---
alias: tutorials-data-collection-introduction
tags:
- data collection
timetoread: true
description: "This documentation outlines plans for collecting data, including parameters and instance types"
---

# Introduction

A **Data Collection** refers to a plan to collect quantitative and qualitative data at ad-hoc or specific processing points. It consists of a set of qualified **Parameters** associated to the **Data Collection** that specify the sample material form (batch, lot, wafer), number of samples, number of readings per sample, whether the parameter is mandatory or not, the parameter calculation (if any), and limit checking modes.

**Data Collections** are used to create **Data Collection Instances**. A **Data Collection Instance** can be:

* **Immediate** - all the data is collected at one time according to a pre-defined **Data Collection**.
* **Immediate Ad-hoc** - all the data is collected at one time and without any pre-defined **Data Collection**.
* **Long Running** - the data is collected according to a pre-defined **Data Collection** and at different points in time, usually over a long period of time. The **Data Collection Instance** needs to be opened and closed.

Furthermore, **Data Collections** can be used stand-alone or integrated with Material Tracking, Resource Tracking, and Maintenance Management.

Moreover, a **Data Collection** is resolved for **Material** at a given context using the `Step Data Collection Context` smart table. For a **Resource** at a particular context, the **Data Collection** is resolved using the `Resource Data Collection Context` smart table.

This tutorial will guide you through the steps that are needed to set up a **Data Collection**, with **Instruments** and a **Data Collection Limit Set**, and how to post data values.

For the purpose of this tutorial we will be using the following information for the collection of our data:

![Screenshot showing a data collection setup interface with samples readings limits.](../images/cookie_param_01.png)

We will also be looking at the difference between a Classic and a Modern **Data Collection**.  

Remember that each **Data Collection** represents a list of **Parameters** that you need to fill out.

Before starting, you should bear in mind that you have the following **How to** information to help you:

* [[tutorials-howto-createparameter]]
* [[tutorials-howto-createdatacollection]]
* [[tutorials-howto-createinstrument]]
* [[tutorials-howto-addinstrument]]
* [[tutorials-howto-createdatacollectionlimitset]]
* [[tutorials-howto-performadhocdatacollection]]

You should now continue to the [[tutorials-electronic-data-collection-parameters]] page.