Data is collected about samples that possess characteristics that change
over time and that are contained in any array of containers arranged in a
container spatial relationship. A matrix of cells is displayed in a cell
spatial relationship corresponding to the container spatial relationship.
The matrix user interface allows a user to enter a large number of data
points per minute, compared to conventional systems, which may require a
user to swipe a bar code, enter an indicia, or enter a row/column
position prior to entering data. Data collection of characteristics of
samples also can be scheduled, by storing past values of the
characteristics of the samples and also storing rules in a rule base. The
rules determine whether a characteristic of a sample is to be data
collected and, if so, identify the characteristic which is to be data
collected, based on the past values of characteristics of samples.