2. System Architecture

The integration of ELabLIMS, SciForge, and PowerBI is designed to provide laboratories with secure, flexible, and scalable access to their data for advanced reporting and analytics. This section outlines the core components and how they interact to deliver a seamless experience for users and developers.

ELabLIMS: Web-Based LIMS and Application Keys

ELabLIMS is a web-based laboratory information management system built on Microsoft SQL Server. It manages laboratory data, workflows, and user access, supporting both standard and custom configurations. User authentication and permissions are handled within ELabLIMS, and Application Keys are managed by users to control access to external integrations, including the SciForge API.

Key points:

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• Web-based access with secure authentication and role-based controls

• ·         User-managed Application Keys for API access

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• Modular design supporting custom workflows and data models

SciForge: GraphQL API Endpoints

SciForge is a modern API layer that exposes ELabLIMS data through GraphQL endpoints. It connects directly to the SQL Server database, allowing clients and developers to query laboratory data with precision and flexibility. SciForge supports both out-of-the-box and custom endpoints, enabling organizations to extend the API to meet specific reporting or integration needs.

Key points:

• ·         Direct access to ELabLIMS data via GraphQL queries

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• Extensible endpoints for custom data requirements

• ·         Secure access controlled by Application Keys

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• Designed for integration with business intelligence tools

PowerBI: Connecting to GraphQL APIs

PowerBI is a leading business intelligence platform that can connect to SciForge’s GraphQL endpoints to retrieve laboratory data for reporting and dashboarding. By leveraging PowerBI’s data modeling and visualization capabilities, organizations can build interactive dashboards and reports that reflect real-time laboratory metrics and trends.

Key points:

• ·         Connects to SciForge GraphQL endpoints for data import

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• Supports advanced data modeling and visualization

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• Enables creation of custom dashboards and reports for laboratory management

Data Flow and Security

1. 1.      Users authenticate in ELabLIMS and manage Application Keys for API access.

   2.     

2. PowerBI (or other BI tools) uses these keys to connect to SciForge GraphQL endpoints.

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3. SciForge queries the SQL Server database and returns structured data to PowerBI.

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4. PowerBI visualizes and analyzes the data, supporting decision-making and compliance.

This system architecture empowers laboratories to unlock the full value of their data, streamline reporting workflows, and extend their capabilities with modern analytics tools.