It is possible to register several samples at once via file upload. Two methods are currently available:

1. Batch registration via Excel template file (XLS Batch Register Objects)
2. Batch registration via TSV template file (Batch Register Objects)

 

 

Batch registration via Excel template file 

 

To register several entries of the same type with an Excel file:

1. Navigate to the relevant collection (e.g. Samples).
2. Select XLS Batch Register Objects from the More drop-down menu (see figure above)
3. Download the template file and fill in the relevant information. (Example file: SAMPLE-COLLECTION-REGISTRATION-SAMPLE-STORAGE_POSITION-template)
4. Upload the file.

 

Register storage positions and samples in the same XLS file

 

A sample and its storage position can be registered together, as shown in the template provided above:

 

• The info in the $ column of the sample spreadsheet should match the Parents column in Storage Positions spreadsheet. In the $ column you can enter numbers or names.

 

Batch registration via TSV template file

 

1. Select Batch Register Objects from the More drop-down menu
2. Select the Object type (E.g. Sample or Storage)
3. Download the template file and fill in the relevant information
4. Upload the file

 

Rules to follow to fill in the template .tsv file

 

1. Identifiers:
   1. Identifiers are given by /SPACE/PROJECT/OBJECT_CODE, e.g /MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT/INS1. Users can provide their own identifiers, or these can be automatically generated by openBIS.
   2. To have identifiers automatically generated by openBIS, completely remove the identifier column from the file.
2. Lists. In fields that have lists to choose from (called Controlled Vocabularies), the code of the term needs to be entered. Term codes can be seen under Utilities -> Vocabulary Browser.
3. Parents. Use the following syntax to enter parents: identifier1, identifier2, identifier3.
4. Parents annotations. Use the following syntax to annotate parents: identifier:xxx;COMMENTS:xxxx\identifier:yyy;COMMENTS:yyyy. Where COMMENTS is the property used for the annotation in this case (to be replaced with the actual property used).

 

Advantages of XLS batch registration vs the old batch registration

 

1. XLS batch registration uses labels instead of codes in the column headers in the template file.
2. Fields which are Controlled Vocabularies can use labels instead of codes.
3. The template can be used as it is, and no modifications are necessary by removing the identifier column, as it was in case of the old batch registration.
4. Upload of samples and storage positions can now be performed using single template file. 

 

The old batch register mode is being maintained for backward compatibility and will be phased out.