Test Methods function as templates for Test Sample creation. They define the structure of a type of Test Sample, combining:
- Input Groups: Conditions used to prepare the sample (e.g., cure time, storage temperature)
- Output Groups: Measurements to collect (e.g., color, modulus, impact strength)
- Workflow: The steps and reviews the sample will go through
- Optional metadata or project assignment: So samples can be routed to the right place and pre-filled with needed info
Creating Test Methods helps ensure that every instance of a test (e.g., Tensile Testing, UV Exposure, Microscopy) is captured consistently. It also allows cross-team reuse — for example, Analytical teams can share standard Test Methods across material families.
You can manage Test Methods from the Test Methods page under Inputs / Outputs > Outputs, and favorite commonly used ones for quick selection during sample creation. Note that you will need Write Outputs permissions within the current material family in order to create new and manage existing Test Methods.
Creating New Test Methods
To create a new Test Method, take the following steps:
- On the Test Methods page, click the + Test Method button.
- In the modal, fill out the following information:
- Name: A clear and concise name for the test (e.g., Tensile, UV Exposure). This will appear in the final Test Sample name as: [Parent Experiment Name] – [Test Sample Name] – [Suffix #]. Choose something easily recognizable to users.
- Template Experiment: Optionally reference an existing experiment as a template for structure or metadata.
- Workflow: Specify the workflow that will be used when the Test Sample is created.
- Workflow Variant: If relevant, you can also select a workflow variant.
- Input Group: Optionally include an Input Group to capture processing details like aging, cure time, or prep conditions. If you’re using a multi-step workflow, it’s recommended to define inputs directly in the Workflow Editor instead.
- Parent Recipe Workflow Step Requirement: Select whether to require, not require, or prompt for users to specify the parent recipe workflow step to add the Test Sample to.
- Project to add Test Samples to: By default, Test Samples appear nested under the parent experiment. If desired, you can also specify a separate project where these samples will appear — useful for organizing results from shared test panels or analytical labs.
- Default Sample Name: Define the default name that will populate when creating new samples from this method.
- Required Recipe Metadata Fields: List any metadata fields that must be filled out before the sample can be created.
- Parent Inclusion Behavior: Specify whether the parent recipe should automatically be included as a reference when the Test Sample is created.
- Use Variant Definition: Check whether or not to use the workflow variant definition.
- Output Groups: Define the measurements to be collected. This is the most critical part of the Test Method and determines what will appear on the Test Sample for data entry.
- Output Group Behavior: Select to add all, require one, or manually select output groups.
- Behavior
- Require Parent Recipe Workflow Step
Once created, you can also favorite Test Methods that you use frequently by clicking the star icon in the top banner. Favorited Test Methods will appear at the top of selection dropdowns (on Measurements page and Lab Requests).
