This guide is divided into two sections: one for Lab Admins/PIs who need to set up and manage a labspace, and one for Lab Users who will be using the system for day-to-day inventory management.
Setup for Admin/PI
Learn how to create and configure your labspace, set up locations, categories, roles, and invite team members.
Setup for Lab User
Learn how to join a labspace, navigate the platform, and use key features for day-to-day inventory management.
For Lab Admins & Principal Investigators
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.Sign up for an account
Create your Indaggo account at the registration page. You’ll need to verify your email address.
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 2: Set Up Your Lab Structure
Before inviting users, organize your labspace with the fundamental building blocks:Create Locations
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.
Add Categories
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.
Add Sources/Suppliers
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.
Step 3: Configure Roles & Permissions
Set up user roles to control what team members can do in your labspace.Lab Manager
Full access to approve orders, manage inventory, and configure settings
Lab User
Can view inventory, submit requests, and log usage
Lab Viewer
Read-only access to view inventory and reports
Custom Roles
Create roles with specific permissions tailored to your workflow
Step 4: Invite Lab Members
Once your labspace is set up, invite your team members.Send invitations
Click “Invite Member” and enter:
- Email address of the person you’re inviting
- Role to assign (Lab Manager, Lab User, etc.)
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.See the Inventory Import guide for detailed instructions on formatting your import file.
For Lab Users
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
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
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
Sidebar Navigation Overview
The sidebar is divided into three main sections:- My Bench
- Labspace
- Settings
Your personal workspace within the labspace
My Bench Section
Your personal workspace for tracking your own projects and inventory.My Projects
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
My Inventory
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
Labspace Section
Main features for managing shared lab resources.Dashboard
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
Lab Inventory
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
- 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
- Navigate your lab’s storage hierarchy
- See what’s stored in each location
- Manage nested locations (Room > Freezer > Shelf)
Product Requests
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
Product Orders
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
Advanced Features (Permission-Based)
Some features are only visible if you have the appropriate permissions:Compliance
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
Finances
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
Settings Section
Access labspace configuration and your profile settings.Settings
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
- View all labspace members
- See user profiles and contact information
- Manage invitations (Admin only)
- Configure roles and permissions (Admin only)
- Manage locations, categories, and sources (typically Admin only)
- Configure grants and funding sources
- Set up custom fields for products and equipment
- Import inventory from spreadsheets
- Export inventory data
- Billing information (Admin only)
- API access and integrations
- Labspace deletion and danger zone actions
Common Workflows
Finding a Reagent
Lab Inventory > Products
- Use search or browse by category/location
- Check quantity, lot number, and expiration
- Note the storage location
- If running low, create a Product Request
Requesting Supplies
Product Requests > Create Request
- Click “New Request”
- Search for existing product or add new one
- Specify quantity, supplier, and package size
- Add justification for the request
- Submit for manager approval
Receiving an Order
Product Orders > Move to Inventory
- When order arrives, mark it as received
- Click “Move to Inventory”
- Add parts with:
- Lot number
- Expiration date
- Storage location
- Price (optional)
- Item appears in Lab Inventory
Starting an Experiment
My Projects > New Experiment
- Select or create your project
- Add a new experiment
- Attach protocols or files
- Log product usage as you work
- Record equipment usage time
Checking Out Equipment
Lab Inventory > Equipment
- Find the equipment you need
- Click “Checkout”
- Equipment is now reserved for you
- Log usage when done
- Equipment becomes available again
Viewing Your Items
My Inventory
- See all items assigned to you
- Check quantities and locations
- Return items when finished
- Badge shows your total item count
Tips for Effective Use
Notifications: Enable notifications in your profile to get alerts about low inventory, approved requests, and upcoming equipment maintenance.