Additive Manufacturing is a rapidly growing field, with increasing demand for efficient workflows and data management in research projects. Within the joint research project AMTwin, data from experiments and numerical simulations were recorded by following a data-driven approach in order to analyze process-structure-property linkages of additively manufactured components. More detailed, data of the processes involved, the materials used and the test procedures carried out on additively manufactured components made of Ti6Al4V were considered.

The AMTwin consortium faced several challenges in managing research data effectively, including scattered information sources, lack of standardization, involved multiple partners from various disciplines, and the volume of the generated data. Thus, an effective data management was crucial within the project. In particular, these challenges made it difficult to manage the data without a robust Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) tool. Generally, an ELN in research projects should prioritize features that enhance research and development efficiency and productivity while maintaining compliance with relevant regulations. In particular within the AMTwin research project, an ELN should place particular focus on secure storage of sensitive data, data analysis functions and efficient tools for research data management across process boundaries.

This contribution presents best practices for using MS SharePoint® (SP) as primary ELN tool in the joint research project AMTwin. The adaptation of SP as ELN tool in managing research data in AMTwin provides several significant benefits and drawbacks. The main advantages and disadvantages are discussed. SP is evaluated and compared to other ELN solutions based on the requirements and challenges addressed in the project. Recommendations are given for which types of research projects SP is an appropriate ELN tool and in which types of research projects other ELN tools will be better suited.

The presented results are part of the research project AMTwin, which is funded by the Free State of Saxony.