---
alias: tutorials-data-collection-dc-contexts
tags:
- data collection
timetoread: true
description: "Configure data collection contexts within a step to manage instrument assignments and tracking"
---

# Data Collection Contexts

There is one last configuration to set up before we can start collecting data, which relates to the **Step**.

For the purpose of this tutorial we will collect data in the **Moulding** step, and in this **Step** we have enabled the following Settings:

* Require Instruments at Track-In - this configuration forces instruments to be assigned before being able to track in **Materials**.
* Disassociate Instruments at Track-Out - this configuration will automatically remove instruments associated with the **Resource** when **Materials** are tracked out, and forces a new instrument identification for the next **Materials**.

![Screenshot showing settings for alloy stripping and decimal quality in a data collection context.](../images/dc_context_01a.png)

Go to the **Step** where the data will be collected, in the [[step-page#contexts-view|Contexts View]] select **Data Collection Context**, and add the previously created **Data Collection**:

![Screenshot showing a data collection context record in the Contexts View, with fields for "Reon Macca" and "Sp Move Oper".](../images/dc_context_01.png)

The information will then be available in the **Data Collection Context** section of the **Step**:

![Screenshot showing a Data Collection Context selection interface with "Data Collection Context" highlighted.](../images/dc_context_02.png)

!!! note
    You can also associate a Data Collection via the [[materialdatacollectioncontext-st]] smart table, in which case it is mandatory to specify the Step.

We are now ready to see how data is collected and posted in the [[tutorials-data-collection-classic-vs-modern]] real use case example.