ChemInventory

ChemInventory is MSU’s system for managing chemical inventory in laboratories

Log in to ChemInventory

 

ChemInventory Basics

• What is ChemInventory?

  ChemInventory is secure, cloud-based software that allows chemical container management in laboratories. You and your research group members can search instantly for compounds by name, CAS registry number, structure, or any number of your own custom fields. Chemical structures are presented alongside other relevant information in search results.

  The software brings together multiple sources of Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) data to provide an up-to-date snapshot of a chemical's known hazards and gives definitions, precaution codes and descriptions, and GHS pictograms.

• How do I access ChemInventory?

  Each new Research Group (RG) or Principal Investigator (PI) will need to request access to the software. Once a profile has been created for you, you will receive an email from EHS with login instructions.

  Requesting Access

  To assure the User Account Roles granted are aligned with the wishes of the RG or PI, please complete the ChemInventory User Template (XLSX) and send the Excel sheet to EHS.ChemInventory@msu.edu with the RG or PI included on the email. EHS will file the eARM on behalf of the RG or PI and provide an update when access is granted.

  The User Account Roles are as follows:

  Group Administrators: Full administrative access to an inventory.  They can add/edit user accounts, reset passwords, change inventory sharing options and more via the Inventory Management page.

  Order Handlers: Can do everything an ordinary user can do (see below), but they can also mark orders as “placed” (through whichever ordering system your organization uses) or mark them as “arrived”. They can also edit the locations hierarchy of your inventory.

  Users: Have the second most basic account type. They can search your inventory, add, move and dispose of containers, edit container information and request orders. They cannot mark orders as placed or arrived.

  Read Only: Users can only view information in your inventory. They cannot edit any data, request orders or add containers.

  Logging In

  Once access is granted, use MSU Single Sign-On (SSO) - your MSU username & password - to log in to ChemInventory.

• How much does it cost?

  ChemInventory is free to researchers at Michigan State University.

• Why is MSU using ChemInventory?

  After Beta-testing, the Department of Chemistry tested ChemInventory found it fit their needs to:

  • manage all of their chemicals in a simple and effective way
  • share their inventories between research groups

   

  Additionally, ChemInventory is being used to streamline the Department of Homeland Security annual surveys, regarding DHS Chemicals of Interest reducing the burden to individual RGs and PIs.

Requirements

• Are labs required to use ChemInventory?
  Yes. As of January 1, 2023 all research labs will be required to transition to ChemInventory.
• I have labs in two different buildings. Do I need two separate inventories?
  Yes, please indicate this when submitting your inventory sheet and we will give you two separate inventory accounts.
• Will I still be required to submit annual Homeland Security reports?
  No, the program will be able to generate these reports automatically whenever DHS requests them.

Sharing, Security

• How do I share my inventory with other researchers or labs (or revoke access)?
  See the Managing User Accounts page on the vendor's support site.
• Am I required to share my inventory?
  No.
• Is my information safe?
  Yes. MSU Single Sign-On (SSO) is used to access ChemInventory.

ChemInventory Features

• Can I attach SDS sheets to the inventory?
  Yes, the (M)SDS and File Storage page can be used by your lab as a central repository for files. Any files uploaded to this page can be linked to substances under your account, enabling you to download them directly from results on the Search and Locations pages. Files of any format can be uploaded.
• How do I upload an existing chemical inventory?
  Instructions on uploading an existing inventory from Excel are provided on the vendor's support site.
• Will ChemInventory tell me which chemicals are compatible to be stored together?
  No.  But you can refer to the EHS Storage and Labeling webpage or contact the EHS Chemical Safety Team with any questions regarding chemical storage and compatibility.
• Can I put other items in the inventory besides chemicals?
  Yes, you can list gas cylinders, radioisotopes, and biological materials.
• Will ChemInventory create chemical labels?
  Yes. ChemInventory can generate GHS compliant chemical labels.
• Can I generate barcodes with ChemInventory?
  Yes. Barcodes act as unique identifiers for each item in your inventory. Barcodes can be used with scanners to simplify processes in your laboratory which are typically time-intensive, such as stocktakes and reconciliations.  More info can be found at Getting Started with Barcodes.
• Does ChemInventory integrate with MSU Purchasing?
  Not yet.

For additional assistance, contact the EHS ChemInventory Help Desk at EHS.ChemInventory@msu.edu or refer to the vendor's support page.