# Categories
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/essentials/labspaces/categories

Classify and organize products and equipment by type

## Overview

Categories help organize products and equipment by type, making it easier to find items and generate reports. Like locations, categories support hierarchical structures to create detailed classification systems tailored to your lab's needs.

* Build multi-level category trees (e.g., Chemical > Solvent > Organic Solvent)
* Categorize both consumable products and reusable equipment
* Add category-specific custom fields (e.g., concentration for reagents)
* Search and filter items within categories or subcategories
* Generate inventory reports filtered by category for audits and reviews


# Equipment
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/essentials/labspaces/equipment

Track lab instruments, machinery, and shared equipment with maintenance schedules and availability

## Overview

Equipment in Indaggo represents lab instruments, machinery, and shared devices that need to be tracked for availability, maintenance, and usage. Unlike products, equipment items are typically not consumed but require scheduling, checkout, and regular maintenance tracking.

* Record serial numbers, model information, purchase dates, warranty, and specifications
* Checkout equipment for experiments and track who is currently using each item
* Schedule regular maintenance, log service history, and set certification renewal reminders
* Track replaceable components within equipment (e.g., lamp in microscope, filter in centrifuge)
* Require and verify user training certifications before allowing equipment checkout


# Introduction
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/essentials/labspaces/index

Welcome to your Indaggo Labspace documentation

## What is a Labspace?

A Labspace is your lab's dedicated workspace in Indaggo where you manage inventory, equipment, projects, and team members. Each labspace operates independently with its own products, locations, users, and settings.

## Core Components

**Inventory Management**: Track products (chemicals, reagents, consumables) and equipment with detailed information including lot numbers, expiration dates, and storage locations.

**Ordering Workflow**: Streamline purchasing with product requests, approval workflows, and order tracking from requisition to receipt.

**Project & Experiment Tracking**: Document research activities and link material usage to specific experiments for complete traceability.

**Team Collaboration**: Invite members, assign roles, and control permissions to match your lab's organizational structure.

**Organization Tools**: Use locations, categories, and sources to keep your inventory organized and easily searchable.

## Getting Started

Navigate through the sections in the sidebar to learn about each feature. For step-by-step setup instructions, see the [Quick Start Guide](/quickstart).


# Inventory Import & Export
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/essentials/labspaces/inventory-import

Bulk import and export products, aliquots, locations, and categories

## Inventory Import

## Getting Started

The lab inventory spreadsheet allows you to import your chemical and biological materials into our system with ease. The template consists of **two sheets**: one for products and one for aliquots (individual portions of products).

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download our import template spreadsheet">
    The template contains two sheets: **Products** and **Aliquots**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill in the Products sheet">
    Add each unique product (as received from vendors)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill in the Aliquots sheet">
    Add individual aliquots/parts associated to each product
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload the spreadsheet and review">
    Verify all information is correct before submitting
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit and start tracking your inventory digitally!">
    Access your complete inventory through Indaggo
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Understanding the Two-Sheet System

<Info>
  **Products Sheet:** Contains the base product information as received from vendors (e.g., "Sodium Chloride Solution" from Fisher Scientific)

  **Aliquots Sheet:** Contains the individual containers or portions you've created from each product (e.g., "NaCl-A1" - a 250mL aliquot in Fridge 1)
</Info>

## Products Sheet - Column Reference

The **Products** sheet defines each unique product as purchased from vendors.

### Required Fields

<Warning>
  All required fields must be completed for successful import.
</Warning>

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Product Name">
    Full product name or description as received from vendor.

    ```
    Examples:
    - "Sodium Chloride Solution"
    - "Ethanol 200 Proof"
    - "Bovine Serum Albumin"
    - "Mouse IgG Antibody"
    ```

    <Note>This should match the vendor's product name exactly</Note>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Vendor/Source">
    Supplier or manufacturer name.

    ```
    Common vendors:
    - Fisher Scientific
    - Sigma-Aldrich
    - Thermo Fisher
    - Bio-Rad
    - VWR
    - In-House (for internally prepared materials)
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Catalog Number">
    Vendor's catalog or part number for reordering.

    ```
    Examples:
    - S271-500
    - E7023
    - 161-0719
    ```

    <Tip>This is crucial for reordering the exact same product</Tip>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Category">
    Product classification using hierarchical format with " / " separator.

    ```
    Format: MainCategory/Subcategory/Subcategory2/...

    Examples:
    - Chemical/Salt
    - Chemical/Solvent
    - Chemical/Buffer
    - Biological/Protein
    - Biological/Antibody
    - Biological/Antibody/Biotin Antibody
    - Biological/Reagent
    ```

    <Note>Use forward slash (/) to separate category levels</Note>
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Optional Fields (Custom Attributes)

Any additional columns beyond the required fields will be imported as **custom attributes** for the product.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Concentration">
    Product concentration or strength.

    ```
    Examples:
    - "5.0 M"
    - "100%"
    - "10 mg/mL"
    - "1X"
    - "Powder"
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Serial Number">
    Unique serial identifier if provided by manufacturer.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="CAS Number">
    Chemical Abstracts Service registry number (for chemical compounds).

    ```
    Examples:
    - 7647-14-5 (Sodium Chloride)
    - 64-17-5 (Ethanol)
    - 67-68-5 (DMSO)
    ```
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Info>
  **Custom Attributes:** You can add any additional columns (e.g., "Hazard Level", "Storage Temperature", "Purity") and they will be imported as searchable attributes.
</Info>

## Aliquots Sheet - Column Reference

The **Aliquots** sheet defines individual containers or portions of products.

### Required Fields

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Product Name">
    **Must match exactly** with a Product Name from the Products sheet.

    ```
    Example:
    If Products sheet has "Sodium Chloride Solution",
    Aliquots sheet must use "Sodium Chloride Solution"
    ```

    <Warning>This field links the aliquot to its parent product</Warning>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Product Catalog Number">
    **Must match exactly** with the Catalog Number from the Products sheet.

    ```
    Example:
    If Products sheet has "S271-500",
    Aliquots sheet must use "S271-500"
    ```

    <Note>Used together with Product Name to uniquely identify the parent product</Note>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Aliquot Name">
    Your internal identifier for this specific container or portion.

    ```
    Examples:
    - "NaCl-A1"
    - "EtOH-B2"
    - "BSA-Stock"
    - "mIgG-I1"
    ```

    <Tip>Use a consistent naming scheme for easy tracking</Tip>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Aliquot Lot Number">
    Manufacturer's lot or batch number.

    ```
    Examples:
    - LOT-2024-001
    - L21012703DVAK
    - 284928
    ```

    <Note>Important for quality control and traceability</Note>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Aliquot Amount">
    Quantity of this aliquot (numeric value only).

    ```
    Examples:
    - 250
    - 500
    - 100
    - 1
    ```

    <Warning>Enter only the number, not the unit</Warning>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Aliquot Unit of Measurement">
    Unit for the amount (must be recognized by the system).

    ```
    Supported units:
    - Volume: µL, uL, mL, L
    - Mass: mg, g, kg
    - Count: unit, units
    ```

    <Note>Use standard abbreviations for best results</Note>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Aliquot Location">
    Physical location using hierarchical format with " > " separator.

    ```
    Format: Building > Room/Area > Storage Unit > Shelf > Container

    Examples:
    - "Lab-A > Fridge 1 > Shelf 2 > Box A"
    - "SW426 > Fridge G > Shelf 3 > Box 435"
    - "UTSC > IC > IC-230 > Box 1"
    ```

    <Tip>Use greater-than symbol (>) to separate location levels</Tip>
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Optional Fields

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Aliquot Cost">
    Cost of this specific aliquot (numeric value).

    ```
    Examples:
    - 15.50
    - 320.00
    - 85
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Aliquot Expiry Date">
    Expiration date in YYYY-MM-DD or YYYY/MM/DD format.

    ```
    Examples:
    - 2025-12-31
    - 2026/06/30
    ```

    <Note>System will track expiring items and send notifications</Note>
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Info>
  **Custom Attributes:** Additional columns (like "Concentration", "Serial Number", "CAS Number") from the Products sheet can be repeated in the Aliquots sheet for aliquot-specific values.
</Info>

## Example: Complete Import

Here's how a typical import scenario works across both sheets:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Scenario">
    **You purchased:**

    * 1 bottle of Sodium Chloride Solution (500mL) from Fisher Scientific
    * You divided it into 2 aliquots of 250mL each for different locations

    **Result:**

    * **1 row** in Products sheet
    * **2 rows** in Aliquots sheet
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Products Sheet">
    | Product Name             | Catalog Number | Vendor/Source     | Category      | Concentration | CAS Number |
    | ------------------------ | -------------- | ----------------- | ------------- | ------------- | ---------- |
    | Sodium Chloride Solution | S271-500       | Fisher Scientific | Chemical/Salt | 5.0 M         | 7647-14-5  |
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Aliquots Sheet">
    | Product Name             | Product Catalog Number | Aliquot Name | Aliquot Lot Number | Aliquot Amount | Aliquot Unit | Aliquot Cost | Aliquot Location                   |
    | ------------------------ | ---------------------- | ------------ | ------------------ | -------------- | ------------ | ------------ | ---------------------------------- |
    | Sodium Chloride Solution | S271-500               | NaCl-A1      | LOT-2024-001       | 250            | mL           | 15.50        | Lab-A > Fridge 1 > Shelf 2 > Box A |
    | Sodium Chloride Solution | S271-500               | NaCl-A2      | LOT-2024-001       | 250            | mL           | 15.50        | Lab-A > Fridge 1 > Shelf 2 > Box A |
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Common Scenarios

### Scenario 1: Single Product, Multiple Aliquots

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Description">
    **You bought:** 1 bottle of antibody (1mL total)

    **You divided into:** 5 aliquots of 200µL each

    **Result:**

    * 1 product row
    * 5 aliquot rows
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Products Sheet (1 row)">
    | Product Name       | Catalog Number | Vendor/Source  | Category            |
    | ------------------ | -------------- | -------------- | ------------------- |
    | Mouse IgG Antibody | 5415S          | Cell Signaling | Biological/Antibody |
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Aliquots Sheet (5 rows)">
    | Product Name       | Product Catalog Number | Aliquot Name | Amount | Unit | Location                  |
    | ------------------ | ---------------------- | ------------ | ------ | ---- | ------------------------- |
    | Mouse IgG Antibody | 5415S                  | mIgG-1       | 200    | µL   | Lab-I > Freezer B > Box 8 |
    | Mouse IgG Antibody | 5415S                  | mIgG-2       | 200    | µL   | Lab-I > Freezer B > Box 8 |
    | Mouse IgG Antibody | 5415S                  | mIgG-3       | 200    | µL   | Lab-I > Freezer B > Box 8 |
    | Mouse IgG Antibody | 5415S                  | mIgG-4       | 200    | µL   | Lab-I > Freezer B > Box 8 |
    | Mouse IgG Antibody | 5415S                  | mIgG-5       | 200    | µL   | Lab-I > Freezer B > Box 8 |
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Scenario 2: Multiple Products, Single Aliquot Each

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Description">
    **You have:** 3 different products, each kept as one container

    **Result:**

    * 3 product rows
    * 3 aliquot rows (one per product)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Products Sheet (3 rows)">
    | Product Name      | Catalog Number | Vendor/Source   | Category         |
    | ----------------- | -------------- | --------------- | ---------------- |
    | Ethanol 200 Proof | E7023          | Sigma-Aldrich   | Chemical/Solvent |
    | DMSO              | D2650          | Millipore Sigma | Chemical/Solvent |
    | Glucose           | 194683         | MP Biomedicals  | Chemical/Sugar   |
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Aliquots Sheet (3 rows)">
    | Product Name      | Product Catalog Number | Aliquot Name | Amount | Unit |
    | ----------------- | ---------------------- | ------------ | ------ | ---- |
    | Ethanol 200 Proof | E7023                  | EtOH-B1      | 500    | mL   |
    | DMSO              | D2650                  | DMSO-F1      | 100    | mL   |
    | Glucose           | 194683                 | Gluc-G1      | 500    | g    |
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Scenario 3: Same Product, Different Vendors

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Description">
    **You bought:** Ethanol from two different vendors

    **Result:**

    * 2 product rows (different vendors = different products)
    * 2+ aliquot rows
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Products Sheet (2 rows)">
    | Product Name      | Catalog Number | Vendor/Source     | Category         |
    | ----------------- | -------------- | ----------------- | ---------------- |
    | Ethanol 200 Proof | E7023          | Sigma-Aldrich     | Chemical/Solvent |
    | Ethanol 200 Proof | BP2818500      | Fisher Scientific | Chemical/Solvent |
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Aliquots Sheet">
    | Product Name      | Product Catalog Number | Aliquot Name  | Amount | Unit |
    | ----------------- | ---------------------- | ------------- | ------ | ---- |
    | Ethanol 200 Proof | E7023                  | EtOH-Sigma-1  | 500    | mL   |
    | Ethanol 200 Proof | BP2818500              | EtOH-Fisher-1 | 500    | mL   |

    <Note>Different catalog numbers distinguish the same product from different vendors</Note>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Location Management

### Location Hierarchy

The location system follows a hierarchical structure using `>` as separator:

```mermaid theme={null}
graph TD
    A[BUILDING/LAB<br/>SW426] --> B[STORAGE UNIT<br/>Fridge G]
    B --> C[SHELF<br/>Shelf 3]
    C --> D[CONTAINER<br/>Box 435]
    D --> E[SUB-CONTAINER<br/>Rack 2]
```

### Location Best Practices

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Be Specific">
    Include enough detail to locate items quickly

    ✅ "Lab-A > Fridge 1 > Shelf 2 > Box A"

    ❌ "Fridge"
  </Card>

  <Card title="Be Consistent">
    Use the same naming convention across all items

    ✅ All use "Fridge 1" or all use "Fridge A"

    ❌ Mix of "Fridge 1", "Fridge A", "Refrig 1"
  </Card>

  <Card title="Use Separators">
    Always use `>` to separate levels

    ✅ "Lab > Fridge > Shelf > Box"

    ❌ "Lab, Fridge, Shelf, Box"
  </Card>

  <Card title="Avoid Special Characters">
    Stick to alphanumeric characters and spaces

    ✅ "Box 12A" or "Box-12A"

    ❌ "Box#12" or "Box\@12"
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Import & Maintenance

<Info>
  **Important Notes:**

  * The inventory import feature is designed for **initial** inventory upload
  * The spreadsheet import **does not support** updating products or aliquots that have already been imported
  * After import, all updates (amount changes, location moves, etc.) should be done through the Indaggo interface
  * For bulk updates after initial import, contact Indaggo Support
</Info>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Product-Aliquot Linking Issues">
    **Error: "No product assigned for this aliquot"**

    **Causes:**

    * Product Name doesn't match exactly between sheets
    * Catalog Number doesn't match exactly between sheets
    * Extra spaces in Product Name or Catalog Number
    * Product not defined in Products sheet

    **Solution:**

    1. Copy Product Name from Products sheet directly to Aliquots sheet
    2. Copy Catalog Number from Products sheet directly to Aliquots sheet
    3. Check for leading/trailing spaces
    4. Ensure product exists in Products sheet before adding aliquots
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Unit of Measurement Issues">
    **Error: "Unit of measurement is missing"**

    **Common issues:**

    * Using unrecognized units (e.g., "milliliters" instead of "mL")
    * Typos in unit names
    * Mixed case (usually not an issue, but be consistent)

    **Supported units:**

    ```
    Volume: µL, uL, mL, L
    Mass: mg, g, kg
    Count: unit, units
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Missing Required Fields">
    **Error: "Required field is missing"**

    Check these fields are filled for **Products**:

    * Product Name
    * Vendor/Source
    * Catalog Number
    * Category

    Check these fields are filled for **Aliquots**:

    * Product Name
    * Product Catalog Number
    * Aliquot Name
    * Aliquot Lot Number
    * Aliquot Amount
    * Aliquot Unit of Measurement
    * Aliquot Location
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Inventory Export

Export your complete inventory data to Excel spreadsheets for backup, analysis, or migration purposes.

### Overview

The inventory export feature generates a comprehensive Excel workbook containing all your labspace data across four sheets:

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Products Sheet">
    All product information including names, catalog numbers, categories, sources, and aliquot counts
  </Card>

  <Card title="Aliquots Sheet">
    Individual aliquots with lot numbers, amounts, expiration dates, and locations
  </Card>

  <Card title="Locations Sheet">
    Storage location hierarchy with parent-child relationships
  </Card>

  <Card title="Categories Sheet">
    Product and equipment categories with parent-child relationships
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### How to Export

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Export Settings">
    Go to **Settings > Advanced > Export Inventory**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start the export">
    Click **"Export Data"** and confirm the action

    <Info>
      The export process runs in the background and may take a few minutes depending on your inventory size.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Monitor export status">
    The export will show one of three statuses:

    * **Started** (amber): Export is in progress
    * **Complete** (green): Export is ready to download
    * **Error** (red): Export failed - contact support
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download your data">
    Once complete, click the **"Download"** button to get your Excel file
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Export File Structure

The exported Excel workbook contains four sheets with the following data:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Products">
    | Column         | Description                         |
    | -------------- | ----------------------------------- |
    | Product Name   | Full product name                   |
    | Preferred Name | Custom display name                 |
    | Description    | Product description                 |
    | Catalog Number | Vendor catalog number               |
    | Category       | Product category                    |
    | Source         | Vendor/supplier name                |
    | Aliquot Count  | Number of aliquots for this product |
    | Created At     | Timestamp when product was added    |
    | Updated At     | Timestamp of last update            |
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Aliquots">
    | Column       | Description                        |
    | ------------ | ---------------------------------- |
    | Product Name | Parent product name                |
    | Aliquot Name | Unique identifier for this aliquot |
    | Lot Number   | Manufacturer lot/batch number      |
    | Description  | Aliquot-specific notes             |
    | Amount Left  | Current quantity remaining         |
    | Unit         | Unit of measurement (mL, g, etc.)  |
    | Expires At   | Expiration date (if applicable)    |
    | Location     | Storage location name              |
    | Created At   | Timestamp when aliquot was added   |
    | Updated At   | Timestamp of last update           |
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Locations">
    | Column               | Description                         |
    | -------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
    | Parent Location Name | Parent in location hierarchy        |
    | Location Name        | Name of this location               |
    | Description          | Location description/notes          |
    | Created At           | Timestamp when location was created |
    | Updated At           | Timestamp of last update            |
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Categories">
    | Column               | Description                         |
    | -------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
    | Parent Category Name | Parent in category hierarchy        |
    | Category Name        | Name of this category               |
    | Description          | Category description/notes          |
    | Created At           | Timestamp when category was created |
    | Updated At           | Timestamp of last update            |
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Common Use Cases

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Backup & Archiving">
    Create periodic backups of your inventory data for disaster recovery or compliance requirements. Download and store exports in a secure location.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Data Analysis">
    Export inventory data to perform custom analysis in Excel, generate reports, or create visualizations not available in the platform.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Migration & Integration">
    Export data when migrating to a different system or integrating with external tools like ERP systems or custom databases.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Audit & Compliance">
    Generate snapshots of inventory for regulatory audits, grant reporting, or internal compliance reviews.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Managing Exports

<Info>
  **Export History**: All previous exports are listed on the Export Inventory page, showing file size, creation date, and download status. You can download any completed export or delete exports you no longer need.
</Info>

<Warning>
  **Important Notes:**

  * Exports are stored securely in your labspace's private storage region
  * Large inventories may take several minutes to export
  * You can create multiple exports - each is a snapshot of your inventory at that point in time
  * Deleted exports cannot be recovered
</Warning>

### Permissions

<Note>
  **Admin Access Required**: Only lab administrators and users with appropriate permissions can access the inventory export feature. This is typically found under Settings > Advanced.
</Note>

***

<Info>
  This documentation covers both the inventory import and export processes.

  For technical support, contact the Indaggo Support Team at [support@indaggo.com](mailto:support@indaggo.com).
</Info>


# Locations
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/essentials/labspaces/locations

Organize lab storage with hierarchical location structures

## Overview

Locations define where items are stored in your lab, from buildings and rooms down to specific shelves, freezers, and boxes. Indaggo supports nested locations to create detailed storage hierarchies that match your lab's physical layout.

* Create multi-level location trees (e.g., Building > Room > Freezer > Shelf > Box)
* Navigate through storage structure to view all items in a specific location
* Search for items by location and see everything stored in a particular area
* Relocate items between locations as needed without losing associations
* Reorganize location structure as your lab layout changes


# Members
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/essentials/labspaces/members

Manage lab team members and invitations

## Overview

Members are the people who have access to your labspace. Each member has a role that determines their permissions, and you can manage who can access your lab, what they can do, and track their activity.

* Invite new members via email with assigned roles
* View member contact information, roles, and activity within the labspace
* Change member roles to adjust permissions as responsibilities change
* Remove members to revoke access when they leave the lab
* Track member usage and activity history


# Product Orders
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/essentials/labspaces/product-orders

Manage the purchasing lifecycle from approved requests to receiving inventory

## Overview

Product Orders track approved purchase requests through the entire ordering lifecycle—from placing orders with suppliers to receiving items and adding them to inventory. Orders provide visibility into outstanding purchases, expected deliveries, and help coordinate receiving and stocking activities.

* Track orders through states (Ordered, Shipped, Received) with delivery dates and tracking numbers
* Move items directly to inventory with lot numbers and expiration dates when they arrive
* Use Quick Storage for temporary holding before organizing items to final locations
* Process multiple items from a single order efficiently with batch receiving
* Record actual costs per item for budget reconciliation and grant reporting


# Product Requests
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/essentials/labspaces/product-requests

Submit and manage purchase requests for lab supplies and materials

## Overview

Product Requests allow lab users to request new supplies or restock existing products. Requests go through an approval workflow where lab managers or PIs review, approve, or reject them before ordering. This ensures proper budget control and oversight of lab purchasing.

* Submit requests by searching existing products or adding new ones
* Specify quantity, supplier, package size, and justification for each request
* Track requests by status (Pending, Approved, Rejected) with comments and notifications
* Associate requests with specific grants or funding sources for budget tracking
* Lab managers and PIs review and approve requests before they become orders


# Products
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/essentials/labspaces/products

Manage chemical reagents, consumables, and biological materials in your lab inventory

## Overview

Products represent the chemical reagents, consumables, and biological materials used in your lab. Each product can have multiple aliquots (individual portions or containers) that you track separately with specific lot numbers, expiration dates, and storage locations.

* Store vendor details, catalog numbers, CAS numbers, concentration, and safety data (MSDS)
* Track individual aliquots with lot numbers, expiration dates, quantities, and locations
* Set minimum quantity thresholds for low inventory notifications
* Checkout aliquots to users and log consumption against specific experiments
* Search and filter by name, catalog number, category, location, or custom attributes


# Projects & Experiments
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/essentials/labspaces/projects-and-experiments

Organize research work and track material usage across experiments

## Overview

Projects and Experiments provide a structured way to organize research activities, document experimental work, and track which materials and equipment were used. This creates a complete audit trail linking inventory consumption to specific scientific activities.

* Group related experiments under projects for grants, publications, or research themes
* Collaborate across users and labspaces on shared projects
* Record protocols, attach files, add notes, and track progress for each experiment
* Log product consumption and equipment usage to specific experiments
* Link material usage to grants for reporting and reproducibility
* Monitor project and experiment status (In Progress, Completed, On Hold)


# Roles
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/essentials/labspaces/roles

Define permissions and access controls for lab members

## Overview

Roles determine what actions users can perform in your labspace, from viewing inventory to approving orders and managing settings. Indaggo provides default roles (Lab Manager, Lab User, Lab Viewer) and allows you to create custom roles with specific permissions tailored to your lab's workflow.

* Use default roles for common lab positions with appropriate permission levels
* Create custom roles with granular permissions for specialized responsibilities
* Control permissions for inventory, ordering, projects, equipment, and admin functions
* Set Create, Read, Update, and Delete permissions independently for resources
* Grant equipment-specific access exceptions to individual users regardless of their role


# Sources
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/essentials/labspaces/sources

Manage vendors and suppliers for lab purchasing

## Overview

Sources represent the vendors, suppliers, and manufacturers from whom your lab purchases products and equipment. Maintaining a source database streamlines ordering, tracks vendor performance, and ensures consistency in product specifications.

* Store contact details, websites, account numbers, and preferred ordering methods
* Link products to sources with catalog numbers for easy reordering
* View order history and spending by vendor to track delivery performance
* Track internally prepared materials (e.g., in-house buffers) alongside commercial vendors
* Monitor vendor reliability and product quality over time


# Home
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/index

Indaggo Documentation

<img alt="Hero Light" />

<img alt="Hero Dark" />

## Setting up

Get started with Indaggo based on your role in the lab.

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Lab Admin/PI Setup" href="/quickstart-admin">
    Create and configure your labspace, set up locations, categories, roles, and invite team members
  </Card>

  <Card title="Lab User Setup" href="/quickstart-user">
    Join a labspace, navigate the platform, and use key features for day-to-day inventory management
  </Card>

  <Card title="Inventory Import" href="/essentials/labspaces/inventory-import">
    Bulk import products and aliquots from spreadsheets to quickly populate your inventory
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Key Workflows

Learn the essential workflows for managing inventory in your lab.

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Inventory Consumption" href="/workflows/inventory-consumption">
    Search for products, checkout aliquots, and log consumption under specific projects and experiments
  </Card>

  <Card title="Inventory Restock" href="/workflows/inventory-restock">
    Set low inventory thresholds, create product requests, get approval, and refill stock
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


# Quick Start for Admin/PI
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/quickstart-admin

Set up and configure your labspace as a lab administrator or principal investigator

As a lab administrator or PI, you'll be responsible for setting up your labspace and inviting team members. Follow these steps to get started.

## Step 1: Create Your Labspace

A labspace is your lab's dedicated workspace where all inventory, equipment, and projects are managed.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign up for an account">
    Create your Indaggo account at the registration page. You'll need to verify your email address.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a new labspace">
    After logging in, click on **"Create Labspace"** from your dashboard. You'll need to provide:

    * **Labspace ID**: A unique identifier (lowercase letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores only)
    * **Labspace Name**: The display name for your lab
    * **Description**: Brief description of your lab
    * **Country**: Your lab's location
    * **Currency**: Default currency for pricing
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure initial settings">
    Set up your labspace preferences including:

    * Default measurement units
    * Storage regions for attachments
    * Lab contact information
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 2: Set Up Your Lab Structure

Before inviting users, organize your labspace with the fundamental building blocks:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Create Locations">
    Define where items are stored (e.g., "Freezer A", "Shelf 2", "Room 301"). Locations can be nested to create hierarchies like "Building > Room > Cabinet > Shelf".

    Navigate to **Settings > Locations** to add your storage locations.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Add Categories">
    Organize products and equipment by type (e.g., "Reagents", "Antibodies", "Microscopes"). Categories help users find items quickly.

    Navigate to **Settings > Categories** to create your category structure.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Add Sources/Suppliers">
    Add suppliers and vendors where you purchase items (e.g., "Sigma-Aldrich", "Thermo Fisher", "VWR").

    Navigate to **Settings > Sources** to add your suppliers.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Step 3: Configure Roles & Permissions

Set up user roles to control what team members can do in your labspace.

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Lab Manager">
    Full access to approve orders, manage inventory, and configure settings
  </Card>

  <Card title="Lab User">
    Can view inventory, submit requests, and log usage
  </Card>

  <Card title="Lab Viewer">
    Read-only access to view inventory and reports
  </Card>

  <Card title="Custom Roles">
    Create roles with specific permissions tailored to your workflow
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

Navigate to **Settings > Roles** to view default roles or create custom ones with specific permissions.

## Step 4: Invite Lab Members

Once your labspace is set up, invite your team members.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Members section">
    Navigate to **Settings > Members** in your labspace
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send invitations">
    Click **"Invite Member"** and enter:

    * Email address of the person you're inviting
    * Role to assign (Lab Manager, Lab User, etc.)

    They'll receive an email invitation to join your labspace.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Manage permissions">
    You can modify member roles or remove members at any time from the Members page.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  **Pro Tip**: Start with a few key locations and categories. You can always add more as your needs evolve. It's easier to start simple and expand than to over-engineer from the start.
</Tip>

## Step 5: Import Existing Inventory (Optional)

If you have existing inventory data, use the bulk import feature to quickly populate your labspace.

Navigate to **Lab Inventory > Import** and upload a spreadsheet with your current inventory. The system supports Excel files with products, aliquots, locations, categories, and sources.

<Note>
  See the [Inventory Import](/essentials/labspaces/inventory-import) guide for detailed instructions on formatting your import file.
</Note>

***

## Need Help?

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Documentation" href="/essentials/labspaces/index">
    Explore detailed guides for each feature
  </Card>

  <Card title="Support" href="mailto:support@indaggo.com">
    Contact our support team
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


# Quick Start for Lab Users
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/quickstart-user

Get started with Indaggo for day-to-day inventory management

As a lab user, you'll use Indaggo to track inventory, request supplies, and log experimental usage. Here's how to get started and navigate the platform.

## Getting Started

<Steps>
  <Step title="Register for an account">
    If you don't have an account yet, sign up at the registration page. You'll need to:

    * Provide your email address and create a password
    * Verify your email address by clicking the link sent to your inbox
    * Complete your profile with your name
  </Step>

  <Step title="Join your labspace">
    After your lab admin sends you an invitation:

    * Check your email for the labspace invitation
    * Click the invitation link to join the labspace
    * You'll be automatically added with the role assigned by your admin
  </Step>

  <Step title="Familiarize yourself with the navigation">
    Once you're in, the sidebar contains all the main features organized by category. Let's explore each section.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Sidebar Navigation Overview

The sidebar is divided into three main sections:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="My Bench">
    Your personal workspace within the labspace
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Labspace">
    Shared lab resources and tools
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Settings">
    Configuration and administration
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## My Bench Section

Your personal workspace for tracking your own projects and inventory.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="My Projects">
    **Manage your individual research projects and experiments.**

    * **Create Projects**: Set up your own research projects
    * **Log Experiments**: Document experiments within your projects
    * **Track Usage**: Record products and equipment used in your work
    * **Attach Files**: Upload protocols, data, and results
    * **Link to Grants**: Associate experiments with funding sources

    Note: If you don't have permission to create projects, this will show "Lab Projects" instead, displaying all lab projects you can view.

    [Learn more about Projects & Experiments](/essentials/labspaces/projects-and-experiments)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My Inventory">
    **View items you've checked out or are responsible for.**

    * **Personal Items**: See all items assigned to you
    * **Item Count**: Quick badge showing how many items you have
    * **Quick Access**: Easily track what you're currently using
    * **Return Items**: Manage items when you're done with them

    This helps you keep track of what's in your personal workspace or bench area.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Labspace Section

Main features for managing shared lab resources.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Dashboard">
    **Overview of your labspace at a glance.**

    * **Quick Stats**: See inventory levels, pending requests, and recent activity
    * **Reports**: Access various reports including:
      * Equipment expiring soon
      * Equipment requiring maintenance
      * Products expiring soon
      * Products with low inventory
    * **Activity Feed**: View recent changes and updates in your lab

    Your starting point to see the overall health and status of your labspace.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Lab Inventory">
    **Central hub for all lab products, equipment, and locations.**

    This is your main inventory management area with three tabs:

    **Products Tab**:

    * Browse all chemical reagents, consumables, and supplies
    * View quantities, lot numbers, expiration dates, and locations
    * Search and filter by category, location, or custom attributes
    * Add new products or aliquots
    * Check stock levels and expiration alerts

    **Equipment Tab**:

    * View all lab equipment with specifications
    * Check equipment availability and location
    * Checkout equipment for your experiments
    * Track maintenance schedules and certifications
    * Log equipment usage time

    **Locations Tab**:

    * Navigate your lab's storage hierarchy
    * See what's stored in each location
    * Manage nested locations (Room > Freezer > Shelf)

    [Learn more about Products](/essentials/labspaces/products) | [Learn more about Equipment](/essentials/labspaces/equipment) | [Learn more about Locations](/essentials/labspaces/locations)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Product Requests">
    **Submit and track purchase requests.**

    When you need new supplies or existing inventory is running low:

    * **Create Request**: Submit a request for items to purchase
    * **Specify Details**: Include product info, quantity, supplier, and justification
    * **Track Status**: Monitor requests through pending, approved, or rejected states
    * **Add Comments**: Communicate with lab managers about your request
    * **View History**: See all your past requests

    The default view shows all pending requests. Lab managers will review and approve before creating orders.

    [Learn more about Product Requests](/essentials/labspaces/product-requests)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Product Orders">
    **Manage orders from approval to receiving.**

    Track the purchasing lifecycle:

    * **Active Orders**: View outstanding orders with expected delivery dates
    * **Approved Requests**: See requests that have been approved but not yet ordered
    * **Update Status**: Mark items as ordered, shipped, or received
    * **Receive Items**: When orders arrive, move them into inventory with:
      * Lot numbers
      * Expiration dates
      * Storage locations
      * Pricing information
    * **Quick Storage**: Temporarily store items before final organization
    * **Order History**: Review all completed orders

    The default view shows outstanding orders that need attention.

    [Learn more about Product Orders](/essentials/labspaces/product-orders)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Advanced Features (Permission-Based)

Some features are only visible if you have the appropriate permissions:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Compliance">
    **Manage safety and compliance documentation.** (Admin access required)

    * **MSDS Management**: Track Material Safety Data Sheets for all products
    * **Missing MSDS**: Identify products lacking safety documentation
    * **Compliance Reports**: Generate reports for audits and inspections
    * **Document Attachments**: Upload and manage safety documents
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Finances">
    **Track lab spending and budgets.** (Admin access required)

    * **Budget Overview**: Monitor spending across categories and grants
    * **Order Costs**: Track expenses for all product orders
    * **Grant Tracking**: See spending per grant or funding source
    * **Financial Reports**: Generate expense reports for your lab
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Settings Section

Access labspace configuration and your profile settings.

<Accordion title="Settings">
  **Manage labspace configuration and your account.**

  The Settings page includes multiple sections:

  **General Settings** (Admin only):

  * Update labspace name, description, and basic info
  * Configure default units and preferences
  * Manage storage regions

  **Users & Access**:

  * View all labspace members
  * See user profiles and contact information
  * Manage invitations (Admin only)
  * Configure roles and permissions (Admin only)

  **Lab Organization**:

  * Manage locations, categories, and sources (typically Admin only)
  * Configure grants and funding sources
  * Set up custom fields for products and equipment

  **Data Management**:

  * Import inventory from spreadsheets
  * Export inventory data
  * Billing information (Admin only)

  **Advanced Settings** (Admin only):

  * API access and integrations
  * Labspace deletion and danger zone actions

  [Learn more about Roles](/essentials/labspaces/roles)
</Accordion>

## Common Workflows

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Finding a Reagent">
    **Lab Inventory > Products**

    1. Use search or browse by category/location
    2. Check quantity, lot number, and expiration
    3. Note the storage location
    4. If running low, create a Product Request
  </Card>

  <Card title="Requesting Supplies">
    **Product Requests > Create Request**

    1. Click "New Request"
    2. Search for existing product or add new one
    3. Specify quantity, supplier, and package size
    4. Add justification for the request
    5. Submit for manager approval
  </Card>

  <Card title="Receiving an Order">
    **Product Orders > Move to Inventory**

    1. When order arrives, mark it as received
    2. Click "Move to Inventory"
    3. Add parts with:
       * Lot number
       * Expiration date
       * Storage location
       * Price (optional)
    4. Item appears in Lab Inventory
  </Card>

  <Card title="Starting an Experiment">
    **My Projects > New Experiment**

    1. Select or create your project
    2. Add a new experiment
    3. Attach protocols or files
    4. Log product usage as you work
    5. Record equipment usage time
  </Card>

  <Card title="Checking Out Equipment">
    **Lab Inventory > Equipment**

    1. Find the equipment you need
    2. Click "Checkout"
    3. Equipment is now reserved for you
    4. Log usage when done
    5. Equipment becomes available again
  </Card>

  <Card title="Viewing Your Items">
    **My Inventory**

    1. See all items assigned to you
    2. Check quantities and locations
    3. Return items when finished
    4. Badge shows your total item count
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Tips for Effective Use

<Tip>
  **Search Tips**: Use the search bar at the top to quickly find anything in your labspace - products, equipment, experiments, or people.
</Tip>

<Warning>
  **Expiration Tracking**: Always check expiration dates in Lab Inventory. Expired items may be automatically flagged or hidden depending on your lab's settings.
</Warning>

<Note>
  **Notifications**: Enable notifications in your profile to get alerts about low inventory, approved requests, and upcoming equipment maintenance.
</Note>

***

## Need Help?

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Documentation" href="/essentials/labspaces/index">
    Explore detailed guides for each feature
  </Card>

  <Card title="Support" href="mailto:support@indaggo.com">
    Contact our support team
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


# Inventory Consumption
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/workflows/inventory-consumption

Learn how to search for products, checkout aliquots, and consume them under specific experiments

## Overview

The inventory consumption workflow allows lab users to search for products, checkout specific parts or aliquots, and track their usage under specific projects and experiments. This ensures accurate inventory tracking and provides a complete audit trail of how materials are used in research.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Search for Products">
    Navigate to **Lab Inventory > Products** and use the search functionality to find the reagent or consumable you need.

    * Use the search bar to find products by name, catalog number, or description
    * Filter by category, location, or custom attributes
    * Check available quantities and expiration dates
    * View lot numbers and storage locations
  </Step>

  <Step title="Checkout Aliquots">
    Once you've found the product you need, checkout specific parts or aliquots for your use.

    * Click on the product to view available aliquots
    * Select the specific aliquot(s) you want to checkout
    * Specify the quantity you're taking
    * The aliquot is now assigned to your personal inventory

    <Note>
      Checked out items will appear in **My Inventory** so you can easily track what you're currently using.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Consume Under Project/Experiment">
    As you use the materials in your research, log the consumption under the specific project and experiment.

    * Navigate to **My Projects** (or **Lab Projects** if you don't have project creation permissions)
    * Select the relevant project
    * Open or create the experiment where you're using the material
    * Click **Log Product Usage** or similar action
    * Select the aliquot from your inventory
    * Specify the amount consumed
    * Add optional notes about how it was used

    <Tip>
      Logging consumption accurately helps maintain inventory levels and provides valuable data for grant reporting and budget tracking.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Track Usage History">
    View complete usage history and audit trails.

    * See all consumption records in the experiment log
    * Track who used what materials and when
    * View remaining quantities in your personal inventory
    * Generate reports on material usage across projects
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Key Benefits

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Accurate Tracking">
    Real-time inventory levels updated as materials are consumed
  </Card>

  <Card title="Complete Audit Trail">
    Full history of who used what materials, when, and for which experiments
  </Card>

  <Card title="Grant Reporting">
    Link material usage to specific projects and grants for accurate budget tracking
  </Card>

  <Card title="Personal Accountability">
    My Inventory shows exactly what materials you're responsible for
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


# Inventory Restock
Source: https://docs.indaggo.com/workflows/inventory-restock

Learn how to manage low inventory notifications, create product requests, and restock inventory through the approval workflow

## Overview

The inventory restock workflow helps labs maintain optimal inventory levels through automated notifications, product requests, approvals, and order management. This process ensures that critical supplies are replenished before running out, while maintaining proper oversight and budget control.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Low Inventory Notifications">
    Each product can be configured with a low stock threshold to automatically notify users when inventory reaches critical levels.

    * Set minimum quantity thresholds for each product
    * Users receive notifications when stock falls below the threshold
    * Dashboard displays low inventory alerts in reports
    * View all products with low inventory in **Dashboard > Reports > Products with low inventory**

    <Warning>
      Configure low stock thresholds proactively for critical reagents to avoid experimental delays.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Product Request">
    When inventory is low or you need new supplies, submit a product request.

    Navigate to **Product Requests** and click **Create Request**:

    * Search for existing product or add a new one
    * Specify quantity needed
    * Select supplier/source
    * Define package size and pricing (if known)
    * Add justification for the request
    * Optionally link to a grant or project
    * Submit for approval

    <Note>
      Product requests default to "Pending" status and will be visible to lab managers and PIs for review.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Request Approval by PI/Admin">
    Principal Investigators and lab admins review and approve product requests.

    **Approval Process**:

    * Navigate to **Product Requests** (default view shows pending requests)
    * Review request details, justification, and pricing
    * Add comments or ask questions to the requester
    * Approve or reject the request
    * Approved requests automatically move to **Product Orders**

    <Tip>
      PIs can review all requests by grant allocation to ensure spending stays within budget.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Product Order Creation">
    Once approved, product requests become product orders that need to be fulfilled.

    **Managing Orders**:

    * Navigate to **Product Orders** (default view shows outstanding orders)
    * View all approved requests ready to be ordered
    * Update order status as you progress:
      * **Ordered**: Marked when purchase order is placed with supplier
      * **Shipped**: Updated when supplier confirms shipment
      * **Received**: Marked when items arrive at the lab

    <Info>
      Track expected delivery dates and order history to manage lab operations effectively.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Receiving and Restocking">
    When the order arrives, you have two options for getting items into inventory.

    **Option 1: Quick Storage** (Temporary holding)

    * Quickly receive items into a temporary storage area
    * Useful when you need to process multiple orders
    * Items are tracked but not yet in final locations
    * Organize and move to permanent locations later

    **Option 2: Direct to Inventory** (Immediate placement)

    * Click **Move to Inventory** on the received order
    * Add aliquots/parts with complete details:
      * **Lot number**: From the supplier label
      * **Expiration date**: From product packaging
      * **Storage location**: Select final storage location (freezer, shelf, etc.)
      * **Quantity**: Number of units received
      * **Price**: Actual cost per unit (for budget tracking)
    * Items immediately appear in **Lab Inventory > Products**
    * Inventory levels are updated in real-time

    <Tip>
      Use Quick Storage during busy receiving periods, then organize items into final locations during dedicated time slots.
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Configuring Low Stock Thresholds

<Accordion title="How to Set Product Thresholds">
  To configure low inventory notifications for a product:

  1. Navigate to **Lab Inventory > Products**
  2. Select the product you want to configure
  3. Edit the product settings
  4. Set the **Minimum Quantity** threshold
  5. Enable notifications for relevant users
  6. Save changes

  When total quantity across all aliquots falls below this threshold, the system will:

  * Display the product in Dashboard reports
  * Send notifications to designated users
  * Flag the item with a low stock indicator
</Accordion>

## Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Set Realistic Thresholds">
    Configure minimum quantities based on:

    * How quickly you use the item
    * Typical supplier lead time
    * Criticality to ongoing experiments
    * Storage capacity constraints
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Regular Review Cycles">
    * Check Dashboard reports weekly for low inventory items
    * Review pending requests daily
    * Process received orders promptly to update inventory
    * Audit threshold settings quarterly
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Clear Justifications">
    When creating requests, include:

    * Which projects/experiments need the item
    * Estimated usage timeframe
    * Why this specific supplier/quantity
    * Grant or budget source
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Efficient Receiving">
    * Dedicate time for receiving and organizing deliveries
    * Use Quick Storage for bulk receiving sessions
    * Always verify lot numbers and expiration dates
    * Update prices for accurate budget tracking
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>