The implementation of Research Animal Resources’ (RAR) new vivarium management and electronic health record system, the Animal Research Care Hub (ARCH), is progressing on schedule. Built around the tick@lab by a-tune software, the project is moving ahead by focusing on essential training, data preparation, and system planning.
Training and Data Preparation
Through the summer and early fall of 2025, the RAR Implementation Team completed vendor-led training sessions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the system’s core modules and functionality. Additionally, essential business data, such as species lists, supplier catalogs, and facility information, was collected and organized for entry into the production environment of the software.
Technical Readiness and Integrations
The Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS) has advanced the project’s technical readiness by completing training in custom reporting and cage card configuration, while collaborating with a-tune to enable integrations with existing University systems.
- Planned integrations include eProtocol, PeopleSoft, and Training Hub
- The system also features built-in integrations with Transnetyx Quick Order, the AALAS Learning Library, and CITI Program.
System Configuration
The project is now transitioning to the configuration phase. During this stage, ARCH will be tailored to meet the specific needs of RAR staff and University of Minnesota researchers.
- Role-based working groups will actively align workflows, refine system functionality, and guide key configuration decisions.
- A pre-selected group of researcher subject matter experts will be engaged to assist with configuring the modules specific to lab research staff.
Next Steps
This configuration phase will continue through spring 2026. This work positions the project for a smooth transition toward implementation and operational use. End user training is expected to begin in summer of 2026. ARCH is expected to go live in the fall of 2026.
It will be critical that each lab has a primary contact person for the implementation. If you are not certain that this information has already been provided to RAR, please complete the Researcher Primary Contact and Species Submission Form.
Visit the ARCH project website or contact [email protected] to learn more.