Here To Help
Welcome to the TestLabFinder User Guide!
Whether you’re here to explore new tools or refine your test lab workflow, this guide is your step-by-step companion to making the most of the platform.
Who This Guide is For
TestLabFinder serves two types of users:- Test Lab Users: Professionals managing test labs and their offerings.
- Prospect Users: Customers looking for the right test lab services.
Topics
All Users
Finding a Lab
The TestLabFinder search engine is completely free to use and does not require a login. To get started:- Select a Test Type:
- Choose a test type from the dropdown menu, or start typing to filter available options.
- Refine Your Criteria:
- Work through the provided fields to narrow down your search results and find the most suitable lab for your needs.
Important:
When entering a City or Street, ensure you select an option from the predictive Google suggestions. Inputs that are not selected from the provided list will not be accepted by the system.
TLF Tip:
You can select multiple Test Types, Accreditations and Keywords to refine your search results. For even more targeted results, try entering a specific test standard or the name of a Test Lab directly into the Keywords box.
Viewing the Results
Search Result Order:
- Results are displayed in order of alignment to your search criteria, from the most aligned to the least.
- Listings with a “Featured” status will always appear at the top.
Matching Criteria:
- The system displays both fully matched and partially matched results. Look for the labels on each listing to understand how closely they align with your criteria.
Map View:
- If you specify an address and search radius in your search, a Map View toggle will appear at the top of the results page.
- This feature is only available when an address is defined in the search criteria.
Exploring Test Lab Profiles:
- Click the + icon on any Test Lab profile to expand the container and view additional details.
- Check out uploaded accreditation or certification documents by clicking the blue page icon.
Reporting Issues:
- If you come across a broken link, notify us by clicking the Report Broken Link button displayed on the listing.
TestLab Calculate
Accessing Calculators:
- Use the Main Nav banner at the top and click Calculators.
- Select the calculators you want to use from the list on the left. You can choose more than one.
Entering Data:
- Use the + button to expand each container.
- Ensure you provide the total payload mass—this includes the mass of the test article, fixture, bolts and any equipment under test.
- Refer to your specific test standard to determine a value for sigma (3 or 5 is typical). If unsure, use a default value of 3 for the purpose of the calculations.
- The Scale Value Calculator widget is available for convenience when manual slope calculations are required (e.g., dB/Oct changes). For most cases, these fields are not needed.
Real-Time Results:
- Once all required values are entered, results are computed in real time.
- These results have been thoroughly validated to ensure accuracy.
Using Results:
- Use the inputs and computed results as a foundation to create a project. The system will identify suitable Test Labs based on their test equipment capabilities (log-in required).
Important:
The recommendation to use the value 3 is exclusively for calculation purposes and is not a suggestion for a suitable value for your specific test. Refer to your test standard to determine the appropriate Sigma value for your requirements.
TLF Tip:
The system uses the computed results to match your requirements against the equipment listed in each Test Lab’s profile. During Stage 3 of a TestLab Project, you’ll see exactly which Test Labs have the capability to perform your test!
The calculators can be used as part of a TestLab Project (log-in required) or as a free, standalone tool.
Logged In Users
Console Area
The Console Area is located on the left-hand side of the screen and serves as your navigation hub, helping you find your way around the platform.
To log out, scroll to the bottom of the Console Area and click the Sign-Out button.
Updating Your Account
Keeping your account details up-to-date is essential. To update your information, click the Accounts button in the Console Area on the left-hand side. Ensure all details are accurate and complete to avoid any issues.
Important:
The email address provided in your account will be used for all system notifications, including password resets, updates to your account and changes or responses related to your projects. Ensure it is accurate and up-to-date.
Password Reset
If You Can Log In:
- To change your password, click Accounts in the Console Area and select the Update Password button at the bottom left of the window.
If You Cannot Log In:
- Use the Forgotten Password link on the main login screen to reset your password.
Still Having Issues?
- For further assistance, contact us at matt@testlabfinder.com and we’ll help resolve the problem.
Prospect Users
TestLab Projects
This feature is exclusively for Prospects. A project allows you to reach out to one or multiple Test Labs simultaneously—it’s your choice!
Projects are not only a convenient way to submit an enquiry but also an efficient one. By incorporating the TestLab Calculate analysis tool within the process you can ensure that your enquiry is sent only to Test Labs with the equipment necessary to meet your precise requirements.
Additionally, the project process helps gather critical information relevant to the test types you’ve defined. It also provides a secure method for sharing sensitive information with your preferred Test Labs—far more secure than email. Read more here.
Stage 1: Starting a Project
Projects can be as simple as including a single test type or as complex as incorporating multiple different test types.
Starting a Project:
- Begin a project directly from the search results by clicking the Start Project button next to any Test Lab profile. Don’t worry—you’ll have the option to select more Test Labs later.
Completing the Stage 1 Process:
- Fill out the Stage 1 project form. Most fields will be pre-populated with your account details for convenience.
- Ensure all details are complete and accurate. If no security classification is applicable, enter “None Applicable.”
Important:
When entering an address, select one from the Google suggestions that appear as you type. Inputs not selected from these results will be rejected by the system.
TLF Tip:
Projects can be initiated from the New Project button at any time from the top navigation panel. Projects ensure your enquiry is detailed and easy to process by the recipient Test Labs, leading to faster turnarounds!
Stage 2: Refining Search Criteria
If you’ve created a project directly from the search results, the original search criteria will automatically appear in this step.
You can refine these criteria further to better match your requirements. Once you’re satisfied with the adjustments, click Next to proceed to Stage 3.
Stage 3: Results
The Matching Matrix view provides an overview of which Test Labs meet your defined search criteria. Depending on the number of requirements you’ve specified, you may need to use the pagination slider at the bottom of the screen to navigate through the results.
Headers and Test Types
For Vibration or Mechanical Shock test types, the system displays:
- A generic header for the test type.
- Dedicated headers for each specific calculator used during the requirement definition phase.
For example, in the matrix below, many Test Labs meet the general Vibration requirement. However, only a select few meet the criteria for specific test types like Sine or Random vibration. These Test Labs have equipment in their profiles that has been analyzed and confirmed to meet your requirements.
How to Use the Matching Matrix
View Details:
- Click the + button next to any Test Lab listing to expand the container and access more details.
Select Test Labs:
- Use the checkboxes on the right-hand side to select the Test Labs you’d like to contact.
Finalise Selections:
- The project will be sent to all selected Test Labs at the end of the project process.
Stage 4: Completing the Enquiry
This final step is the most detailed and time-intensive, but it’s also where the difference is made. The information you provide here will be incorporated into a beautifully formatted project request, which will be sent to the Test Labs you selected earlier. By investing effort at this stage, you ensure a streamlined process eliminating the need to answer repetitive questions when communicating with multiple Test Labs.
Key Features of Stage 4
Dynamic Results
- Based on the Test Types selected during your search, the system will prompt you for tailored information specific to those tests.
Details to Provide
- Fill in the required information and always include unit terms (e.g., mm) for the Height, Width and Length fields.
- Clearly define the relevant test standards and categories for each Test Type.
Important:
Ensure that unit terms are manually defined. These are left configurable to accommodate your preferred options. Leaving them undefined may cause issues with the system’s functionality.
Secure Attachments
- Upload any required documents securely. For details on how your data is protected, check out our data security page.
Work Routine
- Use this section to define the test running order:
- Each new box represents a new Run Number (e.g., Run 01: Pre-test Resonance Search, Run 02: Endurance Random).
- There’s no need to specify the Run Number manually—the system will auto-populate it for you whenever you add a new data block using the + button.
Calculator Declaration
- If you used calculators to define any part of your search criteria, check the box to associate it with the relevant test run.
Sending and Monitoring Your Projects
Sending Your Project
Once you hit Send, congratulations! Your project enquiry, complete with a detailed overview of how your requirements align with the capabilities of each Test Lab’s equipment, will be sent to all selected Test Labs.
Monitoring Responses
View Responses:
- Navigate to Projects in the Console Area and click View on the relevant project.
- At the top of the project details page, you can track responses from the Test Labs that received your inquiry.
Test Lab Actions:
- Each Test Lab has the option to either Accept or Decline the project.
- Test Labs may also send you a message directly regarding your inquiry.
Preview Project View:
- Scroll down the project details page to see exactly how your project is presented to each Test Lab.
TLF Tip:
No need to constantly check for updates! The system will notify you via email whenever a Test Lab responds to your project or marks it as Accepted or Declined.
Make sure the email address in your account settings is correct and ensure emails from info@testlabfinder.com are not being filtered to your spam or junk folder.
Test Lab Users
Configuring Your Test Lab Profile
Accessing Your Profile:
- Click the Test Lab Profile option in the Console Area to begin configuring your Test Lab listing.
Ensure Accuracy and Clarity:
- All information entered here will be visible in your listing, so take the time to ensure it is:
- Valid: Double-check that all data is correct.
- Accurate: Avoid errors or outdated information.
- Compelling: Present your Test Lab in a way that highlights its strengths and appeals to potential customers.
Uploads:
- Supported file formats include:
- .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .webp, .svg
- Supported file formats include:
- All information entered here will be visible in your listing, so take the time to ensure it is:
Adding Keywords:
- Use the free text box to input relevant Keywords, separating them with commas or by pressing the Return key after each entry.
TLF Tip:
You can add up to 20 keywords to your profile. Include information such as commonly requested test standards, unique facilities, or standout offerings—for example, on-site canteen, customer Wi-Fi, or a 5m x 5m x 5m drive-in chamber!
Adding Accreditations
You can add multiple certificates your Test Lab profile. Displaying accreditations saves potential customers time and effort during their research journey, while boosting your online presence.
Steps to Add an Accreditation
Selecting Accreditations:
- Use the dropdown menu or start typing to filter and select any relevant accreditations.
Uploading Certificates:
- Upload your accreditation certificates directly to the system in PDF format, or provide a URL linking to the certificate on the hosting domain.
- There is no limit to the number of accreditations or certifications you can add.
Supported File Formats:
- Certificates can be uploaded in the following formats:
.jpg, .jpeg, .png, .webp, .svg, .csv, .xlsx, .doc, .docx, .pdf
- Certificates can be uploaded in the following formats:
Important:
The list of available accreditations in the dropdown is managed by the system administrators. If you require additional accreditations to be added, please contact matt@testlabfinder.com
Adding Test Types
Use the dropdown menu or start typing to filter and select any applicable Test Types for your profile. There is no limit to the number of Test Types you can assign.
Important:
The list of available Test Types in the dropdown is managed by the system administrators. If you require additional Test Types to be added, please contact matt@testlabfinder.com
Adding a New User
You can add multiple users to your Test Lab profile, all with equal access. Currently, different tiers of Test Lab Users are not supported.
Steps to Add a New User
Add User Details:
- Click Add New User and fill in the required details.
- Press Save when you’re done.
Account Activation:
- When the notification box appears:
- Click Send Details to activate the user’s account immediately.
- The new user will receive an activation email—ensure emails from info@testlabfinder.com are not filtered to junk or spam folders.
- Alternatively, click Continue to save the user’s details without activating the account.
- To activate later, press the Edit button next to their profile and then click Send Account Verification at the bottom of the screen.
- When the notification box appears:
User Notifications:
- Each user added to your profile will be notified via email about any new project inquiries.
User Permissions
All users on your Test Lab profile can:
- Accept or decline project inquiries.
- Send follow-up messages to project inquiries.
- Edit and update the Test Lab Profile.
- Add, activate, or deactivate Test Lab users.
- Add or modify equipment listed in the Test Lab Profile.
Adding Equipment
Adding equipment to your profile is a crucial step in unlocking the full potential of TestLabFinder. The equipment you configure will enable the system to accurately match prospective customers’ requirements with your capabilities—both during search engine use and throughout the project process (details on this in later sections).
Key Guidelines for Adding Equipment
- Accuracy is Critical:
- Ensure all equipment details are entered correctly and without errors.
- Double-check all fields to maintain consistency and reliability.
- Unit Terms:
- Pay close attention to the predefined unit terms.
- For displacement, use 0-pk terms—not pk-pk terms.
Important:
Ensure all predefined unit terms are accurate, with particular attention to displacement, which must be entered in 0-pk terms (not pk-pk).
- Supported Equipment Types at Launch:
The system currently supports equipment types for vibration and mechanical shock testing.
- For vibration test equipment that can also conduct shock testing (e.g., 20g, 11ms Half Sine Shock), use the Can this equipment also do shock testing? toggle.
- By enabling this toggle, the system will match your vibration test equipment with prospect requirements that include a mechanical shock test type, expanding your potential matches.
TLF Tip:
Adding multiple configurations of your test equipment can increase your chances of being discovered by more prospects. For instance, if your shaker system includes multiple slip table options (e.g., a large and a small slip table), listing each configuration in your profile ensures the system fully understands your capabilities.
Rest assured, the details of your equipment are kept private and are not visible to prospects or other test labs. These specifications are only used by the TestLab Calculate feature during a TestLab Project process.
TestLab Projects
Projects are how TestLabFinder replaces traditional customer enquiries, moving away from emails to create a streamlined and centralised system. By using TestLabFinder as your hub, you can manage, view and discuss new enquiries while maintaining seamless communication with your customers.
Project Categories
- New Projects:
- New projects are automatically allocated under the All and New project headings.
- An email alert is sent to all users configured in your Test Lab profile whenever a new project is received.
- Responded Projects:
- Once a project is responded to, it will be available under the All and Responded project headings.
- Cancelled Projects:
- If a project you were originally invited to is cancelled by a TestLabFinder admin or the project initiator, it will be displayed under the All and Cancelled project headings.
Why Use Projects?
TestLabFinder Projects offer a more efficient and organised way to handle customer enquiries, reducing email clutter and enabling better collaboration within your business. Make it your central hub for managing all incoming enquiries and communications.
TLF Tip:
Adding multiple users from different technical departments—such as a senior vibration test engineer and a senior climatic/environmental test engineer—allows your team to collaborate effectively on enquiries. This ensures technical details are validated quickly and reliably, enhancing response accuracy and efficiency.
Accessing the Project Area
Navigate to the Project Area in the dashboard to manage all incoming enquiries efficiently.
The dashboard is organised into multiple sections, allowing you to track and manage enquiries based on their current status, such as New, Responded, or Cancelled.
Viewing a Project
- Viewing Project Details:
- Click on a project to open and view its details.
- Checking the Current Status:
- The Current Status is displayed at the top of the project page:
- Active: The enquiry is ongoing and has not been cancelled or completed.
- Completed: The prospective customer has already entered a service agreement with another lab.
- The Current Status is displayed at the top of the project page:
- Using Internal Notes and Status Fields:
- Status Field:
- Update the project’s progress to keep your team informed.
- Internal Notes:
- Use the dropdown options within the Internal Notes section to track the project’s status internally.
- This information is private and will not be shared with the prospective customer.
- Status Field:
Understanding the Match Results
- Relevance to Your Test Lab:
- If the project enquiry includes multiple test types—some of which your Test Lab does not support—use the Match Results tab to identify the details relevant to your capabilities.
- For example:
- If your Test Lab supports Altitude Testing and holds an ISO 17025 Accreditation but does not support Vibration Testing, the Match Results will display only the Altitude and ISO 17025 criteria relevant to your lab.
- Note: The fabric of the project enquiry may still contain information about test types you do not support, as it may have been sent to multiple Test Labs with different capabilities.
- Projects Involving Calculators or Analysis Tools:
- If the project includes calculators or analysis tools, the Match Results tab will display relevant criteria for these tools such as Random in the case below to indicate a Random Vibration Calculator was utilised by the search candidate.
- Expand each container to review the specific requirements and verify how they align with your Test Lab’s equipment capabilities.
TLF Tip:
Leverage the technical information uploaded by the prospect—such as Equipment Under Test details and Fixture Drawings—to determine if an adapter plate or additional fixturing is needed to interface with the Slip Table or Armature. Then, use the Mass Budget values to calculate the final capability of each piece of test equipment effortlessly and with precision.
Equipment Analysis Dashboard
The Equipment Analysis section displays any test equipment configured within your Test Lab profile that is relevant to the test types defined in a project enquiry.
Using the Equipment Dashboard
- Open a Project:
- Equipment analysis is an integrated feature of projects that have utilised calculators as part of TestLab Calculate. At present, this functionality is limited to test types for Vibration and Mechanical Shock.
- View Equipment Details:
- Use the + button to expand each container and review detailed information about your equipment.
- The system will display one of two statuses for each piece of equipment:
- Within Limits: Indicates the equipment meets the customer’s computed requirements.
- Out of Limits: Indicates the equipment does not meet the computed requirements.
- Status Determination:
- If a piece of equipment is capable in only one configuration (e.g., horizontal or vertical), the system will still classify it as Within Limits overall.
- Percentage Consumptions:
- Expanding a container reveals the percentage consumption of each test dimension for the specific equipment.
- The Mass Budget Remaining Until % Force Threshold values provide insight into the remaining mass allowances before certain force consumption thresholds are reached. This helps you assess the equipment’s capacity to handle additional requirements.
Reviewing the Project Details
To review a project, scroll down to access the complete details provided by the prospective customer. This section contains all relevant information about their enquiry, including technical requirements, uploaded documents and specific test criteria.
Responding to a Project
You can respond to a project directly through the system:
Initiate a Response:
- Scroll to the bottom of the project page and click the Respond button in the bottom-right corner.
Choose an Action:
- Select Accept or Decline to indicate your decision.
- Optionally, enter a response message in the provided text box to communicate directly with the customer.
Send Your Response:
- Click Send to submit your decision and any additional message to the customer.
TLF Tip:
Using our platform to communicate with your customers sets you apart as a proactive and engaged service provider. It also helps you stay organised and streamline operations within your business.
TestLab Inside
We don’t yet publish instructions for this feature. As the adoption grows check back here for details guidance notes. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
