July 2024

Contents

Improvements to the Project Dashboard Layout

This week, we are excited to introduce Uncountable’s new Project Dashboard layout. While the general tools and functionality of the Project Dashboard page remain the same, a few minor changes have been introduced to reduce visual clutter and enhance accessibility.

Most notably, project name, along with links and buttons to lock/unlock, favorite, tag, comment, and access other tools, are now located at the top of the page.

Old Project Dashboard layout (bottom) and new Project Dashboard layout (top)

Improvements to the Ingredient Details Page Layout

We’ve also made several changes to Uncountable’s Ingredient Details page, mirroring the styling from the project dashboard. These updates are merely to the visual interface, and tools and functionality of the Ingredient Details page remain unchanged.

You will now notice that the ingredient name, along with buttons to lock/unlock, favorite, tag, comment, and access other tools, as well links and as buttons to lock/unlock, favorite, tag, comment, and access other tools, are located at top of the page in the colored banner. 

Old Ingredient Details page layout (bottom) and new Ingredient Details page layout (top)

Improvements to the Lab Requests Page Layout

Similar changes to the visual interface can be noticed on the Lab Requests page. 

Lab request name, date, project, and material family are now located at the top of the page within the colored banner. Additionally, links and buttons to lock/unlock, favorite, tag, comment, and access other tools can also now be accessed at top of the page.

Like the new Project Layout and Ingredient Details pages, updates to the Lab Request page are merely aesthetic and all tools and functionality remain the same.

Old Lab Request page layout (bottom) and new Lab Request page layout (top)

How to Add and Adjust a Running Total on Uncountable’s Enter Recipe Page

Uncountable users can now add a running total of raw materials on Uncountable’s Enter Recipe page. The running total sums all values above it and continuously updates as new values are added to the workflow step, unlike a subtotal which provides a sum for values in the step. You can also adjust the location of the Running Total row to sum only the raw material mass above it. 

To add a running total to a step, follow these steps:

  1. From the Enter Recipe page, click the down arrow next to “Add Inputs” within a workflow step.
  2. Select “Add Running Total” from the dropdown menu.
  3. A new row for the running total will appear at the bottom of the workflow step.
  4. To adjust its location, click the three horizontal lines to drag and place it accordingly. 

By keeping the Running total calculation visible at all times, Uncountable users can better monitor and manage the raw material usage in their experiments.

To add a Running Total to workflow step, select “Running Total” from the + Add Inputs dropdown menu.
The Running Total input will be added to the bottom of the workflow step.
Click the three horizontal lines to drag and drop the Running Total row, ensuring it sums only the raw materials positioned above.

File Menu Option Added to Enter Recipe Page

Uncountable’s Enter Recipe page now can utilize a File menu styling option that is toggle-able at the schema level (aka across all material families). This enhancement organizes all Enter page actions by functionality, offering a more intuitive user interface similar to applications like Microsoft Office.

Essential tools and features remain the same, now organized within the new File menu. Users can easily find actions using the search bar in the Help tab. Additionally, customizable Action buttons allow quick access to frequently used functions, which you can tailor under Help > Configure Actions.

To turn this on, please reach out to your Uncountable admin. 

Search for Actions within the Help tab
Configure Actions within the Help tab
Click on an Action within the Configure Actions modal to customize name, text, or background color

Spec Cell Coloring Added to Table Builder

There have been some recent improvements to Uncountable’s Table Builder tool that will make data management more efficient and visually organized. 

Spec cell coloring has been introduced to enhance the visual organization of your data. You can now apply color coding to specific cells by passing in a family color and order, making it easier to distinguish different elements at a glance.

Add Pass and Fail Spec Colors within the Edit Spec Column modal.
Cells that pass or fail the spec will be colored accordingly.

Skipping Condition Parameters in the Table Builder

Uncountable users can also now opt to skip condition parameters with no values when using the Table Builder feature.

For instance, if a parameter like aging temperature has no data, the corresponding column will be automatically removed from the table, reducing clutter and improving readability.

Enable “Skip When Blank” within the Edit Condition Parameter Columns modal.
Condition Parameter Columns (i.e. Aging Temperature) will be removed when blank.

Removing Blank Output Rows from the Table Builder

Another useful update improvement to the Table Builder skips output rows that are blank. 

If row settings are set to “All Output Rows” and any output row ends up blank, that row will be automatically excluded from the table. This ensures that your table remains clean and relevant, displaying only the data that matters.

When “All Output Row” is enabled for Rows settings, empty rows will now be removed from the Table Builder.
In this example, data was removed, leaving the Elongation at Break output blank.
Output rows (i.e. Elongation at Break) will be removed when blank.

View Workflow Step-Level Calculations on the Compare Page

Uncountable users now have the ability to view calculations within individual workflow steps on the Compare page, ensuring precise data tracking. 

In addition to the workflow step-level, these calculations will also still be displayed in the Calculations section at the bottom of the Compare page when the setting is toggled on.

Workflow step-level calculations are now visible on the Compare page.

Outputs Dropdown Now Organized Into Submenus

A recent update enhances the Outputs dropdown menu on the Enter Measurements page. While the existing options remain unchanged, they will now be organized into intuitive submenus.

As we expand the range of options available to Uncountable users, this new structure will provide a cleaner and more organized interface, helping users navigate more efficiently through the growing list of choices.

Outputs actions are now organized into intuitive submenus.

Enhanced Customization with Step Attributes

From the Enter Recipe page, users now have the ability to add step attributes to instruction rows, ingredients in selection mode, and preceding workflow step cells.

This new feature provides more flexibility and detail in recipe creation, making it easier to manage and customize your workflows from the Enter Recipe page.

Uncountable users can now add step attributes to instruction rows, selection mode ingredients, and preceding workflow steps.

 New Default Annotations for Ingredients

Add default annotations to ingredients on the Enter Recipe page with Uncountable’s new Default Annotation feature.

To use this new tool, navigate to the “Default Annotation” section of an ingredient page and add a new annotation. Now, when adding that ingredient to a recipe, these annotations will appear by default. You will also have the ability to edit the ingredient’s annotation like normal.

The Default Annotation section of an ingredient page allows you to set automatic annotations.
Once a default annotation is added it will appear automatically whenever the ingredient is added to the recipe.

New Ability to Add Blank Rows to Enter Recipe Page

A recent update allows users to insert blank rows on the Enter Measurements page. 

This enhancement is designed to allow you to add step attributes that are unassociated with data, such as  ingredients or instructions, acting as a placeholder.

Add blank rows as inputs on the Enter Recipe page.
While unassociated with any data, blank rows can have step attributes assigned to them.

Visualizing Test Samples Against Step Attributes

A new Uncountable platform update introduces a feature for visualizing test samples by plotting any step attribute on the X-axis. 

For example, if you have a step attribute such as “elapsed time”, you can now associate these with test samples on the Measurements page. This enhancement offers a deeper understanding of how step attributes impact your test results.

To do so, navigate to the Measurements page, create test samples, link them to specific steps (i.e. Elapsed Time), and add relevant outputs (i.e. Hardness 10). Then, navigate to Visualize > Explore Data and plot the associated step field against your desired output. Be sure to also split your test samples. 

First, create test samples and associate them with a step attribute on the Enter Measurements page.
Next, add outputs to the test samples.
Last, plot the associated step field against the selected output, making sure to split the test samples.

Enhancements to Ingredients Subcategories Listing

Recent improvements to the ingredients subcategories listing have removed most of the custom UI and made ingredients and parent categories are editable directly through the sidepanel.

From the sidepanel, you can perform actions such as adding subcategories or modifying existing ones. Previously, changes required navigating through a special modal. This update simplifies subcategory management, enhancing overall usability.

To edit the ingredients and parent categories associated with an ingredient subcategory, select “Open sidepanel”.

New Input Groups Structured Listing 

Uncountable has recently made improvements to the input groups listing by converting it to a structured listing format. 

Now, all tabs of the Inputs page are displayed as structured listings. This update enables Uncountable users to view, sort, filter, and manage input groups more efficiently. 

Input groups are now displayed as a structured listing under the “Groups” tab of the Input page.

Additions to the Input Groups Listing

Changes to Uncountable’s new input group listing include the addition of Group Size, Shared, and Edit columns.

To use these new features, navigate to the Groups tab of Uncountable’s Inputs page. From there, columns display input group information such as group size and favorite or shared status. Click “Edit” to open an input group’s page, where users configure settings, add inputs, or share the group.

New input group listing columns display group size, shared status, and enable direct input group editing.
Clicking “Edit” from the listing directs you to the input group’s page, where users can add inputs and other configurations.

Improved Composite Calculation Terms Display

Another key update to Uncountable’s Enter Recipe page is the enhancement of calculation terms for composite calculations. 

Previously, terms in the popover displayed as generic placeholders like C0 + V1. Now, they accurately show the actual calculation terms in both the popover and the calculation sidepanel.

This update ensures that the denominator, numerator, and parameter terms are clearly visible, providing a more precise and user-friendly interface. 

Complete calculation terms are now displayed for composite calculations on the Enter Recipe page.

Help Menu and Toolbar Action Info Buttons

The new file menu configuration now includes info buttons for toolbar actions on Uncountable’s platform. Now, when you hover over or click the info button, you’ll see a description of what each button does. 

This enhancement is a step toward creating an intelligent assistant for finding actions using the search bar. With this future update, Uncountable users will be able give a semantic query in the search bar, which will show you relevant actions, making it easier to navigate and utilize the platform’s features.

Hovering your mouse over toolbar action info buttons will display a description of what the buttons do.

Recipe Data Sidepanel Changes for Mobile Devices

Notes and annotations have been to the recipe data sidepanel, improving the mobile interface for Uncountable users.

From the Enter Recipe page, clicking on a cell displays recipe data in a popover. However, the addition of the recipe data sidepanel provides a more seamless and accessible experience when viewing and editing recipe data on mobile devices.

The recipe data sidepanel improves recipe data display for mobile users.

New Chemical Drawer Import Feature

A new addition to Uncountable’s Notebook page chemical drawer tool allows you to translate a chemical reaction drawing directly into an experiment by matching chemical diagrams and text entries. 

The system scans the chemical drawer, matches diagrams, and identifies text based on name or CAS number. Once matched, you can import the data directly into your experiment, ensuring that all necessary ingredients are accurately included. 

This enhancement streamlines the process of adding chemicals to experiments, making it more efficient and reducing the risk of errors.

Click “Import to Experiments” on the Notebook page’s chemical drawer tool to match drawings and text entries.
The “Import to Experiments” tool matches text, formulas, and diagrams with ingredients.
After matching ingredients and clicking “Submit”, they will be imported directly into your recipe.

New Color Output Import Feature

Uncountable users now have the ability to paste color values directly from Excel or Google Sheets into the Color Output modal.

Now, you can easily copy color values from your spreadsheets and paste them into the modal, and the values will be automatically updated. This enhancement simplifies the process of managing color data and ensures seamless integration with your existing tools.

In this example, these three cells are being copied from Excel.
Once pasted into Uncountable’s Color Output modal, the values will be automatically updated.

Enhanced Date Calculations

Uncountable has recently upgraded our calculations feature to handle date-related outputs with more precision.

Previously, calculations involving dates could sometimes produce unclear or incorrect results, especially when separated or mixed with non-date data. With the latest update, date calculations are now more intuitive and accurate.

When creating a new date calculation, users can toggle on “Compound Through Preceding Steps”. This instructs the system to ignore non-date outputs and ensures that calculations are reliable and accurate.

Enable “Compound Through Preceding Steps” to ensure that the your new calculation factors in date values from previous steps.
The new calculation is accurately displayed, despite the two dates being separate by a non-date value.

Creator Column Added to Inventory Listings

The addition of a “Creator” column in inventory listings is aimed at enhancing inventory tracking within Uncountable. This update also includes a migration process to incorporate Creator IDs into existing inventory records.

Previously, older inventory records did not have Creator IDs associated with them. For new inventories, simply create them as usual, and the “Creator” column will automatically display the person responsible for the entry. 

This update provides Uncountable users with the ability to see who created each inventory item directly within the structured listing, streamlining tracking and accountability.

New inventory will include a Creator ID, displayed within the Creator column of the Inventory structured listing.

Users with Read Permissions Now Have Override Capabilities

This week, Uncountable has introduced an update that allows users with “Read” experiment permission to also edit constraints and specifications.

For instance, an individual added to a specific user group can now not only read recipes but also override constraints and specifications as needed. This functionality is particularly useful for users who need to view and make adjustments to experiments without having full editing rights.

By implementing these permissions, we aim to give users more control over their experimentation process while maintaining secure access levels.


Move Project Bulk Modify Feature

A new Bulk Modify feature has been introduced, enabling users to move projects between material families. 

This functionality includes the ability to select whether to move only the project or also its child projects. When moving projects, associated recipes and their contents are transferred, ensuring data integrity and continuity across material families.

To move a project between material families, select “Move Project” from the Bulk Modify operations list
Users can chose to move only the selected project or the selected project and all child projects

Update to Swap Ingredients Feature

The existing “Swap Ingredients” Bulk Modify feature now includes a new capability to convert swapped ingredients from autofill to standard types. 

This update is designed to maintain consistency within recipes by ensuring that ingredients, when swapped, maintain standardization across all related experiments and data sets.

To utilize this new feature, select “Swap Ingredients” from the Bulk Modify operations list
Selecting “Convert Autofill” will now ensure autofilled ingredients are standardized when swapped

New Output Calculation Feature

A new addition to the Uncountable platform enables users to pair Analytical Method Condition Parameters (AMCPs) with outputs. 

This feature facilitates complex calculations, such as ΔE equations for comparing colors derived from specific analytical methods. Users can link analytical method parameters directly to recipe outputs, enhancing precision and data correlation in experimental analyses.

To use this new feature, navigate to the “Edit Output” page. Edit the output calculation, adding an AMCP as a variable. Select an output for that AMCP from the “Extracted Value from Analytical Method” dropdown menu. Then, create an output equation, using the experiment and analytical method outputs. 

Once saved, the output will have a paired ΔE equation comparing the experiment output (color) and the AMCP output (color) on the Enter Measurements page.

Note: While this example uses a ΔE equation with color as outputs, you can use other equations with full numeric outputs as well.

Add an AMCP and paired output as variables in the Edit Output > Add Entities modal
Create an equation relating the experiment output and AMCP output
The equation will now appear beneath the output on the Enter Measurement page of your experiment

Filters on Recipe Ingredient Behaviors

Input calculations now support filters on recipe ingredient behaviors. 

This new tool can be used to exclude auto-filled ingredients from calculations, ensuring that only relevant data is used in mass calculations and other analytical processes. This update improves accuracy and reliability in experimental data analysis and reporting.

Edit your calculation to add a behavior filter, such as exclude autofill from calculation
The calculation will now display the mass excluding all autofilled values

Separate Color Outputs in Runsheets

Uncountable has introduced a new configuration option in runsheets for LAB color outputs. When enabled, this feature stratifies LAB color values in the downloaded run sheet, providing users with detailed color management and reporting capabilities. This change enhances data accuracy in color-related analyses and experiments.

To use this feature, toggle on “Seperate Color Outputs” within the Advanced Settings section of the runsheet configuration.

The new “Separate Color Outputs” fields can be enabled within the Advanced Settings of the runsheet configuration
When enabled, this new feature separates LAB color outputs

Recipe Names in Explore Data Export

In the Explore Data page, data exported to a runsheet now includes recipe names for each data point (up to a limit of 1,000 data points). 

This inclusion improves data traceability and analysis by providing clear references to the recipes associated with each experimental data point in exported datasets.

Downloaded runsheets with less than 1,000 data points will display the recipe name for each data point
Downloaded runsheets with over 1,000 data points will display this error message

Read-Only Checkbox for Ingredient Behaviors

A new “Read-Only” checkbox has been added for ingredient behaviors on the Enter Recipe and Enter Measurements pages. 

This feature provides users with enhanced control over ingredient settings during data entry, ensuring that specified behaviors remain unchanged and maintaining data integrity across experiments and recipes.

Read-Only checkbox on the Enter Recipe page
Read-Only checkbox on the Enter Measurements page

Display Settings for Mix Steps

The “Expand Mix Steps” feature has been relocated from Options to Display Settings. This change allows users to easily toggle the display of mix steps within experiments, enhancing usability and customization.

Additionally, a new “Expand Lots” functionality has been introduced to expand or collapse lot details based on user preferences, further improving usability and data presentation in experiment management.

The “Expand Mix Steps” display option is now located within Display Settings
When “Expand Mix Steps” is enabled, mix steps are displayed
The new “Expand Lots” option enables users to expand or collapse lot information
When “Expand Lots” is disabled, lot information is not displayed

Goal and Target Regions Highlight in Visualize Page

A new feature on Uncountable’s Visualize page highlights goal and target regions for outputs. This enhancement visually indicates which experiments fall within specified goal ranges, improving data interpretation and decision-making in experimental analyses. 

Note: Ongoing fixes are also underway to address issues with line visualization to ensure accurate and reliable data representation.

From the Visualize page, users can now visually identify which experiments fall within the desired output range

Edit Format Overrides per Column in Structured Listings

Uncountable users can now customize format overrides per column in structured listings. 

This feature empowers users to tailor data display settings, such as adjusting text formatting or changing data representations like checkboxes, based on specific analytical or reporting needs. It enhances flexibility in data visualization and improves usability in data interpretation.

To edit format overrides, select “Edit Format Overrides” from the column’s dropdown menu
These configurations are also accessible within the Select Columns modal
From the Edit Format Options modal, users can adjust column display settings, such as enabling checkboxes
Once saved, the column will reflect the change in display settings

Toggle for Lab Request Field Change Notices

A toggle option has been introduced to control the display of notices when changing fields in lab requests. 

Located within the Form Admin under the lab request definition advanced settings, this feature allows users to enable or disable notifications for changes in status or other fields, providing flexibility in managing updates and maintaining clarity in lab request workflows.

Open the lab request definition and enable the “Show Changed Fields Notice” advanced setting
Enabling this feature displays a notification each time a lab request field is changed

Time Unit Outputs Enhancement

Time unit outputs have been improved to display in their appropriate time components (i.e. weeks, months) instead of just seconds. 

This update simplifies the interpretation of durations formatted in various time units, making it easier for Uncountable users to understand and utilize time-related data within the platform.

Time related data can now be displayed in years, months, weeks, days, etc.
Updated on November 15, 2024

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