*
Concepts
*
Tasks
*
Settings

Creating Calculation Inputs Based on Indicator Readings

If you are creating a calculated indicator, a performance indicator, or an indicator template for one of these indicator types, you must create one or more calculation inputs.
This topic explains how to create reading-based inputs for an existing indicator or template. To create filter-based calculation inputs, see Creating Calculation Inputs Based on Filters.
You can include data other than indicator readings as an input to a calculation. For example, you might want to use an indicator reading’s collection date in a calculation so that you can determine the length of time that has elapsed between two readings. For more information, see Creating Calculation Inputs Based on Other Reading Data.

To Create a Calculation Input

1.
Open the calculated or performance indicator.
2.
Make sure that editing is enabled.
3.
Select the Calculation tab. This tab shows the formula to be used for the indicator and any existing calculation inputs. For example:
4.
In the New list, select Indicator Input. The Calculation Input dialog appears. For example:
If the input is for a template, the Asset number and Description boxes are not available.
5.
In the Input name box, type the name of the variable in your calculation, for example “Indicator1”.
6.
In the Description box, enter a description of the indicator this variable represents.
7.
If the input is for an indicator template, select an indicator template from the Indicator to use list.
Note: On indicator templates that have reading-based inputs, you can only use other indicator templates in your calculation. When you use the template to create an indicator or KPI, you must reset the calculation inputs so that they use the correct asset indicators.
8.
If the input is for a calculated or performance indicator, select the asset indicator to use:
•
Beside the Asset number box, click the browse icon. The Asset Selector dialog appears. Select the asset that owns the indicator and click OK.
•
Select an indicator from the Indicator to use list. You can only select from numeric- or cumulative-type indicators.
•
Select an option in the Number of readings to use section:
Readings to Use
Select one of the following options:
•
Use the last reading only: The value of the indicator’s most recent reading is used in the calculation.
•
Include the last [n] readings: This setting allows you to indicate the specific number of readings that you want to include to derive the input’s value (for example, use the last 10 readings).
•
Readings collected: This setting allows you to specify a moving time period from which all of the readings entered will be used to derive the input’s value (for example, readings collected this month, this week, in the last 10 days, and so on) The possible choices are:
•
In the last... With this choice you must also enter a duration (for example, in the last six months).
•
Last month
•
Last week
•
Last year
•
This month
•
This week
•
This year
•
Today
•
Yesterday
9.
If the input will be based on two or more readings, select the Attribute Info tab to select an aggregation type.
10.
Select the aggregation type:
Aggregation Type
Select one of the following options to determine how the system will define a value for the input:
The supported aggregation types are:
•
Sum returns the total value for all the readings or objects selected
•
Average returns the average value for all the readings or objects selected
•
Median returns the median value for the selected readings or objects
•
Minimum returns the lowest value among all the readings or objects selected
•
Maximum returns the largest value among all the readings or objects selected
•
Difference returns the difference between the first and the last reading in a range of readings. (Only available for inputs based on indicator readings.)
•
Array returns lists of values. Typically used for inputs based on non-numeric data such as strings and dates. You can use VB.NET or C# scripting to work with the individual elements in the array.
Note: The array aggregation type is not supported for indicators that are calculated using a stored procedure.
•
First returns the first element in a list
•
Last returns the last element in a list
11.
Enter a test value for the input. Select the Test Value tab. For example:
Setting Name
Description
Test Value
Enter the value(s) that you want to use to test the calculation. Choose a value that makes it easy for you to verify that the calculation works correctly.
You must enter a value in the same data type that is expected from the calculation input. For example:
•
Input is from a numeric indicator reading: Enter a number
•
Input is from a descriptive indicator reading: Enter one of the possible states of the indicator (for example, “Normal”)
•
Input is an array: Enter the expected number of values in the array. That is, if you expect five values, you must enter five test values. Each value must be separated by a semicolon. For example: January 1, 2004;January 2, 2004;January 3, 2004;January 4, 2004;January 5 2004
You can test the calculation by clicking the Check (Test) button on the Calculation tab of the Indicator window.
Note: If you do not enter a test value or the correct number of test values for an array, the system displays a warning message when you save the indicator.
12.
When you are finished entering information for the input, click OK.