---
alias: tutorials-electronic-data-collection-parameters
tags:
- data collection
timetoread: true
description: "Parameters define reusable data objects for various manufacturing processes and their associated attributes"
---

# Parameters

A **Parameter** is an object which is used to define reusable objects for **Data Collection, KPI, SPC, Recipe, Product**, and **Product Group**.

A **Parameter** also provides an abstraction to **Resource** specific variable names which have the same meaning at the MES/human level.

## Tying Everything Together

```mermaid
graph LR
    A1[Data Collection Parameter] --- Main
    A2[Data Collection Limit Set Parameter] --- Main[Parameter]
    A2 --- A1
    A3[Recipe Parameter] --- Main
    Main --- A4[Product Parameter]
    Main --- A5[Product Group Parameter]
    Main --- A6[Chart]

classDef mermaid_title color:#000, fill:#fafafa, stroke:#fafafa, stroke-width:0x, font-size:100%, font-weight:200;
classDef mermaid_start color:#000, fill:#fafafa, stroke:#fafafa, color:#fafafa, stroke-width:0x, font-size:100%, visibility: hidden;
classDef mermaid_businessdata color:#000, fill:#65CDE8, stroke:#65CDE8, stroke-width:0px, font-size:100%;
classDef mermaid_nonbusinessdata color:#000, fill:#B7DEE8, stroke:#B7DEE8, stroke-width:0px, font-size:100%;
classDef mermaid_entity color:#000, fill:#FB9F53, stroke:#FB9F53, stroke-width:0px, font-size:100%;
classDef mermaid_entitylinked color:#000, fill:#FCD5B5, stroke:#FCD5B5, stroke-width:0px, font-size:100%;
classDef mermaid_context color:#000, fill:#B9CDE5, stroke:#B9CDE5, stroke-width:0px, font-size:100%;
classDef mermaid_optional color:#000, fill:#B7DEE8, stroke:#65CDE8, stroke-width:1px, font-size:100%, stroke-dasharray: 5 5;
class Main mermaid_entity
class A1,A2,A3,A4,A5,A6,A7,A8,A9,A10 mermaid_businessdata
class L1,L2,L3,L4,L5,L6 mermaid_entitylinked
class C1,C2,C3,C4,C5,C6 mermaid_context
class N1,N2,N3,N4,N5,N6 mermaid_nonbusinessdata

click Main "../../business-data/parameter"
click A6 "../../business-data/chart"
```

A **Parameter** object can be used for **EDC Data Collections**, **SPC Charts** or **Recipes**.

A **Parameter** can be a calculated parameter. In this case, a calculation routine (rule) must be provided. The rule must accept a **Material** and **Resource** context as the input and return a value in the type defined by the **Parameter**.

A **Parameter** is attached to a **Data Collection** via a Data Collection Parameter. A Data Collection Parameter qualifies the parameter in the **Data Collection** with attributes such as the sample material form (batch, lot, wafer), number of samples, number of readings per sample, whether the parameter is mandatory or not, and the parameter calculation and limit checking modes.

## Samples and Readings

In Critical Manufacturing MES, samples and readings are key elements in the process of collecting data to monitor and control manufacturing operations. Both terms relate to how data is captured and used to ensure product quality, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulations.

A sample represents the group or specimen from which readings are collected. And the readings are the individual data points that come from each sample.

Moreover, the term sample refers to a subset of data or items that are selected for measurement, testing, or analysis within the broader production process. Sampling is used to represent a larger group of items or production runs that are used to monitor quality, performance, and compliance without needing to inspect every unit produced.

Readings refer to the specific data points or measurements collected during the manufacturing process, often from sensors, machines, or other monitoring equipment. These readings provide valuable insights into the current state of production and help ensure that operations are running smoothly and in accordance with quality standards.

By analyzing readings from a sample, you can make inferences about the broader product. Therefore, samples and readings work together to ensure product quality, operational efficiency, and real-time process control.

For more information, see [[tutorial-datacollection-edc-parameters-returnmultiplevalues]].