For most clients, Benchling has updated the functionality of inventory tables. More details on the new inventory table can be found here, or on the historical inventory table here.
New Configuration user interface
Previously, users could only move existing entities into new containers. With the new table, users can now:
-
Specify if they are filling an existing container or if they want to create a new container to fill
-
Choose the source that the sample is being taken from (Entity, Container, or Plate)
-
Choose the destination the sample is going to (such as creating a new container within a box or filling a plate)
New Inventory Table Column Layout
Previously, Inventory Table columns were less descriptive, e.g. "Location". This update adds specific information about whether a location is a Box, Plate, or general Location, as well as whether this refers to the Source or Destination.
Improved ability to add rows
Previously, users could only add rows by selecting the plus icon. This update allows adding rows by dragging and dropping at the bottom of the table.
Replacing "Number of Containers" with "Unified Add Samples"
Previously, users added multiple containers by typing the number of containers into the "Number of Containers" column in a single row. This update discontinues that column in favor of the "Unified Add Samples" modal, allowing users quickly create one row per entity per container by specifying the number of rows in "# of samples". Separating multiple containers into multiple individual rows gives the user the ability to specify metadata for each entity in each container, providing more flexible functionality for users moving different amounts of the same entities in many containers.
This update also prevents pooling of multiple entities into a single container to preserve the 1:1 entity:container transfer ratio.
Updating container's attributes
Previously if users wanted to update the container's quantity or archive the container, they had to navigate to the container's metadata page and make the changes. Now users perform these actions within the notebook entry. More information about these new features can be found here.