When setting up labsheets for organizing data and workflows, one crucial component to understand is the "ID column type." This column serves as the unique identifier for each entry on the labsheet, playing a significant role in ensuring traceability and seamless integration with barcode systems.
Scispot offers three ID column types to choose from during the creation of a labsheet, each designed for specific use cases and levels of customization. Let’s break down the different types and how to set them up for your workflow.
ID Column Type Variations
ID:
A flexible, user-defined identifier.
Perfect for labs that want complete control over their entry identification scheme.
You can customize this field according to any existing internal naming conventions.
UUID (Universally Unique Identifier):
Automatically generates a globally unique identifier for each entry.
Ideal for labs that need entries to have a unique ID across systems and datasets.
It eliminates any risk of duplication, especially when data needs to be shared globally.
Automatic:
An auto-incrementing identifier (human readable barcode) with options for a prefix and an optional suffix.
Automatically generates a barcode for each entry, ensuring easy traceability within labs.
Best suited for labs looking for a hands-off, system-managed identification scheme that’s also barcode-ready.
Important Note: The ID column type is set once when you create the labsheet. It cannot be changed after the labsheet has been created, so make sure to choose the option that fits your long-term needs.
ID: User-Assigned Identifier
The ID column type is designed for labs that need full control over their entry identifiers. With this type, you manually assign an identifier to each entry, offering unparalleled flexibility. It’s particularly useful in labs where data entries follow an internal or pre-existing naming convention.
Why Use the ID Column Type:
Customization: You can manually input identifiers that align with your lab’s current system, ensuring continuity and consistency with historical records or industry-specific formats.
Specific Lab Requirements: If your lab uses unique codes or specific terms to categorize samples or experiments, the ID column allows you to input those codes without any restrictions.
Easier Integration with Existing Systems: This option is perfect if your lab is integrating Scispot with another system that requires manually assigned IDs to avoid conflicts or redundancies.
UUID (Universally Unique Identifier)
The UUID column type automatically generates a universally unique identifier for each entry. This ensures that every record in your labsheet has a globally unique ID, which can be helpful when working with data across multiple systems or labs. The UUID format is long and complex, designed to prevent any possibility of duplication.
Why Use the UUID Column Type:
Global Uniqueness: Since UUIDs are universally unique, they are especially useful for organizations working with multiple labs, systems, or databases where data synchronization and uniqueness are essential.
No Risk of Duplicates: Unlike custom or manual IDs, there’s zero risk of accidentally assigning the same identifier to two entries. This is a key feature when dealing with large datasets or working across distributed teams.
Automation and Scale: If your lab operates at scale and handles vast amounts of data, UUID ensures that each entry is distinguishable, even when integrated with external databases or systems.
Automatic ID: System-Generated Auto-Incrementing Identifier
The Automatic ID column type is ideal for labs that want a system-managed approach to assigning unique identifiers. With this type, the system automatically generates a sequential, auto-incrementing identifier for each entry. It also offers customization with options to add a prefix or suffix and automatically generates barcodes for easy tracking.
Why Use the Automatic ID Column Type:
Barcode Integration: With each auto-generated ID, the system automatically creates a corresponding barcode. This is particularly useful for labs that need efficient sample tracking or inventory management with barcode scanning capabilities.
Consistency and Organization: The auto-incrementing nature ensures a clear and consistent sequence of IDs, making it easy to reference and organize data over time. The consistency is especially beneficial for large datasets.
Customization with Prefixes/Suffixes: Even though the IDs are automatically generated, you can still add a custom prefix (e.g., "SMP-") and an optional suffix to tailor the IDs to your specific needs. This allows for a balance of automation and personalization.
Setting Up Your ID Column Type
Creating a labsheet and configuring the ID column is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth setup:
Create a Labsheet: Start by navigating to the labsheet dashboard and clicking "+ Create" and then "New Labsheet".
Name Your Labsheet: Give your labsheet a meaningful name that reflects its purpose.
Click Next: After naming, hit the "Next" button to proceed.
ID Column Configuration:
When you reach the page for adding or editing your table columns, you’ll notice the ID column is automatically listed.
Use the dropdown menu in this section to select the ID column type: ID, UUID, or Automatic.
Remember, this choice is permanent—once the labsheet is created, the ID type cannot be reassigned.
Add Additional Columns: Feel free to add any other necessary columns to your labsheet for capturing other relevant data.
Create the Labsheet: After configuring the columns, click "Create" and your new labsheet will open in the same tab.
Distinguish between barcode types:
ID and UUID: If you selected ID or UUID column type, you'll notice a hashtag icon next to the ID column title.
Automatic: If you selected the Automatic ID type, you'll notice a barcode scanner icon next to the ID column. This indicates that each entry will be assigned a unique barcode.
Viewing and Managing Barcodes
For those using the Automatic ID column type, managing and viewing barcodes is a breeze. Here’s how you can interact with the barcodes:
Print Barcodes: Select the entries you need and click "Print Barcodes" from the floating toolbar that appears above the data table. This action generates and prints barcodes for easy scanning and tracking.
View Entry Details: You can also expand the details of individual entries by clicking the purple arrow to the left of the checkbox, which appears when you hover over the entry's checkbox. This reveals more information and the associated barcode.
Conclusion
The ID column in Scispot’s labsheets serves as a foundational feature for managing lab data efficiently. Whether you need a flexible custom identifier, a globally unique ID, or an automatic identifier paired with a barcode, choosing the right column type ensures seamless data entry and tracking. Remember to set your ID type wisely during the labsheet creation process, as it cannot be modified later.
With the ability to print barcodes and easily manage entries, Scispot labsheets provide a user-friendly and reliable solution for lab inventory management, sample tracking, and workflow automation.