Apparatuses and methods for controlling transfer of substances to a formulation container to provide a predetermined formulation. A controller may utilize one or more of a flow time, flow rate or a volume of transfer of substance. Barcoded and RFID-containing components may be used to determine what connection or disconnection has been made, and/or time thereof. Process compliance may compare measured or determined flow or connection time, flow rate and/or the transfer volume to a predetermined time, flow rate and/or volume, and adjust one or more of the time, flow rate and/or the volume of the transfer. An optional holder or cradle is configured to receive therein a fluid transfer connector formed by the connection of first and second connector portions, each in fluid communication with a flow conduit or channel that delivers substance to or receives substance from its respective connector portion, only if the connector portions are properly connected together. One or more sensors may be used to determine identification information of the connector and/or flow rates of substance through the connector.