Create a Client Submittal in the Excel Add-in

A client submittal is an alternative method for receiving samples through AssayNet LIMS. Essentially, a submittal is a collection of samples that are pre-logged in AssayNet LIMS by lab clients. Clients can create these submittals directly in AssayNet LIMS using several methods, via the Excel Add-in, or by using third-party applications such as acQuire. Another option is to create a submittal from a CSV file placed into a designated folder, where AssayNet retrieves it automatically using a Windows service. For more information about this option, please contact AssayNet Support.

This activity describes how to create a client submittal using the Excel Add-in. The Excel Add-in provides a convenient way to upload sample IDs into a submittal from an Excel spreadsheet, without opening the main AssayNet LIMS application. For more information on the Excel Add-in, see Microsoft Excel Add-in.

The Excel Add-in offers two forms: a simple version that uses an Excel form, and a more advanced version that uses an Access form, which provides additional options such as package selection. This activity covers the simpler version of uploading a submittal. The more advanced version, which includes a separate Microsoft Access application, may differ from client to client depending on specific needs. If you require support with the Access application developed for your operation, please contact AssayNet Support.

Note: Only the sample ID list can be submitted using the simpler version of the Excel Add-in. To submit additional fields such as description or weight, use the submittal application if one have been developed for your operation or Excel method inside the main application or the Microsoft Access Application. For more information, about the Excel method, see Import Samples to a Client Submittal from Excel.

After the samples are logged via the Excel Add-in, they can be retrieved as needed and sample labels can be printed. For information on how to retrieve the submittal, see Retrieve a Client Submittal

Activity Steps

  1. Locate and open the Excel file containing the client sample ID data.
  2. Right-click and select LIMS » Upload Submittal. Alternatively, click the Add-in tab in the Excel ribbon and then click LIMS » Upload Submittal.

    If you have not yet connected to your operational database, a Microsoft Excel information message window displays Lost Connection to LIMS.

  3. Click OK to reconnect. Follow Connect to the Excel Add-in to connect.

    The Upload Submittal screen displays.

    Note: To use the simpler form of the submittal, ensure that none of the clients are configured with Submittal selected in the Submittal Application field; otherwise, the system defaults to the Microsoft Access Application form if there is one selected. You can contact AssayNet support for more information.

  4. Click Sample Range and drag to select the samples to submit.
  5. Complete the following fields as required:
    • Submittal Name—Must be a unique identifier for the submittal. If the name already exists in the Submittal table, the submittal will not upload.
    • Submittal Date
    • Client Name
    • Project

      Note: The packages attached to the submittal are assigned to the project.

  6. Click OK.

    An AssayNet LIMS message appears, indicating the submittal upload was successful.