Use computed fields to compute values based on other values in your Benchling tenant.
To learn more about what computed fields are and what they’re used for, visit Computed fields basics. For a comprehensive list of configurable computed fields, visit Computed field types.
Request a computed field
At this time, computed fields can only be configured by Benchling Support. Registry admins can request a computed field through the in-app support chat or support@benchling.com.
When requesting a computed field, include the following details or download and fill out the computed fields request form:
- Tenant name or URL
- Schema name
- Name for the computed field you need configured
- Computed field formula type
- The metadata lineage or where to hoist the Metadata field from
Existing computed fields can also be modified via Benchling Support request but existing fields (not computed) cannot be modified into computed fields. If you need to change an existing field into a computed field, you must archive the existing field and request a new one to Benchling Support.
Example computed field
Adding the DNA Molecular Weight as a metadata field to the Plasmid schema:
- Tenant: tenant.benchling.com
- Schema: Plasmid
- Field name: DNA MW Weight
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Formula configuration: Exact Molecular Weight
- Field: Use Bases
Configure snapshot fields
You can configure a snapshot field on Result or Workflow schema to look up data from anything that is linked to inventory or registry items. Here is how to add a snapshot field on a Result schema but it should work similarly for a Workflow schema:
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Click + next to Result fields.
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In the new field at the bottom of the table, enter the field title, then select Computed field (snapshot) from the drop-down menu on the right side.
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In the Configure lookup modal, select the lookup object from the Start from drop-down menu and applicable item from the Linked item section.
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(Optional) Click + Add lookup step to traverse more steps to hoist data. For example, container → antibody lot → parent antibody.
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Click Continue.
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Select the Lookup attribute, then click Insert.