Many labs export measurement data directly from instruments or software into structured file formats like .csv or .txt. If these files follow a consistent format, Uncountable can be configured to ingest them automatically using uploaders.
Uploaders allow users to drag and drop raw data files into the platform, where key values are parsed and mapped to the appropriate outputs, condition parameters, or metadata—eliminating the need for manual data entry. This reduces errors and saves time, especially when handling high volumes of test data.
Each uploader is set up by your Uncountable representative during implementation to match the structure of your files. Once configured, the uploader automatically detects, extracts, and assigns data from similar files, making the import process fast, accurate, and scalable.
Uploader FAQ
Which files can be used with Uploaders?
Uploaders support machine-readable file types, including but not limited to:
.txt,.csv,.xlsx,.rtf, and.dat- Files with data spread across multiple sheets (for Excel)
- Files containing one or more curves or data entries (sometimes called file structures)
Files must be readable in Excel or a text editor. Uploaders do not support formats like .pdf or image files.
What types of data can Uploaders extract?
Uploaders can automatically extract several types of data from raw files, including but not limited to:
- Numeric outputs – single values like viscosity, density, or strength
- Curve data – paired arrays like force vs. time or temperature vs. resistance
- Condition parameters – test settings like ramp rate, speed, or batch size
- Metadata – details like operator, machine used, or date
- File outputs – the uploaded file itself can be stored as a file output
In addition, Uploaders support data transformations, such as extracting the peak value from a curve or calculating averages.
Can Uploaders handle multiple files or replicates?
Yes. Uploaders can be configured to:
- Accept multiple files in a single upload (if the file type is supported by the uploader)
- Interpret multiple files as separate recipes or replicates
- Interpret multiple file structures within a file as separate recipes, replicates, or test phases
- Group replicates based on shared metadata values in the file (e.g., sample name)
You can also map file contents across multiple experiments or replicates, depending on your needs.
Can I prompt users to fill in certain fields during upload?
Yes. Uploaders can be configured to prompt users to enter values for certain fields during upload. These are commonly used when:
- A value is required but not present in the file (e.g., operator or batch number)
- You want to collect additional optional context (e.g., test conditions or notes)
These prompts appear in the uploader modal and can be required or optional depending on the setup.
Can I exclude parts of a file when uploading?
Yes. In the upload preview modal, you can choose not to upload specific parts of the file. For example:
- You can deselect curves, numeric outputs, files, or other fields you don’t want to include
- Optional metadata fields can be left blank
This gives you flexibility in deciding which data should be uploaded when bringing in a raw file.
Can Uploaders match data to existing experiments in Uncountable?
Yes. Uploaders can be configured to automatically map file structures to specific recipes in Uncountable. Matching can be based on:
- Recipe name
- Recipe ID
- Metadata
- Wellplate layout
- Structured filters
This allows incoming data to be routed directly to the correct recipe and replicate, reducing manual steps and ensuring consistency across uploads.
