Why context lines?
Raw lines show movement. Averages and bands show meaning. Operator10 constant lines and strips add reference lines (e.g., average) and shaded bands (e.g., standard deviation) so you can read stability and drift quickly.
Add constant lines (averages, min, max, QC)
In Properties → Calculated Constant Lines, click Add. Choose the series (e.g., Influent BOD), set Calculation Type(average, min, max, QC formulas), then set color, dash style, and thickness. Rename it (“Influent Avg”) and hide it from the legend if it’s just a guide.
Use strips to show variation
In Strips, Add a band and choose the series. Pick 2 standard deviations or 3 standard deviations to shade normal ranges. Adjust fill color and transparency so data stays visible. Strips make outliers obvious.
Keep it readable
Limit to what helps: one average line and one strip per series is often enough. If the plot looks busy, reduce line thickness or hide the strip in the legend.
Compare series fairly
If you’re charting influent and effluent, add an average for both so trends aren’t judged by eyeballing different scales. With Operator10 constant lines and strips, the baseline is explicit, not implied.
When it helps most
- New process settings: see if values stabilize around a new mean.
- Seasonal shifts: use 12-month views with averages to spot recurring patterns.
- Audit prep: strips call out spikes you may need to explain.
Result
Reference lines shorten meetings. People see trends, not guesses. Operator10 constant lines and strips turn visuals into decisions.
Next Steps: Add averages and bands to your key charts →
