Section Widgets

Record-level widgets for documenting experiments, protocols, and processes with rich content including text, data, visualizations, and scientific tools

Overview

Section widgets are the building blocks for creating rich, structured documentation within individual records in Labii's ELN and LIMS. Unlike column widgets that capture discrete data points in table columns, or dashboard widgets that provide workspace-level analytics, section widgets enable you to add flexible, content-rich sections to records for documenting experiments, protocols, analyses, and processes. Each record can contain multiple sections powered by different widgets—from simple rich text for writing procedures, to complex scientific tools like plasmid editors and microplate designers, to data visualizations and calculators, to collaboration features like comments and tasks. Section widgets transform records from simple data containers into comprehensive documentation environments where scientists can capture experimental context, embed scientific diagrams, integrate analysis results, display related data, manage workflows, and ensure regulatory compliance—all within a single, traceable record.

Understanding Section Widgets

What is a Section Widget?

A section widget is a modular content component that can be added to any record to document specific types of information or provide specific functionality. When viewing or editing a record, each section displays content or tools appropriate to its widget type. For example:

• A Rich Text section provides a word processor for writing experimental procedures

• A Table section offers spreadsheet functionality for recording measurements

• A Plasmid Editor section displays interactive plasmid maps for molecular biology work

• A Chart section visualizes data trends or distributions

• A Comments section enables team communication about the record

Section Widget vs. Other Widget Types

Understanding the distinctions between widget types is crucial:

• Section Widget (this category): Operates within individual records, provides documentation and content tools, handles unstructured and semi-structured data, multiple sections per record

• Column Widget: Operates in table columns, captures structured data points, one value per record-column intersection, primarily for data entry and validation

• Dashboard Widget: Operates at workspace level, provides analytics across multiple records, displays on dashboards rather than within records

Key Characteristics

• Record Scope: Section widgets operate within the context of a single record, though they may display data from related records

• Flexible Content: Unlike column widgets with strict data types, section widgets can handle rich, unstructured content like documents, diagrams, and complex layouts

• Multiple Instances: A record can have multiple sections using the same widget type (e.g., several Rich Text sections for different aspects of documentation)

• Configurable: Most section widgets offer configuration options to customize their behavior, appearance, or data sources

• Context-Aware: Section widgets can access and display data from the record's columns and from related records

• Version Tracked: Changes to sections are tracked in the record's audit trail for regulatory compliance

How Section Widgets Work

When creating or editing a record:

1. Add Sections: Click "Add Section" and choose a widget type appropriate to your documentation needs

2. Configure: Some widgets require initial configuration (e.g., selecting data sources, defining parameters)

3. Enter Content: Use the widget's interface to add content—write text, draw diagrams, enter data, select options

4. View and Edit: Toggle between readonly view (for reviewing) and edit view (for modifying content)

5. Version Control: All changes are automatically tracked with timestamps and user attribution

Widget Categories

Section widgets are organized into functional categories based on their primary purpose:

Office

Productivity tools for creating documents, spreadsheets, and managing files within sections.

• Office - Google Docs/Sheets/Slides, Microsoft Office integration, Google Drive, and Excel-like tables

Data Display

Present related records, column data, and section content from other records for improved context and navigation.

• Data Display - Record lists, column display widgets, and section embedding tools

Biology

Scientific tools tailored to life science workflows including sequence analysis, microplate design, and assay tracking.

• Biology - Assay analysis, bioinformatics, microplates, molecular biology suite (plasmid/sequence editors), protein visualization, and sample aliquoting

Chemistry

Tools for chemical structure drawing, spectroscopy, and chemistry-specific documentation.

• Chemistry - Chemical structure editors and chemistry-related visualization tools

Report

Data visualization and analysis tools for creating charts, graphs, and statistical summaries.

• Report - Custom input charts, data-driven visualizations, and record summary analytics

Data Analysis

Specialized tools for formulation design, optimization calculations, and material planning.

• Data Analysis - Formulation calculators and optimization algorithms for reagent preparation

Diagram

Visual diagramming tools for flowcharts, concept maps, process visualization, and relationship mapping.

• Diagram - Mermaid diagrams, stage flowcharts, relation flowcharts, and visual workflow tools

Process Management

Workflow automation and process tracking with step-by-step execution and action triggers.

• Process Management - Process flowcharts, step tracking, and automated workflow execution

Productivity

Tools to enhance efficiency including comments, tasks, barcodes, backlinks, and metadata display.

• Productivity - Comments (standard and GLP), task lists, QR codes, barcodes, section citations, and communication tools

Regulation

Compliance-focused tools for electronic signatures, audit trails, and regulatory documentation requirements.

• Regulation - Electronic signature workflows for GLP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance

Reference Manager

Literature management tools for integrating published research with experimental documentation.

• Reference Manager - PubMed integration for abstracts, citations, and metadata retrieval

Combination

Specialized widgets that integrate both column and section functionality for advanced use cases.

• Combination - Widgets requiring coordination between column and section features

Getting Started

For Users

1. Adding Sections: When viewing a record, click "Add Section" to see available widget types. Choose the widget that matches your documentation need.

2. Basic Documentation: Start with Rich Text sections for written procedures and observations. Add other widgets as needed for specific content types.

3. Editing Sections: Click the Edit icon on any section to modify its content. Click Save when finished.

4. Organizing Sections: Drag and drop sections to reorder them logically within your record.

5. Understanding Views: Most sections have readonly view (default) and edit view. Some sections also have configuration settings accessible via the Configure button.

6. Using Scientific Tools: Explore biology and chemistry widgets for specialized functionality like sequence editing or structure drawing.

For Administrators

1. Table Templates: Configure table templates to include default sections that will be added automatically to new records.

2. Widget Selection: Enable specific section widgets based on your organization's needs. Not all widgets need to be available to all users.

3. Training Users: Provide guidance on which widgets to use for different documentation scenarios. Create example records demonstrating best practices.

4. Workflow Design: Use Process Management widgets to standardize and automate complex procedures.

5. Compliance Setup: Configure regulation widgets (signatures, GLP comments) according to your compliance requirements.

6. Performance Considerations: Be mindful of section complexity—records with many large sections may load slowly.

Common Use Cases

Experiment Documentation

Combine Rich Text for procedures, Tables for recording measurements, Charts for visualizing results, and Images for apparatus photos. Add Comments for team discussion and Tasks for follow-up actions.

Protocol Development

Use Rich Text for step-by-step instructions, Section Citations to reference related protocols, Diagrams for visual workflows, and Process Management widgets to create executable workflows.

Sample Characterization

Add Microplate widgets for plate layouts, Data Driven Charts for analytical curves, Column Display widgets to show key sample attributes, and File Upload sections for spectra or images.

Molecular Biology Work

Use Plasmid Editor for construct visualization, Sequence Analysis for DNA/protein work, Rich Text for cloning strategy, and Tables for primer sequences.

Regulatory Documentation

Combine GLP Comments for controlled communication, Signature widgets for approval workflows, Rich Text for compliant documentation, and Audit widgets for data integrity verification.

Best Practices

• Choose Appropriate Widgets: Match widget types to content needs. Don't use a Table widget when simple Rich Text would suffice.

• Organize Logically: Arrange sections in a logical flow that tells the story of your experiment or protocol.

• Use Descriptive Titles: Give each section a clear title that describes its purpose (this is separate from the widget type).

• Minimize Redundancy: Use Data Display widgets to show related data rather than duplicating information across records.

• Leverage Templates: Create table templates with common section structures to ensure consistency and save time.

• Consider Audience: Document with your audience in mind—what context do they need to understand your work?

• Maintain Focus: Break very long documents into multiple related records rather than creating unwieldy single records.

• Version Important Changes: For critical documents, create new versions when making significant updates rather than overwriting.

Documentation Standards

Section widget documentation follows a standardized structure:

• Overview: Purpose and capabilities of the widget

• Use Cases: Common scenarios where the widget is applicable

• Configuration: Setup options and requirements

• Interface: How to interact with the widget in readonly and edit views

• Additional Functions: Special features or action buttons

• Best Practices: Recommendations for effective use

• Related Widgets: Complementary widgets that work well together

Technical Notes

• Data Storage: Section content is stored as structured data in Labii's database, with version history maintained for compliance.

• Permissions: Section visibility and editability respect Labii's permission system at the project and team levels.

• Performance: Complex widgets (like plasmid editors with large sequences) may load slower than simple text sections.

• Browser Compatibility: Most section widgets work across modern browsers, but some advanced features may require Chrome or Edge.

• Mobile Support: Section widgets are optimized for desktop use. Mobile viewing is supported but editing capabilities may be limited on small screens.