Messages

When to use a message

Messages are used to inform the operator of the progress of the run. Messages can also be used for interaction between the operator and the system when necessary. A message can be for information in a screen only, or it can require a signature before the user can control the system. The messages are all added to the logbook text. This appendix describes how to add a message to a method. The appendix also gives two examples of how a message can be used.

How to add a Message instruction

The table below describes how to add a Message instruction to the method.

Step	Action
1	Select Other in the Instructions field of the Instruction box. Select Message in the instructions list.
2	Type a message in the Message text box in the Parameters field.
3	Select one of the display options on the Mode menu: Screen, i.e. only a text message is displayed. Noscreen, i.e. the message will not be displayed but only inserted into the logbook. Authorize, i.e. the message will require a signature from the user before the user can interact with the system again.
4	Select a sound on the Sound menu if desired. Click the Insert button.

Note: If the Message instruction is inserted in a conditional block it will only be displayed if the conditions of the block (for example a Watch) is fulfilled.

All messages are erased when the system reaches the End status. This also includes Authorize messages.

Protecting a method run with a message

A message can be set up in the beginning of a method to protect the method run from unauthorized interference. Once the message is issued, the system is locked from interaction by any user unless the user provides an authorization signature. The only command that is available without authorization is Pause.

The illustration below shows the text instruction for the message described above:

Pausing a method run for a manual sample injection

A message can be set up to pause the method until a sample has been injected manually. If a message requiring an authorization is followed by a Pause instruction the system will be paused until the message is acknowledged and signed. No other interaction with the system is available to the user. The operator will see a screen with a reminder to inject the sample before the method run proceeds.

The illustration below shows the selected message instruction in the Instruction box and the parameters for the message described above:

The illustration below shows the text instruction for the message described above:

Note: The message instruction must be followed immediately by the Pause instruction as shown above.

2005-06-15