To use the Function Wizard, follow these steps:
The Function Category drop-down list displays the functions that can be used.
If you are using the Function Wizard with an analysis workbook, you will be able to insert Model Functions (which return values based on the analysis in a diagram model), Mathematical Functions (which are independent of the data source and provide functionality similar to Microsoft Excel) and Simulation Functions (which return values based on the analysis of a specified simulation diagram; these functions are available only in BlockSim).
If you are using the Function Wizard with a Word report template, the following function types are available:
Data Source Functions return values based on the analysis in a specified data source. These functions are available only in Weibull++ and ALTA.
General Functions return basic information about the repository and project, such as the project name or the current date.
Model Calculations return information based on the model used with the specified data source, such as the acceleration factor or the reliability at given time.
Confidence Bounds return the confidence bounds on several calculations, such as failure rate and reliability. These functions are available only in Weibull++ and ALTA.
Tables return a table of values for the values that you specify (e.g., you can include a table that displays the reliability values for a range of times).
Simulation Functions return information about the simulation results and settings. These functions are available only in BlockSim.
You can select to either display only one kind of function in the function list or display all functions in the function list.
The Function List displays the available functions in alphabetical order based on your selection in the function category drop-down list. Each function that is available in the Function Wizard is described in Function Wizard Functions.
Click a function to select it. The area on the right side of the Function Wizard displays a description of the selected function. This description includes a model of the syntax required to use the function and information about what the function returns. In spreadsheets optional parameters are denoted by brackets.
For data source functions in analysis workbooks, and for most of the functions in Word report templates, you will need to select which of the available data sources you want to link to for any particular function. For Weibull++ and ALTA, the available data sources include the data sheets in all standard folios, degradation folios and non-parametric LDA folios in the current project; for BlockSim, the available data sources include the diagrams in the current project. Note that the results model used for the data source is specified in the Report folio model field on the Analysis Settings page of the diagram control panel. For analytical diagrams, you can base report results on either the analytical results or the fitted model; for simulation and phase diagrams, you can base report results on either the simulation results or the fitted model.
The following image shows the available options for analysis workbooks.
Tip: Before selecting a data source, you should first think about how you want to use the data source. If you want to ensure that the report always returns the result from a specific data source, you should explicitly use that data source. If you anticipate that you will be reusing the data source, such as in a template, you should use one of the default data sources which can be changed on-the-fly.
To select a data source, do one of the following:
To use an associated data source, in the Data Source Index list select an option with the numbers corresponding to the order of the data sources as selected in the Associate Data Sources window. Note that for analysis workbooks, you must first select the Use Default check box.
Note: The Data Source Index list is the only option that is available for Word report templates.
For analysis workbooks, you can also select any available analysis in the project, by clearing the Use Default checkbox and then clicking the Select button. A window will appear, where you choose the analysis to be used as the data source. Note that if you select an analysis that has not been calculated, the function will return an error (N/C) when it is inserted in the spreadsheet.
Functions can also take defined variable names associated with the current folio or report as inputs. Variable names representing data sources can be used in the Data Source field by entering the name preceded by a caret (e.g., ^sheetname). Variable names representing cells can be used in other input fields. Defined names are presented in the Defining a Name topic.
Some of the functions available in the Function Wizard do not require input and some do. If you select a function from the Function List that does require input, then the appropriate input boxes will become available in the Input area, as shown next.
In this example, Result ID is a required input and the Phase is an optional inputs. You can enter values in these fields or click the Insert Workbook Reference button to insert a reference to the cell currently selected in the sheet. Note that you can move the cursor in the sheet while the Function Wizard is open, which enables you to select any desired cell. For several of the spreadsheet model functions, you can click the Select Option button to open a window and chose the specific piece of data to retrieve. This can either be a result ID or a phase.
Note: Pressing CTRL while clicking the Insert Workbook Reference button inserts an absolute reference to the currently selected cell.
Tip: For information on the accepted text formats for dates and times, as well as other guidelines, refer to the Data Entry Tips for Functions topic.
You can add the function to the spreadsheet or Word report template by clicking Insert.
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