Data tables

Data tables in PLA 3.0 act as containers for observation data or referenced data. You use them to configure the display of observation data and to set up automated data flows between PLA 3.0 documents, thus minimizing the need for manual interaction.

Data tables are highly flexible. They serve as integrative elements between the various editors, as shown in the following figure:
Integrative role of data tables in PLA 3.0
Figure 1. Integrative role of data tables in PLA 3.0
Note: Data tables are only available for document types that handle observation data or referenced data. Document types like Contact, Note, or Equipment do not have data tables.

Data table setup

To set up data tables, you use the Content editor.

This editor displays the data table as a sub-node in the document structure. The name of the sub-node depends on the document type. Quantitative response assay documents, for example, use Observation data. Basic bioassay protocol documents use Reportable values, and Combination of microbial assay documents use Potency data.

Tip: In the Content editor, you can identify data tables by their icon.
Data table of a Quantitative response assay document
Figure 2. Data table of a Quantitative response assay document

Data tables offer a number of settings that influence the behavior of data editors, allowing you to adapt the handling of observation data in those editors according to your requirements. For details on each settings, see the respective subtopic.

Note: For details on how to work with the Content editor, see the Content editor topic.

Data entry

To enter your observation data, you use the various data editors of PLA 3.0.

Each editor supports different use cases. For example, you use the References editor for setting up data aggregation and the By Position editor for setting up plate layouts. Which editor is available depends on the observation source you select in the data table of the Content editor. For details on each editor, see the respective topic: