# Set an observation age limit

Prepare a five-minute limit for an explicitly registered Data observation contract. The original observation time and completeness scope come from the producer, not from an AI proposal.

Source: https://help.smartfact.ai/automation/guides/configsheets-validity-authoring

Audience: Author

Prepare a five-minute limit for an explicitly registered Data observation contract. The original observation time and completeness scope come from the producer, not from an AI proposal.

## Set an observation age limit

1. **Read the original contract**

   Read the original contract

   Check the observation and completeness references before changing the age limit.

2. **Prepare the source-owned controls**

   Prepare the source-owned controls

   Keep the contract references fixed and prepare the permitted age control.

3. **Choose the definition change**

   Choose the definition change

   Choose the complete definition so its current age limit is shown.

4. **Set five minutes**

   Set five minutes

   Enter 300 seconds. Withdrawn, superseded and incomplete observations remain ineligible.

5. **Save the new definition version**

   Save the new definition version

   Save the complete new version before supplying independent expected outcomes.

6. **Open the unreviewed version**

   Open the unreviewed version

   The new version needs its own expected outcomes and independent review. Saving it does not change a Data release.

[Watch or practise this chapter](https://help.smartfact.ai/automation/demo?guide=configsheets-validity-authoring&chapter=complete-work&audience=office)

The five-minute limit is a new unreviewed definition version. Data will still need an exact binding and its own complete release checks.