Like all LIMS, the Bika UIX sucks

I think I can do better using spreadsheets in my lab

Deactivate functionality not used

No two labs are the same, developers keep adding functional options over time, while any given lab might use only half of them.

The trick is to disable as much possible and find your lab's critical path through the swamps until the murk settles

Mounted barcode scanners

Scanning Sample IDs into instruments manually, use mounted barcode scanners in presentation mode to free up both the analyst's hands

Browsers only

If you have to use spreadsheets - in some instances you need them for Bika too - best is to do them online to avoid maintenance of benchtop PCs

All user interaction with their data should be via their browsers, LIMS, email, spreadsheets

Working on shared documents online improves efficiency by a lot

Bika Tips and Tricks

• Sampling workflow off, if not needed. Ditto Preservation

• Register Samples in Received state
  If most sample registrations are done at reception, not remotely, configure Bika to register them in Received state and skip Sample due and its transition

Don't create recurring worksheets manually, configure a WST, worksheet template, once, including of their reference controls

Grouping Samples logically belonging together in Bika Batches, helps to remove irrelevant data from Analysts' views and workspaces. Batches can be  Samples grouped per experiment, project, survey, work orders, production run or lot, tank or field, river etc.

Analysts may verify test results they captured themselves in non ISO 17025 environments. Not recommended, but essential for small labs and skeleton staff on night shift at hospital labs