Rotating machines are usually described according to how they are connected to each other. Most common are horizontally mounted machines, usually a pump and a motor. The machines can also be positioned vertically in some circumstances. Another type is offset mounted, or cardan-shaft-coupled machines. These often have some type of drive, for example rollers in a papermaking machine. Often several machines are connected in line, so-called machine trains, for example a gearbox between engine and the driven machine. A modern shaft alignment system can measure all the above types of machine. It also has important functions that aid the user in obtaining faster and better results:

• EasyTurn™: a program that makes it possible to take readings with as little as 40 degrees rotation of the shafts. Good when connections, motor guards etc prevent greater rotation.
• Thermal growth compensation: gives correct adjustment values even when the operating temperature differs between the machines.
• Tolerance check: graphic representation when the machine is within the tolerances.
• Documentation possibility