Tempo v7.6.000 Release Notes

Introducing the V7.6.000 Release

Enabling Complex Calculations and Flexible Template Creation

Enhanced Formula Capabilities for Time-Based Calculations

We've significantly enhanced our formula capabilities by introducing time formula support within tables and enabling standard formulas to reference table formula results. These improvements enable complex time calculations and data manipulation, particularly useful for tracking time out of refrigeration (TOR) and similar time-sensitive operations.

Key Features:

• New "Time Formula" column type available in Standard Table process actions using the familiar Time Formula builder interface

• Real-time time calculations during data entry based on date/time table columns within the same table

• Standard formulas can now reference calculated values from Table Formula columns that result in single values

• Support for duration calculations, number of days calculations, and all standard time formula functions

• Smart eligibility system ensuring only properly aggregated table results are available for referencing

Key Benefits:

• Complex time-based calculations enabled directly within tables with immediate results during data entry

• Data reusability through referencing aggregated table results in downstream formulas

• Improved efficiency by reducing manual calculations and potential errors

• Enhanced workflows supporting complex use cases like TOR tracking across multiple items

Check out our Video - Time Formulas In Tables for more details.

Improved Authoring Reference Flexibility and Material Selection

We've eliminated major authoring frustrations by allowing you to change input names and prompts without breaking existing references. We've also added enhanced flexibility when selecting materials during procedure template authoring.

Key Features:

• Stable identifiers set only when first saving a process action, with prompts freely updatable without affecting underlying references

• Enhanced material selection allowing direct selection of specific material instances without class/subclass constraints

• Comprehensive coverage across all major input types including parameters, constants, process actions, formulas, and conditions

• Smart auto-population where selecting lower hierarchy items automatically populates higher levels

• Improved search capabilities with type-ahead search and paginated results for better performance

Key Benefits:

• Improved workflow by updating prompts without fear of breaking existing formulas

• Greater flexibility for authors to work with specific materials without rigid class/subclass requirements

• Time savings by eliminating the need to recreate complex formulas after simple prompt changes

• Enhanced usability through clearer display formats and intuitive selection processes

Check out our Video - Decoupled Material Selection in Authoring or Video - Updating Prompt on Referenced Actions in Formulas for more details.

Simplifying Multi-Product Recipe Variations

Full vs Partial Parameter Groups & New Key UX Indicators

We've significantly enhanced Batch Parameter Groups with new capabilities that provide greater flexibility and control. Content creators can now create partial parameter groups and apply multiple parameter groups to a single batch run, enabling more sophisticated testing scenarios and iterative development workflows.

Key Features:

• New parameter group types during creation: Full Batch Parameter Groups that override all batch parameters, or Partial Batch Parameter Groups that selectively override specific parameters only

• Full parameter groups have all parameter toggles enabled by default and require values for all parameters before making effective, with only one allowed per batch run

• Partial parameter groups have all parameter toggles disabled by default, allowing manual enabling of specific parameters. Multiple partial groups are allowed per batch run, provided no parameter overlap exists

• New visual indicators use icons to show the source of each parameter value—whether it's a default template value, ERP data, manual override, or parameter group. Parameter group icons are hyperlinked, allowing direct navigation to the source

• Enhanced override behavior where full groups override all parameters even if values match the template, while partial groups only override selected parameters

• Clear conflict prevention with error messaging when attempting to apply overlapping parameter groups

Key Benefits:

• Enhanced Flexibility: Test different parameter combinations efficiently by creating modular parameter sets for different aspects of your process

• Improved Traceability: Immediate visibility of parameter modifications with easy navigation to parameter sources, reducing errors from parameter confusion

• Better Testing Support: Create specialized parameter groups for targeted testing scenarios and combine multiple partial groups for complex experimental requirements

Known Limitations

• ERP integration for partial parameter groups coming in version 7.8

• A parameter group already applied cannot be removed on a run

• An additional parameter group cannot be applied after one has already been applied

• Overlapping parameters between groups not permitted

Check out our Video - Full & Partial Parameter Groups for more details.

Allow Batch Template and Batch Parameter Group to be different versions

This enhancement fundamentally improves how Batch Parameter Groups (BPGs) interact with Batch Templates. By introducing persistent parameter IDs and removing version lock-in, we've created a more flexible, maintainable system that adapts to your evolving needs without forcing unnecessary rework.

Key Features:

• Every parameter in an effective Batch Template now receives a unique, persistent identifier that remains constant across template versions, allowing parameters to maintain their identity even when templates are modified

• Batch Runs can use any compatible combination of Template and BPG versions without requiring version synchronization, enabling Template Version 5 to work with BPG Version 2, 3, or 4

• Forward compatibility allows older BPGs to work with newer templates if parameters still exist, with new parameters in templates simply using default values and no errors or warnings for missing BPG values

• Backward compatibility enables newer BPGs to reference parameters not in older templates, with the system gracefully ignoring parameters not found in template and providing clear indication when BPG references unavailable parameters

• Enhanced flexibility supports testing new template versions with existing BPGs and rolling back template versions without affecting BPGs

Key Benefits:

• Reduced Maintenance: No need to recreate BPGs for every template change, with significant time savings for content creators who only need to update BPGs when new parameters require specific override values, parameter removal necessitates cleanup, or business logic changes require new values

• Enhanced Flexibility: Mix and match versions for different scenarios, test new template versions with existing BPGs, and roll back template versions without affecting BPGs

• Faster Development: Accelerated iteration and testing cycles with the ability to focus on optimizing processes while the system handles version management complexity

• Seamless Compatibility: Systems maintain full compatibility with existing workflows with no changes to API or integration points

Check out our Video - Batch Parameter Groups & Templates as Different Versions for more details.

Additional Dynamic Content

The Dynamic Text in Work Instructions released in Tempo version 7.5.000 has been enhanced and improved. Template authors can now pull batch run header information directly into procedure instructions as dynamic variables. This enhancement enables work instructions to automatically display real-time batch context information, improving operational visibility, reducing manual data entry, and enhancing traceability throughout the manufacturing process. Additionally, the Dynamic Text Builder has been improved by extending the text and formatting capabilities of the text instructions editor into the builder itself.

Key Features:

• Dynamic Variable Integration: Template authors can now pull 15+ batch run header fields directly into procedure instructions as dynamic variables, including:

  • Batch Run Details

    • Batch Run ID, Batch Template, Product Material, Customer, Campaign, Program, Phase, Notes, External Batch ID, External Batch Template

  • Product Details

    • Lot Number for Primary Output

    • Quantity

    • Unit of Measure

  • Execution Settings

    • Planned Start Date

    • Planned End Date

    • Location ID

• Real-Time Data Parsing: All batch header variables are automatically populated during procedure execution, displaying live data from the associated batch run without manual intervention.

• Intelligent Fallback Handling: When procedures run outside of batch context or during authoring, variables display appropriate placeholder text (<No Value>) to maintain instruction clarity and prevent confusion.

• Visual Authoring Support: Template authors receive immediate visual feedback during authoring, with parsed values displayed in green and unparsed references in orange for easy identification and validation.

• Flexible Template Association: Procedure templates can be configured to work both within batch contexts (with populated variables) and as standalone procedures (with placeholder values).

Key Benefits:

• Improved Operational Visibility: Operators receive real-time batch context information directly within work instructions, eliminating the need to reference separate systems or documentation for critical batch details

• Reduced Human Error: Automatic population of batch details in procedures eliminates manual transcription errors and ensures consistency across operations, improving overall quality and compliance

• Template Reusability: Single procedure templates can be used across multiple batch runs while automatically adapting to display relevant batch-specific information, reducing maintenance overhead

Check out our Walkthrough - How to add Batch Run Information via Dynamic Text Instructions for more details.

Support for Single and Multiple Primary Outputs on ERP BOM Integration

The ERP integration now supports dynamic primary output BOM updates when creating batch runs through the Public API. This enhancement allows batch manufacturers to use a single recipe template for multiple product variations by overriding the primary output material and quantity at runtime.

Key Features:

• Primary Output BOM Override: The Create Batch Run Public API now accepts parameters to override the primary output Bill of Materials, enabling flexible product selection from a single template.

• Intelligent BOM Handling: The system automatically detects and handles different BOM configurations:

  • Single Primary Output BOM: Updates both material and quantity

  • No Primary Output BOM: Returns appropriate error messaging

  • Multiple Primary Output BOMs: Updates quantity for the specified primary material

• Batch Parameter Group Integration: Automatically applies the correct batch parameter groups based on the primary output material specified in the API request. It will apply the most recent effective version of the batch parameter group.

• Template Material Validation: Ensures that only materials defined as possible outputs in the batch template can be used as primary outputs, maintaining data integrity

Key Benefits:

• Simplified Template Management: Manufacturers can maintain one recipe template instead of creating separate templates for each product variant, reducing administrative overhead and potential errors.

• Enhanced Manufacturing Flexibility: Enables dynamic product switching during batch creation without requiring template modifications, supporting agile production scheduling.

• Improved ERP Integration: Streamlines the connection between ERP systems and Tempo by allowing real-time primary output specification during batch run creation.

• Automated Parameter Application: Reduces manual configuration by automatically applying appropriate batch parameter groups based on the selected primary output material.

• Data Integrity: Built-in validation ensures that only valid materials can be specified as primary outputs, preventing configuration errors and maintaining system reliability.

Check out our Video - BOM Updates from ERP for Outputs for more details.

Optimizing Workflow Control and Streamlining Batch Preparation

Individual Procedure Assignment Within Batches

Supervisors can now assign users to individual procedures within a batch run, providing more granular control over who executes specific procedures while maintaining comprehensive workflow management and audit trails.

Key Features:

• Flexible assignment options allowing users to be assigned to entire batch runs or specific procedures within batches

• Assignment cascade behavior where batch-level assignments automatically cascade to all procedures, while procedure-level assignments remain independent

• Comprehensive visibility with batch run assignments visible at batch level and procedure run assignments visible at procedure level

• Full iOS compatibility for viewing and accessing assigned procedures with intuitive navigation from batch overview

Key Benefits:

• Enhanced control, with supervisors having precise control over procedure assignments

• Improved compliance ensuring qualified operators execute specific procedures

• Flexible workflows supporting complex scenarios where different operators handle different procedures

• Better visibility with clear assignment tracking at both batch and procedure levels

Check out our Video - Individual Procedure Run Assignments in a Batch for more details.

New Control Requires Linked SOPs to Be Completed First

We've introduced a new control mechanism that ensures linked Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are completed before their parent procedures can be marked as complete. This enhancement strengthens procedural compliance and workflow integrity.

Key Features:

• New "Must Complete All Linked Procedures" configuration option at the procedure template level (disabled by default)

• When enabled, users must complete all linked SOPs and reach valid completion states (Completed, Approved, or Aborted) before marking the parent procedure as complete

• Clear error messaging when attempting to complete parent procedures with incomplete linked SOPs

• Enhanced iOS error handling with updated error dialogs matching web functionality and appropriate action options

• This feature only applies to new procedure runs created after enabling the setting - existing procedure runs are not affected

Key Benefits:

• Stronger Compliance: Ensures all required linked procedures are properly completed before parent closure, supporting GMP requirements

• Better Workflow Control: Prevents premature completion of parent procedures and maintains proper procedural sequence

• Clear Audit Trail: Setting visibility appears in both web reports and PDF exports for complete traceability

• Flexible Implementation: Opt-in feature that can be enabled per procedure template as needed without affecting existing workflows

Check out our Video - Linked SOP Prevent Parent Run Closure for more details.

Enhanced Batch Run Preparation

We've expanded batch run modification capabilities and introduced intelligent parameter filling options, giving formulators and supervisors more flexibility to prepare and optimize batch runs while streamlining the creation process.

Key Features:

• All modification features previously exclusive to "On Hold" state now available in "Created" state including adding unit operations, procedures, marking N/A, and modifying parameter values

• "Quick Fill Parameters" interface offering choice between applying parameter groups or copying from previously completed batch runs

  • Intelligent eligibility system ensuring only compatible batch runs (matching template version and completed parameters) can be used as sources

• Comprehensive audit trail capturing all modifications with complete history of changes and performers

Key Benefits:

• Enhanced flexibility enables more effective batch run preparation by allowing key adjustments earlier in the lifecycle.

• Improved efficiency reducing delays by allowing modifications before operators begin work while supporting Design of Experiments preparation

• Time savings dramatically reducing time spent entering repetitive parameter values while eliminating manual transcription errors

• Better DoE support enabling formulators to tailor each batch run to specific experimental requirements while maintaining full traceability

Check out our Video - Batch Modification in a Created State or Video - Fill Out Parameters from a Previous Run for more details.

Improving Operator Experience and Ensuring Execution Consistency

Continued Web Execution Enhancements

Web Execution capabilities have been significantly expanded to achieve greater parity with iOS, while introducing new features that enhance the operator experience in material handling, equipment operations, and data entry.

Key Features:

• Complete material output and dispense workflows including manual and integrated scale operations with comprehensive material management

• Enhanced Read and Write Property actions supporting all data types with integration capabilities for OPC UA, OSIsoft PI, and Ignition systems

• Table Formula functionality providing intuitive modal interface with structured table view and real-time calculation results

• Equipment Status Action support with standardized modal interface and confirmation workflow

• Option to enlarge/expand thumbnails of technique media and modernized date/time pickers providing consistency across web and iOS platforms

Key Benefits:

• Platform consistency with Web interface now providing feature parity with iOS mobile applications

• Improved operational efficiency through streamlined material processes and integrated weighing capabilities

• Enhanced quality assurance with accurate weight measurements, comprehensive traceability, and automated exception creation

• Better user experience through intuitive interfaces, real-time feedback, and consistent design patterns across all process actions

Check out our videos of these new web execution capabilities below for more details:

• Video - Web Execution - Dispense Integration Flow

• Video - Web Execution - Material Output Manual Flow

• Video - Web Execution - Material Output Integration Flow

• Video - Web Execution - Read / Write Property

• Video - Web Execution - Enlarge Thumbnails

• Video - Web Execution - Table Formula

• Video - Web Execution - Equipment Status Action

• Video - Date/Time Pickers Web Execution vs iOS UI Consistency

Enhanced Execution Context and Navigation

We've improved the visibility of critical information during procedure execution and enhanced navigation capabilities to ensure operators always have the context they need while reducing potential errors.

Key Features:

• Enhanced header information displaying Batch Run ID, Batch Lot Number, and Unit Operation Name in procedure execution subheader

• Expandable "Batch Run Information" dropdown providing comprehensive batch details including material information, quantities, and template versions

• Scan to Search: Use the existing "Scan" button to scan barcodes/QR codes containing batch run or procedure run IDs

  • Smart Recognition: The system automatically detects whether you're scanning:

    • A web execution procedure deeplink (continues to work as before)

    • A batch run ID (populates search in Batches tab)

    • A procedure run ID (populates search in Procedures tab)

    • Any other text (populates search field)

• User initials display in header across all iOS pages

• Intelligent Inactivity Timer on iOS:

  • Smart Detection: Inactivity timer automatically disables when glasses are connected

  • 60-Second Warning: A popup appears 60 seconds before automatic logout

  • Graceful Logout: Clear "Logged out due to inactivity" message when session expires

  • Flexible Configuration: Respects organization-level inactivity settings

• Lot ID display in iOS batch run list view for easy identification of correct batch runs

Key Benefits:

• Improved context awareness ensures operators always know which batch run they're executing procedures within

• Enhanced visibility of batch details reduces errors by helping operators avoid working in the wrong batch

• Faster batch run discovery through barcode scanning, eliminating manual typing and search processes

• Enhanced security and user verification with persistent user identification and appropriate session management

Check out our Video - iOS Scan to Find Batch Run for more details.

Option to Hide Auto-Executing Condition Process Actions From Execution

Operators can now hide auto-executing condition process actions during procedure execution, allowing them to focus only on process actions that require direct interaction. This feature streamlines the execution experience by reducing visual clutter from automated conditions.

Key Features:

• New toggle button added to the overflow menu during procedure execution using the same "Condition" icon as seen during authoring

• Toggle is enabled by default, automatically hiding condition process actions, but operators can disable it to view all conditions when needed

• Visual indicators show when conditions are hidden with step count displays (e.g., "1 hidden process action/s") and informative tooltips

• Available on both web and iOS platforms with identical functionality and consistent user experience

• Available at the procedure run level (not at individual step level)

Key Benefits:

• Improved Focus: Operators can concentrate on actions requiring their input while automated conditions continue to execute in the background

• Reduced Complexity: Simplifies the execution interface by hiding automated conditions without affecting underlying execution logic

• User Control: Operators maintain the ability to view all conditions when needed for troubleshooting or verification

• Consistent Experience: Same functionality across web and iOS platforms with matching visual indicators

Check out our Video - Option to Hide Auto-Executing Condition Process Actions for more details.

Enhanced Override Impact Awareness

This release introduces significant improvements to help operators and supervisors better understand the impact of overrides on referenced data within procedures. These enhancements provide better visibility and awareness when making override decisions.

Key Features:

• Override Impact Disclaimer: New warning message appears when initiating overrides stating "Note: Once overridden, any already executed process actions referencing this value will NOT be recalculated automatically"

• Enhanced Reference Data View: Referenced Data overflow menu now displays comprehensive execution information with visual status indicators

• Execution Status Indicators: Green filled circles show already executed actions, unfilled grey circles show pending actions

• Detailed Execution Information: Shows who performed each action and timestamp in the same format as execution and run logs

• Applies to process action overrides, marking process actions as N/A, and removing N/A status (signature overrides excluded as they're not typically referenced elsewhere)

Key Benefits:

• Informed Decision Making: Operators can see which downstream actions will be affected before performing an override

• Improved Traceability: Clear visibility of execution status and history for all referenced data helps maintain audit compliance

• Risk Awareness: Explicit warnings help prevent unintended consequences from overrides by highlighting potential impacts

• Better Workflow Management: Supervisors can quickly identify which actions have been completed when reviewing override requests

Check out our Video - Override Indicators During Execution for more details.

Reducing Exception Notification Fatigue While Accelerating Quality Reviews

Optimize Exception Email Notifications

Quality managers now have granular control over exception email notifications, allowing them to configure which exception types trigger immediate email alerts during execution. This enhancement optimizes notification management and ensures critical exceptions receive appropriate attention while reducing notification fatigue from lower-priority issues.

Key Features:

• Hierarchical control at both group exception and individual exception type levels

• Smart defaults based on severity levels (Info exceptions default to no email, others default to send email)

• Mixed state indicator when group and type settings differ

• Complete audit trail of all email notification setting changes

Key Benefits:

• Reduced notification fatigue by eliminating unnecessary emails for low-priority exceptions

• Improved response times by ensuring critical exceptions trigger immediate notifications

• Flexible configuration tailored to your organization's specific needs

• Better stakeholder communication with external users staying informed of relevant exceptions

Check out our Video - Optimize Exception Email Notifications by Type for more details.

Enhanced PDF Reporting and Linked SOP Inclusion

We've significantly enhanced PDF report generation capabilities and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) integration, providing quality reviewers with more flexible viewing options and comprehensive documentation in a single report.

Key Features:

• New "Linked SOPs" option to include completed Standard Operating Procedures directly within parent procedure and batch run PDF reports

• "Exclude N/A or Skipped steps and process actions" checkbox for cleaner, more focused reports

• "Order by step completion time" option to view steps in chronological order of execution rather than procedural sequence

• Enhanced PDF report summary with clearer quality data labeling and dynamic time descriptions

• Linked SOPs appear after parent procedure content with clear section breaks

Key Benefits:

• Complete documentation with parent and all linked procedures in one consolidated report

• Faster review times for quality personnel through focused content viewing

• Better understanding of actual execution sequence and timing

• Improved compliance with easier audit trails and comprehensive workflow visibility

• Time savings by eliminating the need to generate separate reports for each linked SOP

Check out our Video - How to Remove Skipped Steps or N/A Process actions from a Run Report or our Video - How to Order the Report by Process Action Completion Time for more details.

Streamlining Cross-Team Workflows of Data

Enhanced Data Export and Integration Capabilities

We've enhanced our event architecture and data export capabilities to provide comprehensive procedure data access, enabling real-time integration and external analysis while giving recipe authors direct control over data sharing.

Key Features:

• New "Download Steps Data to CSV" and "Download Steps Data to JSON" options in Procedure Run overflow menu

• New "Send Step Data to Event Queue" setting in Procedure Template Configuration for real-time external system integration

• Automated step state monitoring with events triggered when steps reach completion states (Completed, Skipped, Not Applicable)

• Rich step data payload with structured JSON format matching front-end procedure run step details

• Granular template-level control over event generation and data exposure

Key Benefits:

• Enhanced system integration enabling real-time connectivity between procedure execution and external systems

• Improved operational efficiency through automatic notification of step completion status to downstream systems

• Enhanced data analytics support allowing analysts to export procedure run data for analysis without requiring direct integrations

• Enhanced authoring control allows recipe authors to directly manage which step data is exposed to external systems.

Check out our Walkthrough - How to Download Steps Data to CSV and JSON and Walkthrough - How to add and configure Procedure Run Step Event for more details.

Advanced Transfer System with Draft Support & Multi-Direction Transfers

We've significantly enhanced the transfer functionality by introducing new capabilities for cross-environment operations, draft content transfers, and simplified workflow management. These improvements maintain complete data integrity and preserve audit trails.

Key Features:

• Cross-environment team transfers eliminate the need for separate environment transfers, supporting Dev ↔ Val ↔ Prod in any direction

• Draft content transfer capability for procedures, batch templates, and BPGs with intelligent version management

• New Hash Transfers interface with dedicated tab and streamlined grid-based details view

• Enhanced transfer grid showing source and destination environments alongside team information

• Smart reconciliation automatically handling version conflicts and maintaining referential integrity

Key Benefits:

• Simplified workflow with one transfer type instead of two, reducing complexity and confusion

• Enhanced flexibility allows content to be authored directly in production when needed, and enables testing of production templates in development environments

• Better collaboration on draft content across teams while maintaining clean audit trails on production servers

• Improved visibility of transfer origins and destinations with comprehensive audit trail preservation

Check out our Video - Draft Template Team Transfer Across Environments for more details.

Minor Security & Permissions Enhancements

We've strengthened system security through role-based restrictions and comprehensive audit logging, ensuring better compliance and oversight of critical operations while maintaining complete visibility into user activities.

Key Features:

• Updated Role-Based Batch Controls: Lock + Plan operations now restricted to Quality Assurance (QA) and Supervisor (SU) roles only, preventing unauthorized users from locking batch runs prematurely

• Enhanced Access Management: Other roles retain existing permissions except for critical lock/plan functions, while operators can still execute assigned batch runs

• Comprehensive Team Switch Logging: Both source and destination teams automatically receive detailed security log entries when users switch teams, following standardized format with complete audit information

• Complete Audit Trail: All team switching activities captured with "user switched teams" entries including team names, IDs, and environment levels

Key Benefits:

• Better Control: Only qualified personnel can finalize batch planning decisions, reducing risk of unauthorized or premature changes

• Enhanced Security Visibility: Detailed logging provides complete visibility into user movements between teams for compliance and security monitoring

• Streamlined Oversight: Quality assurance and supervisors maintain appropriate control over critical operations with full traceability of access patterns

Minor Updates

• A number of bugs were also addressed and the details are provided in the Impact Assessment