Create and Configure Laboratory Statistics

This activity describes how to create and configure laboratory statistics in the AssayNet LIMS application for use with the Excel Add-In. Laboratory statistics help you monitor key metrics—such as total samples received, determinations, turnaround time, and other performance indicators—tailored to your operational requirements. Each statistic can be further customized to filter by specific parameters, such as client, project, or sample type, or set up to include all available data, depending on your needs. All configuration is performed within the main AssayNet LIMS system, allowing you to set up the statistics most relevant for your operation. Each statistic can also be linked to a specific cell reference in Excel, enabling automated downloading and analysis. Once configured, your custom statistics will be available for selection and download using the Excel Add-In. For more information, see Use the Excel Add-in to Download Lab Stats.

Activity Steps

  1. On the Profile ribbon tab, under the General group, click Lab Stats.

    The Statistics screen displays a list of all current lab statistics, including their names, statistic types, and spreadsheet reference cells.

  2. To upload an Excel file template:

    Note: You can upload a template Excel workbook with clearly labeled tables and cell references for each statistic you want to download. When you save the workbook after downloading the statistics, it will be saved using the selected template.

    1. Click Files.

      The Statistic Files screen displays.

    2. Click New.

      The Add Statistic Files screen displays.

    3. Complete the following fields as required:
      • File Name
      • File Location—Default save location for laboratory statistics.
      • Extension
    4. Click Load File.

      The Select File screen displays.

    5. Locate the file.
    6. Click Open.
    7. Click OK.
    8. Repeat steps 2b–2g to upload additional Excel file templates.
    9. Click Close.
  3. To create a new statistic:
    1. Click New.

      The Lab Statistics screen displays.

    2. Enter the Statistic Name.

      Note: When creating statistics for specific parameters such as client, project, or sample type, you can dynamically update the name using the Auto option when required. The statistic name displayed is based on the option configured in step c-4. This option allows you to create multiple statistics within the same client. The Statistic Name must be unique. When creating multiple statistics, you must select one of the filter options as described in Configure Laboratory Statistics Options before adding a new statistic.

    3. To enable the Statistic Name Auto option when required:
      1. Select Auto to the right of Statistic Name. If selected, the statistic name can change dynamically.

        The Settings icon becomes enabled.

      2. Click Settings.

        The Auto Increment Options screen displays.

      3. Click Add.

        The frm_StatisticFieldEdit screen displays.

      4. Select from the following options:
        • Static Label—Use as a separator between other field types, such as a space, dash (-), colon (:), or any other character string.
        • Client ID
        • Project ID
        • Sample Type
        • Analysis Code
        • Series
      5. Click OK.
      6. Repeat step c 3-4 to add more options as required.
      7. Click Close.
    4. Select from the following Statistics Type:
      • Activity—Statistics related to laboratory activities or specific tasks performed in the LIMS.
      • Invoices—Statistics for invoices, such as the number generated or billing totals.
      • Production—Shows the total number of samples processed or tests completed.
      • Status - current—Shows statistics for the current status of samples, jobs, or analyses based on selected status categories.
      • Status - historical—Shows statistics for historical statuses, allowing trend or change analysis over time.
      • Turnaround Time—Shows statistics measuring the time from sample receipt to result delivery.
      • Work in Progress—Shows statistics for the number of samples or tasks currently ongoing in the laboratory.
    5. Select the File Name.
    6. Enter the Spreadsheet Reference. This is the cell in Excel where the configured laboratory statistic will be downloaded. For example, if you enter B5, the statistic will be downloaded into cell B5.
    7. To enable the Spreadsheet Reference Auto option:
      1. Select Auto to the right of Spreadsheet Reference. If selected, the reference can change dynamically. Every time a new statistic is added the cell is update by the system automatically, incrementing base on the selection in the Settings option.

        The Settings icon becomes enabled.

      2. Click Settings.

        The Auto Increment Options screen displays.

      3. Select from the following options:
        • Increment Column—If selected, the original Spreadsheet Reference increases by column.
        • Increment Row—If selected, the original Spreadsheet Reference increases by row.
      4. Click OK.
    8. Select whether to Group by Date. If selected, AssayNet aggregates the total and splits it by date. The system displays a separate value for each date that contains data, with the dates populated incrementally down the column instead of showing a single total.

      The Spreadsheet Date Reference field becomes enabled.

      1. Enter the Spreadsheet Date Reference. Specify the cell reference where the first date is populated.
    9. Select whether to Clear Worksheet. If selected, any data in the worksheet where the laboratory statistics are downloaded will be overwritten.

      Note: The Active option is selected by default, indicating that the statistic is active.

  4. See Configure Laboratory Statistics Options to complete the configuration.