ATS SPC’s Batch Command function provides facilities to run Windows commands, batch files, scripts, and other programs, automatically as part of a measurement sequence. This allows ATS SPC effectively to be customised and linked to automated gauges, factory automation systems, or even something as simple as a lamp or a buzzer. Anything you can do from the Windows command prompt or by running a program or script you can now do from within ATS SPC.
Run When
In the Batch Plan’s Commands page, choose when, within ATS SPC’s operating sequence, to run a command by choosing Before or After, and an event, from the two drop down lists at the top of the page. Currently the only supported event is Data Entry.
Run What
Choose what to run either by typing in a command line or by browsing to the program, script or batch file name. I.e. any filename ending in .Exe, .Bat, Vbs or .Js. If you choose by browsing you can add command line parameters later if you need them.
Wait
Check the Wait box to make ATS SPC wait for your command to complete before resuming its own execution. If you leave this box unchecked ATS SPC will run your command and then carry on without waiting for it to complete.
Block
During execution of your command ATS SPC can ignore the events you check here.
For example, if your command runs before data entry and advances the probes on a pneumatic gauge, you will probably want to wait for the command to finish i.e. for the probes to move and settle, before carrying on with data entry. Check the Wait box. You would probably also want to block any attempts to enter more data, reset or calibrate the probes, or change measurement set, while the probes are settling.
While ATS SPC is waiting for the command to complete it carries on reading the instruments and updating the cursor controls, but doesn’t allow the event to happen until the command has finished.