Customizable Management Database for Day-to-Day Corea Facility Operations.

The Electron Microscopy Core Imaging Facility (EMCIF) of the University of Maryland Baltimore conducts 100-150 electron microscopy (EM) -related research projects and processes a wide range of specimens each year. Many experimental procedures are customized to meet the demands of each specific research project. In order to minimize the time required for record-keeping of a large number of samples and experimental details, we have developed a management database using Microsoft Office Access, a program included in the Microsoft Office Professional Suite. EMCIF day-to-day records are divided into several main data tables including client information, project information, sample description, project charges, project experiments, and lab reagents. Records are entered using a custom-designed entry form with drop-down menus to minimize typing. The whole database is safely stored in a web-based server and can be accessed by all EMCIF personnel from their own computers simultaneously. Using built-in command buttons, documents such as invoices, quotes, project summaries and experimental workflows can be printed as reports, exported to other programs, or e-mailed to clients with a single click. This Do-It-Yourself management system was initially constructed in 2009 with five tables designed to manage service records. It has been expanded and modified through the years to incorporate new experimental procedures, reagents, as well as other critical information. The database recently celebrated its ten years anniversary. It currently includes records for approximately 10,000 EM specimens, 1,500 projects and over 500 clients. The ease of navigation of the database allows the EMCIF director and its staff to track down information concerning any client, project, or sample with a few clicks. A significant advantage of this 'DIY' database is its ease of adaptation and expansion to fit the changing needs of both the facility and its clients, an option often not available in commercial.