diff --git a/src/submissions/backend/db/__init__.py b/src/submissions/backend/db/__init__.py
index 214143b..f4ba6c6 100644
--- a/src/submissions/backend/db/__init__.py
+++ b/src/submissions/backend/db/__init__.py
@@ -70,5 +70,5 @@ def update_log(mapper, connection, target):
         logger.info(f"No changes detected, not updating logs.")
 
 
-event.listen(LogMixin, 'after_update', update_log, propagate=True)
-event.listen(LogMixin, 'after_insert', update_log, propagate=True)
+# event.listen(LogMixin, 'after_update', update_log, propagate=True)
+# event.listen(LogMixin, 'after_insert', update_log, propagate=True)
diff --git a/src/submissions/backend/db/models/__init__.py b/src/submissions/backend/db/models/__init__.py
index 2967fe0..7931bfc 100644
--- a/src/submissions/backend/db/models/__init__.py
+++ b/src/submissions/backend/db/models/__init__.py
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@ class BaseClass(Base):
             query: Query = cls.__database_session__.query(model)
         # logger.debug(f"Grabbing singles using {model.get_default_info}")
         singles = model.get_default_info('singles')
-        logger.info(f"Querying: {model}, with kwargs: {kwargs}")
+        # logger.info(f"Querying: {model}, with kwargs: {kwargs}")
         for k, v in kwargs.items():
             logger.info(f"Using key: {k} with value: {v}")
             try:
diff --git a/src/submissions/backend/db/models/controls.py b/src/submissions/backend/db/models/controls.py
index ce9c104..547269f 100644
--- a/src/submissions/backend/db/models/controls.py
+++ b/src/submissions/backend/db/models/controls.py
@@ -273,7 +273,7 @@ class Control(BaseClass):
             except StopIteration as e:
                 raise AttributeError(
                     f"Couldn't find existing class/subclass of {cls} with all attributes:\n{pformat(attrs.keys())}")
-        logger.info(f"Recruiting model: {model}")
+        # logger.info(f"Recruiting model: {model}")
         return model
 
     @classmethod
@@ -535,8 +535,8 @@ class IridaControl(Control):
         except AttributeError:
             consolidate = False
         report = Report()
-        # logger.debug(f"settings: {pformat(chart_settings)}")
-        controls = cls.query(sub_type=chart_settings['sub_type'], start_date=chart_settings['start_date'],
+        logger.debug(f"settings: {pformat(chart_settings)}")
+        controls = cls.query(subtype=chart_settings['sub_type'], start_date=chart_settings['start_date'],
                              end_date=chart_settings['end_date'])
         # logger.debug(f"Controls found: {controls}")
         if not controls:
diff --git a/src/submissions/backend/db/models/kits.py b/src/submissions/backend/db/models/kits.py
index 90a0cd9..0a2d8b9 100644
--- a/src/submissions/backend/db/models/kits.py
+++ b/src/submissions/backend/db/models/kits.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ from tools import check_authorization, setup_lookup, Report, Result, check_regex
 from typing import List, Literal, Generator, Any
 from pandas import ExcelFile
 from pathlib import Path
-from . import Base, BaseClass, Organization
+from . import Base, BaseClass, Organization, LogMixin
 from io import BytesIO
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(f'submissions.{__name__}')
@@ -797,7 +797,7 @@ class SubmissionType(BaseClass):
             fmap = item.uses
             if fmap is None:
                 fmap = {}
-            yield getattr(item, f"{field}_role"), fmap
+            yield getattr(item, f"{field}_role").name, fmap
 
     def get_default_kit(self) -> KitType | None:
         if len(self.kit_types) == 1:
@@ -1361,7 +1361,7 @@ class Equipment(BaseClass):
     def __repr__(self) -> str:
         """
         Returns:
-            str: represenation of this Equipment
+            str: representation of this Equipment
         """
         return f"<Equipment({self.name})>"
 
@@ -1502,7 +1502,7 @@ class Equipment(BaseClass):
             equipment_role = EquipmentRole.query(name=equipment_role)
         equipment = cls.query()
         options = "\n".join([f"{ii}. {item.name}" for ii, item in enumerate(equipment)])
-        choices = input(f"Enter equipment numbers to add to {equipment_role.name} (space seperated):\n{options}\n\n")
+        choices = input(f"Enter equipment numbers to add to {equipment_role.name} (space separated):\n{options}\n\n")
         output = []
         for choice in choices.split(" "):
             try:
diff --git a/src/submissions/backend/db/models/submissions.py b/src/submissions/backend/db/models/submissions.py
index da0fd8d..c676cb8 100644
--- a/src/submissions/backend/db/models/submissions.py
+++ b/src/submissions/backend/db/models/submissions.py
@@ -618,6 +618,17 @@ class BasicSubmission(BaseClass, LogMixin):
         result = assoc.save()
         return result
 
+    def update_reagentassoc(self, reagent: Reagent, role: str):
+        from backend.db import SubmissionReagentAssociation
+        # NOTE: get the first reagent assoc that fills the given role.
+        try:
+            assoc = next(item for item in self.submission_reagent_associations if item.reagent and role in [role.name for role in item.reagent.role])
+            assoc.reagent = reagent
+        except StopIteration as e:
+            logger.error(f"Association for {role} not found, creating new association.")
+            assoc = SubmissionReagentAssociation(submission=self, reagent=reagent)
+            self.submission_reagent_associations.append(assoc)
+
     def to_pydantic(self, backup: bool = False) -> "PydSubmission":
         """
         Converts this instance into a PydSubmission
@@ -758,7 +769,7 @@ class BasicSubmission(BaseClass, LogMixin):
             except StopIteration as e:
                 raise AttributeError(
                     f"Couldn't find existing class/subclass of {cls} with all attributes:\n{pformat(attrs.keys())}")
-        logger.info(f"Recruiting model: {model}")
+        # logger.info(f"Recruiting model: {model}")
         return model
 
     # Child class custom functions
@@ -1414,7 +1425,7 @@ class BacterialCulture(BasicSubmission):
         extends parent
         """
         template = super().filename_template()
-        template += "_{{ submitting_lab }}_{{ submitter_plate_num }}"
+        template += "_{{ submitting_lab.name }}_{{ submitter_plate_num }}"
         return template
 
     @classmethod
@@ -2356,7 +2367,7 @@ class BasicSample(BaseClass):
             except Exception as e:
                 logger.error(f"Could not get polymorph {polymorphic_identity} of {cls} due to {e}, using {cls}")
                 model = cls
-            logger.info(f"Recruiting model: {model}")
+            # logger.info(f"Recruiting model: {model}")
             return model
         else:
             model = cls
@@ -2370,7 +2381,7 @@ class BasicSample(BaseClass):
             except StopIteration as e:
                 raise AttributeError(
                     f"Couldn't find existing class/subclass of {cls} with all attributes:\n{pformat(attrs.keys())}")
-        logger.info(f"Recruiting model: {model}")
+        # logger.info(f"Recruiting model: {model}")
         return model
 
     @classmethod
diff --git a/src/submissions/backend/excel/parser.py b/src/submissions/backend/excel/parser.py
index 2568fdc..338de12 100644
--- a/src/submissions/backend/excel/parser.py
+++ b/src/submissions/backend/excel/parser.py
@@ -648,7 +648,8 @@ class TipParser(object):
         Returns:
             List[dict]: List of locations
         """
-        return {k: v for k, v in self.submission_type.construct_tips_map()}
+        # return {k: v for k, v in self.submission_type.construct_tips_map()}
+        return {k: v for k, v in self.submission_type.construct_field_map("tip")}
 
     def parse_tips(self) -> List[dict]:
         """
diff --git a/src/submissions/backend/excel/writer.py b/src/submissions/backend/excel/writer.py
index 3d744f2..a49eb0a 100644
--- a/src/submissions/backend/excel/writer.py
+++ b/src/submissions/backend/excel/writer.py
@@ -187,6 +187,9 @@ class InfoWriter(object):
                     sheet.cell(row=loc['row'], column=loc['column'], value=v['value'])
                 except AttributeError as e:
                     logger.error(f"Can't write {k} to that cell due to {e}")
+                except ValueError as e:
+                    logger.error(f"Can't write {v} to that cell due to {e}")
+                    sheet.cell(row=loc['row'], column=loc['column'], value=v['value'].name)
         return self.sub_object.custom_info_writer(self.xl, info=final_info, custom_fields=self.info_map['custom'])
 
 
@@ -208,8 +211,8 @@ class ReagentWriter(object):
         if isinstance(submission_type, str):
             submission_type = SubmissionType.query(name=submission_type)
         if isinstance(extraction_kit, str):
-            kit_type = KitType.query(name=extraction_kit)
-        reagent_map = {k: v for k, v in kit_type.construct_xl_map_for_use(submission_type)}
+            extraction_kit = KitType.query(name=extraction_kit)
+        reagent_map = {k: v for k, v in extraction_kit.construct_xl_map_for_use(submission_type)}
         self.reagents = self.reconcile_map(reagent_list=reagent_list, reagent_map=reagent_map)
 
     def reconcile_map(self, reagent_list: List[dict], reagent_map: dict) -> Generator[dict, None, None]:
@@ -359,7 +362,10 @@ class EquipmentWriter(object):
         if equipment_list is None:
             return
         for ii, equipment in enumerate(equipment_list, start=1):
-            mp_info = equipment_map[equipment['role']]
+            try:
+                mp_info = equipment_map[equipment['role']]
+            except KeyError:
+                logger.error(f"No {equipment['role']} in {pformat(equipment_map)}")
             # logger.debug(f"{equipment['role']} map: {mp_info}")
             placeholder = copy(equipment)
             if mp_info == {}:
@@ -427,7 +433,7 @@ class TipWriter(object):
             submission_type = SubmissionType.query(name=submission_type)
         self.submission_type = submission_type
         self.xl = xl
-        tips_map = {k: v for k, v in self.submission_type.construct_tips_map()}
+        tips_map = {k: v for k, v in self.submission_type.construct_field_map("tip")}
         self.tips = self.reconcile_map(tips_list=tips_list, tips_map=tips_map)
 
     def reconcile_map(self, tips_list: List[dict], tips_map: dict) -> Generator[dict, None, None]:
diff --git a/src/submissions/backend/validators/pydant.py b/src/submissions/backend/validators/pydant.py
index 1a87c24..daf51a9 100644
--- a/src/submissions/backend/validators/pydant.py
+++ b/src/submissions/backend/validators/pydant.py
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ class PydReagent(BaseModel):
         fields = list(self.model_fields.keys()) + extras
         return {k: getattr(self, k) for k in fields}
 
-    def toSQL(self, submission: BasicSubmission | str = None) -> Tuple[Reagent, SubmissionReagentAssociation, Report]:
+    def toSQL(self, submission: BasicSubmission | str = None) -> Tuple[Reagent, Report]:
         """
         Converts this instance into a backend.db.models.kit.Reagent instance
 
@@ -164,13 +164,14 @@ class PydReagent(BaseModel):
             report.add_result(Result(owner=__name__, code=0, msg="New reagent created.", status="Information"))
         else:
             if submission is not None and reagent not in submission.reagents:
-                assoc = SubmissionReagentAssociation(reagent=reagent, submission=submission)
-                assoc.comments = self.comment
-            else:
-                assoc = None
+                # assoc = SubmissionReagentAssociation(reagent=reagent, submission=submission)
+                # assoc.comments = self.comment
+                submission.update_reagentassoc(reagent=reagent, role=self.role)
+            # else:
+            #     assoc = None
                 # add end-of-life extension from reagent type to expiry date
                 # NOTE: this will now be done only in the reporting phase to account for potential changes in end-of-life extensions
-        return reagent, assoc, report
+        return reagent, report
 
 
 class PydSample(BaseModel, extra='allow'):
@@ -299,6 +300,13 @@ class PydTips(BaseModel):
     lot: str | None = Field(default=None)
     role: str
 
+    @field_validator('role', mode='before')
+    @classmethod
+    def get_role_name(cls, value):
+        if isinstance(value, TipRole):
+            value = value.name
+        return value
+
     def to_sql(self, submission: BasicSubmission) -> SubmissionTipsAssociation:
         """
         Con
@@ -324,6 +332,13 @@ class PydEquipment(BaseModel, extra='ignore'):
     role: str | None
     tips: List[PydTips] | None = Field(default=None)
 
+    @field_validator('role', mode='before')
+    @classmethod
+    def get_role_name(cls, value):
+        if isinstance(value, EquipmentRole):
+            value = value.name
+        return value
+
     @field_validator('processes', mode='before')
     @classmethod
     def make_empty_list(cls, value):
@@ -786,7 +801,7 @@ class PydSubmission(BaseModel, extra='allow'):
         """
         report = Report()
         dicto = self.improved_dict()
-        logger.warning(f"\n\nQuery or create: {self.submission_type['value']}, {self.rsl_plate_num['value']}")
+        # logger.warning(f"\n\nQuery or create: {self.submission_type['value']}, {self.rsl_plate_num['value']}")
         instance, result = BasicSubmission.query_or_create(submission_type=self.submission_type['value'],
                                                            rsl_plate_num=self.rsl_plate_num['value'])
         logger.debug(f"Result of query or create: {instance}")
@@ -807,17 +822,15 @@ class PydSubmission(BaseModel, extra='allow'):
             # logger.debug(f"Setting {key} to {value}")
             match key:
                 case "reagents":
-                    # if report.results[0].code == 1:
-                    #     instance.submission_reagent_associations = []
-                    # logger.debug(f"Looking through {self.reagents}")
                     for reagent in self.reagents:
-                        reagent, assoc, _ = reagent.toSQL(submission=instance)
+                        logger.debug(f"Checking reagent {reagent.lot}")
+                        reagent, _ = reagent.toSQL(submission=instance)
                         # logger.debug(f"Association: {assoc}")
-                        if assoc is not None:  # and assoc not in instance.submission_reagent_associations:
-                            if assoc not in instance.submission_reagent_associations:
-                                instance.submission_reagent_associations.append(assoc)
-                            else:
-                                logger.warning(f"Reagent association {assoc} is already present in {instance}")
+                        # if assoc is not None:  # and assoc not in instance.submission_reagent_associations:
+                        #     if assoc not in instance.submission_reagent_associations:
+                        #         instance.submission_reagent_associations.append(assoc)
+                        #     else:
+                        #         logger.warning(f"Reagent association {assoc} is already present in {instance.submission_reagent_associations}")
                 case "samples":
                     for sample in self.samples:
                         sample, associations, _ = sample.toSQL(submission=instance)
diff --git a/src/submissions/frontend/widgets/submission_widget.py b/src/submissions/frontend/widgets/submission_widget.py
index a074669..7d2561c 100644
--- a/src/submissions/frontend/widgets/submission_widget.py
+++ b/src/submissions/frontend/widgets/submission_widget.py
@@ -178,7 +178,7 @@ class SubmissionFormContainer(QWidget):
             # NOTE: create reagent object
             reagent = PydReagent(ctx=self.app.ctx, **info, missing=False)
             # NOTE: send reagent to db
-            sqlobj, assoc, result = reagent.toSQL()
+            sqlobj, result = reagent.toSQL()
             sqlobj.save()
             report.add_result(result)
             # logger.debug(f"Reagent: {reagent}, Report: {report}")
@@ -334,6 +334,10 @@ class SubmissionFormWidget(QWidget):
             query = [widget for widget in query if widget.objectName() == object_name]
         return query
 
+    # def update_pyd(self):
+    #     results = self.parse_form()
+    #     logger.debug(pformat(results))
+
     @report_result
     def submit_new_sample_function(self, *args) -> Report:
         """
@@ -448,8 +452,9 @@ class SubmissionFormWidget(QWidget):
                     if field is not None:
                         info[field] = value
         # logger.debug(f"Info: {pformat(info)}")
-        # logger.debug(f"Reagents going into pyd: {pformat(reagents)}")
+        logger.debug(f"Reagents going into pyd: {pformat(reagents)}")
         self.pyd.reagents = reagents
+        logger.debug(f"Reagents after insertion in pyd: {pformat(self.pyd.reagents)}")
         # logger.debug(f"Attrs not in info: {[k for k, v in self.__dict__.items() if k not in info.keys()]}")
         for item in self.recover:
             # logger.debug(f"Attempting to recover: {item}")
diff --git a/src/submissions/tools/__init__.py b/src/submissions/tools/__init__.py
index 8abba64..12974b0 100644
--- a/src/submissions/tools/__init__.py
+++ b/src/submissions/tools/__init__.py
@@ -758,7 +758,7 @@ def setup_lookup(func):
                     raise ValueError("Could not sanitize dictionary in query. Make sure you parse it first.")
             elif v is not None:
                 sanitized_kwargs[k] = v
-        logger.debug(f"sanitized kwargs: {sanitized_kwargs}")
+        # logger.debug(f"sanitized kwargs: {sanitized_kwargs}")
         return func(*args, **sanitized_kwargs)
 
     return wrapper