In the VLTI DataFlow the raw frames (FITS files) are classified and associated to be processed by the data reduction pipeline and to be distributed to the individual PIs. The associations are done using different tools :

• On Paranal: raw data are sent on the fly during the night on the pipeline workstation, they are classified and associated with the DO (Data organizer) and processed for quick-look purposes wihout requiring further processing or calibrations.
• In Garching: all frames including the day-time calibrations and/or calibrations taken on different nights are available when the science data of a night are processed. In this case, we can associate scientific data to calibration data which have been taken either before or after or even on a different night.

Each type of raw file needs to be classified in order to associate them with the appropriate pipeline recipe (see association map ). The primary FITS header keywords (DPR keywords and some of the TPL keywords) are cross checked against a table. There are several steps in the associations (TBC). Several raw files can be associated to different calibration products .

The following tables shows the characteristics of the files associated together to be processed with the pipeline recipe "reduce fringe"