EvoNEST Setup Guide

Initial Configuration

EvoNEST now features a user-friendly web interface for configuration. When you first access the system, you'll be guided through the setup process automatically.

Configuration Overview

The configuration system is divided into two main areas:

1. Types Configuration (/config/types)

This section allows you to configure the different types of data your lab works with:

• Sample Types - Define categories of biological samples (e.g., "animal", "silk", "web")
• Trait Types - Configure measurements and characteristics with units (e.g., "diameter" in μm)
• Sample Subtypes - Specify subcategories for detailed classification
• Equipment Types - List measurement equipment used in your lab
• Silk Types - Define specific spider silk types for detailed classification

2. Main Settings (/config/settings)

Configure core system behavior and lab information:

• Sample ID Generation - Rules for automatic ID creation from species names
• Lab Information - Your laboratory details for location defaults

Getting Started

First-Time Setup

1. Access the application in your web browser
2. Configuration wizard will automatically appear if no configuration exists
3. Follow the prompts to set up your initial configuration
4. Review and customize the default settings to match your lab's needs

Manual Configuration

Navigation Steps

If you need to modify settings after initial setup:

1. Types Configuration: Go to /config/types to manage data types
2. Main Settings: Go to /config/settings to configure system behavior

Managing Configuration

Adding New Items

Step-by-Step Process

1. Click the "Add Item" button in any type section
2. Fill in the required fields:
   • Value: Internal system identifier (lowercase, no spaces)
   • Label: Display name for users
   • Description: Optional explanation
   • Unit: For trait types only (e.g., "μm", "g", "mm")
   • Shortened: Optional abbreviated form

Configuration Management

• Set to Defaults: Restore original configuration (overwrites custom changes)
• Refresh: Reload settings from database (useful for multi-user environments)
• Delete: Remove unwanted entries with confirmation

Configuration Examples

Sample ID Generation

With settings:

• Genus length: 3
• Species length: 4
• Starting number: 1
• Number padding: 2

A sample from Tegenaria ferruginea would get ID: TegFerr01

Sample Types Configuration

Animal Samples:
- Value: "animal"
- Label: "Animal Sample"
- Description: "Whole animal specimens"

Silk Samples:
- Value: "silk" 
- Label: "Silk Sample"
- Description: "Spider silk specimens"

Trait Types with Units

Diameter Measurements:
- Value: "diameter"
- Label: "Diameter"
- Unit: "μm"
- Description: "Fiber diameter measurements"

Weight Measurements:
- Value: "weight"
- Label: "Weight" 
- Unit: "g"
- Description: "Sample weight measurements"

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This new system eliminates the need for manual types.js file editing and provides a much more user-friendly way to manage your EvoNEST configuration.