Overview
Labsheets are structured databases within Scispot that allow you to manage and organize various scientific data, from sample records, materials, animal management, inventory, and even instrument outputs. Labsheets serve as the foundation for storing and accessing your lab's data efficiently.
This guide covers:
Creating Labsheets
Organizing Labsheets
Adding Data (Registering your Samples/Inventory) and Using Columns
Filtering, Hiding, Sorting, and Searching Data
API Integration for Labsheets
A. Creating Labsheets
There are four primary methods to create Labsheets. Let’s walk through each:
Method 1: Creating a Labsheet from Scratch
Navigate to the Labsheets homepage and select Add Labsheet.
Name your Labsheet and provide an optional description.
Add columns by selecting from available types, such as text, number, date, or checkbox. You can also include automation-specific fields to simplify repetitive data entry.
Each Labsheet comes with a default ID column, which you can configure as a simple ID, UID, or barcode.
Select Create to finalize the Labsheet setup.
Method 2: Importing a Labsheet
Click on Import from the Labsheets homepage.
Choose from Google Sheets, a CSV file from AWS S3, or a CSV file from your computer.
Once the file is uploaded, map columns from your file to Scispot column types. For instance, a text field in your CSV can be mapped to a free-text field in Scispot.
Choose to create a new Labsheet or add the data to an existing one.
After mapping and naming, select Create, and your Labsheet will be populated with the imported data.
Method 3: Using Predefined Labsheet Templates
Browse available Labsheet templates from the homepage, including categories like inventory or data management.
Select a template that best fits your needs, and make edits as needed.
Click Use Template to generate a Labsheet based on the selected template, which you can fill in with specific information.
Method 4: Creating Labsheets through API Integration
Generate a personal API token under the user settings in the Scispot interface.
Access API documentation at Scispot’s API Docs for guidance on creating Labsheets and adding data via API.
Use the API to configure Labsheets directly from your development environment, enabling automatic data ingestion and integration with your other lab tools.
B. Organizing Labsheets
Scispot offers multiple ways to organize Labsheets, improving accessibility and categorization:
Favorites: Favorite Labsheets you use frequently for easy access.
Folders: Group Labsheets into folders based on projects, users, or other categories.
Global Search: Quickly find Labsheets using the global search tool on the homepage.
C. Adding Data and Using Columns (Registering your Samples/Inventory)
To input data, click Add Entry on a Labsheet, which will add an empty row at the top. For multiple entries, select the desired row count and confirm.
Data Entry Tips:
Click within any cell to edit and press Enter to save.
Use the drag-and-drop function to copy data across rows or columns.
D. Filtering, Hiding, Sorting, and Searching Data
Enhance your data management with these Labsheet tools:
Search: A global search function helps find information across all columns.
Filter: Set multiple filter conditions (e.g., "Category contains chemicals") to refine data views.
Hide Columns: Temporarily hide columns that aren’t relevant to your current analysis.
Sort: Organize data by criteria such as last updated, recently added, or specific columns (e.g., threshold quantity).
5. Labsheet API Integration
Labsheets can integrate directly with your existing systems through Scispot’s API, allowing automated data uploads, updates, and retrievals.
Steps:
Generate an API token for secure access.
Refer to Scispot’s API documentation for request formats and examples.
Implement API calls to automate data transfers, updates, or data querying from external sources.
Next Steps
Explore the additional training videos linked below for specific guidance on advanced Labsheet functionalities, or reach out to our team with any questions as you get familiar with Labsheets. Happy Scispotting!