Features
Some of the features that ABACUS offers are shown below. Click to images to view more images and videos. More information about our upcoming updates and new features is available on the Planned Features page.
Common controlled vocabularies, up to date and always available
Centrally managed controlled vocabularies
To ensure compliance with MEDIN data standards, ABACUS makes available to clients the latest up-to-date controlled vocabularies from SeaDataNet, ICES and BODC. Controlled vocabularies are regularly loaded into a single centrally managed database by ABACUS. From this central resource, all ABACUS users have immediate access to up-to-date and searchable vocabulary lists.
This means ABACUS users do not need to spend time referring to multiple vocabulary lists from different sources and websites and be sure that data is validated at the point of entry rather than at the end of a project or when it is being prepared for reporting or submission.
Latest species names and data automatically retrieved from external sources
Integrated WoRMS link
ABACUS has integrated the published WoRMS APIs into its taxonomic identification process to allow users to automatically retrieve the latest information from WoRMS including the most up to date species names and taxonomic classification data (and with more data retrieved coming in a future update). Users can be sure that the data they are recording is based on the most up to date information available and is available with no extra effort.
Standardise your data recording with validated analysis-dependent workflows
Workflows
ABACUS allows for the step by step recording of Macrobenthic and Particle Size Analysis with new analysis types planned in future updates.
Workflows are the term used within ABACUS for sequences of tasks that are performed when analysing a sample. By using workflows, organisations can be sure that all analysts work in the same way to ensure samples are consistently processed in a standardised and validated manner.
Monitor progress with real-time statistics and reporting
Insight and Analysis
ABACUS allows users and management to view real time sample processing statistics to monitor survey progress to optimize staff resourcing.
When sample processing tasks (such as logging in samples, performing taxonomic identification), they are prompted to record additional information such as when it was completed, the total time taken, and any changes to sample storage/location. This information is available in real time to either download as a single file per survey or is shown as statistics and graphical visualisations directly on ABACUS.
Those are just some of the features that ABACUS offers. New features are being added all the time and you can read about those on the Planned Features page.
If you are ready and want to start using ABACUS or you have further questions for the ABACUS team, just click the button below