Watcher overview

Description

Watcher is a tool that automates the processing of designated files using JavaScript. Watcher monitors a designated folder for new file activity, and when a new file appears, Watcher runs a specified JavaScript to process the file. A couple of scenarios are described below, but your script might process files in a variety of other ways.

Scenario 1—Asynchronous post-processing of instrument-generated files

In this scenario, Watcher automates the post-processing of instrument-generated files as follows:

•	A protocol includes a reader task that generates an output file and stores the file in a folder that is designated for monitoring by Watcher.

•	When the new file appears in the folder, Watcher validates the file and then runs a script.

•	The script parses out the relevant information from the instrument-generated file and performs additional tasks, such as aggregating the information across multiple files or saving the information in a database.

Scenario 2—Creating data-driven working protocols from a template protocol

In this scenario, the VWorks software is integrated with a LIMS. Watcher runs a script that automates the creation of a working protocol based on a template protocol and a LIMS-generated input file, where:

•	Input file. A file that appears in the watched folder. In this scenario, the file specifies attributes of a single protocol run.

•	Template protocol. A protocol that is used as the basis for creating a working protocol.

•	Working protocol. The protocol that is created by JavaScript based on the template protocol and the input file.

When an input file appears in the Watcher monitored folder, Watcher runs a script. The script that has to parse the input file must be developed to recognize the file format. The script uses the information from the input file to modify the template protocol into a working protocol, and then schedules the newly created working protocol as part of a runset.

For an example script of this scenario, see Creating the script that Watcher will run.

Workflow for setting up and using Watcher

 

Step	For this task...	See...
1	Create the JavaScript that Watcher will run.	Creating the script that Watcher will run
2	Set up the Watcher configuration file.	• Creating the configuration file • Specifying the configuration file location
3	Turn on the Watcher.	Turning on Watcher