Common Functions
This chapter describes the functions that work identically or very similarly across all analysis modules in my8data. Once you understand these fundamentals, you can use each module efficiently.
Start Analysis
There are several ways to begin a new analysis:
- Via the Dashboard: Click the New Analysis button and select the desired analysis type (e.g., MSA 1, MSA 2, SPC).
- Via the Sidebar: Click directly on the corresponding analysis type in the left navigation.
- Via an Existing Analysis: Open a saved analysis and click Create as Copy to start a new analysis with the same settings.

After starting, you will navigate to the input page of the selected module. There you can enter your data, adjust settings, and perform the calculation.
Tip: You can load demo data in any module using the Load Demo Data button to learn how the module works without entering your own data.
Enter Data
Table Input (Spreadsheet)
Data entry in my8data is done via a table-like input field (spreadsheet) that works similarly to a spreadsheet application:
- Navigation: Use the arrow keys or Tab key to move between cells.
- Input: Click on a cell and type the value. Confirm with
EnterorTab. - Decimal Separator: Both comma and period are accepted as decimal separators.
- Add Rows/Columns: Depending on the analysis type, you can insert additional rows or columns via buttons.

Copy & Paste from Excel
You can paste data directly from Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet applications into my8data:
- Select the desired cells in Excel.
- Copy the selection with
Ctrl+C. - Click on the first cell of the my8data table.
- Paste the data with
Ctrl+V.
Info: The pasted data is automatically distributed into the corresponding rows and columns of the my8data table. Make sure the structure (number of rows/columns) matches the selected analysis type.
Warning: When pasting large amounts of data, there may be brief delays depending on your browser. After pasting, spot-check that all values were transferred correctly.
Demo Data
Each analysis module offers the option to load predefined sample data:
- Click the Demo Data or Load Sample Data button.
- The input table is automatically filled with realistic sample values.
- You can modify the demo data as needed.
Tip: Demo data is ideal for familiarizing yourself with a new module or comparing calculation results with known reference values.
Perform Calculation
After you have entered your data, start the calculation:
- Click the Start Calculation (or Calculate) button.
- Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut
Alt+Shift+M. - The calculation is executed on the server side (R backend).
- The results are displayed in the lower area of the page.
Info: Depending on the complexity of the analysis and the amount of data, the calculation may take a few seconds. A loading indicator shows the progress.
Tip: Use the keyboard shortcut
Alt+Shift+Mto trigger the calculation quickly without reaching for the mouse.
If errors occur during the calculation (e.g., missing required fields or invalid values), an appropriate error message is displayed. Correct the marked fields and start the calculation again.
Interpret Results
After successful calculation, the results are displayed in several areas:
Key Value Table
The most important statistical values are displayed in a clear table. Each value is provided with a color rating:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green | Value is in the acceptable range. The measurement system or process meets the requirements. |
| Yellow | Value is in the borderline range. Improvement is recommended. |
| Red | Value is outside tolerance. Action is required. |
Charts
Below the key values, various charts are displayed depending on the analysis type (e.g., trend charts, histograms, box plots). The charts are interactive:
- Zoom: Use the mouse wheel or the zoom buttons.
- Details: Move the mouse over data points to display individual values.
- Download: Use the camera icon to export individual charts as images.

Tip: Click on a key value to get a detailed explanation and actionable recommendations.
Save Analysis
You can permanently save each analysis to open it again later or share it with others.
Save
- Click the Save Analysis button.
- Assign a meaningful name for the analysis.
- Optionally add tags (keywords) to make the analysis easier to find later.
- Select the visibility:
| Visibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Private | Only you can see and edit the analysis. |
| Team | All members of your team can view the analysis. |
| Organization | All members of your organization have access. |
- Click Save.
Info: Saving stores all input data, settings, and calculated results. When you open it again, you will be in exactly the same state.
Important: Analyses with "Team" or "Organization" visibility can be viewed by other users but not modified—unless you explicitly grant edit permissions.
Load & Manage Analysis
Open Saved Analyses
- Click My Analyses in the sidebar or open the Dashboard.
- Search for the desired analysis using the search function or tag filters.
- Click the analysis name to open it.
Manage Analyses
The following actions are available in the analysis management:
- Rename -- Click the pencil icon next to the analysis name.
- Edit Tags -- Add or remove keywords.
- Change Visibility -- Modify access rights (Private, Team, Organization).
- Delete -- Permanently remove an analysis. This action cannot be undone.
- Duplicate -- Create a copy of the analysis under a new name.
- Copy Link -- Copy a shareable deep link to the clipboard (see below).

Warning: Deleting an analysis cannot be undone. Make sure you no longer need the data or export the analysis first.
Share Analysis (Deep Link)
Each saved analysis has its own URL that you can share directly with other users:
Copy Link:
- Open the Dashboard with the analysis overview.
- Click the link icon (🔗) in the action column of the desired analysis.
- The deep link is copied to your clipboard (e.g.,
https://www.my8data.com/tools/ppk?analysis_id=143). - Send the link via email, chat, or another channel to the desired recipient.
Permissions:
The recipient can only open the analysis if they have the appropriate access rights:
| Visibility | Who Can Use the Link? |
|---|---|
| Private | Only the creator |
| Team | All members of the assigned team |
| Organization | All members of the organization |
Error Messages When Opening a Link:
| Situation | Message |
|---|---|
| Not logged in | Redirect to login page, then automatically to the analysis |
| Analysis not found | "This analysis does not exist or has been deleted." |
| No access | "You do not have access to this analysis." |
| Wrong analysis type in link | "This analysis is of type MSA1 but cannot be opened here (PPK)." |
Tip: For shared analyses (Team/Organization), the creator is displayed below the analysis name so you can see who created it.
Important: Shared analyses are read-only. If you want to make changes, save the analysis as your own copy using Save as New Analysis.
Export
my8data offers various export options for your analysis results.
Excel Export
- Click the Excel Export button.
- Select an Excel template from the list of available templates. Templates are organized by analysis type and language (e.g.,
M0460_MSA1_my8data_en.xlsx). - The Excel file is generated and automatically downloaded.
Info: The Excel templates contain predefined formatting and layouts that meet the requirements of common quality management standards. You can upload your own templates (PRO license).
Create Custom Excel Templates
PRO customers can upload and use custom, freely designed Excel templates. This allows you to tailor your reports exactly to your company's internal guidelines—with your own logo, layout, and formatting.
Video Tutorial: Create and Upload Custom Excel Templates
The template management can be found under Settings > Excel Templates. There you can:
- Upload new templates in
.xlsxformat - Assign templates to an organization or only to yourself
- Assign tags to make templates easier to find
- Download existing templates and use them as a basis
Tip: Download an existing standard template and customize it to your needs. This ensures that all placeholders are set correctly.
Create Custom Excel Templates
Enterprise customers can upload and use custom, freely designed Excel templates. This allows you to tailor your reports exactly to your company's internal guidelines—with your own logo, layout, and formatting.
Video Tutorial: Create and Upload Custom Excel Templates
The template management can be found under Settings > Excel Templates. There you can:
- Upload new templates in
.xlsxformat - Assign templates to an organization or only to yourself
- Assign tags to make templates easier to find
- Download existing templates and use them as a basis
Tip: Download an existing standard template and customize it to your needs. This ensures that all placeholders are set correctly.
PDF Export
- Click the PDF Export button.
- Select the desired content (key values, charts, raw data).
- The PDF report is generated and provided for download.
Tip: PDF export is particularly suitable for documentation and archival. The layout is optimized for DIN A4 printing.
Local Data
In addition to server-side storage, you can back up analysis data locally on your computer.
JSON Export
- Click Local Data > Export.
- A JSON file with all input data and settings is downloaded.
- Save the file in a safe location.
JSON Import
- Click Local Data > Import.
- Select a previously exported JSON file.
- The input data and settings are automatically loaded into the form.
Tip: JSON export/import is useful for transferring analyses between different my8data instances or creating local backups of your data.
Info: The JSON file contains only the input data and settings, not the calculated results. After importing, you must run the calculation again.
AI Assistant
my8data has an integrated AI assistant to help you interpret your results.
Chat Function
- Click the AI Assistant icon (chat bubble) on the right side of the screen.
- Ask your question in free text, for example:
- "What does my Cg value of 1.2 mean?"
- "How can I improve my measurement system?"
- "Explain the ANOVA table to me."
- The AI assistant responds based on your current analysis results and general expert knowledge.

Credits
AI Assistant usage is charged via a credit system:
- Each query consumes a certain number of credits.
- You can see your current credit balance in the chat window or under Settings > License.
- The number of available credits depends on your license type.
Info: The AI assistant does not store personal data. The conversation is deleted at the end of the session.
Settings per Analysis
Each analysis module offers individual settings that you can adjust before or after the calculation.
Decimal Places
Specify how many decimal places the results should be displayed with:
- Default: 4 decimal places
- Adjustable from 0 to 8 decimal places
- The setting applies to all key values and tables of the current analysis.
Chart Sizes
You can adjust the size of the displayed charts:
- Small -- Compact display, multiple charts side by side.
- Medium -- Standard size (recommended).
- Large -- Large format for presentations.
Export Templates
Select the desired export template for Excel and PDF exports:
- Templates are organized by language and analysis type.
- PRO customers can upload their own company-specific templates.
Tip: Adjust the settings before exporting so that the exported reports meet your requirements. The settings are saved when you save the analysis.