As the complexity and volume of data continue to grow, researchers and professionals require solutions that not only handle this increase efficiently but also reduce the time spent on repetitive manual tasks. In response, we’re excited to introduce Sift’s new command-line functionality.
This feature takes Sift to the next level, offering users a powerful tool for batch processing and automation. For labs and researchers regularly managing massive amounts of data, the ability to work from the command-line is a game-changer. It opens the door to more efficient workflows, greater consistency, and substantial time savings.
Streamline Your Workflow with Batch Processing
The introduction of the command-line interface (CLI) in Sift allows users to automate entire workflows with ease. Rather than manually processing datasets one by one through the graphical user interface (GUI), users can now script commands to process large volumes of data in bulk.
The CLI enables batch processing, allowing a sequence of commands to execute in a specific order without user intervention. This ensures consistent processing steps across all datasets and minimizes the risk of human error. With just a single script, you can automate recurrent processes that may have taken hours of manual work, dramatically improving efficiency. This means that even a single person can develop a processing script and distribute it across the team, empowering others to apply the same analysis to any future datasets, without requiring extensive training or experience.
Speed and Efficiency at Your Fingertips
One of the major advantages of using Sift’s command-line functionality is the significant improvement in processing speed. When working through the GUI, the need to update graphical elements, such as charts and plots, introduces performance overhead. This can be particularly noticeable when working with large datasets. The console version processes smaller libraries (10 CMZs) about 5% – 10% faster, but for larger datasets (100+ CMZs), it performs over 50% faster than the GUI due to reduced overhead. For the large data set test we used Driveline Baseball‘s open source data set from the OpenBiomechanics Project.
With the CLI, you can run commands one at a time or pass a series of commands to execute in sequence. Running commands individually can be incredibly efficient for users who know exactly what they need to accomplish, cutting down on processing times and enabling faster results. Once you’ve refined the steps you need for processing your data, you can easily compile those commands into a script. You can reuse this script multiple times, significantly reducing the need for manual input and oversight.
For users who are comfortable with basic scripting, the possibilities expand even further. By integrating Sift’s CLI commands into a Windows batch script (or similar automation framework), you can create a highly sophisticated data processing system. This system could automatically handle a variety of scenarios, adapting to different input conditions and triggering more complex workflows.
Automate and Integrate with Ease
The flexibility of Sift’s command-line feature also makes it an ideal candidate for integration into existing workflows. Imagine a scenario where data processing runs automatically at specific times during the day or is triggered by the completion of a data collection session. The system handles these tasks in the background, without requiring constant supervision or input. Once set up, the system runs autonomously, freeing up valuable time and mental resources for more critical tasks like data analysis or interpretation.
The potential for automation means that tasks that once required hours of hands-on work can now be completed with just a few minutes of setup, followed by automatic execution. Whether you trigger the process with a simple double-click or integrate it into a more complex system, Sift’s command-line functionality is designed to save you time and reduce the likelihood of errors in data processing.
What’s Next for Sift’s Command-Line Interface?
While the current iteration of Sift’s CLI is a powerful tool in its own right, we’re not stopping there. We have exciting plans for Sift’s automation capabilities, offering users even more robust tools for streamlining their workflows. Future updates will include more advanced logic options, improved scripting functionality, and additional features that make it easier than ever to process data on a large scale while reducing the need for external tools.
Our goal is to continue making Sift a comprehensive solution for biomechanics and motion analysis professionals, helping you focus on what matters most—your research and insights—while automating the more time-consuming aspects of data processing.
Learn More and Get Started
Want to learn more? Check out our Command Line Tutorial for a step-by-step guide to creating batch processing scripts and tips on integrating them into your workflows.
Have questions or want to explore how this new feature can benefit your specific needs? Contact us at info@has-motion.ca to schedule a demo or discuss how Sift can help streamline your data processing workflows.