In WinPATS™ once the  database becomes large in size it can be hard to manage, this is where filters comes in. Filters have multiple uses in WinPATS™ however the most common use it modify the way the equipment inventory is displayed.

Filters can do four main functions:

• Change what is shown on the Equipment Inventory
• Change what is included in your COC (Certificate of Compliance)
• Change the way WinPATS™ handle batches.
• In combination with other settings change the way the reports are displayed.

Quick filters modify the equipment inventory and Test Results. As soon as you leave the view the filter is removed. To remove a quick filter simply click on the equipment inventory icon in the top corner.

If a more permanent filter is required then select a filter from the filters page. Once this is set it will stay active until removed. Even if the database is closed.

If you need a more precise filter or need a filter that is permanent then select a filter from the filters page. Initially this page will be blank but once a filter has been created they will be kept in a list for later use. These filter presets can be activated or deactivated but only one of each filter type can be used at a time. To begin go to the filters icon and select the add icon.

1. Give the filter a name. This is just a reference name and does not effect the way the filter behaves.
2. From the drop down box "applies to" select from the 3 options. Selecting batches will determine what data is added to a batch file. COC (Certificate of compliance) needs a filter to determine what sites are shown on the report. Main grid just simply means equipment inventory. Whatever filter settings we apply here will effect the equipment inventory.
3. Choose how the filter behaves by selecting 1 of the 3 options in INCLUDE. Choosing all sites will not filter out the sites. Move 1 or more sites to the selected sites box using the arrows in the middle. The third option is to select specific locations inside. This will narrow down your filter to show equipment  in selected locations.
4. Select site from the drop down box before you can choose the individual locations.
5. If a date range filter is needed select the tick boxes next test date range or last test date range. Once ticked select the date range from the drop down calendar.
6. Choosing the description drop down box will filter out all records with the same description. The drop down box listing is created by complied list of the equipment inventory.
7. Status drop down box will filter out records based on the status of the record.
8. Frequency filter will show only the records with the same matching test frequency.

When finished click OK to complete. The newly created filter will be shown in the filters list. If you have multiple filters of the same type they can be activated by right clicking on the filter and selecting this option. Note only one filter can be active per filter type. To modify an existing filter double click on the filter name. Main grid filters that are active are identifiable by the purple circle in the equipment inventory. To deactivate this filter click on the purple circle.