Import with AI: Leverage AI technology and seamlessly compose your SOPs and Protocols

3 min read

SciNote’s new Import with AI feature provides a streamlined way for laboratories and research teams to convert internally used protocols, SOPs, and procedures into structured SciNote protocol templates (.eln files). The tool applies large language model (LLM) technology to extract and organize step-based scientific content directly from uploaded PDF files, reducing manual work while supporting accurate documentation practices. 

Test the Import with AI!

Be among the first to experience SciNote’s new AI tool, a powerful designer to help you turn your internal PDF-based SOPs and protocols into structured lab templates using intelligent parsing technology. 

If your team is looking to automate documentation, standardize workflows, or reduce onboarding effort, this beta feature may be a valuable fit for your processes. 

Complete the form to request access to the Beta Program. Participation is time limited. 

These problems aren’t just operational frustrations, they can delay critical stages of the R&D lifecycle, slowing down discovery, validation, and scale-up.

What does the Import with AI feature do? 

The Import with AI is an AI-assisted protocol parsing feature that automatically extracts content from PDF documents and transforms it into editable protocol templates within the SciNote ELN environment. This feature uses AI-powered parsing technology to interpret textual content and generate structured protocol inputs that can be reviewed, edited, and reused as part of your digital research workflows. 

This feature is available for a limited time to opt-in SciNote users. 

Core Functionalities 

Eligible users will see a new option labeled “Import with AI” under the Protocol Templates section of their SciNote workspace. The feature works in five steps:

  1. Upload a text-based PDF file (image-based or scanned PDFs are not supported).
  2. Enter a custom prompt to guide how the AI model should process the document.
  3. The AI model analyzes content and maps it into:
    • A protocol description
    • A series of protocol steps
  4. The parsed output is presented for preview.
  5. The user can confirm to import it as a new draft template or cancel and restart the process with a revised prompt.

This process offers a practical entry point into AI-powered automation within scientific documentation workflows, replacing the earlier .docx parser previously available in SciNote.

Key Benefits 

Using the AI Protocol Parser can support labs and research teams by: 

  • Reducing manual re-entry of data from PDF protocols or SOPs  
  • Minimizing formatting errors and increasing protocol consistency  
  • Accelerating onboarding and documentation standardization  
  • Enabling prompt-driven extraction customized to the document context 

This is especially valuable for regulated teams, scientific organizations with complex SOP libraries, and teams migrating from paper or static protocols to structured electronic lab notebooks. 

Who Should Use It 

The feature benefits a wide range of SciNote users, including: 

  • Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies digitizing SOPs and protocols  
  • Quality assurance and compliance teams ensuring document uniformity  
  • Research directors and principal investigators streamlining experimental handoffs  
  • Lab managers and ELN administrators seeking process automation for onboarding protocol content  
  • Cross-disciplinary teams needing standardized documentation across departments 

Visual Overview

Figure 1: View of “Import with AI” option in Protocol Templates  

Figure 2: Example interface showing file upload and custom prompt input  

Figure 3: Preview of parsed protocol template generated by the AI parser 

Summary

The Import with AI  marks a significant step forward in integrating smart automation into digital lab management systems. By enabling researchers to transform existing procedural documents into structured protocol templates using natural language prompts and AI models, the feature helps bridge the gap between legacy SOPs and modern lab workflows. 

Read more about the instructions for use in our Knowledge base and more about how SciNote uses AI technology in the SciNote AI Trust.  

This feature is currently available in Beta:

  • During the Beta phase, the feature is provided at no additional cost to users for feedback and testing purposes.
  • Once the feature is officially released, it will be offered as a billable add-on available only on specific higher-tier SciNote subscription plans.