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Using ChemTracker System

Desktop Requirements

 

Computer Requirements

We recommend the following specs for both desktop and laptop computers used with ChemTracker, for either PCs or Macs.  

  • A CPU speed of 1.5Ghz or better
  • RAM Memory of 512MB or better
  • Wired or wireless networking ability
  • At least 500MB free space available on disk

Install Java Plug-in

ChemTracker Version 3 uses a “Java applet” to run the user interface portion of the application in your browser, and applets require a JRE (Java Runtime Environment) to be installed as a plug-in in your browser. Many modern browsers already come with a Java Plug-in installed, but it is best to download and install the latest plug-in from Sun Microsystems; install the Java Plug-in from this site for all operating systems.

Supported Browsers

All recent (current and first prior) versions of the following browsers are supported, but many other versions of these and most other Java version 1.1 compatible browsers should also work. We recommend you use the most recent version of one of the following:

  • PC
    • Internet Explorer
    • Firefox
    • Netscape
  • Mac
    • Safari
    • Firefox

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Logging In
New users need to be added to the system.  To do this e-mail ChemTracker@columbia.edu  and include your full name, campus phone number and the name of your PI and department.  You will be given a username and password. 
 
To log into ChemTracker:

Tip: .A browser plugin is required for Version 3.  Install the Java plugin  (http://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp)

Tip:  If you forget your password, click on “Send Me My Password” under the login box.
A password will be sent to you shortly. 
 
Searching for Data
There are three steps located at the top of the ChemTracker Query Inventory by Field Value page. (If you don't have this page, click on Inventory tab and select ByValue button)

Follow the sequence to see the chemical:

  1. Double click on the Owner field name column then all Owners name will display in alpha order. Select by double click the PI name which will fill in PIs name on the Search For column on step 1 select query criteria section
  2. Click English button under the search section on step 2
  3. Click all button from step 3 work with result section

When display, you can sort by any column by clicking heading column. It works ascending /descending.

You can download selecting all using Control & A, copy all using Control & C and paste on an Excel sheet using Control & V. (You have to open a Excel sheet first before selecting then paste)

You can also click the Chemical Inventory Map to find inventory.  From the ChemTracker menu screen on the bottom, you can see the Chemical inventory Map menu.  Just click proper campus, building, room then you will see the whole list of inventory.

Tip:  It may be useful to save this query for future reference. 

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Printing Reports

Tip:  To modify and print the excel report, the file must be copied and pasted into MS Excel.  This will allow you to choose the relevant data to print.
 
Additional resources
ChemTracker offers various useful health and safety information for many chemicals in your list.  When you run any query, highlight the chemical you wish the information on. Select the “SAFETY INFO” icon and you will get health and safety information for that chemical.  The “MSDS” icon will take you to the MSDS for the item.
 
Logging Out
To log out of ChemTracker click the logout button in the upper right corner of the screen.  There is help and documentation available by clicking any of these buttons you see as your proceed. 

What to Inventory

DO INVENTORY:
 
All chemicals and chemical products (except those noted at right)

  • All chemicals except Compressed gases

DO NOT INVENTORY:

  • Biological Buffer Solutions
  • Amino Acids
  • Proteins - Includes enzymes and peptides
  • Nucleic Acids - Includes nucleotides, nucleosides, primers, and PCR kits
  • Digestible Sugars (-ose) and Non-Digestible Sugars (-ol)
  • Tissue Culture Supplies
  • Biological Growth Media
  • Salts Listed in this link (all other salts MUST BE tracked)
  • Retail products used for routine household-like activities (i.e.: cleansers, dish soap)
  • Materials to be expended within 1-2days (i.e.: working solutions)
  • Radioactive materials
  • Bio-hazardous materials
  • Non-hazardous buffers

If it's not on the DO NOT INCLUDE list and has any sort of hazard associated with it, go ahead and put it in the inventory.

See the Inventory on the Web
Go to http://sklad.cumc.columbia.edu/ehrs/ then select the Chemical Inventory Map link.
You will need UNI and password to get in and the Chem 3D plug-in to see the chemical structures in 3-D format.
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Plug-ins
To access the Chemical Inventory Map require your browser to have the Flash plug-in installed - you can get the plug-in from http://www.adobe.com/support/flashplayer/downloads.html then select Flash Player for Windows.

Download Chem 3D plug-in – https://accounts.cambridgesoft.com/login.cfm?serviceid=5
This will allow you to see the chemical structures in 3-D format

If you have additional questions or would like to receive individual training, contact Jean Lee, Dir. of Information Technology at 212)854-8883. 

Date(s) Revised:1/2009