Introduction
Requests provide a streamlined way for users to initiate work within Benchling Workflows that provides a dedicated portal for users (known as requestors) to manage incoming work efficiently and at scale. In the portal requestors can browse available request types, submit new requests, monitor progress, and access outputs; while fulfillers can manage and execute these requests directly from the Workflows dashboard.
Each request is created from a reusable request template configured by an admin that defines the work to be done and connects directly to a task schema. Once submitted, the request automatically generates workflow tasks that appear in the standard Workflows dashboard.
Accessing the Request Portal
The Request Portal is available to users with the appropriate permissions and can be accessed via the left navigation bar in Benchling.
Within the portal, there are two tabs:
- Request Types: Browse request templates you have access to
- Dashboard: Track your in-progress, submitted, or completed requests
Using Requests - Requestor
As a requestor, you can do a few key things – browse request types and create a new request.
Browsing Available Request Types
Before creating a request, requestors can view which request types they are allowed to submit:
- Navigate to the Requests icon in the left-hand navigation
- Click on the Request Types tab if not already selected
- Review the list of request types available to you. These are determined by your access to template collections
Though your tenant may be configured with more request templates, only request types you have permission to use will appear in this list.
Creating a Request
Create a request using one of the following methods:
From the Request Portal
- Navigate to the Request Portal
- Select a request type from Browse Requests or click the Create Request button in the dashboard
From Structured Tables or Search
- While working in a notebook or viewing search results, click the Create Request (+) icon
- Choose a request type from the dropdown menu
From Global Create
- Click the global create (+) icon in the navigation bar
- Select Request, then choose the desired request type
Filling Out the Request
After selecting a request type, a modal will appear prompting you to complete the following fields:
- Request Type: This dropdown shows only request types you are permitted to access
- Request Name: A default name is generated, but it can be edited
- Project: Defaults to the most recently used project. Once a request type is selected, this may update to reflect the project defined in the associated task schema
Clicking Study opens a new tab with the full request form. You can return to this tab at any time to complete and submit the request.
Completing the Request Form
To complete a request, follow these steps:
- Fill out the task table
The task table must be completed before the request can be submitted. If supported by the template, you can:
- Use Add from worklist to select containers.
View formula validations based on configured rules.
- Use Add from worklist to select containers.
- Submit the task table
Click Submit Table to finalize this portion of the request. - Send the request
Click Send Request in the upper-right corner to complete the submission.
Note: Once a request is submitted, it becomes read-only and cannot be edited. - Discard a draft request (optional)
If the request is no longer needed:- Discarding the request will archive it.
Any associated tasks will automatically transition to a terminal state:- PENDING → INVALID
IN_PROGRESS → CANCELLED
- PENDING → INVALID
- Discarding the request will archive it.
After submission, tasks created by the request will appear in the Workflows dashboard as part of a task group linked to the request.pear in the Workflows dashboard as part of a task group linked to the request.
Tracking Request Status
You can monitor the progress of submitted requests from the Dashboard tab in the Request Portal. The dashboard provides:
- Request name and type
- Task status
- Assignee information and timestamps
You can filter by request type or status to narrow your view.
Accessing Request Outputs
After the request has been fulfilled, you can view results and associated outputs directly within the request record. These may include:
- Container links
- Result tables
- Workflow task data
Using Requests - Fulfiller
Fulfillers do not need to take any special action to adopt the Requests feature. Tasks created via a request appear in the Workflows dashboard as standard tasks. Fulfillers can reference the originating request for context, but their execution process remains unchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the new Requests feature have parity with Legacy Requests?
No. While this is meant to serve the same use cases as legacy requests, we will not have exact parity with legacy request features. That being said, we will be closing more of the feature gaps as part of this project.
New functionality introduced:
- Improved requestor experience
- Ability to request many items at once
- Request-level granularity and control
Support for default values in the task table
Can I use both Legacy Requests and Workflows + Requests?
Yes, but they do not interoperate. Both systems can exist on the same tenant, but:
- A task in Legacy Requests is not interchangeable with a task in Workflows
- Other Benchling features (e.g., Insights) treat them as distinct systems
If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to support@benchling.com.