Fastener Testing

Instron has introduced Bluehill Central, a networked lab management solution for Bluehill Universal software, which allows lab managers to remotely manage all test systems running Bluehill Universal – regardless of the number of systems or their worldwide locations.

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

“Many labs with multiple Instron systems feel the burden of localised management and have expressed a preference to centrally manage templates and data,” explains Dan Caesar, product manager for Instron’s static testing software. “Bluehill Central was developed to address that burden by offering a centralised platform to simplify file and user management, lower risks associated to testing errors and make regulatory compliance easier than ever before.”

Bluehill Central 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 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, offering a convenient way to review who did what, when and why. This can speed up the audit process and better control 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, allowing all test results to be analysed using the TrendTracker module in Bluehill Central. This module permits users to quickly search and analyse data, making it easier to identify and remediate inconsistencies.