(tutorials:reporter-operations)=
# Reporter operations and troubleshooting

This page covers day-to-day activities that do not fit into a single lifecycle stage: finding samples, using the dashboard, managing settings, and resolving common problems.

## Find samples quickly

The **Management** view is the main operational hub. It shows samples grouped by state across four swim lanes:

| Lane | What it shows |
| --- | --- |
| **PENDING** | Samples registered but not yet analyzed. |
| **ANALYSIS** | Samples with an active or recently completed workflow run. |
| **REVIEW** | Samples awaiting result review and curation. |
| **REPORT** | Samples with a draft or awaiting sign-off. |

To find a sample:

1. Use the **search** box at the top of the Management view to search by sample or case ID.
2. Use the **filter** button to narrow results by metadata, date, state, or other configured fields.
3. Scroll within a lane to load or paginate results.
4. Click a sample to open its action dialog for the current state.

## Sample List

**Sample List** provides a tabular view of all registered samples. You can:

- Sort by columns such as ID, date, state, and assay.
- Apply filters for states, assays, or date ranges.
- Export or copy sample identifiers, if your role permits.
- Drill into a sample record for full metadata.

## Dashboard

The **Dashboard** shows high-level laboratory metrics. Typical metrics include:

- Counts of samples by state.
- Recent throughput.
- Cases requiring attention, such as failed runs or pending sign-offs.

Use the dashboard to identify bottlenecks and prioritize work.

## Settings

The **Settings** area configures Reporter-specific options, such as report types. Only users with the BioinformaticsScientist or another Reporter administrative role can change settings.

Common settings include:

| Setting | Purpose |
| --- | --- |
| **Report types** | Define the report templates available for sign-out. |

If a required setting is missing or incorrect, contact your SeqsLab administrator.

## Role-aware visibility

The actions and data you see depend on your assigned role:

- A ReporterDataEntryOperator typically sees registration-related actions.
- A MedicalTechnologist sees curation actions in **REVIEW**.
- A BioinformaticsScientist sees pipeline and settings actions.
- A LaboratorySupervisor sees report-creation and approval actions.
- A MedicalDirector sees sign-off actions in **REPORT**.
- OrganizationAdministrator or UserAdministrator may see organization-wide settings and user lists.

If you expect to see an action but do not, verify your role before contacting support.

## Practical troubleshooting

| Symptom | Likely cause | Action |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A sample does not appear in a lane | Filter is active or role does not permit viewing the case. | Clear filters or ask an administrator to confirm role membership. |
| Action button is disabled | Required fields are missing, role lacks permission, or the sample is in the wrong state. | Check the state and your role; open the sample details for validation errors. |
| Dashboard metrics look outdated | Cache or refresh delay. | Refresh the page or check the timestamp shown. |
| Cannot access Settings | Role lacks administrative permission. | Request the appropriate role from your administrator. |
| Search returns no results | Wrong ID format or the sample belongs to another organization. | Confirm the identifier and your active organization. |

## Reporting problems

When you escalate an issue, include:

- The sample ID.
- The current state.
- The exact action you were trying to perform.
- Any error message or reference code.
- The date and time of the attempt.

## Related material

- {ref}`tutorials:reporter-overview` for the Reporter introduction.
- {ref}`tutorials:reporter-sample-lifecycle` for state transitions.
- {ref}`security:healthcare-rbac` for role permissions.