Inventory Overview

Track physical samples and link them to your digital designs.

What is Inventory?

The Inventory system connects:

• Physical samples (DNA, plasmids, strains)

• Storage locations (freezers, boxes, wells)

• Digital constructs and parts

Key Concepts

Items

Inventory items represent physical samples:

• Linked to a construct or part

• Have a storage location

• Include quantity and status

Locations

Hierarchical storage structure:

• Freezers: Top-level storage units

• Boxes: Containers within freezers

• Wells: Specific positions in boxes

Linking to Constructs

Each inventory item can link to:

• A construct in your repository

• A part definition

• Associated metadata

Adding Inventory Items

From a Construct

1. Open a construct

2. In Info panel, click Add to inventory

3. Enter item details:

   • Quantity

   • Location

   • Notes

4. Click Save

Manual Entry

1. Go to Inventory section

2. Click Add item

3. Fill in details:

   • Name

   • Type (DNA, plasmid, strain)

   • Location

   • Linked construct (optional)

4. Click Create

Managing Locations

Create a Freezer

1. In Inventory, click Locations

2. Click Add freezer

3. Enter name and details

4. Click Create

Add Boxes

1. Open a freezer

2. Click Add box

3. Enter box name

4. Specify grid size (rows × columns)

5. Click Create

Assign Wells

1. Open a box

2. Click empty well

3. Assign inventory item

4. Or mark as empty/reserved

Finding Items

Search Inventory

1. Use the search bar in Inventory

2. Search by:

   • Item name

   • Location

   • Linked construct

   • Notes

Filter Options

Filter by:

• Item type

• Location

• Status

• Date added

Item Details

Each item shows:

• Name and type

• Location path (Freezer > Box > Well)

• Linked construct/part

• Quantity and units

• Creation date

• Notes

Tracking Usage

Update Quantity

1. Open item details

2. Click Update quantity

3. Enter new quantity

4. Add note about usage

Item History

View item history:

• Quantity changes

• Location moves

• Notes and updates

Best Practices

Labeling

• Use consistent naming

• Include construct name in item name

• Add prep date to notes

Organization

• Group related items

• Use logical box arrangements

• Document storage schemes

Maintenance

• Regularly audit inventory

• Remove depleted items

• Update locations when moving

Integration

Linking Workflow

1. Design construct in Kernel

2. Order synthesis/cloning

3. Receive physical sample

4. Add to inventory linked to construct

Traceability

Track from design to sample:

• Construct revision

• Inventory item

• Experimental use

Next Steps

• Creating Constructs — Design before making

• Organization — Keep designs organized

• Search — Find linked constructs