Katalyst: Export from Katalyst to a downstream system fails due to invalid characters in names or IDs

Description

• When exporting experiments or plates from Katalyst to a downstream system (e.g., ELN, registration, or external database), exports fail or are rejected.
• Logs or error messages mention invalid characters in:
  • Experiment names
  • Plate IDs
  • Sample or well identifiers
• The downstream system enforces stricter character rules than Katalyst.

Solution

• Identify which fields are causing failures:
  • Review error messages or logs from the downstream system.
  • Look for non‑alphanumeric characters, spaces, or symbols that are not allowed.
• Ensure Katalyst naming conventions are compatible with export targets:
  • Define allowed character sets for experiment and plate names.
  • Avoid characters such as \ / : * ? " < > | and others that may cause issues in file systems or external databases.
• Correct existing entries:
  • Rename problematic experiments, plates, or samples within Katalyst to conform to the allowed pattern.
• After corrections:
  • Retry export and confirm successful import into the downstream system.