> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.indaggo.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quick Start for Lab Users

> 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 cols={2}>
  <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 cols={3}>
  <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>