DNA Synthesis DNA Synthesis Request Management Software System for IBM-compatible LAN Robert Lee and Richard Randall, HHMI Durham Biopolymer Resource Facility, Duke Univ. To facilitate DNA synthesis information management in a core laboratory, we developed custom computer software which receives and tracks the status of customer requests. By design this last program is available only to the synthesizer operator and executes on a workstation near the synthesizers. Compared to paper-based request submission, this electronic system offers several advantages. Because this information is machine-readable, it is copied, sorted, abstracted, and propagated rapidly throughout the system, as needed, without physical access to paper copies.
Electronic access is accomplished without interruption or distraction of the synthesizer operator.
The software gives each PI autonomous control over his or her group's requests. Default parameters may be set independently for each user on each project, if desired. Users' requests which exceed the default limits set by the PI are initially unapproved and await intervention by him or his designee. Only after automatic or manual approval are requests available to the operator for synthesis. A PI may re-prioritize his group's requests any time prior to their selection for synthesis by the operator.