September 2024

Contents

Enhanced File Upload Capabilities

The file upload limit for entity forms and experiment metadata has been increased from 100 MB to 100 GB, allowing the handling of larger files with ease. Additionally, a new interface now provides shows showing progress, time remaining, and the amount of data left to for queued uploads.

When uploading large files, the interface now displays uploading progress, including time remaining.

Improved Date and Time Formatting

Date and datetime metadata and process parameters now fully support copying and pasting, regardless of your location. Previously, copying EU-format dates was restricted, but the new update allows seamless copying and pasting for all formats. Both are now locale-aware, simplifying workflows for global teams.

Dates and datetime metadata and process parameters now support copying and pasting in any format, regardless of locale.
Copied and pasted dates and times are displayed in an unambiguous format.

Enhanced Reset Options for Listings

Resetting parts of a listing has become more flexible and precise with a recent update.

Previously, resetting listings didn’t always refresh everything and there was no way to reset only specific components of a listing, like columns or sorting.

Now, a new modal, accessible by selecting “Reset Listing” from the “List” dropdown menu lets you select what to reset. For example, if you rearranged columns and changed the sort order, you can selectively restore just the columns or just the sort order while keeping the rest of your listing configuration in tact.

The new “Reset Listing” modal allows you to have more granular control over how you reset your listings in Uncountable.

New Filter Suggestions for Column Types

We’ve recently upgraded filtering capabilities for listing columns, allowing Uncountable users to search for and automatically generate filters based on column components.

For example, in an Experiments listing, ingredients displayed in an “Ingredients Used” could previously not be searched using search bar. With this update, using the search bar will provide relevant filter suggestions search directly based on column contents. Selecting one will apply it to your listing, making filtering off specific column types easier and more effective.

An example Experiments listing, featuring an “Ingredients Used” column
Searching for “plasticizer” will generate multiple filter suggestions, based on the “Ingredients Used” column
Selecting a suggestion will automatically generate a listing filter

A new feature has been introduced to enhance chemical searches, allowing you to search for multiple substructures within a molecule simultaneously.

To define these searches, navigate to the custom definitions page, enable the “Chemical Search Preset,” add chemical search presets, and specify SMILES or SMARTS strings. Then, from the Chemical Search page, search molecules containing multiple functional groups, such as esters and hydroxyls.

From the Chemical Search Preset listing on the custom definitions page, add chemical presets using SMILES and SMARTS strings.
Then, use the Chemical Search feature to perform a substructure search for molecules containing multiple functional groups.

Additionally, users can refine chemical searches by combining different search criteria, such as substructure and similarity, resulting in faster and more precise results.

Further refining a chemical search by adding an additional similarity filter.

Improved UI for Solver/Locks Sidepanel

The UI for locks in the solver/locks sidepanel has been updated. Lock information is now displayed in a table format for easier navigation.

While the layout has changed, all previous functionalities remain intact. You can still configure ingredients, intermediates, workflow steps, rules, and calculation bases directly from the sidepanel, with everything organized more efficiently for a smoother user experience.

Updated Solver/Locks sidepanel UI
Previous Solver/Locks sidepanel UI

New Explore Visualizations “Options” Sidepanel

We’ve introduced a new sidepanel for configuring options on the Explore Visualizations page. To access the updated interface, click the cog Settings icon and select “Enable New Options UI (Beta)”. This update removes the options dropdown menus and adds a “Configure Options” button, which opens a sidepanel for configuration.

At the top of the sidepanel, users can change the graph type (A), while all other options are listed below (B). New options are added by clicking “+ New” (C), selecting the type and option, and configuring settings. Plotting settings also appear below (D), where users can also set colors, sizes, labels, rows, and columns (E). Use drag-and-drop functionality to add options to a plotting setting.

While the layout is updated, all features remain the same for a more streamlined and organized user experience.

To access the Options sidepanel, click the cog Settings icon and select “Enable New Options UI (Beta)”
New “Options” sidepanel on the Explore Visualizations page
Create Options and drag-and-drop them into Plotting settings to configure your visualization.

Enhanced Chemical Structure Import Functionality

Recent updates to the Notebook page’s “Import into Experiment” feature for chemical structures allows users to now assign a specific workflow step during the import process, streamlining integration into experiments.

The “Import into Experiments” button on the Uncountable Notebook page
Assign workflow steps to chemical structures when importing into an experiment

Additionally, chemical structures are now automatically grouped by type, such as reactants and products, for reactions.

These improvements support a more organized and efficient workflow, making it easier to manage and categorize chemical data when importing into experiments.

Chemical structures are organized by type (reactants, products, etc).

New Date-Based Output Calculations

Support has been added for two new date-based output calculations:

  • Date Diff: Determines the difference between two dates
  • Convert Duration: Conversion from days to weeks, and vice versa

For example, users can now calculate the difference between dates and convert the result into weeks, enhancing output calculation capabilities when working with date-related data within the platform.

Configuring a calculation, using the new “Convert_Duration” and “Date_Diff” output calculations
Using a calculation to calculate the difference between two dates and convert that value from days to weeks

Advanced Condition Parameter Filters

New advanced condition parameter filters have been added to the “Change Output Calculation Components” modal.

This update introduces new capabilities to standard output condition parameter filtering. Users can now add “Does Not Exist” or “Includes” advanced filters.

In the example below, two advanced condition parameter filters were added to the Viscosity output calculation: Aging Temperature “includes” 2 and 3, and Machine “does not exist”.

Using advanced condition parameter filtering to limit the Viscosity output calculation’s condition parameters (”includes” Aging Temps 2 and 3, Machine “does not exist”).

On the Enter Measurement page, adding Viscosity output will now display “Average Viscosity w/ Condition Parameters” calculations only for condition parameter combinations that meet the specified filter criteria.

Average Viscosity w/ Condition Parameters is calculated only for viscosities with Aging Temps 2 and 3 that do not include Machine.

New Support for “Weekdays Only” Date Field Configuration

To limit date selection, a new feature allows user to disable weekend dates in fields like lab requests.

To do so, navigate to the field on the form Admin page and, under Format, set the render option to “Weekdays Only.” This ensures that users can only select weekdays (as shown in the preview) preventing any lab requests from being scheduled on weekends.

Set a field’s render to “Weekdays only” to disable weekend dates

Characterization Workflow Variants

A recent update enhances the visibility of workflow variant characterizing values—inputs or process parameters set to “prompt for characterization” (#). These values automatically appear in lab requests.

Now, when multiple process parameters and inputs are involved, characterizing values are displayed alongside the workflow variant name and in the table of contents. This improvement simplifies navigation through test samples by allowing users to quickly identify key values.

Additionally, users can edit these characterizing values directly in both locations, streamlining the lab request process and improving overall usability.

Characterizing values on the Enter Recipe page
Characterizing values are now displayed next to workflow variant names and in the table of contents for test samples.

Advanced Screening Design Product Association

An update to Uncountable’s Advanced Screening Design improves how a workflow variant’s product placeholders are assigned.

Now, when creating an advanced screening design with a parameter constraint of “include one of” or “fixed value,” selected product placeholders are accurately assigned to their designated placeholder rows.

In the example below, Advanced Screening Design is used to create experiments, using a Baking workflow variant. Product placeholders Farran Test Product 2, 5, 6, and 8, established on the workflow variant, are included as parameters in the design.

Configuring an Advanced Screening Design by associating product placeholders (Farran Test Products 2, 5, 6, and 8) with a workflow variant.

Using these parameters results in a recipe containing four experiments, each utilizing one of the selected placeholders (Farran Test 2, 5, 6, and 8).

Using Advanced Screening Design, Farran Test Products 2, 5, 6, and 8 are now displayed in the product placeholder rows of each experiment.

Field Values Displayed on Compare Page

A new update supports the comparison of experiment field values on the Compare page. Fields values, such as batch size or company name, are added to a recipe definition on the Form Admin page.

Note: For more information on field values, refer to the Entity Fields update from 9/13.

By default, these field values are hidden on the Compare page, but users can easily display them by navigating to “Options” and selecting “Show/Hide Rows” and enabling “Field Values”.

Enabling Field Values on the Compare page

Once enabled, the field values will appear at the top of the compare page, providing greater insight into recipe details. Additionally, users can export these field values, ensuring that they are included in exported reports.

Field values displayed on the Compare page

Resolved Improper Rendering of Numeric Attributes and Input Calculations

When a numeric ingredient attribute or input calculation is added to a recipe with a value, it will now display correctly on the Compare page and when exporting.

This change addresses previous issues where these attributes were rendered improperly as text.

A ingredient attribute (Raiyan Ingredient) with numeric values on the Recipe page.
The ingredient attribute, properly rendered as a numeric values on the Compare page.
The ingredient attribute, properly rendered as a numeric values when exported.

The Related Recipes sidepanel has been updated to offer greater customization. Users can now edit the displayed fields by clicking on “Edit Displayed Fields” within the sidepanel.

This enhancement allows for the selection of specific information to display, such as the creation date of related recipes or their archived status. Displayed fields will update dynamically as items are added to the graph.

Clicking “Edit Displayed Fields” allows users to select which columns are displayed in the Related Recipes sidepanel

Improved Output Visibility in Collapsed Measurement Sections

Previously, when collapsing a set of measurements and adding a new output to the collapsed section, users could not see the newly added output. Now, whenever a new output is added to a collapsed group, any relevant sections will automatically uncollapse, ensuring that users can immediately see the newly added output.

This enhancement improves visibility and streamlines the workflow when managing measurement outputs.

Collapsed “50 degree” measurement section
Adding an output to the collapsed measurement section
Adding an output to a collapsed measurement section now automatically uncollapses it for improved visibility.

Enhanced Voice Entry Capabilities

Voice entry functionality has been expanded to allow users to navigate through various input fields more intuitively on the Enter pages.

Users can now enter actual values, by clicking the voice entry icon. Users can also copy values, by stating “copy” and navigate by saying “next” or “previous” to move to the next cell or input field. Currently, English is the only supported language, but plans are in place to improve and expand this feature over time.

Using voice entry to “set actual value to 4” on the Enter Recipe page.

Improved Visual Differentiation for Test Samples on Enter Measurements

To enhance clarity, we’ve made changes to the row structure on the Enter Measurements page, improving the visual hierarchy for base experiments, test samples, child, and grandchild experiments. Key changes are listed below.

  1. Grey Background for Test Samples, Child, and Grandchild Data Tables
    Data tables for test samples, child, and grandchild experiments now have a horizontal grey background to help distinguish sections more clearly. Base experiments have no background color. Gaps between test samples remain uncolored to maintain separation between different samples.
  2. Extended Table Divider Lines
    Divider lines within tables now extend all the way across the page, making it easier to visually separate outputs and organization tables.
  3. Test Sample Coloring for Table Borders
    A colored top border is applied to the first table of each test sample, while subsequent tables within the same sample will have a standard grey border. The colored border remains on the left edge of each table contained within the test sample.

These changes were implemented to create a more intuitive, easy-to-read layout for experiments involving multiple test samples, particularly for those working with coatings and panel testing.


New Table Parameter Promotion for Column Parameters

A new feature for sorting and organizing outputs on the Enter Measurement page allows users to simplify the organization of their output tables by promoting constant column parameters to table parameters.

Within the Organize tab of the “Sorting and Organization” modal, selecting the “Promote Constant Column Parameters” option turns any column parameter with a consistent value to a table parameter, removing unnecessary columns from the table.

For example, if all outputs have the same Aging Temperature (100°C), the column can be removed entirely, and the value will appear next to the output category name instead as a “promoted condition parameter”.

This update helps reduce table clutter and improve readability, especially when dealing with multiple condition parameters.

In this table, all outputs have the same Aging Temperature column condition parameter value. Additionally, there is only one Aging Time column condition parameter value within the Visual testing output category.
From the Organize tab of the “Sort and Organize” modal, selecting “Promote Constant Column Parameters” will help to simplify the outputs table.
After applying this change, all constant column condition parameters are promoted to table parameters and displayed next to the output category name.

Linked Entity Filters in Notebooks

A new update to Notebooks allows users to use linked entities within structured listing filters.

To apply a filter based on a linked entity, set up a new filter using the “includes” command, then click the box next to the “Select” dropdown menu and choose “Use Linked Entity.” This will enable you to select an entity directly from the dropdown, making it easier to filter listings by linked entity data.

In this example, three experiments are added as linked entities to the Notebook.
An experiment filter is added to the Notebook’s structured listing by selecting “Use Linked Entity”.
Using this setup, the listing is filtered to display only experiments that are linked as entities.

Set Columns as “Primary” in Listings

Columns in listings can now be designated as “primary,” which lightens the column background and bolds all entries for better visibility. Multiple columns can be marked as primary simultaneously.

To set a column as primary, click on the column header, select “Edit Format Override,” and choose “Primary” under the “Column Type” Display setting in the dropdown menu.

To set a listing column as primary, click the column and select “Edit Format Overrides”
From the Edit Column Format modal, select “Primary” as the column type and click “Save”.
Multiple columns can be set as primary. In this example, both the Quantity and Identity columns have a primary column type.

Set Default Quantities for Ingredients

Default quantities can now be added for ingredients on the Ingredient page under the “Default Quantity” field. For example, if an ingredient is given a default quantity of 10, it will automatically populate with that value when added to a recipe.

If the ingredient also belongs to a category with a “Default Selection Category” value, the individual ingredient’s default quantity will override the category default.

The ingredient has a default quantity value set to 10.
When adding it to a recipe, this default value will automatically populate.

In the example below, an ingredient with a default quantity of 10 will display a value of 10 when added to a recipe. An ingredient belonging to a category with a default selection category value of 1 will display a value of 1 (Object 1). However, if an ingredient has both a default quantity of 10 and is part of a category with a default selection value of 1, it will still display its individual default quantity of 10 (Object 2).

Ingredients can also belong to categories with defined default selection quantity values.
An ingredient belonging to the category has a value of 1g when added (Object 1). However, an ingredient with a defined default quantity that also belongs to the same category has a value of 10 when added (Object 2). This is because the ingredient’s default quantity will override the category’s default selection quantity.

Solver Sidepanel Enhancements: Refresh Persistence and Feasibility Indicators

The Solver sidepanel has been improved with two significant updates:

  1. Refresh Persistence: The sidepanel now remains visible even after refreshing the page. This means you won’t have to re-open the panel after a refresh.
  2. Feasibility Indicators: Users will now see a new indication of recipe feasibility and constraints without needing to click “Solve.” Previously, users would only discover feasibility issues and constraint errors after solving Now, the sidepanel provides real-time feedback on the feasibility of your recipe and constraints, helping you identify and address potential issues before running the solve function.
In this example, the recipe and constraints are infeasible and the above error message is displayed before solving.

Improved Support for Date and Time Calculations

Support for “Date Time” and “Date” calculations has been upgraded to enhance functionality. Users can now utilize the “Identity” calculation to directly reflect a date output within calculations. These calculations will also appear on the Compare page.

Future updates are also in progress to support additional functions for manipulating dates directly from the Enter Measurements page.

Date and Datetime added to the Enter Measurements page using an Identity calculation.
These Date and Datetime values are also reflected on the Compare page.

New “Shallow” Breakdown Option for Intermediates

A new “Shallow” breakdown option has been introduced for handling intermediates in the Uncountable platform. Previously, when breaking down intermediates using the “Compounded” breakdown option, all nested components were fully expanded, including any intermediate components.

With the introduction of the Shallow breakdown option, intermediates are expanded at just one level down, showing all direct components while leaving nested intermediates in their original form.

In the example below, intermediate BB contains plastics and intermediate AA. A shallow breakdown will list all plastics and show “intermediate AA” without expanding it further.

Intermediate BB, containing plastics as well as an intermediate (Intermediate AA).
To breakdown Intermediate BB without expanding Intermediate AA, select the “Shallow” breakdown intermediate type.
Doing will breakdown Intermediate BB while still keeping Intermediate AA in its unexpanded intermediate form.

Create Experiment Groups from Templates from the Project Dashboard

Uncountable users now have the ability to create experiment groups directly from the dashboard, improving accessibility and streamlining workflow. Previously, creating experiment groups from a template required being in the Well Plate Editor.

To do so, click the menu arrow next to “+ New Experiments” and select “New Experiment Group from Template”. Then, select your template from the dropdown menu before clicking “Create”.

Users can now create new experiment groups from a template on the Project Dashboard.

New Action for Recently Viewed Entities

A new tool has been added to the Entities Viewed page, which allows you to select multiple Entities Viewed from the listing and display them all on the Enter Recipe page.

To use this feature, select multiple entities from the page’s listing, click the selection button, and select the “View All Recipes” action. This will open all associated recipes, allowing you to efficiently access and manage your recent entries.

Select multiple entities view from the listing and click “View All Recipes”.
Doing so will display all selected entities view, enabling a side-by-side comparison.

New Feature for Recipe Entity Fields: Enhanced Copy Behavior

A new feature has been introduced to enhance the management of recipe entity fields with improved copy behavior. This functionality allows you to control how certain fields are copied within definitions.

When viewing the default fields of a definition from the Form Admin, you’ll find the “Fundamental Constraints” section in the constraint settings. Here, you can configure the behavior for copying fields. There are two primary options available: “Auto” and “Not Copy.”

  • Auto: This default option automatically supports the copying of field.
  • Not Copy: Selecting this option prevents the automatic copying of fields.

This feature ensures that critical behaviors are safeguarded during the copying process, preventing potential data corruption and enhancing consistency across your recipes.

The “Recipe Step” definition has an “Auto” copy behavior set as a fundamental constraint, which supports copying.

New Feature for Recipe Entity Fields: Appearing in New Recipe Modal

In addition to the new copy functionality, Recipe Entity fields will now appear in the new recipe modal, allowing users to set their value before a new recipe is created. These can be defined in the same manner as above, and will be settable by users based on permission rights

The Recipe Definition has a # of coats entity field, which the user can fill in

Improved Differentiating of Test Samples and Outputs on Lab Request

The UI of a lab request has been updated to improve the distinction between test samples, child test samples, and their outputs within lab requests.

Test samples and their child samples are now highlighted with distinct colors and feature bump-out lines. This visual enhancement helps easily identify nested test samples and their associated outputs, making it clearer and more intuitive to manage complex lab requests.

On a lab request, nested test samples, child samples, and their outputs can be easily distinguished with colors and bump-out lines.

Enhanced Notification Options for Shared Entities

Sending notifications when entities are shared has been recently improved. You can now opt to send notifications when sharing recipes by selecting the option to notify subscribed users.

Notifications will be sent to the relevant users via both in-platform notifications and email. You also have the option to write an additional message.

Currently, this feature is available for recipes, with plans to extend it to other entity types in the future.

To send a notification or email when sharing a recipe, select your recipe, and click “Share Recipe” from the selection dropdown menu.
From the modal, check the “Send notifications to subscribed users?” box.
Subscribed users will now receive a notification when the experiment is shared.
If enabled, users may also receive an email notification.

UI Consistency Enhancements for Ingredient Sections

Recent updates have enhanced the user experience by aligning the Expanded Ingredient section with the Standard Ingredient section on the Enter Recipe page.

The Expanded Ingredient section now better reflects the standard ingredient section. You can select and edit ingredients, adjust values such as solid percentages, and save changes. Units have also been added, and all data is integrated into the data grid. This will support the future addition of more columns.

The UI and functionality of the Expanded Ingredients section has been updated to mirror the UI of the standard Ingredient section.

Support for Notes on Experiment Groups

Uncountable users can now add notes to experiment groups directly from both the project dashboard and Enter pages.

From the project dashboard, open the experiment group’s dropdown menu and select “Edit Experiment Group Notes.” Enter your notes in the provided modal and click “Save.” These notes will then appear next to the experiment group name on the dashboard.

To add notes to an experiment group, expand the group’s dropdown menu and select “Edit Experiment Group Notes”.
Add experiment group notes within the modal and click “Save”.
Experiment group notes will now be displayed next to the group name on the dashboard.

On the Enter pages, simply click the experiment group’s dropdown menu at the top of the page and choose “Edit Experiment Group Notes” to add or update notes.

Notes can also be added from the Enter Pages.

New Modal for Table Building on Enter Pages

A new modal has been introduced on the Enter pages to make it easier to process create and add adding tables to notebooks.

To use this feature, select “Build Table” from the file menu. From the modal, users can choose to create a table in the Table Builder, add it to a new or existing notebook, or create a new notebook directly from the sidepanel on the Enter page. The two buttons at the bottom of the modal allow you to “Create in Side Panel” or “Navigate to the Notebook” upon creation.

To build a table from the Enter pages, select “Build Table” from the File menu.
Users can choose to create in the table builder (Object 1), create in a new notebook (Object 2), or create in an existing notebook (Object 3).

Improved Per-Recipe Column Resizing

The resizing functionality for per-recipe columns has been enhanced. Users can now resize any per-recipe column individually, rather than just the first and last columns.

Resizing a per-recipe column will adjust all instances of that column type across the displayed experiments. In the screenshots below, resizing the lots column of one experiment adjusts the lots column of other experiments accordingly.

Additionally, if you hold the shift key while resizing, it now will resize all per-recipe columns simultaneously, without affecting the header columns (used for attributes or lots). In the screenshot below, note how resizing the lots column while holding down shift resized all other per-recipe columns as well.


Introducing Transitive Aggregate Columns

The new Transitive Aggregate Columns feature enhances the transitive column functionality by allowing you to dig deeper into fields that contain lists of values.

This feature is available within the “Select Columns” modal when a field with multiple values is selected. Select a target field, similar to transitive columns, and apply operations to customize how these values are collected and displayed.

There are three types of aggregates:

  • Collect: For each field, display all values
  • Distinct: For each field, display each unique value
  • Count: A summation of values within that field

For example, using a “Collect” aggregate column, users can now gather and display all emails of the watchers on a lab request within a listing column.

In this example, a “Collect” aggregate column is set to display watcher emails.
The listing now displays watcher emails within the column.

Alternatively, using a “Distinct” aggregate column, you can filter, gather, and display all GHS symbols in experiments containing explosives.

In this example, a “Distinct” aggregate column type is used to display all unique GHS symbols on ingredients used.
Using a filter for explosive ingredients, the listing now displays all unique GHS symbols on explosive ingredients.

Updates to Set Constraint Page

We’ve recently introduced several improvements to the Set Constraint page for better user experience and functionality.

The first notable change is the relocation of the experiment workflow type on the Set Constraint page. It now appears directly under the constraint name instead of being hidden in the cog dropdown menu, streamlining workflow changes and reducing clicks.

Experiment workflows are now displayed under the constraint name on the Constraints page.

A second change on the Set Constraint page improves “Advanced Constraints” functionality. When selecting Product or Ratio constraint types, users can now manually specify minimum and maximum values. This change helps users better understand and control constraint behavior.

When setting a ratio or product constraint type, users can now set maximum and minimum values.
Updated on November 15, 2024

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