Add TimeRangeMethod to StringBuilder DataReference or automatically use StartTime when used on Event Frames.

Is this to insert a value into an EF attribute when the EF starts? This value would come from a PI point at start time?

In response to Stephen Kwan, "Is this to insert a value into an EF att..." Yes, it's to capture a value at start time.  However, the value is specifically not coming from a PI point.  Users can already capture a PI point's value at start time.  But they can only capture non-PI points at end time due to the StringBuilder DR.

In response to Rick Davin, "Yes, it's to capture a value at start ti..." AF 2017 R2 allows you to output to EF attributes upon closing of the EF when using analytics.  I think that should solve your issue :-).

In response to Stephen Kwan, "AF 2017 R2 allows you to output to EF at..." Additional details - specifically you can configure an expression with an output that gets executed when the EF closes.

In response to Stephen Kwan, "Additional details - specifically you ca..." When the RC comes out, I will check it out and get back to you.

In response to Stephen Kwan, "Additional details - specifically you ca..." This should be flexible for the end user to be able to select the value for the start time if they desire.  The default can be as the upcoming release to evaluate at the EF close.

I have a scenario where I first need to look up a GUID and a timestamp from one table, this is done in my element. Both are table provided time series lookups The timestamp will "trigger" creating new event frames by using the step continuous method. Once the event frame is created I will need to reference the GUID inside the EF, which in turn will be used to collect the time series data from another table. But since my GUID isn't a PI Point DR I will need to use String Builder to collect it, and with that I only have the value at the end of the event frame (which consequently is the start of the next EF), leaving me with the GUID of the next EF.