PySide6 Application
Focused desktop workflows for laboratory staff and managers.
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Phase 1 demo complete
Catalyst Laboratory Management System
A configurable LIMS foundation for small laboratories that need disciplined sample intake, chemical inventory, audit history, and operational visibility without starting with enterprise overhead.
Project summary
A practical laboratory operating foundation, built around controlled records.
- Industry
- Environmental, industrial, chemical, and quality-control laboratories
- Architecture
- PySide6 desktop application -> service layer -> SQLAlchemy -> PostgreSQL production target
- Primary tools
- Python, PySide6, SQLAlchemy, PostgreSQL, Alembic, Pydantic, ReportLab
- Deployment model
- Windows desktop app with PostgreSQL; self-contained SQLite demo adapter
- Implemented scope
- Samples, chemical inventory, append-only audit history, operational dashboard, reporting foundation, and optional local read-only assistant
System architecture
Phase 1 connects the records labs touch every day.
The application keeps validation and transaction rules in a reusable service layer, leaving a clean seam for future API, automation, and reporting work.
Service Layer
Validated sample transitions and atomic inventory transactions.
PostgreSQL Path
Typed relational models and Alembic migrations for a multi-user target.
Reporting Seam
Database-backed KPIs, PDF foundation, and a proposed Power BI model.
Sample Management
Receive, search, filter, edit, and transition samples through controlled statuses with chain-of-custody and deadline context.
Chemical Inventory
Track chemical master data, quantities, storage, expiry, SDS status, hazards, suppliers, and related sample usage.
Atomic Stock Ledger
Balance changes, inventory events, and audit records succeed or roll back together inside one transaction.
Operational Dashboard
Database-backed sample, inventory, expiry, review, and equipment signals give managers a concise current-state view.
Append-only Audit
Record creation, updates, status changes, and inventory adjustments preserve before-and-after context.
Configurable Foundation
Application identity, environment, sample prefix, database connection, time zone, and local AI settings are supplied through configuration.
Working application
Real Phase 1 screens from the laboratory demo.
The SQLite demo adapter is intentionally separate from the PostgreSQL production path. It provides a self-contained portfolio experience without implying a production laboratory deployment.
Laboratory operations dashboard
Current sample, stock, expiry, review, and calibration signals derived from the demo database.
Searchable sample management
Operational records stay filterable by client, project, matrix, status, receipt range, due range, and overdue state.
Chemical inventory and ledger
Master data and stock movement stay connected to safety, storage, supplier, expiry, and sample-use context.
Video demonstration
See the sample and inventory workflows in motion.
The demonstration covers live KPIs, sample search and history, chemical records and ledger activity, and the optional local assistant boundary.
Product boundary
Implemented foundation now. Regulated modules remain a deliberate next phase.
Analytical Methods, Results, QA/QC, Equipment, Reports, and Administration are present as clearly labeled future modules. Production use also requires laboratory-specific validation of methods, calculations, holding times, reporting, retention, security, and deployment controls.
Case-study facts
A tested Phase 1 demonstration with an honest production path.
- Status
- Working Phase 1 desktop demonstration with isolated automated tests and a Windows build shell.
- Demo data
- Synthetic laboratory, client, sample, chemical, supplier, and inventory records.
- Production database
- PostgreSQL 15+ target using psycopg and versioned Alembic migrations.
- Demo adapter
- SQLite is used only for a self-contained demonstration and test environment.
- Safety boundary
- Workflow support only; chemical handling, methods, calculations, and regulatory decisions require qualified review.
- Distribution
- One-folder Windows build; deployment still requires database, security, validation, training, and operating procedures.
Technology
Technologies used in Catalyst.
- Python
- PySide6
- SQLAlchemy
- PostgreSQL
- SQLite
- Alembic
- Pydantic
- ReportLab
- Power BI model
- PyInstaller
- pytest
- Ruff
Need software shaped around a small laboratory's real workflow?
OCBS builds focused systems that connect operational records, validation rules, and management visibility without forcing enterprise complexity on a local team.