Scientific research is a complex process, yet experiments can often be categorized using fixed, predefined criteria. One of the simplest methods is to classify experiments as either "successful" or "failed." Flagging experiments is a straightforward and effective tool that allows you to categorize your experiments according to predefined categories established by account managers, tailored to your organization’s specific needs. This categorization enables you to quickly locate and group experiments with similar characteristics or outcomes across various tables, lists, and API queries, making data retrieval more efficient.

In this guide, we will explain how to flag an experiment, utilize flags status in indexes and lists, and manage a customized flag list tailored to your organization's needs.

Flag experiments:

In the upper right corner of an experiment page, you’ll find the "Flag Experiment" button. Clicking on it will open a list of available experiment flags in your account. Each flag is accompanied by an icon, a color, and a verbal description, all intended to help you choose the appropriate flag.

Utilize flags:

In any index that displays experiments—such as an experiment index, a table of experiments in a project folder, or the tables of experiments on stock, inventory item, or equipment pages—the status column can be used to filter, sort, and search for experiments by their flag status.

The experiment flags are also displayed in the ELN hierarchy within a project page, where the flag icon is visible next to the experiment's name.

Manage a personalized list of flags to meet your organization needs:

Account admins can access the account settings, and in the Advanced tab, you'll find the Experiments Settings section. This feature allows you to manage a customized list of experiment flags.

Create a new flag:

You can create flags tailored to your needs. For each flag, you'll need to provide a name, which will define the flag itself, a description that will serve as the explanatory text on experiment pages, icon and color to help differentiate it from other flags. A new flag is always created in active mode and will automatically be included in the list of flags available on experiment pages.

Flags activity status:

The activity status of a flag can be modified by disabling it. When a flag is disabled, it is removed from the list of available flags for use in experiments. However, a disabled flag can be reactivated, making it available once again for use in experiments. Please note that flags already used in experiments cannot be deleted.