish to receive an e-mail (the Category Exception E-mail must be set for this to occur)or to view any exceptions for the Meters. (back to top)

Calculation Engine

The Calculation engine is the part of the software that control how the data is calculated contains the algorithms to handle how each Type of Meter is calculated. The Calculation Engine also parses the equations entered into the Calculation field in the Meter Set up. For more information on the type of equation that can be set up in the Calculation field download this help file Calculation manual (calcdoc.doc 36Kb) (back to top)

What is the difference between interpolated and non interpolated data?

Interpolated data returns a data point on every day - regardless of whether there are underlying data entries in the Raw data table. Non interpolated data only shows readings where days in which there are data entries in the Raw Data table for ALL the Meters that make up that Meter. For example. A flow meter which is set as an Incrementing Meter will always have a reading for every day. If you use this Meter along with an analytical parameter, say BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) which is only entered say once per week to calculate the BOD load (flow * BOD) then a graph of the Interpolated Data would show a value for the BOD load for every day (uses the last value of the BOD in the calculations). A plot of the Non Interpolated data would only show a value for the BOD load on the day when there is BOTH a flow reading and a BOD analysis reading. In general the ASP (back to top)