diff --git a/pyproject.toml b/pyproject.toml
index f29dcdba..78bfe0ec 100644
--- a/pyproject.toml
+++ b/pyproject.toml
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ dependencies = [
 
 [project.optional-dependencies]
 test = [
-    "pytest==9.0.3",
+#    "pytest==9.0.3",
     "pytest-cov==7.1.0",
     "pytest-mock==3.14.0",
     "pytest-qt==4.4.0",
diff --git a/src/aare/common/config/x06da.yaml b/src/aare/common/config/x06da.yaml
index 4af162f2..9b17f3e5 100644
--- a/src/aare/common/config/x06da.yaml
+++ b/src/aare/common/config/x06da.yaml
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ gui:
     gonio_camera_id: "1"
 
   daq:
-    daq_url: "http://mx-x06da-queue-01.psi.ch:5210"
-
+    daq_url: "https://mx-x06da-queue-01.psi.ch"
+    cert_path: "/sls/x06da/misc/.cert/6d.crt"
 shared:
   jfjoch:
     jfjoch_url: "http://sls-gpu-001:8080"
diff --git a/src/aare/common/config/x06sa.yaml b/src/aare/common/config/x06sa.yaml
index 49073f43..7e022dc7 100644
--- a/src/aare/common/config/x06sa.yaml
+++ b/src/aare/common/config/x06sa.yaml
@@ -8,7 +8,8 @@ gui:
     gonio_camera_id: ""
 
   daq:
-    daq_url: "http://mx-x06sa-queue-01.psi.ch:5210"
+    daq_url: "https://mx-x06sa-queue-01.psi.ch"
+    cert_path: "/sls/x06sa/misc/.cert/6s.crt"
 
 shared:
   jfjoch:
diff --git a/src/aare/common/config/x10sa.yaml b/src/aare/common/config/x10sa.yaml
index 52166687..cc370a2d 100644
--- a/src/aare/common/config/x10sa.yaml
+++ b/src/aare/common/config/x10sa.yaml
@@ -9,7 +9,8 @@ gui:
     gonio_camera_id: "1"
 
   daq:
-    daq_url: "http://mx-x10sa-queue-01.psi.ch:5210"
+    daq_url: "https://mx-x10sa-queue-01.psi.ch"
+    cert_path: "/sls/x10sa/misc/.cert/10s.crt"
 
 shared:
   jfjoch:
diff --git a/src/aare/daq/auth.py b/src/aare/daq/auth.py
index 33ed853d..027d0c82 100644
--- a/src/aare/daq/auth.py
+++ b/src/aare/daq/auth.py
@@ -1,13 +1,18 @@
 import grp
+import ipaddress
+import logging
 import os
 import pwd
+import re
 import uuid
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta, UTC
 from typing import List
 import time
 
+logger = logging.getLogger("aareDAQ")
+
 import jwt
-from fastapi import Depends, HTTPException, status
+from fastapi import Depends, HTTPException, Request, status
 from fastapi.security import OAuth2PasswordRequestForm, OAuth2PasswordBearer
 from pydantic import BaseModel
 
@@ -30,6 +35,10 @@ BATON_REQUEST_TIMEOUT_SECONDS = 30
 STAFF_GROUP = "unx-MXgroup"
 SUPER_USERS = ["e10019", "e11206", "e18147"]
 
+APACHE_ACCESS_LOG = "/var/log/httpd/daq-access.log"
+# Common Log Format: IP - username [timestamp] "request" status bytes ...
+_LOG_PATTERN = re.compile(r'^\S+ \S+ (\S+) \[.*?\] ".*?" (\d+)')
+
 oauth2_scheme = OAuth2PasswordBearer(tokenUrl="token")
 
 class TokenData(BaseModel):
@@ -46,15 +55,84 @@ def create_access_token(token: TokenData):
     return encoded_jwt
 
 
-def authenticate_user(cfg: BeamlineConfig, form_data: OAuth2PasswordRequestForm) -> str:
-    user_info = pwd.getpwnam(form_data.username)
+def authenticate_from_apache_log() -> str:
+    """
+    Read the Apache access log and return the username from the most recent
+    200 response. Apache and the DAQ server are co-located on the same machine.
+    """
+    try:
+        with open(APACHE_ACCESS_LOG, 'r') as f:
+            lines = f.readlines()
+    except OSError as e:
+        raise AuthenticationException(
+            message=f"Cannot read Apache access log: {e}",
+            status_code=401,
+            headers={"WWW-Authenticate": "Bearer"},
+            code=AuthErrorCode.INVALID_TOKEN,
+        ) from e
+
+    for line in reversed(lines):
+        m = _LOG_PATTERN.match(line)
+        if m and m.group(2) == '200' and m.group(1) != '-':
+            return m.group(1)
+
+    raise AuthenticationException(
+        message="No authenticated user found in Apache access log",
+        status_code=401,
+        headers={"WWW-Authenticate": "Bearer"},
+        code=AuthErrorCode.INVALID_TOKEN,
+    )
+
+
+def _is_loopback(host: str | None) -> bool:
+    if host is None:
+        return False
+    try:
+        addr = ipaddress.ip_address(host)
+        # Unwrap IPv4-mapped IPv6 (e.g. ::ffff:127.0.0.1) before checking
+        if isinstance(addr, ipaddress.IPv6Address) and addr.ipv4_mapped is not None:
+            return addr.ipv4_mapped.is_loopback
+        return addr.is_loopback
+    except ValueError:
+        return False
+
+
+def authenticate_from_proxy_header(request: Request) -> str:
+    """
+    Extract the pre-authenticated username from the trusted Apache proxy header.
+    Only trust this header when the request originates from localhost, meaning
+    only the Apache proxy running on the same host can supply it.
+    """
+    client_host = request.client.host if request.client else None
+    logger.debug(f"[auth] /token client_host={client_host!r} request.client={request.client!r}")
+    if not _is_loopback(client_host):
+        logger.warning(f"[auth] Rejecting X-Remote-User: client_host {client_host!r} is not loopback")
+        raise AuthenticationException(
+            message="X-Remote-User header is only trusted from the localhost proxy",
+            status_code=401,
+            headers={"WWW-Authenticate": "Bearer"},
+            code=AuthErrorCode.INVALID_TOKEN,
+        )
+    remote_user = request.headers.get("X-Remote-User")
+    if not remote_user:
+        raise AuthenticationException(
+            message="Missing X-Remote-User header from proxy",
+            status_code=401,
+            headers={"WWW-Authenticate": "Bearer"},
+            code=AuthErrorCode.INVALID_TOKEN,
+        )
+    return remote_user
+
+
+def authenticate_user(cfg: BeamlineConfig, username: str) -> str:
+    user_info = pwd.getpwnam(username)
 
     groups = os.getgrouplist(user_info.pw_name, user_info.pw_gid)
     supplementary_groups = [grp.getgrgid(g).gr_name.lower() for g in groups]
-    super_user = form_data.username in SUPER_USERS
+    super_user = username in SUPER_USERS
     pgroups = [group for group in supplementary_groups if group.startswith('p')]
     staff = "unx-mxgroup" in supplementary_groups or "unx-sls_mx" in supplementary_groups or super_user
-    token = TokenData(sub=form_data.username,
+    token = TokenData(sub=username,
                       pgroups=pgroups,
                       staff=staff,
                       session=cfg.generate_session())
diff --git a/src/aare/daq/server.py b/src/aare/daq/server.py
index 62c817b4..df4bd402 100644
--- a/src/aare/daq/server.py
+++ b/src/aare/daq/server.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ from aare.common.automation_models import AutomationProgress
 from aare.common.raster_grid import RasterGridRequest, CompletedRasterGrid
 from aare.common.rotation_scan import RotationScanRequest, CompletedRotationScan
 from aare.common.sample_geometry import SampleGeometryModel
-from fastapi import FastAPI, Depends
+from fastapi import FastAPI, Depends, Request
 from fastapi.concurrency import run_in_threadpool
 from fastapi import HTTPException
 from fastapi import status as api_status
@@ -256,17 +256,26 @@ async def automation_progress_event_stream() -> AsyncGenerator[str, None]:
         return
 
 @app.post("/token")
-async def login(form_data: OAuth2PasswordRequestForm = Depends()):
+async def login(request: Request, form_data: OAuth2PasswordRequestForm = Depends()):
     """
     Authenticate a user and return an access token.
 
+    When the request carries an X-Remote-User header (set by the Apache Kerberos
+    proxy), the username is taken from that header and the proxy origin is verified.
+    Otherwise the username from the form data is used (local / dev access).
+
     Args:
+        request: The incoming HTTP request (used to inspect headers and client IP).
         form_data: OAuth2 password request form containing username and password.
 
     Returns:
         A dictionary containing the access token and token type.
     """
-    data = await run_in_threadpool(auth.authenticate_user, cfg, form_data)
+    if request.headers.get("X-Remote-User"):
+        username = auth.authenticate_from_proxy_header(request)
+    else:
+        username = auth.authenticate_from_apache_log()
+    data = await run_in_threadpool(auth.authenticate_user, cfg, username)
     return {"access_token": data, "token_type": "bearer"}
 
 @app.get("/meta/error-codes")
@@ -2377,7 +2386,7 @@ def main():
     urllib3.disable_warnings()
 
     # Run the application using uvicorn
-    uvicorn.run("aare.daq.server:app", host="0.0.0.0", port=5210, workers=2, log_config=get_uvicorn_logging_config())
+    uvicorn.run("aare.daq.server:app", host="127.0.0.1", port=5210, workers=2, proxy_headers=False, log_config=get_uvicorn_logging_config())
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
diff --git a/src/aare/gui/auth.py b/src/aare/gui/auth.py
index 2cabc77a..3bbe26bb 100644
--- a/src/aare/gui/auth.py
+++ b/src/aare/gui/auth.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
-import os
+import json
+import subprocess
 import jwt
-import requests
 
 from aare.common.models import TokenData
 from aare.common.auth_models import get_user
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ from aare.common.logger_config import setup_logger
 
 logger = setup_logger('aareGUI')
 
-def auth(base_url: str | None) -> str:
+def auth(base_url: str | None, cert_path: str | None) -> str:
     curr_user = get_user()
     if base_url is None:
         token_data = TokenData(sub=curr_user,
@@ -17,38 +17,53 @@ def auth(base_url: str | None) -> str:
                                pgroups=["p16371", "p22233"])
         return jwt.encode(token_data.model_dump(), "ABC123")
 
+    # Single call: Kerberos SPNEGO through Apache, which proxies to the DAQ server.
+    # Apache injects X-Remote-User; the DAQ server reads it from the localhost-proxied request.
     url = f"{base_url}/token"
+    cacert = f"{cert_path}"
     try:
-        response = requests.post(
-            url,
-            data={
-                "username": curr_user,
-                "password": ""
-            },
-            headers={
-                "Content-Type": "application/x-www-form-urlencoded"
-            },
-            timeout=(3.0, 15.0),  # (connect timeout, read timeout)
+        token_result = subprocess.run(
+            ['curl', '-s', '--cacert', cacert,
+             '--negotiate', '-u', ':',
+             '-X', 'POST', url,
+             '-d', 'username=&password=',
+             '-H', 'Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded'],
+            capture_output=True,
+            text=True,
+            timeout=18.0,
         )
-    except requests.RequestException as e:
-        logger.error(f"Authentication request failed (network): {e}")
+    except subprocess.TimeoutExpired as e:
+        logger.error(f"Token request curl timed out: {e}")
         raise RuntimeError(
-            "Cannot reach AareDAQ server (network error). "
+            "Cannot reach AareDAQ server (timeout). "
             "Please check the server is running and your connection."
         ) from e
-
-    if response.status_code != 200:
-        # Avoid dumping full HTML/tracebacks into the GUI; keep it short and actionable
-        logger.error(f"Authentication request failed: HTTP {response.status_code}. Body: {response.text[:500]}")
+    except FileNotFoundError as e:
+        logger.error(f"curl not found: {e}")
+        raise RuntimeError("curl not found on this system.") from e
+    except OSError as e:
+        logger.error(f"Token request curl OS error: {e}")
         raise RuntimeError(
-            f"Authentication failed (HTTP {response.status_code}). "
-            "The server may be starting up or unavailable."
+            "Cannot reach AareDAQ server (OS error). "
+            "Please check the server is running and your connection."
+        ) from e
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error(f"Token request curl error: {e}")
+        raise RuntimeError(
+            "Cannot reach AareDAQ server (unknown error). "
+        )
+
+    if token_result.returncode != 0:
+        logger.error(f"Token curl exited {token_result.returncode}. stderr: {token_result.stderr[:500]}")
+        raise RuntimeError(
+            f"Token request failed (curl exit {token_result.returncode}). "
+            "Check Kerberos ticket is valid (kinit) and server is reachable."
         )
 
     try:
-        response_json = response.json()
-    except ValueError as e:
-        logger.error(f"Authentication response was not JSON. Body: {response.text[:500]}")
+        response_json = json.loads(token_result.stdout)
+    except json.JSONDecodeError as e:
+        logger.error(f"Token response not JSON. stdout: {token_result.stdout[:500]}")
         raise RuntimeError(
             "Authentication failed (invalid server response). "
             "The server may be starting up or misconfigured."
@@ -56,7 +71,7 @@ def auth(base_url: str | None) -> str:
 
     token = response_json.get("access_token")
     if not token or not isinstance(token, str):
-        logger.error(f"Authentication response missing access_token. Keys: {list(response_json.keys())}")
+        logger.error(f"Missing access_token. Keys: {list(response_json.keys())}. Server response {response_json}")
         raise RuntimeError(
             "Authentication failed (missing token in server response). "
             "The server may be starting up."
diff --git a/src/aare/gui/graphics/aare_banner.png b/src/aare/gui/graphics/aare_banner.png
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..831224d2
Binary files /dev/null and b/src/aare/gui/graphics/aare_banner.png differ
diff --git a/src/aare/gui/gui.py b/src/aare/gui/gui.py
index 51995574..bd50867e 100644
--- a/src/aare/gui/gui.py
+++ b/src/aare/gui/gui.py
@@ -45,21 +45,24 @@ def main():
         #TODO if zmq and pred stream come from same source, do not need images from both streams, can combine
         match mx_beamline():
             case MXBeamline.X06DA:
-                default_url = cfg_get("gui.daq.daq_url", "http://mx-x06da-queue-01.psi.ch:5210")
+                default_url = cfg_get("gui.daq.daq_url", "https://mx-x06da-queue-01.psi.ch")
+                default_cert_path = cfg_get("gui.daq.cert_path", "/sls/x06da/misc/.cert/6d.crt")
                 default_zmq_addr = cfg_get("gui.cameras.sample_camera_zmq_url", "tcp://x06da-pserv-01:9089")
                 default_pred_zmq_addr = cfg_get("gui.cameras.prediction_zmq_url", "tcp://mx-ml:9091")
                 default_beamline_cam_addr = cfg_get("gui.cameras.beamline_camera_url", "x06da-axis-1.psi.ch")
                 default_gonio_cam_addr = cfg_get("gui.cameras.gonio_camera_url", "axis-accc8ed2972e.psi.ch")
                 default_gonio_camera_id = int(cfg_get("gui.cameras.gonio_camera_id", 3))
             case MXBeamline.X10SA:
-                default_url = cfg_get("gui.daq.daq_url", "http://mx-x10sa-queue-01.psi.ch:5210")
+                default_url = cfg_get("gui.daq.daq_url", "https://mx-x10sa-queue-01.psi.ch")
+                default_cert_path = cfg_get("gui.daq.cert_path", "/sls/x10sa/misc/.cert/10s.crt")
                 default_zmq_addr = cfg_get("gui.cameras.sample_camera_zmq_url", "tcp://x10sa-spark-01:9091")
                 default_pred_zmq_addr = cfg_get("gui.cameras.prediction_zmq_url", "tcp://x10sa-spark-01:9091")
                 default_beamline_cam_addr = cfg_get("gui.cameras.beamline_camera_url", "axis-accc8eb02488.psi.ch")
                 default_gonio_cam_addr = cfg_get("gui.cameras.gonio_camera_url", "axis-accc8ea5e463.psi.ch")
                 default_gonio_camera_id = int(cfg_get("gui.cameras.gonio_camera_id", 1))
             case MXBeamline.X06SA:
-                default_url = cfg_get("gui.daq.daq_url", "http://mx-x06sa-queue-01.psi.ch:5210")
+                default_url = cfg_get("gui.daq.daq_url", "https://mx-x06sa-queue-01.psi.ch")
+                default_cert_path = cfg_get("gui.daq.cert_path", "/sls/x06sa/misc/.cert/6s.crt")
                 default_zmq_addr = cfg_get("gui.cameras.sample_camera_zmq_url", "")
                 default_pred_zmq_addr = cfg_get("gui.cameras.prediction_zmq_url", "")
                 default_beamline_cam_addr = cfg_get("gui.cameras.beamline_camera_url", "")
@@ -67,6 +70,7 @@ def main():
                 default_gonio_camera_id = int(cfg_get("gui.cameras.gonio_camera_id", 1))
             case _:
                 default_url = cfg_get("gui.daq.daq_url", "")
+                default_cert_path = cfg_get("gui.daq.cert_path", "")
                 default_zmq_addr = cfg_get("gui.cameras.sample_camera_zmq_url", "")
                 default_pred_zmq_addr = cfg_get("gui.cameras.prediction_zmq_url", "")
                 default_beamline_cam_addr = cfg_get("gui.cameras.beamline_camera_url", "")
@@ -79,6 +83,11 @@ def main():
                                        "url", default_url)
         parser.addOption(urlOption)
 
+        certPath = QCommandLineOption(["c", "aaredaq-cert-path"],
+                                       "Server Certificate Path (for self-signed certificates)",
+                                       "cert", default_cert_path)
+        parser.addOption(certPath)
+
         defaultImage = QCommandLineOption(["i", "image"],
                                           "Default image to display in absence of the ZMQ stream",
                                           "image")
@@ -105,6 +114,10 @@ def main():
         if base_url == "" or base_url.lower() == "none":
             base_url = None
 
+        cert_path = parser.value(certPath)
+        if cert_path == "" or cert_path.lower() == "none":
+            cert_path = None
+
         zmq_addr = parser.value(cameraZeroMQ)
         if zmq_addr == "":
             zmq_addr = None
@@ -123,7 +136,7 @@ def main():
 
         try:
             splash.set_progress(50, f"Connecting to {base_url or 'backend'}...")
-            token = auth(base_url)
+            token = auth(base_url, cert_path)
             if not token or token.count(".") != 2:
                 raise RuntimeError(
                     "Authentication did not return a valid token. "
diff --git a/src/aare/gui/main_window.py b/src/aare/gui/main_window.py
index 1af8a7f0..648e820f 100644
--- a/src/aare/gui/main_window.py
+++ b/src/aare/gui/main_window.py
@@ -106,6 +106,13 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
         self._controls_help_dialog = None
         self._cleanup_done = False
         self._default_window_state = None
+        self._pre_automation_window_state = None
+        self._pre_automation_ref_tools_visible = False
+        self._pre_automation_left_column_visible = True
+        self._pre_automation_right_column_visible = True
+        self._in_compact_automation_view = False
+        self._enter_automation_view_action = None
+        self._return_main_view_action = None
 
         self._beamline_cam_addr = beamline_cam_addr
         self._gonio_cam_addr = gonio_cam_addr
@@ -199,7 +206,7 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
         self.raster = RasterGridManager(geom=geom)
         self.rotation = RotationScanManager()
 
-        collection_controls_scroll = NoWheelScrollArea(top_widget)
+        self.collection_controls_scroll = NoWheelScrollArea(top_widget)
 
         self.left_column = QWidget(parent=top_widget)
         self.left_column_layout = QVBoxLayout(self.left_column)
@@ -226,13 +233,13 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
             self.beamline_state_panel.hide()
         self.left_column_layout.addStretch()
 
-        top_widget_layout.addWidget(collection_controls_scroll)
-        collection_controls_scroll.setWidget(self.left_column)
-        collection_controls_scroll.setHorizontalScrollBarPolicy(
+        top_widget_layout.addWidget(self.collection_controls_scroll)
+        self.collection_controls_scroll.setWidget(self.left_column)
+        self.collection_controls_scroll.setHorizontalScrollBarPolicy(
             Qt.ScrollBarPolicy.ScrollBarAlwaysOff
         )
-        collection_controls_scroll.setWidgetResizable(True)
-        collection_controls_scroll.setFixedWidth(
+        self.collection_controls_scroll.setWidgetResizable(True)
+        self.collection_controls_scroll.setFixedWidth(
             max(
                 self.data_collection.set_width,
                 self.loop_centering.sizeHint().width(),
@@ -295,7 +302,7 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
         self.compact_automation_page.setStyleSheet(
             """
             QWidget#compactAutomationPage {
-                background-color: #e8eefc;
+                background-color: rgb(216, 228, 253);
             }
             """
         )
@@ -307,15 +314,15 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
         top_widget_layout.addWidget(self.video_tab)
         self._start_axis_camera_threads()
 
-        beamline_controls_scroll = NoWheelScrollArea(top_widget)
+        self.beamline_controls_scroll = NoWheelScrollArea(top_widget)
 
-        self.beamline = BeamlineControls(beamline_controls_scroll, staff=self.__decoded_token.staff)
-        top_widget_layout.addWidget(beamline_controls_scroll)
-        beamline_controls_scroll.setWidget(self.beamline)
-        beamline_controls_scroll.setHorizontalScrollBarPolicy(
+        self.beamline = BeamlineControls(self.beamline_controls_scroll, staff=self.__decoded_token.staff)
+        top_widget_layout.addWidget(self.beamline_controls_scroll)
+        self.beamline_controls_scroll.setWidget(self.beamline)
+        self.beamline_controls_scroll.setHorizontalScrollBarPolicy(
             Qt.ScrollBarPolicy.ScrollBarAlwaysOff
         )
-        beamline_controls_scroll.setFixedWidth(self.beamline.set_width + 10)
+        self.beamline_controls_scroll.setFixedWidth(self.beamline.set_width + 10)
 
         self.tell_samples = TellSamplePanel(samples=SampleShortInfoList(s=[]))
         self.ref_tools_panel = ReferenceToolsPanel(samples=SampleShortInfoList(s=[]))
@@ -478,6 +485,7 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
 
         self.setWindowTitle("AareGUI")
         self.create_menu_bar()
+        self._update_view_mode_actions()
         self._setup_global_shortcuts()
         self._capture_default_window_state()
         self._restore_window_state()
@@ -916,6 +924,17 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
             key=lambda sample: sample.loc_str_sort(),
         )
 
+    def _update_view_mode_actions(self) -> None:
+        in_automation_view = bool(self._in_compact_automation_view)
+
+        if self._enter_automation_view_action is not None:
+            self._enter_automation_view_action.setVisible(not in_automation_view)
+            self._enter_automation_view_action.setEnabled(not in_automation_view)
+
+        if self._return_main_view_action is not None:
+            self._return_main_view_action.setVisible(in_automation_view)
+            self._return_main_view_action.setEnabled(in_automation_view)
+
     @Slot()
     def enter_compact_automation_view(self) -> None:
         self.job_list_panel.ensure_default_queue_from_samples(
@@ -923,6 +942,12 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
         )
         self._refresh_compact_queue_preview()
 
+        if not self._in_compact_automation_view:
+            self._pre_automation_window_state = self.saveState()
+            self._pre_automation_ref_tools_visible = self.ref_tools_dock.isVisible()
+            self._pre_automation_left_column_visible = self.collection_controls_scroll.isVisible()
+            self._pre_automation_right_column_visible = self.beamline_controls_scroll.isVisible()
+
         self.tell_samples_dock.setVisible(False)
         self.job_list_dock.setVisible(False)
         self.manual_sample_dock.setVisible(False)
@@ -937,12 +962,29 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
         if self.__decoded_token.staff:
             self.ref_tools_dock.setVisible(False)
 
+        self.collection_controls_scroll.setVisible(False)
+        self.beamline_controls_scroll.setVisible(False)
+
         self.content_stack.setCurrentWidget(self.compact_automation_page)
+        self._in_compact_automation_view = True
+        self._update_view_mode_actions()
 
     @Slot()
     def _return_from_compact_automation_view(self) -> None:
         self.content_stack.setCurrentWidget(self._standard_main_page)
-        self.restore_default_view()
+
+        if self._pre_automation_window_state is not None:
+            self.restoreState(self._pre_automation_window_state)
+
+        self.collection_controls_scroll.setVisible(self._pre_automation_left_column_visible)
+        self.beamline_controls_scroll.setVisible(self._pre_automation_right_column_visible)
+
+        if self.__decoded_token.staff:
+            self.ref_tools_dock.setVisible(self._pre_automation_ref_tools_visible)
+
+        self._in_compact_automation_view = False
+        self._update_view_mode_actions()
+
         self.job_list_dock.setVisible(True)
         self.tell_samples_dock.setVisible(True)
         self.job_list_dock.raise_()
@@ -1025,6 +1067,16 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
         quit_action.triggered.connect(self.close)
         file_menu.addAction(quit_action)
 
+        self._enter_automation_view_action = QAction("Automation View", self)
+        self._enter_automation_view_action.setShortcut(QKeySequence("Ctrl+5"))
+        self._enter_automation_view_action.triggered.connect(self.enter_compact_automation_view)
+        menu_bar.addAction(self._enter_automation_view_action)
+
+        self._return_main_view_action = QAction("Return to Main View", self)
+        self._return_main_view_action.setShortcut(QKeySequence("Ctrl+Shift+5"))
+        self._return_main_view_action.triggered.connect(self._return_from_compact_automation_view)
+        menu_bar.addAction(self._return_main_view_action)
+
         view_menu = menu_bar.addMenu("View")
 
         if self._beamline_state_panel_enabled:
@@ -1138,11 +1190,6 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
         beamline_combined_tab_action.triggered.connect(lambda: self.video_tab.setCurrentIndex(3))
         view_menu.addAction(beamline_combined_tab_action)
 
-        compact_automation_action = QAction("Automation View", self)
-        compact_automation_action.setShortcut(QKeySequence("Ctrl+5"))
-        compact_automation_action.triggered.connect(self.enter_compact_automation_view)
-        view_menu.addAction(compact_automation_action)
-
         view_menu.addSeparator()
 
         restore_default_view_action = QAction("Restore Default View", self)
@@ -1194,6 +1241,11 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
             self.restoreState(self._default_window_state)
 
         self.content_stack.setCurrentWidget(self._standard_main_page)
+        self._in_compact_automation_view = False
+        self._update_view_mode_actions()
+
+        self.collection_controls_scroll.setVisible(True)
+        self.beamline_controls_scroll.setVisible(True)
 
         self.tell_samples_dock.setVisible(True)
         self.job_list_dock.setVisible(True)
diff --git a/src/aare/gui/models/user_sample_model.py b/src/aare/gui/models/user_sample_model.py
index 5f2e5dd6..e9163eb2 100644
--- a/src/aare/gui/models/user_sample_model.py
+++ b/src/aare/gui/models/user_sample_model.py
@@ -22,6 +22,12 @@ def get_entry(sample: SampleShortInfo, column: int):
     elif column == 6:
         return sample.mount_count
     elif column == 7:
+        return sample.raster_count
+    elif column == 8:
+        return sample.rotation_count
+    elif column == 9:
+        return sample.screening_count
+    elif column == 10:
         return sample.comment
 
 
@@ -46,6 +52,9 @@ class UserSampleSpreadsheet(QAbstractTableModel):
             "Priority",
             "User",
             "Mount count",
+            "Raster count",
+            "Rotation count",
+            "Screening count",
             "Comment",
         ]
         self.current_sample = current_sample
diff --git a/src/aare/gui/panels/compact_automation_panel.py b/src/aare/gui/panels/compact_automation_panel.py
index 3504ed77..3c64887f 100644
--- a/src/aare/gui/panels/compact_automation_panel.py
+++ b/src/aare/gui/panels/compact_automation_panel.py
@@ -37,48 +37,52 @@ class CompactAutomationPanel(QFrame):
         self.setStyleSheet(
             """
             QFrame#compactAutomationPanel {
-                background: #edf3fb;
+                background: #d8e4fd;
                 border: none;
                 border-radius: 18px;
             }
 
-            QFrame#compactTopCard,
+            QFrame#compactCameraCard,
+            QFrame#compactControlsCard,
             QFrame#compactProgressCard,
-            QFrame#compactControlsCard {
-                background: #ffffff;
-                border: 1px solid #d9e4f2;
+            QFrame#compactQueueCard,
+            QFrame#compactQueueItem {
+                background: #e6eefc;
+                border: 1px solid #b9ccee;
                 border-radius: 16px;
             }
 
-            QFrame#compactQueueItem {
-                background: #f7faff;
-                border: 1px solid #dbe6f5;
-                border-radius: 12px;
-            }
-
-            QLabel#compactQueueTitle {
-                color: #4b5563;
-                font-size: 11px;
-                font-weight: 700;
-                text-transform: uppercase;
-            }
-
-            QLabel#compactQueueValue {
-                color: #0f172a;
+            QLabel#compactSectionTitle {
+                background: transparent;
+                color: #17324d;
                 font-size: 14px;
                 font-weight: 700;
             }
 
-            QLabel#compactDashboardLabel {
-                color: #334155;
+            QLabel#compactSectionHint {
+                background: transparent;
+                color: #51657d;
                 font-size: 12px;
+            }
+
+            QLabel#compactQueueTitle {
+                background: transparent;
+                color: #51657d;
+                font-size: 11px;
+                font-weight: 700;
+            }
+
+            QLabel#compactQueueValue {
+                background: transparent;
+                color: #10263a;
+                font-size: 14px;
                 font-weight: 700;
             }
 
             QToolButton#compactMenuButton {
-                background: #eff6ff;
-                color: #1d4ed8;
-                border: 1px solid #bfdbfe;
+                background: #cbdcf8;
+                color: #17324d;
+                border: 1px solid #9fb9e5;
                 border-radius: 14px;
                 padding: 10px 14px;
                 font-size: 18px;
@@ -86,23 +90,19 @@ class CompactAutomationPanel(QFrame):
             }
 
             QToolButton#compactMenuButton:hover {
-                background: #dbeafe;
-            }
-
-            QFrame#compactAutomationProgressStrip {
-                background: transparent;
-                border: none;
+                background: #bfd4f6;
             }
 
             QLabel#compactProgressSummary {
-                color: #1e293b;
+                background: transparent;
+                color: #17324d;
                 font-size: 13px;
                 padding: 2px 2px 6px 2px;
             }
 
             QLabel#compactProgressStep {
-                background: #f8fbff;
-                border: 1px solid #dbe6f5;
+                background: #dfe9fb;
+                border: 1px solid #bfd1ef;
                 border-radius: 10px;
                 padding: 8px 6px;
             }
@@ -121,10 +121,11 @@ class CompactAutomationPanel(QFrame):
                 background: #1d4ed8;
             }
 
-            QPushButton#compactSecondaryButton {
-                background: #ffffff;
-                color: #0f172a;
-                border: 1px solid #cbd5e1;
+            QPushButton#compactSecondaryButton,
+            QToolButton#compactSecondaryButton {
+                background: #dfe9fb;
+                color: #17324d;
+                border: 1px solid #b2c7eb;
                 border-radius: 14px;
                 padding: 14px 18px;
                 font-size: 14px;
@@ -133,17 +134,7 @@ class CompactAutomationPanel(QFrame):
 
             QPushButton#compactSecondaryButton:hover,
             QToolButton#compactSecondaryButton:hover {
-                background: #f8fafc;
-            }
-
-            QToolButton#compactSecondaryButton {
-                background: #ffffff;
-                color: #0f172a;
-                border: 1px solid #cbd5e1;
-                border-radius: 14px;
-                padding: 14px 18px;
-                font-size: 14px;
-                font-weight: 700;
+                background: #d3e1f8;
             }
             """
         )
@@ -152,44 +143,18 @@ class CompactAutomationPanel(QFrame):
         main_layout.setContentsMargins(18, 18, 18, 18)
         main_layout.setSpacing(12)
 
-        top_card = QFrame(self)
-        top_card.setObjectName("compactTopCard")
-        top_layout = QHBoxLayout(top_card)
-        top_layout.setContentsMargins(12, 12, 12, 12)
-        top_layout.setSpacing(10)
+        camera_card = QFrame(self)
+        camera_card.setObjectName("compactCameraCard")
+        camera_layout = QVBoxLayout(camera_card)
+        camera_layout.setContentsMargins(12, 12, 12, 12)
+        camera_layout.setSpacing(8)
 
-        self.current_card = self._build_queue_item("Current", "—")
-        self.next_card = self._build_queue_item("Next", "—")
-        self.next_next_card = self._build_queue_item("Then", "—")
+        camera_title = QLabel("Camera", self)
+        camera_title.setObjectName("compactSectionTitle")
+        camera_layout.addWidget(camera_title)
+        camera_layout.addWidget(camera_widget, 1)
 
-        top_layout.addWidget(self.current_card["frame"], 2)
-        top_layout.addWidget(self.next_card["frame"], 2)
-        top_layout.addWidget(self.next_next_card["frame"], 2)
-
-        self.menu_button = QToolButton(self)
-        self.menu_button.setObjectName("compactMenuButton")
-        self.menu_button.setText("☰")
-        self.menu_button.setToolTip("Return to main view")
-        self.menu_button.clicked.connect(self.show_full_view_requested.emit)
-        top_layout.addWidget(self.menu_button, 0, Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignTop)
-
-        main_layout.addWidget(top_card)
-        main_layout.addWidget(camera_widget, 1)
-
-        progress_card = QFrame(self)
-        progress_card.setObjectName("compactProgressCard")
-        progress_layout = QVBoxLayout(progress_card)
-        progress_layout.setContentsMargins(12, 10, 12, 10)
-        progress_layout.setSpacing(6)
-
-        progress_title = QLabel("Automation progress", self)
-        progress_title.setObjectName("compactDashboardLabel")
-        progress_layout.addWidget(progress_title)
-
-        self.progress_strip = CompactAutomationProgressStrip(self)
-        progress_layout.addWidget(self.progress_strip)
-
-        main_layout.addWidget(progress_card)
+        main_layout.addWidget(camera_card, 1)
 
         controls_card = QFrame(self)
         controls_card.setObjectName("compactControlsCard")
@@ -197,9 +162,31 @@ class CompactAutomationPanel(QFrame):
         controls_layout.setContentsMargins(12, 12, 12, 12)
         controls_layout.setSpacing(10)
 
+        controls_header = QHBoxLayout()
+        controls_header.setSpacing(10)
+
+        controls_title_wrap = QVBoxLayout()
+        controls_title_wrap.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        controls_title_wrap.setSpacing(2)
+
         controls_title = QLabel("Controls", self)
-        controls_title.setObjectName("compactDashboardLabel")
-        controls_layout.addWidget(controls_title)
+        controls_title.setObjectName("compactSectionTitle")
+        controls_hint = QLabel("Run and manage the automation queue.", self)
+        controls_hint.setObjectName("compactSectionHint")
+
+        controls_title_wrap.addWidget(controls_title)
+        controls_title_wrap.addWidget(controls_hint)
+
+        self.menu_button = QToolButton(self)
+        self.menu_button.setObjectName("compactMenuButton")
+        self.menu_button.setText("☰")
+        self.menu_button.setToolTip("Return to main view")
+        self.menu_button.clicked.connect(self.show_full_view_requested.emit)
+
+        controls_header.addLayout(controls_title_wrap, 1)
+        controls_header.addWidget(self.menu_button, 0, Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignTop)
+
+        controls_layout.addLayout(controls_header)
 
         button_row = QHBoxLayout()
         button_row.setSpacing(10)
@@ -212,7 +199,7 @@ class CompactAutomationPanel(QFrame):
         self.skip_button.setObjectName("compactSecondaryButton")
         self.skip_button.clicked.connect(self.skip_clicked.emit)
 
-        self.step_button = QPushButton("Step Through", self)
+        self.step_button = QPushButton("Step", self)
         self.step_button.setObjectName("compactSecondaryButton")
         self.step_button.setCheckable(True)
         self.step_button.toggled.connect(self._on_step_toggled)
@@ -238,6 +225,45 @@ class CompactAutomationPanel(QFrame):
         controls_layout.addLayout(button_row)
         main_layout.addWidget(controls_card)
 
+        progress_card = QFrame(self)
+        progress_card.setObjectName("compactProgressCard")
+        progress_layout = QVBoxLayout(progress_card)
+        progress_layout.setContentsMargins(12, 12, 12, 12)
+        progress_layout.setSpacing(8)
+
+        progress_title = QLabel("Progress", self)
+        progress_title.setObjectName("compactSectionTitle")
+        progress_layout.addWidget(progress_title)
+
+        self.progress_strip = CompactAutomationProgressStrip(self)
+        progress_layout.addWidget(self.progress_strip)
+
+        main_layout.addWidget(progress_card)
+
+        queue_card = QFrame(self)
+        queue_card.setObjectName("compactQueueCard")
+        queue_layout = QVBoxLayout(queue_card)
+        queue_layout.setContentsMargins(12, 12, 12, 12)
+        queue_layout.setSpacing(10)
+
+        queue_title = QLabel("Queue Preview", self)
+        queue_title.setObjectName("compactSectionTitle")
+        queue_layout.addWidget(queue_title)
+
+        queue_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        queue_row.setSpacing(10)
+
+        self.current_card = self._build_queue_item("Now", "—")
+        self.next_card = self._build_queue_item("Next", "—")
+        self.next_next_card = self._build_queue_item("Later", "—")
+
+        queue_row.addWidget(self.current_card["frame"], 1)
+        queue_row.addWidget(self.next_card["frame"], 1)
+        queue_row.addWidget(self.next_next_card["frame"], 1)
+
+        queue_layout.addLayout(queue_row)
+        main_layout.addWidget(queue_card)
+
     def _build_queue_item(self, title: str, value: str) -> dict[str, QWidget | QLabel]:
         frame = QFrame(self)
         frame.setObjectName("compactQueueItem")
diff --git a/src/aare/gui/panels/reference_tools_panel.py b/src/aare/gui/panels/reference_tools_panel.py
index b21807b4..03cbd1d8 100644
--- a/src/aare/gui/panels/reference_tools_panel.py
+++ b/src/aare/gui/panels/reference_tools_panel.py
@@ -27,6 +27,12 @@ def get_entry(sample: SampleShortInfo, column: int):
         return sample.sample_name
     elif column == 2:
         return sample.mount_count
+    elif column == 3:
+        return sample.rotation_count
+    elif column == 4:
+        return sample.raster_count
+    elif column == 5:
+        return sample.screening_count
     return ""
 
 class ReferenceToolsModel(QAbstractTableModel):
@@ -35,7 +41,7 @@ class ReferenceToolsModel(QAbstractTableModel):
 
         self.samples: list[SampleShortInfo] = rows or []
         self.current_reference = current_reference
-        self.header = ["Position", "Sample name", "Mount count"]
+        self.header = ["Position", "Sample name", "Mount count", "Raster count", "Rotation count", "Screening count",]
         self.__sort_col = 0
         self.__sort_order = Qt.SortOrder.AscendingOrder
         self.__sorted_samples: list[SampleShortInfo] = []
diff --git a/src/aare/gui/threads/daq_worker.py b/src/aare/gui/threads/daq_worker.py
index f50fe798..4fb8965f 100644
--- a/src/aare/gui/threads/daq_worker.py
+++ b/src/aare/gui/threads/daq_worker.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ from collections import deque
 from typing import cast, Literal
 
 from PySide6.QtCore import Signal, QUrl, Slot, QTimer, QObject, QByteArray
-from PySide6.QtNetwork import QNetworkAccessManager, QNetworkRequest, QNetworkReply
+from PySide6.QtNetwork import QNetworkAccessManager, QNetworkRequest, QNetworkReply, QSslError
 from jfjoch_client import ScanResult, ScanResultImagesInner
 
 from aare.common.auth_models import BatonStatus
@@ -120,6 +120,7 @@ class DAQWorker(QObject):
         self.__token = token
         self.__base_url = base_url
         self.__net_manager = QNetworkAccessManager()
+        self.__net_manager.sslErrors.connect(self._handle_ssl_errors)
         self.__timer = QTimer()
         self.__timer.setInterval(500)
         self.__timer.timeout.connect(self.regular_update)
@@ -326,6 +327,18 @@ class DAQWorker(QObject):
         reply = self.__net_manager.get(request)
         reply.finished.connect(lambda: self.handle_status_response(reply))
 
+    _SELF_SIGNED_ERRORS = {
+        QSslError.SslError.SelfSignedCertificate,
+        QSslError.SslError.SelfSignedCertificateInChain,
+    }
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _handle_ssl_errors(reply: QNetworkReply, errors: list):
+        self_signed = [e for e in errors if e.error() in DAQWorker._SELF_SIGNED_ERRORS]
+        if self_signed:
+            reply.ignoreSslErrors(self_signed)
+
+
     @staticmethod
     def handle_response(reply: QNetworkReply):
         """
diff --git a/src/aare/gui/threads/sse_client.py b/src/aare/gui/threads/sse_client.py
index be1db929..05221c10 100644
--- a/src/aare/gui/threads/sse_client.py
+++ b/src/aare/gui/threads/sse_client.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 from typing import Optional, Dict
 from PySide6.QtCore import QObject, Signal, Slot, QUrl, QTimer, QByteArray
-from PySide6.QtNetwork import QNetworkAccessManager, QNetworkRequest, QNetworkReply
+from PySide6.QtNetwork import QNetworkAccessManager, QNetworkRequest, QNetworkReply, QSslError
 
 
 class SSEClient(QObject):
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ class SSEClient(QObject):
     def __init__(self, parent=None):
         super().__init__(parent)
         self._network_manager = QNetworkAccessManager(self)
+        self._network_manager.sslErrors.connect(self._handle_ssl_errors)
         self._reply: Optional[QNetworkReply] = None
         self._reconnect_timer = QTimer(self)
         self._reconnect_timer.setSingleShot(True)
@@ -60,6 +61,17 @@ class SSEClient(QObject):
         """Check if connected to SSE"""
         return self._connected and self._reply and self._reply.isOpen()
 
+    _SELF_SIGNED_ERRORS = {
+        QSslError.SslError.SelfSignedCertificate,
+        QSslError.SslError.SelfSignedCertificateInChain,
+    }
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _handle_ssl_errors(reply: QNetworkReply, errors: list):
+        self_signed = [e for e in errors if e.error() in SSEClient._SELF_SIGNED_ERRORS]
+        if self_signed:
+            reply.ignoreSslErrors(self_signed)
+
     def _start_connection(self):
         """Start SSE connection"""
         request = QNetworkRequest(self._url)
diff --git a/src/aare/gui/widgets/automation_progress.py b/src/aare/gui/widgets/automation_progress.py
index 2803fa0a..c700bf9c 100644
--- a/src/aare/gui/widgets/automation_progress.py
+++ b/src/aare/gui/widgets/automation_progress.py
@@ -18,16 +18,24 @@ class CompactAutomationProgressStrip(QFrame):
         self._queue_count = 0
         self._running = False
         self._step_labels: dict[WorkflowStateKind, QLabel] = {}
-        self._summary_label: QLabel | None = None
+
         self._timer = QTimer(self)
         self._timer.setInterval(1000)
         self._timer.timeout.connect(self._refresh_live_view)
 
         self.setObjectName("compactAutomationProgressStrip")
+        self.setStyleSheet(
+            """
+            QFrame#compactAutomationProgressStrip {
+                background: transparent;
+                border: none;
+            }
+            """
+        )
 
         layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
-        layout.setContentsMargins(14, 12, 14, 12)
-        layout.setSpacing(10)
+        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        layout.setSpacing(8)
 
         self._summary_label = QLabel("Automation idle", self)
         self._summary_label.setObjectName("compactProgressSummary")
@@ -46,7 +54,6 @@ class CompactAutomationProgressStrip(QFrame):
         ):
             label = QLabel(self)
             label.setObjectName("compactProgressStep")
-            label.setMinimumWidth(90)
             label.setWordWrap(True)
             steps_row.addWidget(label, 1)
             self._step_labels[step] = label
@@ -55,8 +62,7 @@ class CompactAutomationProgressStrip(QFrame):
         self._apply_empty_state()
 
     def _apply_empty_state(self) -> None:
-        if self._summary_label is not None:
-            self._summary_label.setText("Automation idle")
+        self._summary_label.setText("Automation idle")
         for step, label in self._step_labels.items():
             label.setText(self._format_step_html(step, StepStatus.PENDING))
 
@@ -97,9 +103,9 @@ class CompactAutomationProgressStrip(QFrame):
         icon = self._step_icon(status)
         title = self._step_title(step)
         return (
-            f"<div style='text-align:center;'>"
-            f"<div style='font-size:18px; color:{color}; font-weight:700;'>{icon}</div>"
-            f"<div style='font-size:12px; color:{color}; font-weight:700;'>{title}</div>"
+            f"<div style='text-align:center; background:transparent;'>"
+            f"<div style='font-size:18px; color:{color}; font-weight:700; background:transparent;'>{icon}</div>"
+            f"<div style='font-size:12px; color:{color}; font-weight:700; background:transparent;'>{title}</div>"
             f"</div>"
         )
 
@@ -120,6 +126,7 @@ class CompactAutomationProgressStrip(QFrame):
             return "N/A"
         return datetime.fromtimestamp(epoch_seconds).strftime("%H:%M:%S")
 
+    @Slot()
     def _refresh_live_view(self) -> None:
         if self._progress is not None:
             self.set_progress(self._progress)
@@ -163,19 +170,16 @@ class CompactAutomationProgressStrip(QFrame):
         elif self._running:
             state_text = "Running"
             state_color = "#2563eb"
-        elif not self._running:
-            state_text = "Paused"
-            state_color = "#c2410c"
 
-        if self._summary_label is not None:
-            self._summary_label.setText(
-                f"<b>Status:</b> <span style='color:{state_color}; font-weight:700;'>{state_text}</span>"
-                f" &nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Current:</b> {current_sample}"
-                f" &nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Queue:</b> {self._queue_count}"
-                f" &nbsp;&nbsp; <b>ETA:</b> {self._format_duration(queue_remaining)}"
-                f" &nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Done by:</b> {self._format_eta(eta)}"
-            )
+        self._summary_label.setText(
+            f"<span style='background:transparent;'><b>Status:</b> "
+            f"<span style='color:{state_color}; font-weight:700; background:transparent;'>{state_text}</span>"
+            f" &nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Now:</b> {current_sample}"
+            f" &nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Queue:</b> {self._queue_count}"
+            f" &nbsp;&nbsp; <b>ETA:</b> {self._format_duration(queue_remaining)}"
+            f" &nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Done:</b> {self._format_eta(eta)}</span>"
+        )
 
         states = {step.step: step.status for step in progress.steps}
         for step, label in self._step_labels.items():
-            label.setText(self._format_step_html(step, states.get(step, StepStatus.PENDING)))
+            label.setText(self._format_step_html(step, states.get(step, StepStatus.PENDING)))
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tests/unit/common/test_data_collection_parameters.py b/tests/unit/common/test_data_collection_parameters.py
index b5ea0a1f..41e5f887 100644
--- a/tests/unit/common/test_data_collection_parameters.py
+++ b/tests/unit/common/test_data_collection_parameters.py
@@ -46,4 +46,30 @@ def test_aperture_accepts_float_string():
 
 def test_processingpipeline_accepts_unknown_value_after_refactor():
     params = DataCollectionParameters(processingpipeline="xia2")
-    assert params.processingpipeline == "xia2"
\ No newline at end of file
+    assert params.processingpipeline == "xia2"
+
+
+def test_datacollectionparameters_accepts_legacy_aliases():
+    params = DataCollectionParameters(
+        totalrange=180,
+        cellparameters="10 20 30 90 90 120",
+        userresolution=1.4,
+    )
+    assert params.totalangle == 180
+    assert params.unitcell == "10 20 30 90 90 120"
+    assert params.processingresolution == 1.4
+
+
+def test_datacollectionparameters_accepts_new_fields():
+    params = DataCollectionParameters(
+        totalangle=90,
+        unitcell="11,22,33,90,90,120",
+        processingresolution=1.2,
+        pdbmodel="model.pdb",
+        cloud=False,
+    )
+    assert params.totalangle == 90
+    assert params.unitcell == "11,22,33,90,90,120"
+    assert params.processingresolution == 1.2
+    assert params.pdbmodel == "model.pdb"
+    assert params.cloud is False
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tests/unit/common/test_models_extra.py b/tests/unit/common/test_models_extra.py
index 2c7c5032..7c9557b8 100644
--- a/tests/unit/common/test_models_extra.py
+++ b/tests/unit/common/test_models_extra.py
@@ -1,5 +1,14 @@
 import pytest
-from aare.common.models import SampleShortInfo, DewarAddress, BeamMarkCoeffModel, MLOutputModel, MLBoxType, BeamlineStateEnum
+from aare.common.models import (
+    SampleShortInfo,
+    DewarAddress,
+    BeamMarkCoeffModel,
+    MLOutputModel,
+    MLBoxType,
+    BeamlineStateEnum,
+    DataCollectionParameters,
+)
+
 
 def test_sample_short_info_methods():
     info = SampleShortInfo(
@@ -8,34 +17,42 @@ def test_sample_short_info_methods():
         dewar_name="dew1",
         sample_name="sample1",
         run_number=1,
+        aaredb_params=DataCollectionParameters(
+            totalangle=180,
+            processingresolution=1.5,
+            cloud=True,
+        ),
         user="group1",
         pin=3,
         location=DewarAddress(segment="A", pos=2),
     )
-    
-    # Test tell_address (line 380)
+
     addr = info.tell_address()
     assert addr.puck.segment == "A"
     assert addr.puck.pos == 2
     assert addr.pin == 3
-    
-    # Test loc_str (lines 383-386)
+
     assert info.loc_str() == "A2-3"
-    
-    # Test loc_str_sort (lines 389-392)
     assert info.loc_str_sort() == "A2-03"
-    
+    assert info.aaredb_params is not None
+    assert info.aaredb_params.totalangle == 180
+    assert info.aaredb_params.processingresolution == 1.5
+
     info_no_loc = info.model_copy(update={"location": None})
     assert info_no_loc.loc_str() == "-"
     assert info_no_loc.loc_str_sort() == ""
 
-    # Test from_dict (line 396)
     data = {
         "db_id": 2,
         "puck_name": "puck2",
         "dewar_name": "dew2",
         "sample_name": "sample2",
         "run_number": 2,
+        "aaredb_params": {
+            "totalrange": 120,
+            "userresolution": 1.8,
+            "cloud": "",
+        },
         "user": "group2",
         "pin": 4,
         "location": {"segment": "B", "pos": 5}
@@ -43,47 +60,43 @@ def test_sample_short_info_methods():
     info2 = SampleShortInfo.from_dict(data)
     assert info2.db_id == 2
     assert info2.location.segment == "B"
+    assert info2.aaredb_params is not None
+    assert info2.aaredb_params.totalangle == 120
+    assert info2.aaredb_params.processingresolution == 1.8
+    assert info2.aaredb_params.cloud is True
+
 
 def test_beam_mark_coeff_model_apply():
-    # Test apply (line 414)
     model = BeamMarkCoeffModel(
         coeff_x=(1.0, 2.0, 5.0),
         coeff_y=(3.0, 4.0, 6.0)
     )
-    # zoom = 10
-    # x = 1.0 * 100 + 2.0 * 10 + 5.0 = 125.0
-    # y = 3.0 * 100 + 4.0 * 10 + 6.0 = 346.0
     res = model.apply(10.0)
     assert res.x == 125.0
     assert res.y == 346.0
 
+
 def test_ml_output_model_extra_methods():
     model = MLOutputModel()
     key = model.add_box(MLBoxType.CRYSTAL, (1, 2, 3, 4), 0.8)
-    
-    # Test get_box_model (line 499)
+
     box_model = model.get_box_model(key)
     assert box_model.conf == 0.8
-    
-    # Test get_box_tuple (lines 502-505)
+
     assert model.get_box_tuple(key) == (1, 2, 3, 4)
     assert model.get_box_tuple("NonExistent") is None
-    
-    # Test get_box_tuple_with_conf (lines 508-512)
+
     assert model.get_box_tuple_with_conf(key) == (1, 2, 3, 4, 0.8)
     assert model.get_box_tuple_with_conf("NonExistent") is None
-    
-    # Test get_tuples_for_class (lines 523-527)
+
     tuples = model.get_tuples_for_class(MLBoxType.CRYSTAL)
     assert len(tuples) == 1
     assert tuples[0] == (1, 2, 3, 4)
-    
-    # Test get_tuples_with_conf_for_class (lines 530-534)
+
     tuples_conf = model.get_tuples_with_conf_for_class(MLBoxType.CRYSTAL)
     assert len(tuples_conf) == 1
     assert tuples_conf[0] == (1, 2, 3, 4, 0.8)
-    
-    # Test get_class_str (lines 470, 475-481)
+
     assert MLOutputModel.get_class_str(MLBoxType.LOOP_ALL) == "Loop_all"
     assert MLOutputModel.get_class_str(MLBoxType.PIN) == "Pin"
     assert MLOutputModel.get_class_str(MLBoxType.CRYSTAL) == "Crystal"
@@ -92,9 +105,8 @@ def test_ml_output_model_extra_methods():
     assert MLOutputModel.get_class_str(MLBoxType.NEEDLE) == "Needle"
     assert MLOutputModel.get_class_str(100) == "Unknown"
 
+
 def test_beamline_state_enum_display_name():
-    # Test display_name (line 556)
     assert BeamlineStateEnum.SampleExchange.display_name() == "Sample exchange"
     assert BeamlineStateEnum.Moving.display_name() == "Moving"
-    # Using value for potentially unknown
-    assert BeamlineStateEnum.display_name(None) == "-"
+    assert BeamlineStateEnum.display_name(None) == "-"
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tests/unit/daq/test_auth.py b/tests/unit/daq/test_auth.py
index ac895b69..bbfc2f2b 100644
--- a/tests/unit/daq/test_auth.py
+++ b/tests/unit/daq/test_auth.py
@@ -50,25 +50,24 @@ def test_authenticate_user(mock_cfg):
          patch('os.getgrouplist') as mock_groups, \
          patch('grp.getgrgid') as mock_grp, \
          patch('aare.daq.auth.SECRET_KEY', 'test_secret'):
-        
+
         mock_pwd.return_value.pw_name = "testuser"
         mock_pwd.return_value.pw_gid = 1000
         mock_groups.return_value = [1000, 1001]
-        
+
         def get_group(gid):
             m = MagicMock()
-            if gid == 1000: m.gr_name = "p12345"
-            else: m.gr_name = "unx-MXgroup"
+            if gid == 1000:
+                m.gr_name = "p12345"
+            else:
+                m.gr_name = "unx-MXgroup"
             return m
-            
+
         mock_grp.side_effect = get_group
-        
-        form_data = MagicMock()
-        form_data.username = "testuser"
-        
-        token = authenticate_user(mock_cfg, form_data)
+
+        token = authenticate_user(mock_cfg, "testuser")
         assert isinstance(token, str)
-        
+
         payload = jwt.decode(token, 'test_secret', algorithms=["HS256"])
         assert payload["sub"] == "testuser"
         assert "p12345" in payload["pgroups"]
diff --git a/tests/unit/daq/test_server.py b/tests/unit/daq/test_server.py
index e41b9c53..54862bc4 100644
--- a/tests/unit/daq/test_server.py
+++ b/tests/unit/daq/test_server.py
@@ -49,9 +49,13 @@ def test_omega_put(client):
 
 
 def test_login_success(client):
-    with patch("aare.daq.auth.authenticate_user") as mock_auth:
-        mock_auth.return_value = "fake-access-token"
-        response = client.post("/token", data={"username": "user", "password": "pwd"})
+    with patch("aare.daq.auth.authenticate_from_proxy_header", return_value="user"), \
+         patch("aare.daq.auth.authenticate_user", return_value="fake-access-token"):
+        response = client.post(
+            "/token",
+            data={"username": "user", "password": "pwd"},
+            headers={"X-Remote-User": "user"},
+        )
         assert response.status_code == 200
         assert response.json() == {"access_token": "fake-access-token", "token_type": "bearer"}
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/daq/test_spreadsheetupdater.py b/tests/unit/daq/test_spreadsheetupdater.py
index c747db4e..c96e9529 100644
--- a/tests/unit/daq/test_spreadsheetupdater.py
+++ b/tests/unit/daq/test_spreadsheetupdater.py
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ from unittest.mock import MagicMock, patch
 from aare.daq.spreadsheetupdater import on_message, get_ws_headers, set_spreadsheet_in_redis
 from aare.common.models import SampleShortInfoList
 
+
 @pytest.fixture
 def mock_config():
     with patch('aare.daq.spreadsheetupdater.config') as mock:
@@ -14,30 +15,28 @@ def mock_config():
         mock._BeamlineConfig__bl = mock._BeamlineConfig__bl
         yield mock
 
+
 def test_get_ws_headers_success():
     with patch('os.getenv', return_value="secret"):
         headers = get_ws_headers()
         assert headers == ["X-Shared-Password: secret"]
 
+
 def test_get_ws_headers_fail():
     with patch('os.getenv', return_value=None):
         with pytest.raises(ValueError):
             get_ws_headers()
 
+
 def test_set_spreadsheet_in_redis(mock_config):
     data = {"test": "data"}
     with patch('aare.daq.spreadsheetupdater.config') as mock_cfg_internal:
-        # Mocking BOTH possible name-mangled names for the client
         mock_client = MagicMock()
         mock_cfg_internal._BeamlineConfig__client = mock_client
-        mock_cfg_internal.client = mock_client # In case it's not mangled or mangled differently
-        
-        # Also need to mock where it's actually used: config.__client.set
-        # If I can't guess the mangling, I'll just check what attributes mock_cfg_internal has
-        
+        mock_cfg_internal.client = mock_client
+
         set_spreadsheet_in_redis(data)
-        
-        # Check all mock attributes for a 'set' call
+
         found = False
         for attr in dir(mock_cfg_internal):
             val = getattr(mock_cfg_internal, attr)
@@ -46,6 +45,7 @@ def test_set_spreadsheet_in_redis(mock_config):
                 break
         assert found or mock_client.set.called
 
+
 def test_on_message_success(mock_config):
     message = json.dumps({
         "samples": [
@@ -67,6 +67,9 @@ def test_on_message_success(mock_config):
                         "position": 1,
                         "priority": 1,
                         "mount_count": 0,
+                        "rotation_count": 0,
+                        "raster_count": 0,
+                        "screening_count": 0,
                         "data_collection_parameters": {}
                     }
                 ]
@@ -89,24 +92,26 @@ def test_on_message_success(mock_config):
                         "position": 1,
                         "priority": 1,
                         "mount_count": 0,
+                        "rotation_count": 0,
+                        "raster_count": 0,
+                        "screening_count": 0,
                         "data_collection_parameters": {}
                     }
                 ]
             }
         ]
     })
-    
+
     on_message(None, message)
-    
-    # Check if normal spreadsheet was written
+
     normal_key = "X10SA:sample_spreadsheet"
     calls = mock_config._BeamlineConfig__client.set.call_args_list
     assert any(call.args[0] == normal_key for call in calls)
-    
-    # Check if reference tools were written
+
     ref_key = "X10SA:reference-tools"
     assert any(call.args[0] == ref_key for call in calls)
 
+
 def test_on_message_empty_ref(mock_config):
     message = json.dumps({
         "samples": [
@@ -123,14 +128,13 @@ def test_on_message_empty_ref(mock_config):
             }
         ]
     })
-    
+
     on_message(None, message)
-    
-    # Check if reference tools were deleted
+
     ref_key = "X10SA:reference-tools"
     mock_config._BeamlineConfig__client.delete.assert_called_with(ref_key)
 
+
 def test_on_message_invalid_json(mock_config):
-    # Should not raise exception, just print error
     on_message(None, "invalid json")
-    mock_config._BeamlineConfig__client.set.assert_not_called()
+    mock_config._BeamlineConfig__client.set.assert_not_called()
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tests/unit/gui/test_auth_mock.py b/tests/unit/gui/test_auth_mock.py
index 29c400ad..91e908b2 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gui/test_auth_mock.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gui/test_auth_mock.py
@@ -1,72 +1,44 @@
+import json
+import subprocess
+
 import pytest
-import requests
+
 from aare.gui.auth import auth
 
-# pytest-mock provides the 'mocker' fixture, which is a wrapper around the 
-# standard unittest.mock. It simplifies mocking by automatically handling 
-# cleanup (unpatching) after each test, and providing a more "pytest-native" 
-# feel compared to using @patch decorators or context managers.
 
 def test_auth_success(mocker):
-    """
-    Test successful authentication using pytest-mock's mocker fixture.
-    
-    In standard pytest/unittest, you would typically use:
-    with mock.patch('requests.post') as mock_post:
-        ...
-    Or a decorator:
-    @patch('requests.post')
-    def test_auth(mock_post):
-        ...
-        
-    pytest-mock allows you to use the 'mocker' fixture directly in the function arguments.
-    This avoids deeply nested context managers and makes it easier to mock multiple things.
-    """
-    
-    # We mock 'requests.post' to simulate a successful server response.
-    # mocker.patch returns a MagicMock object.
-    mock_post = mocker.patch("requests.post")
-    
-    # Configure the mock response
-    mock_response = mocker.Mock()
-    mock_response.status_code = 200
-    mock_response.json.return_value = {"access_token": "fake_token_abc.123.xyz"}
-    mock_post.return_value = mock_response
-    
-    # Call the function under test
+    mock_run = mocker.patch("aare.gui.auth.subprocess.run")
+    mock_run.return_value = mocker.Mock(
+        returncode=0,
+        stdout=json.dumps({"access_token": "fake_token_abc.123.xyz"}),
+        stderr="",
+    )
+
     token = auth("http://test-server")
-    
-    # Verify the results
+
     assert token == "fake_token_abc.123.xyz"
-    mock_post.assert_called_once()
-    
-    # Check that it was called with the expected URL
-    args, kwargs = mock_post.call_args
-    assert args[0] == "http://test-server/token"
+    mock_run.assert_called_once()
+    args, kwargs = mock_run.call_args
+    assert "curl" in args[0]
+    assert "http://test-server/token" in args[0]
+
 
 def test_auth_network_failure(mocker):
-    """
-    Test authentication failure due to network error using mocker.
-    """
-    # Mock requests.post to raise an exception
-    mock_post = mocker.patch("requests.post")
-    mock_post.side_effect = requests.RequestException("Connection refused")
-    
+    mock_run = mocker.patch("aare.gui.auth.subprocess.run")
+    mock_run.side_effect = OSError("Connection refused")
+
     with pytest.raises(RuntimeError) as excinfo:
         auth("http://test-server")
-    
+
     assert "Cannot reach AareDAQ server" in str(excinfo.value)
 
+
 def test_auth_no_url_returns_dummy_jwt(mocker):
-    """
-    Test that when base_url is None, it returns a dummy JWT without network calls.
-    We can use mocker to verify that requests.post was NEVER called.
-    """
-    mock_post = mocker.patch("requests.post")
-    mocker.patch("os.getlogin", return_value="testuser")
-    
+    mock_run = mocker.patch("aare.gui.auth.subprocess.run")
+    mocker.patch("aare.gui.auth.get_user", return_value="testuser")
+
     token = auth(None)
-    
+
     assert isinstance(token, str)
-    assert token.count('.') == 2 # Basic JWT structure check
-    mock_post.assert_not_called()
+    assert token.count('.') == 2
+    mock_run.assert_not_called()
\ No newline at end of file