Home
Data import
Use data acquisition and data import add-ons to import external response values and observation data into PLA 3.0 for further processing and evaluation.
SoftMax® Pro (6.x - 7.x) Data Acquisition Module
Use the SoftMax® Pro (6.x - 7.x) Data Acquisition Module to acquire data from Molecular Devices' SoftMax® Pro (*.xml) files.
Data acquisition
Acquire data to import response values from external systems into existing PLA 3.0 documents.

Get started
Explore PLA 3.0, its key features and ongoing enhancements. Learn how it fits into your environment, and how to log in and register.
User interface
PLA 3.0 supports you in your daily work by providing a set of graphical and textual user interface elements. Learn about the different elements and how to use them efficiently.
Key concepts
Details on documents and templates, the data editors and the Content editor of PLA 3.0.
Data analysis
Data analysis add-ons offer a wide range of capabilities, ranging from analytical methods over comprehensive analysis to statistical process control. PLA 3.0 also provides a set of add-ons that support and supplement data analysis add-ons.
Data import
Use data acquisition and data import add-ons to import external response values and observation data into PLA 3.0 for further processing and evaluation.
- Cytiva Biacore™ Data Acquisition Module
  Use the Cytiva Biacore™ Data Acquisition Module to acquire data from Cytiva Biacore™ (*.xml) files. You can use files from the Control Software and the Evaluation Software.
- Gen5™ Data Acquisition Module
  Use the Gen5™ Data Acquisition Module to acquire data from Gen5™ experiment (*.xpt) files.
- Microsoft Excel® Data Acquisition Module
  Use the Microsoft Excel® Data Acquisition Module to acquire data from generic Excel (*.xls and *.xlsx) files, independent from the device you are using.
- SoftMax® Pro (3.x - 5.x) Data Acquisition Module
  Use the SoftMax® Pro (3.x - 5.x) Data Acquisition Module to acquire data from Molecular Devices' SoftMax® Pro (*.pda and *.eda) files.
- SoftMax® Pro (6.x - 7.x) Data Acquisition Module
  Use the SoftMax® Pro (6.x - 7.x) Data Acquisition Module to acquire data from Molecular Devices' SoftMax® Pro (*.xml) files.
  - Installation
    Find details on the system requirements for the SoftMax® Pro (6.x - 7.x) add-on and the steps to install the add-on in your environment.
  - Configuration
    Configure the SoftMax® Pro (6.x - 7.x) Data Acquisition Module and the SoftMax® Pro software according to your requirements.
  - Data acquisition
    Acquire data to import response values from external systems into existing PLA 3.0 documents.
    - Create a PLA 3.0 document
      When you acquire data, you import response values from an external system into existing PLA 3.0 documents. Before starting the acquisition process, you need to create the document that should store the imported values. After a successful acquisition, the values will be available in the data editors of this document.
    - Select the import format
      You can activate any number of Data Acquisition Modules in your PLA 3.0 database. Each module can support several import formats and each import format covers the format of a specific external data source. Therefore, when starting the data acquisition process, you have to select the import format you want to use for the current session.
    - Select the configuration profile
      Select the configuration profile to determine how you want to acquire data from the external system.
    - Select the source file
      To start the acquisition of data, you have to select the source file provided by the external system. Usually, this file contains the data values you want to import. It can also provide additional information such as details on the generation of the values, metadata, or the import logic.
- SoftMax® Pro (6.x - 7.x) for digitally signed data Data Acquisition Module
  Use the SoftMax® Pro (6.x - 7.x) for digitally signed data Data Acquisition Module to acquire data from Molecular Devices' SoftMax® Pro (*.xml) files with digital signatures.
- Tecan Magellan™ Data Acquisition Module
  Use the Tecan Magellan™ Data Acquisition Module to acquire data from Tecan Magellan™ workspace (*.wsp) files.
- Tecan Magellan™ (Automation) Data Acquisition Module
  Use the Tecan Magellan™ (Automation) Data Acquisition Module to acquire data from Tecan Magellan™. In file operating mode, you can acquire data from Tecan Magellan™ (*.wsp) workspace files. In method operating mode, you can acquire data from Tecan Magellan™ (*.mth) method files which control the Tecan Magellan™ software.
- Tecan Magellan™ Import Module for bioMérieux Endotoxin Detection Assays
  Use the Tecan Magellan™ Import Module for bioMérieux Endotoxin Detection Assays to import assay data from Tecan Magellan™ reader control software into PLA 3.0.
- Text Data Acquisition Module
  Use the Text Data Acquisition Module to acquire data from generic (*.txt) text and comma-separated value (*.csv) files, independent from the device you are using.
Installation
Details on the deployment and installation of licensed PLA 3.0 versions.
Licensing
Details on the licensing solution of PLA 3.0, the available licensing options, and the activation and management of licenses.
Administration
Details on system administration tasks such as setup and maintenance of databases and add-ons, user accounts, access rights, and migration and update procedures.
Regulatory compliance
PLA 3.0 supports you in achieving compliance with regulations such as ISPE GAMP^® 5 and 21 CFR Part 11. It also provides options to validate PLA 3.0 in your environment.
PDF downloads
Download PDF guides of current and previous framework and add-on versions.
Sample lab
Meet the team of Stegmann Labs Inc. and use our sample laboratory to explore core features and functions of PLA 3.0.
Glossary
Find definitions of terms.

Data acquisition

Acquire data to import response values from external systems into existing PLA 3.0 documents.

Before you begin

Before starting the acquisition process, make sure your setup meets the requirements listed below.


Requirement	Background	Steps
Add-on version 1.8.0 of the SoftMax® Pro (6.x - 7.x) Data Acquisition Module is activated in your database.	All your add-ons are automatically made available in PLA 3.0. To use a Data Acquisition Module, you have to activate the corresponding add-on in your database.	See the Install the Data Acquisition Module topic.
The auto export function of SoftMax® Pro is configured such that the XML file format is used for exporting data.	PLA 3.0 currently does not support the import of the native SoftMax® Pro data file formats .sda and .sdax.	See the Configure the SoftMax® Pro software topic.

Note: Using the SoftMax® Pro (6.x - 7.x) Data Acquisition Module requires basic knowledge of the SoftMax® Pro software.

Steps

Acquiring data with the SoftMax® Pro (6.x - 7.x) Data Acquisition Module comprises the following steps:

Result

In the Observations editor, PLA 3.0 displays details about the process as an annotation to the imported value. You can identify an annotated value by a small blue triangle in the upper left corner of the data cell. To view the annotation, right-click the annotated data, and select Show annotations from the context menu.

Acquired response data values in the Observations editor — Figure 1. Acquired response data values in the Observations editor

Annotation for a response value acquired with add-on version 1.7.0 — Figure 2. Annotation for a response value acquired with add-on version 1.7.0