Tips & Tricks

Triggers: Automated Responses to Violations of Standard User-Defined Tests

During data collection, triggers are automated reactions to tested events. They work directly with control tests and can perform a wide variety of functions. Triggers are associated with either a subgroup or sample level control test that specifies when each should fire. Subgroup level tests are applied each time a subgroup of data is collected. Control tests at the sample level are applied to each measurement.

Prompt For Note** - Prompt an operator and force an entry of assignable cause, corrective action and/or a
note on a violation

Log - Record information to the WinSPC Event Log

Email* - Send an email message to a user, user group or station

Message Box* - Display a message box to the operator

Serial Message* - Send a message or series of codes to the serial port

Start External Program* – Launch an external software application automatically

File* - Write a message to a specific destination

Prompt for Password - Require a password from one or more users or user groups

Increment Attribute Pass Count – Link a characteristic (variable or attribute) to another attribute and track
how many items satisfy the test specification

Increment Attribute Fail Count – Link a characteristic (variable or attribute) to another attribute and track
how many items fail to meet the test specification

Poke DDE Item* – Send an item and message back to a DDE device

Set OLE Auto Property* – Send a property and message to an OLE device

Write OPC Item* – Send anr item and message to an OPC device

Correct*** - Correct erroneous data

* Process variables, non-printable characters and equations can be attached to this trigger by using the
Insert and Insert equation buttons.
** Subgroup level trigger only
*** Sample level trigger only

1. Log in to WinSPC as an administrator.

2. In the Administrator screen, double click a collection plan to open its setup dialog box.

3. On the Step Options tab, select the item you want to associate with a trigger.

4. Click the Characteristic Test icon.

5. In the Test Selection dialog box, select a subgroup or sample level test and click the Add Trigger icon.

6. The Trigger Setup dialog box is displayed.



7. For step-by-step instructions on setting up and managing triggers, visit the WinSPC Help by clicking the
Help button within the Trigger Setup dialog box.