Enhance Accession Records with Batch Tracking

[bhumikaguptaa]

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.

We need a new feature for accession records that allows for the tracking of multiple batches of specimens under a single agreement. This would replace the current method of creating separate accession numbers for each batch, which is inefficient and difficult to manage. The primary goal is to improve the accuracy of records and streamline the process of applying accession numbers to specimens from long-term projects.

Currently, when specimens arrive in batches under a single permit or agreement, a new accession number is created for each shipment. While this allows the organization to track the date and number of specimens for its KPI reporting, the system is impractical for long-running projects because:

• Material is mixed: As researchers work with the specimens, they often get combined, making it extremely difficult to trace them back to their original, separate accession numbers.
• Unnecessary work is created: It is time-consuming and inefficient to apply and manage multiple accession numbers for specimens that are all part of the same project.
• Confusion is caused: The use of multiple accession numbers for a single project complicates the organization's record-keeping and data management.

Describe the solution you'd like

RBGE requests the development of a new feature within the accession record that allows for the structured recording of multiple batches. This new feature should include:

• A dedicated section within the accession record for Batch Tracking.
• The ability to add multiple "batch" entries to a single accession record.
• For each batch entry, the organization needs to be able to record the following information like received date and number of Specimens.

Reported By
Robyn Drinkwater, RBGE

Additional context
Here is the link to the discourse post mentioning the feature request: https://discourse.specifysoftware.org/t/multiple-batches-of-material-in-accession-records/2768