A device in WinSPC is used to collect data from external sources (such as a serial gauge, text file, database, etc). These devices can function in one of two modes: Promptable or Non-Promptable.

• Promptable - A device that is working in a promptable "pull" mode will only send data when it is asked to do so by WinSPC. A database that WinSPC connects to and pulls out production data would be an example of a promptable device, as WinSPC is asking the database for information.
• Non-Promptable - A device that is working in a non-promptable "push" mode will actively send data on its own without WinSPC asking specifically for data. A serial gauge with a data send button on it is an example of a non-promptable device, as WinSPC will wait for the gauge to send its data (which occurs after the operator presses the button on the gauge).

Some of the device types in WinSPC can function in either mode, while other devices can only function in one mode. For the devices that can function in either mode, they can only function in one mode at any given time. The list below details each of the different device types and modes available to that device type:

A promptable device can be prompted during data collection by a keystroke (for example, F12 or Ctrl+K) or on a timed basis (for example, every 15 minutes). The prompting options are configured in the WinSPC collection plan used for data collection.