MultiLab® Pro IDS enables GxP-compliant export of your measurement data in CSV format. Navigate to the data export options in the menu and select the CSV format. The exported file contains all relevant measured values, sensor information, calibration data, and timestamps.
How do I open a CSV file in Excel?
There are two methods for opening your MultiLab® Pro IDS CSV data in Excel:
Option 1: Import wizard (recommended for precise control)
- Open Excel with a blank workbook.
- Go to “Data” → “Get Data” → “From File” → “From Text/CSV.”
- Select your CSV file.
- In the preview window, you can check the delimiter (usually a semicolon or comma) and the encoding.
- Click “Load” to import the data.
Option 2: Direct opening (old versions prior to Microsoft 365)
- Open Microsoft Excel.
- Click on “File” → “Open.”
- Select “All Files” from the drop-down menu (not just Excel files).
- Navigate to your CSV file and open it.
- Excel automatically recognizes the CSV format and displays the data in columns.
Why is my data displayed in a single column?
This is usually due to an incorrect separator. MultiLab® Pro IDS uses the semicolon (;) as the default separator. If Excel expects a comma, all data will be displayed in a single column.
Solution:
- Go to “Data” → “Text to Columns”
- Select “Delimited” and click “Next”
- Activate “Semicolon” as the separator
- Click on “Finish”
How do I keep the decimal separators correct?
MultiLab® Pro IDS uses the period (.) as the decimal separator. If your Excel version is set to German format and expects a comma, measured values may be interpreted incorrectly.
Solution:
- Select the columns containing the measured values.
- Click on “Data” → “Text to Columns.”
- Select “Delimited” and click “Next” twice.
- In the last step, click on “More” and set the period as the decimal separator.
How do I save my data as an Excel file?
After successfully importing your CSV data:
- Click on “File” → “Save As.”
- Select “Excel Workbook (*.xlsx)” as the file type.
- Enter a meaningful file name.
- Save the file in the desired location.
- Your measurement data remains GxP-compliant, as all original information from the MultiLab® Pro IDS is retained.
Can I import multiple CSV files at the same time?
Yes, you can merge multiple measurement series into one Excel file:
For individual spreadsheets:
Import each CSV file into a new spreadsheet via “Data” → “Get Data.”
For a continuous table:
- Use the function “Data” → “Get Data” → “Combine New Query.”
- Select “Append” and add multiple CSV files.
Is any information lost during conversion?
No, if the import is done correctly, all data recorded by the MultiLab® Pro IDS is retained, including:
- Measurement values for all parameters (pH, conductivity, oxygen, etc.)
- Sensor designation and serial number
- Calibration status and calibration data
- Time stamp
- Temperature compensation data
- All other GxP-relevant metadata
How can I further process the data after import?
After importing into Excel, all Excel functions are available to you:
- Create charts to visualize your measurement curves
- Calculate mean values, standard deviations, and other statistical parameters
- Filter and sort your data according to various criteria
- Create GxP-compliant reports with all relevant sensor information
Which version of Excel do I need?
CSV import works with all common versions of Excel:
- Excel 2016 and newer (recommended)
- Excel 2013
- Excel 2010
- Excel for Microsoft 365
The menu names may vary slightly depending on the version.