The barcode functionality must be enabled in openBIS by a lab manager or group admin: Enable Barcodes.
Barcodes for individual samples
When a sample is registered, a barcode is automatically generated by openBIS. This is found in the Identification info section, as shown below.
This barcode can be printed and the label can be added to the vial containing the sample. The option to print the barcode is under the More.. menu
If a sample already has it own barcode, it is possible to scan this with a scanner or the camera of a mobile device and assign it to the sample. This can be done after registration of a sample, with the Custom Barcode Update option under the More.. drop down.
The custom barcode will appear in the Identification Info. If a custom barcode is registered, the print function shown above will print the custom barcode, instead of the default one.
Generate batches of barcodes
In some cases there is the need to generate several barcodes that can be later on assigned to samples registered in openBIS.
To generate new barcodes, go to the Barcodes Generator in the main menu under Utilities.
Users can select:
- The type of barcode to generate:
- Code 128
- QR Code
- Micro QR code
- The number of barcodes to generate
- The layout:
- Split: one barcode per page
- Continuous: several barcodes in one page
- The width of the barcode
- The length of the barcode
After selecting the desired parameters, click the Generate Custom Barcodes button.
To print the barcodes use the print icon on the form, next to Generate Custom Barcodes. These barcodes can be printed on labels to be attached to vials. When the samples are registered in openBIS, these barcodes can be scanned and assigned to the samples as explained above.
Scan barcodes from mobile devices
It is also possible to scan barcodes and QR codes using the scan button on top of the main menu, as shown below. In this way, you can scan a barcode or QR code already associated with an entry and this will open the entry page in openBIS. You can use a scanner or the camera of a mobile device. The selection you make is saved.