Configure Barcodes

Clients use unique codes to identify a group of samples from a specific area. For example, in an open pit operation, geology may assign each bench sample a unique code, often as a prefix. The barcode configuration in AssayNet LIMS recognizes this unique code, allowing you to assign the sample to the correct client, project, and more. You need to add a new barcode each time a new set of samples with a different code arrives in the lab to streamline the scanning process using the AssayNet LIMS Login Module.

Note: The barcode is only required when samples to be scanned are not submitted by the client. If a submission includes the sample ID, AssayNet LIMS uses that information to identify the associated project by checking it against the samples listed in the Submittal table.

Activity Steps

1. On the Client ribbon tab, click Barcodes.

   The Barcodes screen displays.

2. To create a new barcode:

   1. Select the Client and Project.

   2. Click New.

      The Add Barcode screen displays.

   3. Complete the following fields as required:

   • Barcode Prefix

   • Barcode Name

   • Sample Type—For example, Rock.

   • Prep Code—Default: The preparation code associated with the Sample Type.

   • Report To

   • Date Offset—Offsets the date the batch is received by the value entered.

   • Use Full Label for Sample ID. If selected, AssayNet LIMS uses the full barcode scanned for the sample ID. This option is usually selected by default.

     Note: Auto Login can be left unchecked.

3. Click OK.

4. To configure packages:

   Note: A package that includes the analysis code and analyte schemes can be assigned to a group of samples with the same prefix. This prepares the samples for analysis as soon as they are loaded into the LIMS.

   1. Select the barcode.

   2. Click Setup » Package.

      The Project Packages screen displays.

   3. Select the package from the Available Packages list.

   4. Click the Add Code icon to add the package to the Selected Packages list.

   5. Repeat steps 4c–4d to add multiple packages.

   6. Click Close.

5. To clone a barcode:

   Note: Use the clone feature to save time when creating a new barcode for the same project but with a different prefix.

   1. Select the Barcode Prefix with the same project or similar characteristics.

   2. Click Clone in the menu.

      The Update Barcode screen displays.

   3. Update the Barcode Prefix.

      Note: The Barcode Prefix cannot be a duplicate.

   4. Update the remaining fields from step 2c as required.

   5. Click OK.

6. To add barcode fields:

   Note: Barcode fields are used to dynamically update the batch name and/or the sample ID.

   1. Click Setup » Barcode fields.

      The Barcode Details screen displays.

   2. Click New.

      The Add Barcode Field screen displays.

   3. Select one of the following Field Type options as required:

      • Static Label—Use as a separator between other field types, such as a space, dash (-), colon (:), or any other character string.

      • Date / Time—Choose the required format from the enabled field to the right.

      • Sample ID

      • Shift

      • Time Substitution Character—A placeholder for time values.

   4. Select whether to add Padding to a value from the following options as required:

      • None

      • Left—Adds padding to the left of the selected Field Type. Enter a padding value in the enabled field to the right. Maximum padding allowed is 9.

      • Right—Adds padding to the right of the selected Field Type. Enter a padding value in the enabled field to the right. Maximum padding allowed is 9.

   5. Set the total character Width for the field. A value of 0 automatically uses the full required length for the selected Field Type.

   6. Select whether to:

      • Use for Batch Name—If selected, the barcode field is used for the batch name.

      • Use for Sample ID—If selected, the barcode field is used for the sample name.

        Note: The barcode field can be used for both the batch name and the sample ID.

   7. Click OK.

   8. Repeat steps 6b–6g to add additional barcode fields.

   9. Click the Move Analysis Up or Move Analysis Down icon to change the barcode field order if required.

   10. Click Close.