We are excited to announce a comprehensive update to the data validation capabilities in DORAS. This enhancement ensures that your offshore risk analysis studies contain complete, accurate data before running calculations, helping you achieve more reliable results and saving valuable time by catching data issues early in the workflow.

What's New?

The new validation system introduces a centralized, configuration-driven approach to data validation that works seamlessly across all study components. Whether you're defining crane parameters, specifying drop objects, or configuring target coordinates, the system now validates your data consistently and comprehensively.

Key Features

• Pre-Calculation Validation - Before running any analysis, the system automatically checks that all required data is complete
• Clear Error Reporting - If validation fails, you'll see a clear list of which tables need attention, with direct links to fix the issues
• Coordinate Validation - Geographic coordinates are validated for proper format and valid latitude/longitude ranges
• Cross-Browser Protection - Working with multiple browser windows? The system now detects when study data might conflict and alerts you
• Reference Integrity - The system verifies that all data references (like crane types and distribution models) point to valid entries

How It Works for You

When you're ready to run an analysis calculation, the validation system performs a comprehensive check of your study data. This includes verifying that all mandatory fields are populated, numeric values fall within acceptable ranges, and all coordinate data follows the correct format.

"The validation runs automatically before calculations begin, ensuring you never waste time running analysis on incomplete data."

If the system finds any issues, you'll see a helpful error table showing exactly which data tables need attention. Each entry includes an "Open Table" button that takes you directly to the form where you can correct the missing or invalid information.

Validation Categories

The validation system checks your data across four key categories:

• Mandatory Field Checks - Ensures all required fields have values. Note that zero values are considered valid entries where applicable.
• Data Type Validation - Confirms that text, numbers, colors, and unique identifiers are in the correct format.
• Range Validation - Verifies that numeric values like dimensions and probabilities fall within acceptable bounds.
• Reference Validation - Checks that selections from dropdown menus reference valid system or study data.

Coordinate Input Made Easier

Geographic coordinate entry now includes real-time validation feedback. When entering crane drop points or target boundaries, the system validates each coordinate pair to ensure:

• Latitude values are between -90 and 90 degrees
• Longitude values are between -180 and 180 degrees
• Coordinates follow the expected format (latitude,longitude)
• Multi-point entries have no blank lines or formatting errors

If any coordinate is invalid, you'll receive a specific error message indicating which line contains the problem, making corrections quick and straightforward.

Working Safely with Multiple Windows

For users who work with multiple browser windows or tabs, the new cross-browser protection feature prevents accidental data conflicts. If you switch studies in one window while working on a form in another, the system will alert you before any data is overwritten. Simply refresh the page to sync with your current study selection.

Benefits for Your Workflow

• Catch data entry errors before they affect your analysis results
• Receive clear guidance on exactly what needs to be fixed
• Navigate directly to problem areas with one click
• Work confidently knowing your data integrity is protected

Conclusion

The new study data validation system represents a significant improvement to the DORAS user experience. By catching issues early and providing clear guidance for corrections, this update helps you maintain high-quality data throughout your offshore risk analysis projects.

As always, if you have questions or feedback about the new validation features, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team. We're committed to continually improving DORAS to better serve your offshore risk assessment needs.