We’ve historically not used action groups, but am trying them out now. The method I’m trying them in is quite dynamic in its range - it can prepare 1-4 plates with differing numbers of dilution steps etc, so I think that updating the duration to the mean will probably make the predicted duration for most assays incorrect.
I’d like to use the Scheduling interface etc, but is there a way we can pass in durations to each action group through variables? For e.g., if I were to predict a duration elsewhere in the method, can I pass it in? Otherwise, it seems this feature is really quite limited and I’ll have to go back to using statusdialogs etc…
Actions in VENUS do not allow the use of a variable to drive the expected duration. However, Dynamic Scheduler allows the use of Activities which can use a variable, see below. Note that Scheduler comes standard with VENUS 6, but is a separate installer for previous versions of VENUS. Also, a method with Activities can still be run normally without the need for a Workflow.
There is an option to set an expected duration for an Activity along the top of the parameter window:
The expected duration can be calculated outside the Activity and passed to it by way of a variable:
The expected durations can be confirmed in Run Control by scheduling the method/workflow:
It is possible to convert Actions and Activities within a pre-existing method by opening the method in Method Editor, going to the Method menu, and selecting the “Replace Activities with Actions” option at the bottom of the drop-down:
Thanks Dan, that’s really interesting, thanks! Is the separate installer for previous VENUS versions a cost or free? Could you provide it here if it is free, please? Thanks again.
I recommend you follow up with your local sales and support team for the Scheduler installer. If you need any help getting in contact with them, please message me!
