Managing lab inventory is crucial for wet labs. The Location Manager tool enables you to easily store, locate, and track your samples, compounds, reagents, and more.
Follow this step-by-step guide to set up your Location Manager and optimize your lab's operations.
Step 1: Log In
Begin by logging into your account. Ensure you have the necessary credentials to access the Location Manager feature.
Step 2: Access Location Manager
Expand the Scispot sidebar (clicking the three-lines button at the top-left of your screen).
Click the small arrow to the right of "Labsheets", which will expand the list of options.
Click on "Location Manager".
Step 3: Create a Root Location
Click on '+ Create New Root Location'.
Enter a name for your Root Location. This could be a lab room, a freezer, or any large storage area.
Step 4: Add Child Locations
Use the '...' icon on the right-side of your Root Location to add a Child Location within it.
These could be shelves, drawers, racks, or specific areas within your Root Location.
Step 5: Rack Configuration
Within a Location, you have the option to create a Rack. Click the '...' button and select "Add Rack".
Name your Rack and choose the appropriate configuration based on your storage needs.
Scispot offers templates for the most commonly used Rack Configuration.
Step 6: Visualize and Organize
With Racks set up, you can now visualize the storage structure.
Drag and drop your boxes or well plates to the desired coordinates on the rack.
Step 7: Connect and Track Inventory/Samples to Locations
Navigate to your Labsheets containing samples, compounds, or reagents.
Add a column named 'Location' as a 'Type' to categorize your items by their physical location.
Select the items you wish to assign a location to and choose the "Move Location" option from the floating toolbar.
Expand your Location tree structure and select the target position for each item.
Step 8: Assign Manifest to Location
If you have created boxes and plates under a manifest, you can directly assign these to a specific location by clicking the "Location" button at the top-right of the Manifest screen.
This links your physical inventory with the virtual Location Manager, ensuring seamless tracking.
Benefits of Using Location Manager
Quick Search: Instantly find any item in your inventory with powerful search tools.
Efficient Tracking: Monitor quantities and locations easily, such as how much reagent is left on a specific fridge shelf.
Visual Organization: Get a visual overview of your storage spaces, enhancing the management and retrieval process.
