Q. Is there an iPad app?
No. Scispot is a web-based service and does not require a dedicated iPad application. The ELN can be accessed directly through a supported web browser on the iPad.
Q. Which iPads are supported? Can we use Android tablets instead?
Scispot is a web-based application, so it can be accessed on iPads that support a modern web browser. Android tablets can also be used to access the application through a supported web browser.
For the best experience, we recommend using a current device with an up-to-date operating system and browser.
Q. Can the ELN interface be resized or adjusted when accessed from an iPad to improve usability?
Yes. The ELN is accessible through the iPad’s browser and can be zoomed in or out to adjust the interface size based on the iPad screen and user preference. For the best experience, the ELN interface is optimized for use with the iPad in landscape (horizontal) orientation.
Q. How is session management typically deployed when using the ELN on an iPad?
Session management is handled through the web browser. The ELN operates as a browser-based application, so users access and maintain their ELN session through the browser in the same way they would when accessing the ELN from other supported devices.
When using a shared device, users should sign out of their Scispot account at the end of their session to ensure that the next user starts with their own account and workflow.
Q. Does the ELN fully support use of the iPad’s native electronic keyboard?
Yes. The ELN is a browser-based application and does not interfere with the iPad’s native on-screen keyboard. Users can use the iPad’s electronic keyboard when entering information into the ELN.
A smaller keyboard format may be displayed depending on the field, browser behavior, or available screen space. This does not prevent the iPad’s native keyboard from being used.
Q. We have observed that a smaller keyboard format is currently enabled; however, the standard full-screen keyboard does not appear to engage when accessing the ELN on the iPad. Is this expected?
The ELN does not control or replace the iPad’s native keyboard. Keyboard presentation and size are primarily controlled by iPadOS and the browser, and may vary depending on the active field, screen orientation, and available screen space.
For the best usability, we recommend using the iPad in landscape orientation and ensuring that the browser and iPadOS are using their standard keyboard settings.
Q. Are there recommended settings or configurations to optimize keyboard functionality?
The ELN is a browser-based application and does not interfere with the iPad's keyboard functions. For optimal usability:
Use the iPad in landscape (horizontal) orientation.
Use the standard iPadOS on-screen keyboard.
Keep the browser and iPadOS up to date.
Use the browser's standard zoom controls to adjust the ELN interface as needed.
If using an external keyboard, ensure it is properly connected and recognized by iPadOS.
Q. Are there recommended iPad configurations or best practices for usability and compliance?
The ELN can be accessed through the iPad's browser without requiring application-specific iPad configuration. However, organizations may wish to establish standard iPad settings in accordance with their own IT, security, and compliance requirements.
Recommended areas to consider include:
Screen timeout / Auto-Lock: Configure an appropriate timeout period based on organizational security requirements.
Passcode and device security: Use an appropriate device passcode and the organization's required device-security controls.
Password management: Use the organization's approved password manager or credential-management solution where applicable.
Autofill: Configure password and form autofill according to organizational security policies.
Browser settings: Use the organization's approved browser configuration and security policies.
Software updates: Keep iPadOS and the approved browser up to date.
Device management: Where applicable, use the organization's approved mobile-device-management (MDM) policies to enforce security settings.
Screen orientation: Use landscape orientation for the best ELN interface experience.
Any password storage, autofill, timeout, or other security settings should ultimately follow the organization's applicable IT and compliance policies.
Q. Which browser is recommended for accessing the ELN on an iPad?
The ELN can be accessed using commonly supported browsers, including:
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Apple Safari
For an organization's production environment, we recommend standardizing on a browser approved by the organization's IT and compliance teams and keeping it up to date.
Q. How does barcode scanning work?
Barcode scanning uses the device's camera to capture and read a barcode. The scanned barcode is then matched against the corresponding barcode stored in the Scispot database, allowing the associated item or location to be quickly identified within the system.
Q. How does barcode printing work?
Items and locations in Scispot can be associated with an automatically generated barcode that is stored in the database. These barcodes can be printed as labels and placed on the corresponding physical item or location.
When working in the laboratory, users can then scan the barcode to quickly locate and access the associated item or location in Scispot.
Q. How can I make Labsheets feel less cramped?
Scispot allows users to create personalized views of a Labsheet by hiding columns and filtering data. This allows users to focus on the information that is relevant to their workflow without changing the underlying structure of the Labsheet.
Users can therefore create a more streamlined view while retaining the complete dataset in the underlying Labsheet.
For instructions on configuring Labsheet views, please refer to the applicable Scispot help article.
Q. Does Scispot work offline?
No. Scispot is a web-based application and requires an active network connection to access the application.
Q. Can several people share one iPad?
Yes. A Scispot account is associated with the individual user's email address rather than with a specific device. This allows multiple users to share the same iPad while maintaining their individual accounts and workflows.
When using a shared iPad, each user should sign out of Scispot at the end of their session. This helps ensure that the next user accesses the application using their own account and that workflows or information from the previous user are not inadvertently carried over.
Organizations should also apply their standard device-security policies when configuring shared iPads.
Q. Can someone sign protocols on an iPad?
Yes. The protocol sign-off process works on an iPad in the same way as it does on a computer.
The user simply signs in to their Scispot account and opens the applicable protocol to begin the signing process. If the laboratory has multi-factor authentication (MFA) enabled, the user may be required to complete the additional authentication step before the sign-off can be completed.
Q. How can lab members sign protocols on an iPad if they do not have their phones with them?
For lab members who use an iPad while performing experiments and may not have access to their phones, the proposed configuration provides a streamlined signing workflow.
When signature MFA is disabled, users enter their individual signature passcode when completing a protocol sign-off. This removes the need to retrieve a phone-based verification code for routine signing, which can be particularly helpful when users are working with gloves or other laboratory PPE.
Any MFA requirement associated with logging in to the platform still applies. Disabling signature MFA therefore simplifies the signing step but does not remove any MFA requirements that apply to account login.
Organizations should configure the login and signature authentication workflows according to their applicable security and compliance requirements.
Q. What is the recommended iPad configuration for ELN use?
For general usability, the recommended configuration is an up-to-date iPad running a supported version of iPadOS, with the ELN accessed through an up-to-date supported browser. Using the device in landscape orientation provides the optimal interface layout.
Additional security settings, such as passcode requirements, Auto-Lock, password management, autofill, browser controls, and MDM policies, should be configured according to the organization's security and compliance requirements.