Variable | AseptSoft Documentation

A Variable is a named storage value used in action expressions within the Algorithm Design. Variables represent calculated values, counters, recorded measurements, and other data that actions write to — such as a recorded temperature reading, a batch volume counter, or a calculated flow total.

💡 In pharmaceutical terms: Variables are where the automation system stores process data during execution. For example, after a CIP caustic wash reaches the target temperature, the action "store the actual temperature in RecordedTemp" writes the sensor reading into a variable. These recorded values can then be used in reports, batch records, and subsequent conditions.

📋 Properties

Property	Type	Description
Name	Text	Unique identifier for the variable (e.g., "RecordedTemp", "BatchVolume")
Phenomenon	Text	The physical phenomenon being represented (e.g., "Temperature", "Volume", "Count")
Unit	Text	The unit of measurement (e.g., "°C", "L", "pcs")
Min	Decimal	Minimum allowed value for this variable
Max	Decimal	Maximum allowed value for this variable
Custom Attributes	Collection	User-defined attribute key-value pairs

📊 Parameter vs Variable

Aspect	Parameter	Variable
Purpose	Input thresholds and limits (what to check against)	Output storage and calculations (where to write values)
Used in	Condition expressions (checking values)	Action expressions (writing values)
Key values	Default Value	Min / Max range
Think of it as	A constant that conditions compare against	A variable that actions write to
Example	"MaxPressure = 3.0 bar"	"RecordedTemp (0–150 °C)"

🔧 How Variables Work

Variables provide named storage locations for numeric values in action expressions. They are written to by the Action Builder when defining what happens after a condition succeeds or fails.

The Min and Max values define the valid range for the variable. This information is used for validation and documentation purposes.

Used In

Variables are used in the Action Builder when creating action expressions. They appear in the operand selection list as targets for write operations.

📖 How To: Define Variables for Your Module

Open Module Data — Navigate to the Data panel in the Module Ribbon and open the Module Data window.
Go to the Variables tab — Select the Variables section.
Create a new Variable — Click "Create new" and give it a descriptive name (e.g., "RecordedTemp", "BatchVolume").
Set the phenomenon and unit — Choose the physical quantity (Temperature, Volume, Count, etc.) and unit (°C, L, pcs).
Set the Min and Max range — Enter the valid range for this variable. This is used for validation and documentation.
Use in Algorithm Design — Reference this variable in your Action Builder expressions as a write target.

💡 Tip: Use a consistent naming convention for variables. Prefix with "Recorded", "Accumulated", "Calculated", or "Count" to make the purpose clear: RecordedTemp, AccumulatedFlow, CalculatedVolume, CycleCounter.

📤 Excel Export / Import

Variables support Excel export and import for bulk management:

Exported Field	Description
Name	Variable name (used as identification key)
Phenomenon	Physical phenomenon
Unit	Unit of measurement
Min	Minimum value
Max	Maximum value
Custom Attributes	All user-defined attributes

You can export variables to Excel, edit them in bulk, and import them back. The Name field serves as the identification key for matching during import.

🏭 Example: CIP Module Variables

Variable Name	Phenomenon	Unit	Max	Description
RecordedTemp	Temperature	°C	150	Recorded CIP solution temperature at condition check
BatchVolume	Volume	L	10000	Total volume of CIP solution used
CycleCounter	Count	—	999	Number of CIP cycles completed
AccumulatedFlowTotal	Flow	L	50000	Total accumulated flow during circulation
ElapsedCirculationTime	Time	min	120	Actual circulation time recorded

🏭 Example: SIP Module Variables

Variable Name	Phenomenon	Unit	Max	Description
RecordedSterilizationTemp	Temperature	°C	200	Temperature recorded at sterilization hold point
ActualHoldTime	Time	min	60	Actual time at sterilization temperature
ColdestPointTemp	Temperature	°C	200	Temperature at the coldest point in the system
CondensateVolume	Volume	L	500	Total condensate collected during SIP
SterilizationResult	Count	—	1	1 = Pass, 0 = Fail

📏 Parameter — Similar to variables but used in condition expressions with a default value
📋 Module Data — All module data types
Build Action Field — Where variables are used in action expressions
🧠 Algorithm Design — Overview of condition logic
🔁 Control Loop — Control loops that may write to variables