--- title: "1. Labstep: Platform Overview" url: https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/7869589-1-labstep-platform-overview collection: "Lesson 2: The Notebook" updated: 2026-11-11 language: en --- # 1. Labstep: Platform Overview This section focuses on the electronic lab notebook (ELN) functionality available in Labstep. Here, you will discover how to utilise the ELN to produce comprehensive lab reports, record experimental data in real time, and incorporate notes and annotations into your experiments. - [An All-in-One Research Environment](#h_fd61a1029d) - [Labstep Modules](#h_2238333fd5) - [Security & Compliance](#h_7a413197ff) # 🔬 An All-in-One Research Environment Labstep offers more than just electronic lab notebook (ELN) functionality. Along with the Protocol Library and Experiments modules, Labstep provides a comprehensive platform for writing SOPs, conducting experiments, and collecting data efficiently. With Labstep's centralised platform, you no longer need to work with different tools to perform the same tasks, which can quickly become outdated. Labstep is a cloud-based platform that operates in real-time, allowing for easy collaboration between team members regardless of their location. Additionally, Labstep's audit trail provides traceability, making it easy to see what others are doing, when and where, which is impossible with traditional paper notebooks. ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154109_7183.png) # 🧮 Labstep Modules & Settings The Labstep platform has 5 modules: **Experiments, Protocol Library, Inventory, Order Management, Instruments & Devices**. Each of these modules helps you optimise your workflow and streamline your research. They are all part of the central hub research environment called a Workspace. We recommend creating a workspace for things like research projects or lab groups within an organisation. ## _Experiments_ This is where you compile a **summary of your work and findings**. This usually follows the standard structure of a research paper– abstract, introduction etc. Additionally, you can add interactive elements such as _Data fields_ to capture data seamlessly. ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154108_6501.png) ## _Protocol Library_ This is where you'll find your protocols, which can be used for your **SOPs**. Use these to prepare your experiments and **document repeated tasks** such as "_Sample preparation, blocking and staining_". ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154108_4569.png) ## _Inventory_ This module helps you **keep accurate records of what you use in your research** and connects it to what you have **in the lab**. From tracking **sample lineage** to performing stock checks, the Inventory module will assist you in closing the gap between inventory and research. ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154109_2579.png) ## _Order Management_ This is where you can **manage order requests** when an item has run out and track your upcoming orders with different statuses to help you see through the entire ordering journey from "_Requested_" to "_Received_". Once the order has been received, you can (digitally) **add the new items to your Inventory** in just a few clicks! ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154108_9079.png) ## _Instruments & Devices_ This is where you can add the **data-producing** and **non-data-producing** devices you use in your research. You can track their metadata, such as "_Last Service Date_", book them off and, most importantly, automatically [**fetch data**](https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/5144891-using-the-labstep-device-client-to-send-files-from-your-device.md) from them to add to your experiments. ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154108_4399.png) ## _Workspace Settings_ This is where you can **set up your research environment** as you want. You can [add and remove members](https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/5491569-how-do-i-add-remove-members-organisation.md) and set their [**permissions**](https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/1772111-a-guide-to-roles-and-permissions-on-labstep.md). Additionally, you can set default **templates** for [Experiments](https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/5529553-using-experiment-templates.md) and [Orders](https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/5530170-creating-an-order-template.md) and set up [Auto-sharing](https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/3362623-auto-sharing-content-from-your-workspace.md) rules. Lastly, you can control what [notifications](https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/3850585-how-do-i-manage-the-labstep-notification-settings.md) you want to receive and always export your work! ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154108_6291.png) # 🔒 Security & Compliance Labstep provides a secure platform compliant with GDPR policy, ISO27001 and FIPS 200. Additionally, Labstep can help you comply with GLP, GMP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11. For more information, check out the following articles: - [Security FAQs](https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/7109270-security-faqs.md) - [Labstep and GDPR](https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/7109145-labstep-and-gdpr.md) - [Labstep and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance](https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/3975005-labstep-and-fda-21-cfr-part-11-compliance.md) - [Labstep and GLP Compliance](https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/3975032-labstep-and-glp-compliance.md) - [Labstep and GMP Compliance](https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/3975019-labstep-and-gmp-compliance.md) _For our privacy policy, click_ [_here_](https://www.labstep.com/privacy-policy) _and our T&Cs_ [_here_](https://www.labstep.com/terms-conditions)_._ * * * # ☞ **_Knowledge Check:_** - Labstep and the ELN function - The difference between a Protocol and an Experiment - The Labstep modules and what are they useful for - Labstep's engagement to provide a compliant and secure platform * * * This lesson is part of the _"_**_Labstep 101: Everything you need to know to get started_**_"_ course. View all lessons [here](https://help.labstep.com/en/collections/4001327-labstep-101-everything-you-need-to-know-to-get-started).