LIMS Template Tool

SUMMARY

The LIMS Template Tool (LTT) was designed to aid in getting NEXT test data exported to a CSV or XML format to be used by LIMS. The data output can be used within each user individual LIMS implementation.

The LTT allows the user to select data pieces from NEXT that they require for importing into their LIMS software solution.

As of 10.2024 LIMS export is available in the following modules:

• UC [HM-5004SW]
• Import options now included for supported modules.

As of 09.2024 LIMS export is available in the following modules:

• CBR/LBR [HM-5001SW]
• DS [HM-5700SW]
• Marshall [HM-5005SW]

See LIMS Reporting - Test Modules article for using LIMS Template Tool in NEXT.

Please email [e-mail] if you need assistance or if your test module does not contain LIMS export.

Note: Since LIMS is a customizable solution, it is up to the end user to consume the output of exported NEXT LIMS data as needed.

SOLUTION

The LTT can be opened from the Windows start menu, or from within a test module that supports LIMS export (Image A).

Image A: Shortcut to LIMS Template Tool from a NEXT test module.

Creating a New Template:

1. Click File and then New from the application menu.
2. Select the LIMS template type.
3. choose a save name and location.
4. Save to create a new template (see Image B).

Image B: New template creation.

Open an Existing Template:

Click File and Open to select a template file.

Selecting Data to Export for LIMS

After opening or creating a new template, the available report items will be categorized by groups. These groups consist of the following:

• Project - these are items available in the NEXT project information sections.
• Bitumen (Marshall module only) - this is information pertaining to Marshall bitumen information.
• Specimen - these are specimen information values found in NEXT. These results depend on the number of specimens in the test.
• Results - this is testing specific results. These results depend on the number of specimens in the test.

Checking or unchecking a group checkbox will check or uncheck all items in the group.

Export Format

• Export format includes CSV or XML.
• CSV export can be oriented vertically (rows) or horizontally (columns).

Image C shows an example of template options, you can see the Groups, Report Items, and the LIMS export type.

After adjusting a template, be sure to save your changes.

Image C: Export Options and View.

Selecting Data Import from LIMS CSV into NEXT Test Modules

With version 1.0.3.0, the option for data mapping importing data into NEXT via a CSV file was added.

Import file should be oriented vertically (rows) or horizontally (columns).

Import works for non-tabulated data and non-calculated fields. Import works by mapping the CSV headers to NEXT mapped parameters.

To select CSV Input Style:

The CSV Input Style is how the NEXT module is going to read the CSV import data. Import style will be horizontal (columns) or vertical (rows). See Image D.

Image D: CS Input Style (Importing format).

Horizontal Input Style

This is column orientation where the first row is the Sample Identification headers, and the following rows are the items information.

Vertical Input Style

This is row orientation where the first item in each row is the Sample Identification header, and the following line data is the items information.

To select data for importing:

1. Expand an import group.
2. Check an item that will be imported into NEXT test module.
3. The Import Identifier must be filled in. This is the identifier of the header in the CSV file. The identifier must match the header exactly (Image E).
4. The Unit Class only needs to be selected if the import information has units (i.e. height or diameter). The Unit Class identifies the type of unit it is (i.e. length or weight). See Image F.
5. The Units selection only needs be selected if the Units Class selection is not UNITLESS. This will be the units of the data being imported into NEXT. It is necessary to make sure these units match the import items in the CSV file for NEXT to convert properly if the units differ. See Image F.

Image E: shows an import selection without units or UNITLESS.

Image F: shows an import selection with units.