Matrix plate scanners are useful tools within the lab that can quickly scan a plate or box to read all of the exposed barcodes. Benchling can read the output .csv from matrix scanners and perform actions within the Inventory application using that information.
One scan will be able to perform any or all of the following actions:
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Creating containers or wells
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Moving existing containers or wells into a box or matrix plate, respectively
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Moving existing containers or wells out of a box or matrix plate, respectively
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Repositioning containers or wells within a box or matrix plate, respectively
Matrix scanners only work for boxes or matrix plates as these location types allow for physical container movement. Matrix scanners do not work with fixed plates as their wells are immovable.
Perform actions in the Inventory using a matrix scanner
To use a matrix scanner to communicate actions to the Inventory:
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Navigate to the box or matrix plate to be updated.
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Select the “Actions” button on the right side.
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Select the “Set from matrix scanner” option.
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Copy-and-paste the data from the matrix scanner .csv output. Each cell in the .csv output should reflect the barcode of the container in its respective position. When pasting the data from the matrix scanner .csv into Benchling, be sure that every container is separated by a tab or comma.
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Select the container schema that you’re modifying. Only one container schema can be modified in a given instance. Select "Next".
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Benchling will summarize each action that is to be taken on the box or plate. Review these actions and select "Next" to finalize the changes.
Matrix scanner .csv file example:
Actions summary example:
