Purpose and Goals¶
What is calServer v2?¶
calServer v2 is a modern, web-based laboratory management software for calibration laboratories, testing facilities, and accredited laboratories. The software supports the entire lifecycle of test and measuring equipment — from initial registration through calibration to decommissioning.
calServer v2 is designed for organizations working according to ISO/IEC 17025 or comparable standards who want to manage their test equipment efficiently, traceably, and in an audit-proof manner.
Why v2?¶
calServer v1 is built on the PHP framework Yii 1.1 with an ExtJS 4 frontend — proven technologies that have reached their limits:
| Aspect | v1 (Legacy) | v2 (Modern) |
|---|---|---|
| Backend | Yii 1.1, PHP 7.4 | Laravel 13, PHP 8.3 |
| Frontend | ExtJS 4 (Desktop only) | Nuxt 4, Vue 3, PrimeVue 4 |
| API | Proprietary JSON interface | REST API v2 with OpenAPI documentation |
| Interface | Rigid desktop layout | Responsive, mobile-ready |
| Updates | No live updates | Notifications once a minute, immediate updates optional via Pusher |
| Authentication | Session-based | Bearer Token (Sanctum) + SSO-capable |
Switching from v1
calServer v2 is a standalone installation. If you use v1 today, you switch over: V2 imports inventory, calibrations, customers and settings once from the v1 database. You can keep v1 running for a while if you want to, but you don't have to.
Advantages of v2¶
Responsive and Mobile-Ready¶
The user interface automatically adapts to desktop, tablet, and smartphone screens. Laboratory staff can view inventory data directly at the test station on a tablet or document calibrations on mobile devices.
Modern User Interface¶
PrimeVue 4 provides a consistent, accessible UI with:
- Configurable data grids with column selection and saved layouts
- Drag-and-drop dashboard with freely positionable widgets
- Inline editing and auto-completion
- Dark mode and customizable themes
REST API for Integrations¶
The full REST API v2 enables integration with:
- ERP systems (SAP, Microsoft Dynamics)
- LIMS software
- Calibration software and measuring instruments
- Custom scripts and automation
Current Views¶
The interface checks for new notifications once a minute. When a colleague completes a calibration, you see it in the list after a reload. If you need immediate updates without reloading, set up Pusher (see Configuration).
Field-Level Audit Trail¶
Changes to equipment, calibrations, customers, orders and other core objects are logged field by field: who changed which field from which value to which value, and when. Which areas are covered and where the limits are is described under Audit Trail.
Target Audiences¶
| Role | Typical Tasks in calServer v2 |
|---|---|
| Laboratory Staff | Maintain inventory, perform calibrations, generate reports |
| Quality Manager | Monitor due dates, review audit trail, analyze statistics |
| Laboratory Manager | Use dashboard, plan workload, manage projects |
| IT Administrator | Manage users, configure roles, set up API access |
| External Customers | Status inquiries, ticket communication (if enabled) |