Instron introduces Bluehill Central lab management software

Instron (Norwood, Mass., U.S.) launches Bluehill Central, a networked lab management solution for the company’s Bluehill Universal material testing software. Bluehill Central authorizes lab managers to remotely manage all test systems running Bluehill Universal, regardless of the number of systems or their location.

Bluehill Central uses a single database to centrally manage Instron systems and data at the enterprise level, simplifying the lab management process. Lab managers are able to remotely manage a wide range of tasks across all the frames on their network, including all Bluehill Universal users and permissions, test method templates, results, file revision approvals and audit trail data.

The software platform is built around the concept of teams, which are groups of users that share common files and settings. An individual operator’s permissions and access to files and approved test methods are defined by their team, giving labs the flexibility to support different workflows and settings depending on who is using the test frame.

The Traceability module in Bluehill Central gives lab managers top-down control over test method changes, requests and test results, simplifying approvals and compliance while preventing accidental use of unapproved test methods. Activity from all connected test systems is automatically captured in a secure and searchable audit trail, Instron adds, offering a convenient way to review who did what, when and why. This aids in speeding up the audit process and better controlling risk along the way.

Test results from a network of connected test frames can also be set up to automatically upload to a central repository, enabling all test results to be analyzed using the TrendTracker module in Bluehill Central. This module permits users to quickly search and analyze data, for easier identification and remediation of inconsistencies.