System access, defined both in terms of physical access and the usability of the system, will determine who can use it. If the people who need to work with the data cannot access the system when needed, or they cannot make use of it fully due to lack of training, a bottleneck will occur.

Interface usability – Can researchers make use of the system when accessing it?

•  Intuitive interface
•  Special training

The usability of the system determines the amount of time spent learning the system and who will be able to work with the data.

Physical Access – Do researchers have the opportunity to use the system when they need to?

•  Single-user desktop: access from one location only
•  Single-user server: access from multiple locations in-lab
•  Web-based: access from any computer connected to the Internet

The type of system used will determine who can access it, how many people can access it and the locations from which it can be accessed.

Access considerations

•  In-lab sharing of data
•  Working from home
•  Travel
•  Collaboration outside the lab

A system that allows access from many location and allows multiple users to use the system at the same time will greatly facilitate sharing of data both within the lab as well as with collaborators outside of the lab, university or even country.