What’s New
Instron’s team of Bluehill developers never stop innovating to make your testing experience simpler, smarter, and safer.
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Effortless Workflows and Streamlined Functionality
The Operator Dashboard features large touchpoints and easy-to-understand icons, making the user experience simpler and smarter. Designed with ergonomics in mind, the Operator Dashboard is a large format All-in-One computer and touch screen that can be either mounted to the side of a user’s Instron system or used with a pedestal base mount.
View Dashboard Specifications
Simplicity doesn’t mean that you have to give up advanced features. Bluehill Universal’s modular features give you the power and flexibility to run the most complex of tests.
Security
Bluehill Security allows a Lab Manager to configure permission in the software, granting access to trained personnel, such as super users, and limiting access where needed. Bluehill Security allows login permissions to be configured directly in Bluehill, or linked to the local Windows login or Windows Active Directory.
Security in Bluehill Software White PaperWebinar: Improve Data Integrity with Bluehill Universal Security
Traceability Module
Bluehill Universal’s Traceability Module enables users to meet the audit requirements associated with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 17025, Nadcap, and others. Through seamless integration of electronic approvals and an automated audit trail, this powerful add-on combines with Bluehill’s built-in security to provide unmatched data traceability.
(Optional Capability)Brochure
Features Comparison: Standard Security vs. Traceability (Local) vs. Traceability (Bluehill Central)
FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Implementation White Paper
Data Integrity and Bluehill Traceability | Creating a More Efficient Lab
Webinar: Introducing Bluehill Universal’s Traceability Module
Database Types
Traceability’s audit trail offers both a network and local database to accommodate your data management preference. A networked, centralized database offers your lab greater efficiencies and reduced risks when compared to locally managed data. Determining your lab’s IT infrastructure and data management preferences is recommended when considering these alternatives.
Bluehill Universal’s local Traceability module stores audit trail data on a Microsoft SQL Express database that is hosted on the computer running Bluehill Universal connected to the Instron system. The local database model accommodates labs that cannot connect computers to a shared network. Viewing the audit trail and electronically signing files occurs locally on the computer, and each Instron system with a local Traceability database stores its own SQL Express database. Database backup and restore functions can be performed manually in Bluehill Universal.
The network solution for Instron’s Traceability is powered by Bluehill Central, which employs a client/server framework to store all shared audit trail data, files, and settings on a Microsoft SQL Server database. When Bluehill Universal is connected to your lab’s Bluehill Central server, each testing system send and receives data from the centralized database, eliminating the risk of variation and the burden of locally managing each system. Viewing the audit trail, electronically signing files, and user management is performed either remotely in Bluehill Central or locally in Bluehill Universal. Database backup and restore functions can be performed manually in Bluehill Central.
Application Programming Interface
Bluehill Universal’s Application Programming Interface (API) allows system administrators to program their own custom interfaces for controlling pre- and post-test actions within Bluehill. In many cases, the API can allow you to automate some components of the testing sequence, as well as create your own interface for running certain parts of the system, like importing, starting, or exporting.
Learn MoreOff-Line Licenses
Some users prefer to build methods or perform post-test data analysis at their own desks or remotely on their laptops, rather than at the test instrument. The Off-line Programming and Data Analysis option is available in either a single or unlimited license.
Instron Connect, built into Bluehill Universal, leverages the Internet of Things (IoT) to bring customers even faster, more streamlined technical support. Instron strives to be the leader in customer satisfaction, and Instron Connect helps bring our support engineers even closer to your organization.
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Technical Support
Instron Connect allows our Technical Support team to provide unparalleled support and guidance. Our investments in secure connectivity allow us to directly read system diagnostics information, assist you with software questions via remote screen share and put our eyes in your lab for hardware issues through our augmented reality video support platform.
Enhance Your Capability
Improve your Instron system’s productivity with the InSkill AI troubleshooting tool which draws on a wealth of proprietary technical expertise to rapidly diagnose issues and provide solutions.
Obtain Information Fast
Access your Instron system’s calibration certificates, service history and service agreement information through the Instron Connect Portal or InSkill AI mobile app to provide security for audit and lab evaluations.
COMPATIBILITY
Bluehill Universal is available with an Operator Dashboard on new 6800 and 3400 systems. It can also be added to existing 6800, 3400, 5900, 3300, 5500, 59R, and IS02 static testing systems, in addition to systems upgraded to 5900 and 6800 electronics. ElectroPuls™ and 8800 dynamic systems can also take advantage of Bluehill Universal’s versatility and ease-of-use when running static tests.
As your lab looks to upgrade Windows operating systems or Bluehill software, it is important to check compatibility.
| Bluehill LE* | Bluehill 3* | Bluehill Universal | Bluehill Elements | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 7 | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Windows 8 | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Windows 10 | 3.83 only | No | Yes | Yes |
| Windows 11 | No | No | 4.28 or greater | 4.28 or greater |