Double-click the CERF shortcut icon (installed on your desktop, by default in Windows). Or, on a Mac, navigate to /Applications/CERF. This opens the Log In dialog. The first time you log in, you will need to add a server. If your system administrator has added the server, skip to step 3.

Configure the server

1. Click on Edit Servers

This launches the Edit Servers dialog. The system administrator may have configured the choice(s) of available server(s) for your organization. If your server has already been added, start at Step 3. You will not be able to edit the information for any server that has been added by your system administrator. When there is more than one server available, you will be able to select from the drop-down list on the Log In dialog.

2. Click on the New Server button. Enter the server name, server address (which will be either the IP number of your CERF server, or the assigned domain name) and the port number (see your administrator) or select Use Proxy and enter the address and port. The server name can be whatever you want as long as the address is correct. The Test Connection button will tell you if this server is up and running. Click OK.

TIP: The port number used by CERF is decided by your IT team. The default is 8080. If your server uses SSL, then the port number will usually be 443.

Login to CERF

3. A green icon shows that you are connected to the server. Enter your username and password.  The password rules (minimum/maximum number of alpha/numeric characters) are configurable as a business policy.  Ask your System Administrator if you have questions about password rules for your organization.  Click on Log In:

If the server icon is red, check with your system administrator.

Note: If you are currently logged in to CERF on another computer, you will see this dialog:

You can only be logged in on one computer at a time in accordance with US 21CFR11. Click the Yes button to log in. You will also see this message if your session was terminated through the Task Manager rather than by logging out.

If you are unable to connect to your server, send an email to support@lab-ally.com describing the issue and steps you have taken.