Clarity LIMS
Illumina Connected Software
Clarity LIMS Software
Clarity LIMS Software
  • Announcements
  • Clarity LIMS
    • Clarity & LabLink
  • API and Database
    • API Portal
      • REST
        • REST General Concepts
        • REST Web Services
        • HTTP Response Codes and Errors
        • XML UTF-8 Character Encoding
        • Requesting API Version Information
        • Viewing Paginated List Resources
        • Filtering List Resources
        • Working with User-Defined Fields (UDF) and Types (UDT)
        • Traversing a Genealogy
        • Working with Batch Resources
      • Getting Started with API
        • Understanding API Terminology (LIMS v5 and later)
        • API-Based URIs (LIMS v4 and later)
        • Development Prerequisites
        • Structure of REST Resources
        • The Life Cycle of a Sample: Stages Versus Steps
        • Integrating Scripts
      • Automation
        • Automation Triggers and Command Line Calls
        • Automation Execution Environment
        • Supported Command Line Interpreters
        • Automation Channels
        • Error Handling
        • Automation Tokens
          • Derived Sample Automation Tokens
          • Step Automation Tokens
          • Project Automation Tokens
        • Automation Testing
        • Troubleshooting Automation
      • Tips and Tricks
        • Accessing Step UDFs from a different Step
        • Obfuscating Sensitive Data in Scripts
        • Integrating Clarity LIMS with Upstream Sample Accessioning Systems
        • Creating Samples and Projects via the API
        • Displaying Files From an Earlier Step
        • Transitioning Output Artifacts into the Next Step
        • Determining the Workflow(s) to Which a Sample is Assigned
        • Standardizing Sample Naming via the API
        • Copying UDF Values from Source to Destination
        • Updating Preset Value of a Step UDF through API
        • Automating BCL Conversion
        • Finding QC Flags in Aggregate QC (Library Validation) via REST API
        • Setting the Value of a QC Flag on an Artifact
        • Creating Notifications When Files are Added via LabLink
        • Remote HTTP Filestore Setup
      • Cookbook
        • Get Started with the Cookbook
          • Tips and Troubleshooting
          • Obtain and Use the REST API Utility Classes
        • Work with EPP/Automation and Files
          • Automation Trigger Configuration
          • Process Execution with EPP/Automation Support
        • Work with Submitted Samples
          • Adding Samples to the System
          • Renaming Samples
          • Assigning Samples to Workflows
          • Updating Sample Information
          • Show the Relationship Between Samples and Analyte Artifacts (Derived Samples)
        • Work with Containers
          • Add an Empty Container to the System
          • Find the Contents of a Well Location in a Container
          • Filter Containers by Name
        • Work with Derived Sample Automations
          • Remove Samples from Workflows
          • Requeue Samples
          • Rearray Samples
        • Work with Process/Step Outputs
          • Update UDF/Custom Field Values for a Derived Sample Output
          • Rename Derived Samples Using the API
          • Find the Container Location of a Derived Sample
          • Traverse a Pooled and Demultiplexed Sample History/Genealogy
          • View the Inputs and Outputs of a Process/Step
        • Work with Projects and Accounts
          • Remove Information from a Project
          • Add a New Project to the System with UDF/Custom Field Value
          • Get a Project Name
          • Find an Account Registered in the System
          • Update Contact (User and Client) Information
        • Work with Multiplexing
          • Find the Index Sequence for a Reagent Label
          • Demultiplexing
          • Pool Samples with Reagent Labels
          • Apply Reagent Labels with REST
          • Apply Reagent Labels When Samples are Imported
          • Apply Reagent Labels by Adding Reagents to Samples
        • Working with User Defined Fields/Custom Fields
          • About UDFs/Custom Fields and UDTs
          • Performing Post-Step Calculations with Custom Fields/UDFs
        • Work with Processes/Steps
          • Filter Processes by Date and Type
          • Find Terminal Processes/Steps
          • Run a Process/Step
          • Update UDF/Custom Field Information for a Process/Step
          • Work with the Steps Pooling Endpoint
        • Work with Batch Resources
          • Introduction to Batch Resources
          • Update UDF/Custom Field Information with Batch Operations
          • Retrieve Multiple Entities with a Single API Interaction
          • Select the Optimal Batch Size
        • Work with Files
          • Attach a File with REST and Python
          • Attach Files Located Outside the Default File Storage Repository
          • Attach a File to a File Placeholder with REST
        • Work with Controls
          • Automated Removal of Controls from a Workflow
      • Application Examples
        • Python API Library (glsapiutil.py) Location
        • Scripts That Help Automate Steps
          • Route Artifacts Based Off a Template File
          • Invoking bcl2fastq from BCL Conversion and Demultiplexing Step
          • Email Notifications
          • Finishing the Current Step and Starting the Next
          • Adding Downstream Samples to Additional Workflows
          • Advancing/Completing a Protocol Step via the API
          • Setting a Default Next Action
          • Automatic Placement of Samples Based on Input Plate Map (Multiple Plates)
          • Automatic Placement of Samples Based on Input Plate Map
          • Publishing Files to LabLink
          • Automatic Pooling Based on a Sample UDF/Custom Field
          • Completing a Step Programmatically
          • Automatic Sample Placement into Existing Containers
          • Routing Output Artifacts to Specific Workflows/Stages
          • Creating Multiple Containers / Types for Placement
          • Starting a Protocol Step via the API
          • Setting Quality Control Flags
          • Applying Indexing Patterns to Containers Automatically
          • Assignment of Sample Next Steps Based On a UDF
          • Parsing Metadata into UDFs (BCL Conversion and Demultiplexing)
        • Scripts That Validate Step Contents
          • Validating Process/Step Level UDFs
          • Checking That Containers Are Named Appropriately
          • Checking for Index Clashes Based on Index Sequence
          • Validating Illumina TruSeq Index Adapter Combinations
        • Scripts Triggered Outside of Workflows/Steps
          • Repurposing a Process to Upload Indexes
          • Adding Users in Bulk
          • Moving Reagent Kits & Lots to New Clarity LIMS Server
          • Programatically Importing the Sample Submission Excel File
          • Generating an MS Excel Sample Submission Spreadsheet
          • Assigning Samples to New Workflows
        • Miscellaneous Scripts
          • Illumina LIMS Integration
          • Generating a Hierarchical Sample History
          • Protocol-based Permissions
          • Self-Incremental Counters
          • Generic CSV Parser Template (Python)
          • Renaming Samples to Add an Internal ID
          • Creating Custom Sample Sheets
          • Copying Output UDFs to Submitted Samples
          • Parsing Sequencing Meta-Data into Clarity LIMS
          • Submit to a Compute Cluster via PBS
          • Downloading a File and PDF Image Extraction
        • Resources and References
          • Understanding LIMS ID Prefixes
          • Container States
          • Useful Tools
          • Unsupported Artifact Types
          • Unsupported Process Types
          • Suggested Reading
          • API Training Videos
  • Illumina Preset Protocols
    • IPP v2.10
      • Release Notes
      • Installation and User Configuration
      • Manual Upgrade
    • IPP v2.9
      • Release Notes
      • Installation and User Configuration
    • IPP v2.8
      • Release Notes
      • Installation and User Configuration
      • Manual Upgrade
    • IPP v2.7
      • Release Notes
      • Installation and User Configuration
    • IPP v2.6
      • Release Notes
      • Installation and User Configuration
      • Manual Upgrade
  • Sample Prep
    • QC and Sample Prep
      • DNA Initial QC 5.1.2
      • RNA Initial QC 5.1.2
      • Library Validation QC 5.1.2
  • Library Prep
    • AmpliSeq for Illumina
      • BRCA Panel
        • Library Preparation v1.1
        • Equalizer v1.1
        • Standard v1.1
      • Cancer HotSpot Panel v2
        • Library Preparation v1.1
        • Equalizer v1.1
        • Standard v1.1
      • Childhood Cancer Panel
        • DNA Library Prep v1.1
        • RNA Library Prep v1.1
        • Equalizer v1.1
        • Standard v1.1
      • Comprehensive Cancer Panel
        • Library Preparation v1.1
        • Equalizer v1.1
        • Standard v1.1
      • Comprehensive Panel v3
        • DNA Library Prep v1.1
        • RNA Library Prep v1.1
        • Equalizer v1.1
        • Standard v1.1
      • Custom DNA Panel
        • Library Preparation v1.1
        • Equalizer v1.1
        • Standard v1.1
      • Focus Panel
        • DNA Library Prep v1.1
        • RNA Library Prep v1.1
        • Equalizer v1.1
        • Standard v1.1
      • Immune Repertoire Panel
        • RNA Library Prep v1.1
        • Equalizer v1.1
        • Standard v1.1
      • Immune Response Panel
        • RNA Library Prep v1.1
        • Equalizer v1.1
        • Standard v1.1
      • Myeloid Panel
        • DNA Library Prep v1.1
        • RNA Library Prep v1.1
        • Equalizer v1.1
        • Standard v1.1
      • TCR beta-SR Panel
        • DNA Library Prep v1.1
        • RNA Library Prep v1.1
      • Transcriptome Human Gene Expression Panel
        • RNA Library Prep v1.1
        • Equalizer v1.1
        • Standard v1.1
    • Library Prep Validation
    • Nextera
      • Nextera Mate Pair v1.0
      • Nextera Rapid Capture Custom Enrichment v2.0
      • Nextera XT v2.0
    • Targeted Enrichment
      • Illumina DNA Prep with Enrichment (S) Tagmentation v1.2
      • Illumina RNA Prep with Enrichment (L) Tagmentation v1.1
    • TruSeq
      • TruSeq ChIP-Seq v1.0
      • TruSeq Custom Amplicon v1.0
      • TruSeq DNA Exome v2.0
      • TruSeq DNA PCR-Free v2.0
      • TruSeq Methyl Capture EPIC v2.0
      • TruSeq Nano DNA v1.0
      • TruSeq RNA Access v2.0
      • TruSeq RNA Exome v1.0
      • TruSeq Small RNA v1.0
      • TruSeq Stranded mRNA v2.0
    • TruSight
      • TruSight Oncology 500 ctDNA v1.1
      • TruSight Oncology 500 HT v1.1
      • TruSight Oncology 500 v1.1
      • TruSight Tumor 170 v2.0
    • Other DNA Protocols
      • Illumina DNA PCR-Free Library Prep Manual v1.1
      • Illumina DNA Prep (M) Tagmentation v1.0
    • Other RNA Protocols
      • Illumina Stranded mRNA Prep Ligation 1.1
      • Illumina Stranded Total RNA Prep Ligation with Ribo-Zero Plus v1.1
  • iLASS & Infinium Arrays
    • iLASS
      • iLASS Infinium Genotyping v1.1
        • iLASS Infinium Batch DNA v1.1
        • iLASS Infinium Genotyping Assay v1.1
        • iLASS Infinium Genotyping with PGx Assay v1.1
      • iLASS Infinium Genotyping v1.0
        • iLASS Infinium Genotyping Assay v1.0
        • iLASS Infinium Genotyping with PGx Assay v1.0
    • Infinium Arrays
      • Infinium HD Methylation Assay Manual v1.2
      • Infinium HTS Assay Manual v1.2
      • Infinium LCG Assay Manual v1.2
      • Infinium XT Assay Manual v1.2
      • GenomeStudio v1.0
  • Applications
    • IGA
      • IGA v2.1
        • IGA Library Prep Automated v2.1
        • IGA NovaSeq Sequencing v2.1
    • Viral Pathogen Protocols
      • CDC COVID-19 RT-PCR
        • Sort Specimens to Extraction v1.1
        • Qiagen QIAamp DSP Viral RNA Mini Kit v1.1
        • Qiagen EZ1 Advanced XL v1.1
        • Roche MagNA Pure LC v1.1
        • Roche MagNA Pure Compact v1.1
        • Roche MagNA Pure 96 v1.1
        • bioMerieux NucliSENS easyMAG Instrument v1.1
        • bioMerieux EMAG Instrument v1.1
        • Real-Time RT-PCR Prep v1.1
      • Illumina COVIDSeq v1.6
      • Respiratory Virus Panel v1.0
  • Instruments & Integrations
    • Compatibility
    • Integration Properties
      • Integration Properties Details
    • Clarity LIMS Product Analytics
      • Supported Workflows
      • Workflow Customization
      • Clarity LIMS Product Analytics v1.4.0
        • Configuration
      • Clarity LIMS Product Analytics v1.3.1
        • Configuration
      • Clarity LIMS Product Analytics v1.3.0
        • Configuration
      • Clarity LIMS Product Analytics v1.2.0
        • Configuration
    • Illumina Run Manager
      • Illumina Run Manager v1.0.0
        • Installation and User Interaction
    • iScan
      • iScan System
      • iScan v1.2.0
        • Release Notes
        • BeadChip Accessioning, Imaging, and Analysis
      • iScan v1.1.0
        • Release Notes
        • BeadChip Accessioning, Imaging, and Analysis
      • iScan System v1.0
    • iSeq 100 Run Setup v1.0
    • MiniSeq v1.0
    • MiSeq
      • MiSeq v8.3.0
        • Release Notes
        • Installation
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
      • MiSeq v8.2.0
        • Release Notes
        • Installation
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
        • Manual Upgrade
    • MiSeq i100 (On-Prem)
      • MiSeq i100 On-Prem v1.0.0
        • Release Notes
        • Installation
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
    • MiSeq i100 (Hosted)
      • MiSeq i100 v1.0.0
        • Release Notes
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
    • MiSeqDx
      • MiSeqDx Sample Sheet Generation (v1.11.0 and later)
      • MiSeqDx v1.11.0
        • Release Notes
        • Installation
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
      • MiSeqDx v1.10.0
        • Release Notes
        • Installation
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
        • Sample Sheet Generation
        • Manual Upgrade
    • Next Generation Sequencing Package
      • Release Notes
        • NGS Extensions v5.25.0
        • NGS Extensions v5.24.0
        • NGS Extensions v5.23.0
      • Accession Kit Lots
      • Auto-Placement of Reagent Indexes
      • Compute Replicate Average
      • Copy UDFs
      • Initialize Artifact UDFs
      • Label Non-Labeled Outputs
      • Linear Regression Calculation
      • Normalization Buffer Volumes
      • Process Summary Report
      • Routing Script
      • Set UDF
      • Validate Complete Plate
      • Validate Sample Count
      • Validate Unique Indexes
    • NextSeq 500/550
      • NextSeq 500/550 v2.5.0
        • Release Notes
        • Installation
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
        • Manual Upgrade
      • NextSeq 500/550 v2.4.0
        • Release Notes
        • Installation
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
      • NextSeq 500/550 v2.3.0
        • Release Notes
        • Installation
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
    • NextSeq 1000/2000 (Hosted)
      • NextSeq 1000/2000 v2.5.1
        • Release Notes
      • NextSeq 1000/2000 v2.5.0
        • Release Notes
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
        • Manual Upgrade
      • NextSeq 1000/2000 v2.4.0
        • Release Notes
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
    • NextSeq 1000/2000 (On-Prem)
      • NextSeq 1000/2000 On-Prem v1.0.0
        • Release Notes
        • Installation
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
    • NovaSeq 6000 (API-based)
      • NovaSeq 6000 API-based v3.7.0
        • Release Notes
        • Installation
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
      • NovaSeq 6000 API-based v3.6.0
        • Release Notes
        • Installation
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
        • Manual Upgrade
    • NovaSeq 6000 (File-based)
      • NovaSeq 6000 File-based v2.6.0
        • Release Notes
        • Installation
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
      • NovaSeq 6000 File-based v2.5.0
        • Release Notes
        • Installation
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
    • NovaSeq 6000Dx (API-based)
      • NovaSeq 6000Dx API-based v1.3.0
        • Release Notes
        • Installation
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
      • NovaSeq 6000Dx API-based v1.2.0
        • Release Notes
        • Installation
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
    • NovaSeq X Series (Hosted)
      • NovaSeq X Series v1.3.0
        • Release Notes
        • Configuration
        • Manual Upgrade
      • NovaSeq X Series v1.2.1
        • Release Notes
      • NovaSeq X Series v1.2.0
        • Release Notes
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
        • Manual Upgrade
      • NovaSeq X Series v1.1.0
        • Release Notes
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
    • NovaSeq X Series (On-Prem)
      • NovaSeq X Series On-Prem v1.0.0
        • Release Notes
        • Installation
        • Configuration
        • User Interaction, Validation and Troubleshooting
    • References
      • Configure Multiple Identical netPathPrefixSearch Values
      • Configure Support for Samples Having Duplicate Names with Different Indexes
      • Illumina Instrument Sample Sheets
      • Terminology
  • Integration Toolkits
    • Lab Instrument Toolkit
      • Template File Generator
        • Creating Template Files
        • Template File Contents
        • Template File Generator Troubleshooting
      • Add Blank Lines
      • Convert CSV to Excel
      • Parse CSV
      • Name Matching XML Parser
      • Sample Placement Helper
    • Lab Logic Toolkit
      • Working with Lab Logic Toolkit
        • Data Collection Entities
        • Failing a Script
        • Mapping Field Types
        • Non-UDF/Custom Field Properties
        • Setting QC Flags
        • Setting Next Actions
        • Specifying Custom Fields
        • Working with Submitted Samples
        • Working with Containers
      • Lab Logic Toolkit Script Examples
        • Comparing Stop/Start Dates and Times with LLTK
      • Lab Logic Toolkit FAQ
  • Known Issues
    • Integration
      • Sample Sheet Generation Issue and CLPA Issues When Samples Have Been Assigned QC Flag Prior to Entering Steps
  • Security Bulletin
    • Investigation of OpenSSH vulnerability with Clarity LIMS
  • Resources
    • Third Party Software Information
  • Others
    • Revision History
Powered by GitBook
On this page
  • Overview
  • Common applications of automation
  • How Users Trigger Scripts
  • Configuring Processes / Steps to Trigger Scripts
  • Configuring Scripts that are Called by Automation
  • How Information Flows Between a User and a Script
  • Verifying Automation Scripts
  • Installing an Automation Worker / AI Node

Was this helpful?

Export as PDF
  1. API and Database
  2. API Portal

Automation

Overview

To trigger scripts and third-party programs from the BaseSpace Clarity LIMS user interface, use command-line calls configured in step automations.

There are many ways to use automation in Clarity LIMS. Consider the following examples:

  • Automate sample tracking and enhance the information recorded.

  • Generate and attach specially-formatted text files.

  • Simplify data entry.

  • Automate the population or updating of data fields and data files.

Before using automation, become familiar with the topics discussed in this article and understand how automation functionality interacts with users, Clarity LIMS, and REST.

As of BaseSpace Clarity LIMS v5.0, several terms have been deprecated:

  • External Program Integration Plug-in (EPP) has been replaced with automation

  • Automated Informatics (AI) node has been replaced with Automation Worker (AW) node

  • Parameter has been replaced with token

Common applications of automation

Automation scripts are often used to automatically create and attach specially-formatted text files, such as the following:

  • Files containing sample lists (sometimes called instrument driver files). Users can import these driver files into control software, saving time and ensuring accurate sample processing.

  • Barcode or label files. These are specially-formatted files that can be supplied to barcode software systems to allow users to print out container labels.

  • Summary analysis results - for example, from alignment or molecular identification and quantification algorithms.

The two common applications of automation are:

  • To create files and attach them to process output placeholders.

  • To update data fields with information created during data analysis.

Scripts triggered by automation also use REST to update information directly within the REST resources.

For details, see REST Web Services and the version-specific documentation in the following sections:

  • Automation Tokens

How Users Trigger Scripts

Record lab work in Clarity LIMS by running steps on samples. These steps may be configured in Clarity LIMS by an administrator.

Most steps can be configured with an automation trigger that invokes an external script. The script may include fixed and variable information parameters/tokens on the command line.

NOTE: As of Clarity LIMS v5.0, the term command-line parameter has been replaced with token.

Configuring Processes / Steps to Trigger Scripts

After an AI/AW node is installed, processes (in Clarity LIMS v4.2 and earlier) or steps (Clarity LIMS v5 and later) must be configured to call out to it.

This configuration is executed by the Clarity LIMS administrator:

  • In Clarity LIMS v4.2 and earlier, execute configuration in the Operations Interface process configuration dialog on the External Programs tab.

  • In Clarity LIMS v5 and later, execute configuration on the Automation configuration screen.

When configuring an automation, the following must be defined:

  • Name

  • Channel

  • Command line call

  • Trigger style and location (see also Automation Triggers and Command Line Calls)

NOTE: Only a brief summary of automation configuration is provided here. This material should be familiar from the Clarity LIMS administration training.

Configuring Scripts that are Called by Automation

Scripts or third-party programs are called using the operating system command line. They must meet the following requirements:

  • Be callable on the command line and, preferably, be able to read and respond to command-line parameters.

  • Be accessed by the user account running the automation, with appropriate permissions and disk locations.

  • Exit with appropriate exit codes, otherwise the automation may record the script completed with an error.

How Information Flows Between a User and a Script

  • Step 1 - A User Runs a Step

  • Step 2 - Server Creates the New Process / Step

  • Step 3 - The Automation Invokes the Operating System Shell Command

  • Steps 4 to 7 - The External Program Executes (Optionally Calling REST Resources)

  • Step 8 - The Automation Returns (Optionally Attaching Created Files)

  • Step 9 - The User Accesses Updated Results

The following diagram illustrates what happens when a user runs a step in the LIMS.

Step 1 - A User Runs a Step

The lab scientist tracks activities by running a step in Clarity LIMS. The step is configured to display a button that invokes the configured automation script.

Step 2 - Server Creates the New Process / Step

NOTE: As of Clarity LIMS v5.0, the term parameter has been replaced with token.

Common applications of automation

The application server creates a new step, which is much like POSTing to the processes resource of the REST API. The server resolves any parameters/tokens found in the string and sends the resolved command-line string to the automation.

In this example, two of the most common parameters/tokens used when working with automation are discussed:

  • {processURI:version:scheme}—This parameter/token passes the REST API URI of the step that issued the command-line string.

  • {ouputFileN}—This parameter/token passes the LIMS ID of the specified expected output file of the step that issued the command-line string. You can use 0 (zero) for the first file, 1 (one) for the second file, etc.

For more information about the parameters/tokens available for use, refer to the articles in the following API documentation sections:

  • Automation Tokens

NOTE: As of API v1 r12, the version and scheme values for {processURI:version:scheme} are automatically populated, based on the REST version and protocol of the deployed server.

Step 3 - The Automation Invokes the Operating System Shell Command

The automation program receives the command-line string from the application server. It may also receive other process(step)-related information, such as temporary files. The command-line string is executed by the operating system of the host computer.

Steps 4 to 7 - The External Program Executes (Optionally Calling REST Resources)

The automation can work with any third-party program that supports command-line parameters/tokens. The program may simply create files or it may manipulate information directly via the REST API (steps 5 and 6).

Simple automation operation does not require anything of the REST API. If a third-party program creates files that users would like brought back into Clarity LIMS, scripts should use the outputFileN parameter/token to specify that the program create file names that are expected by the client. The files are placed in a temporary local working directory and automatically imported into the client. With this method, the automation automatically handles many of the things that would need manually scripts using the REST API processes, artifacts, files, and glsstorage resources.

For more complicated scenarios, you may want to use automation with the REST API. This situation is where the processURI parameter/token is used. A GET request on the URI of the step that issues the command-line string provides all the information recorded by the user. This information includes links to the analytes (samples) used as inputs. The script can then use other REST API resources to create or update information.

On completion, the third-party program exits (step 7). Standard shell exit codes apply: zero (0) equals successful completion.

Step 8 - The Automation Returns (Optionally Attaching Created Files)

On exit of the third-party program, the automation software updates the application server. If the system finds files with names that match the file placeholders produced by a process/step, the files are uploaded to the file server and attached to the appropriate placeholders.

A nonzero exit code sets a flag on the step, indicating that there is an error.

Step 9 - The User Accesses Updated Results

With updates complete, the application server sends refresh events to the Clarity LIMS. The user will see that files have been uploaded.

Verifying Automation Scripts

Verifying and testing scripts is an important part of working with automation. Remember that there are three software components:

  • The server

  • The automation instance (calling scripts)

  • The script

The best way to debug scripts is to unit test each component separately. For example a logical order to work on a script is as follows:

  1. Define and test the REST calls required in a web browser.

  2. Define the command-line parameters / tokens sent to the automation at step completion.

  3. Test the script running just from the command line.

  4. Test automation calls to the script at step completion by running the step from the LIMS interface.

Installing an Automation Worker / AI Node

Before the system can use the automation, a system administrator installs one or more automation workers / AI nodes within the lab network. The installation typically occurs on the server that contains the script program, or third-party application, to be integrated.

The installer program is contained in the Automated Informatics / Automation Worker software package.

PreviousIntegrating ScriptsNextAutomation Triggers and Command Line Calls

Last updated 10 months ago

Was this helpful?