A system and method for validating data for a machine arrangement includes a controller, such as a programmable logic controller, connected to a processor, which is configured to execute an algorithm using the data collected by the controller. The algorithm includes one or more rules that are applicable to the collected data. Each rule is applied to the data to determine if any of the data entries violate one or more of the rules. An output is generated indicating whether the data violates any of the rules, thereby providing information regarding the validity of the data being captured.