Components
LabInform is generally very modular. This is one of the central concepts of the whole system. What follows is an overview of the different components.
Fig. 2 Overview of the components and aspects of the LabInform framework. Not all of these components are implemented in Python, and the electronic lab notebook (ELN), lab setup management, and knowledge base in particular are based on DokuWiki.
Datasafe
Central data storage for all generated data, both experimental and calculated.
A local repository for “warm” (i.e. unpublished and largely not yet processed and analysed) research data. One key aspect of handling data is to store them in one place and access them via unique identifiers (here: a Lab Object Identifier, LOI). The Datasafe is the data storage component of the LabInform framework.
- Further information and documentation:
- State:
Beta: mostly working
Lab Object Identifier (LOI)
A system of unique identifiers, similar to the DOI or handle system.
Infofile
Storage format for metadata recorded during data acquisition that is human-writable and machine-readable. Crucial for true data provenance.
A simple text file format developed to document research data. It allows researchers in the lab to record all relevant metadata during data acquisition in a user-friendly and obvious way while minimising any external dependencies. The resulting machine-actionable metadata in turn allow processing and analysis software to access relevant information, besides making the research data more reproducible.
- Further information and templates:
- Publication with further details:
Bernd Paulus, Till Biskup. Towards more reproducible and FAIRer research data: documenting provenance during data acquisition using the Infofile format. Digital Discovery 2:234–244, 2023. doi:10.1039/D2DD00131D
- State:
Production stable
Used in production since 2012
Inventory
Central place for information on samples, batches, substrates, syntheses and alike. Each item gets an individual number (mostly autoincremented integers) for unique assignments.
Part of the LabInform ELN (see below)
Labbook (electronic lab notebook, ELN)
Electronic lab notebook (ELN) in form of a wiki with (mostly) one entry per measurement.
A lightweight and flexible electronic laboratory notebook for academic research based on the open-source software DokuWiki. Contains as well an inventory for samples and alike. Pages are created using forms and user-adjustable templates. Key is a well-conceived digital mapping of processes and workflows for as intuitive operation as possible.
- Further information and documentation:
- Demo instance:
- Preprint with further details:
Mirjam Schröder, Till Biskup. LabInform ELN: A lightweight and flexible electronic laboratory notebook for academic research based on the open-source software DokuWiki. ChemRxiv, 2023. doi:10.26434/chemrxiv-2023-2tvct
- State:
Production stable
Used in production since 2012, approx. 10 installations
Lab setup management
Logbook for larger devices and setups, booking calendar, FAQs, help, and lab documentation.
Knowledge base (wiki)
Central instance for storing information of all kind.