BLUEHILL® UNIVERSAL

Simpler, Smarter, Safer Materials Testing Software


Bluehill Universal is the testing industry’s most advanced software platform. The portrait layout and touchscreen interface feature an outstanding visual design that improves user experience while also incorporating safety features. Intuitive workflows make it easy to train users, simplify operator training, and allow you to start testing faster than ever before.


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Bluehill Universal Operator Dashboard




SIMPLER
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





QuickTest

For when you need results fast, QuickTest allows users to enter a few simple parameters and run their test within seconds.
 


Method Templates

Bluehill Universal includes an extensive library of pre-configured methods for some of the most commonly used ASTM, ISO, and EN standards.
 


Prompted Tests / Workflow

Users can be guided through the entire testing process with step-by-step instructions, ensuring that tests remain repeatable, simple, and error-free.
 




Integrated Specimen Measurement

Connect micrometers and calipers directly into the system to effortlessly import specimen dimensions for stress measurements.
 
 


Pass/Fail
 

Allows users to add a test component to the workspace to quickly visualize if a test passed or failed based on the acceptance criteria set in the test method.
 
 


Barcode
Scanner

Users can seamlessly enter information into Bluehill Universal with any USB barcode scanner. Simply create a barcode, inclusive of the tab function, and information can be added in any text or number input fields.
 





Running a Test in Bluehill Universal




SMARTER
Advanced Capability without the Complexity

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.

If you require custom features or integrations, Instron can develop a custom version for your needs.

Learn About Custom Bluehill Services





TestProfiler

Build simple cyclic tests that include ramps, holds, and triangle waves. Conditional logic allows you to create looping patterns that help you re-create real-life scenarios with your tests.

(Optional Capability)

Learn More


Choice Inputs

Choice inputs provide users with a preconfigured list of options that minimize data entry time and reduce the risk of error for commonly used inputs, such as operator name, color, or specimen type. Additionally, each choice can be linked with other parameters, such as test rate or dimensions.

  Improving Productivity with Linked Choice Inputs
  Instron Live | Tips and Tricks for Choice Inputs




Expression Builder

Build your own custom functions using a list of variables, measurements, and raw data. For example, users can set test speed as a function of specimen width and thickness or create a custom raw data expression such as subtracting out drag force when testing in a fluid bath.
 


Revision History

Revision history allows users to view the full revision history of Bluehill methods, tested samples, and report templates. Each revision contains the details of the affected item, including a time stamp, both the previous and the new value, and the name of the user who made the change.
 








SECURITY & TRACEABILITY


Bluehill Universal Security

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 Paper
  Webinar: 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.


local systems

Local

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.


Bluehill Central Architecture

Network

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.





 

DATA ANALYSIS



Customizable Exporting

Export anything post-test, from a professional report with graphs and tables, to customized text files to integrate with your Lab Information Management System.

Learn More

Analysis

Replay, reanalyze, or make modifications to previously-tested specimens without having to re-run tests.

(Optional Capability)

 


TestCam

Connect a USB webcam to experience point-by-point video playback, allowing you to view the test even after it has finished.

(Optional Capability)

 




Subsamples

Using subsample, users have the ability to sort results by all parameters including operator name, specimen break location, and specific specimen properties.
 
 

 


TrendTracker

With the TrendTracker add-on, Bluehill Universal exports results and associated sample information directly to Bluehill Central's SQL database. From the TrendTracker module in Bluehill Central, users can easily query relevant data sets to analyze process control metrics of your testing.

(Optional Capability)




Operator Using an Offline License of Bluehill Universal




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 More


Off-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
The Next Generation of Technical Support


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.





Instron Connect Icon

Industry Leading
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.
 


Reduce Risk Icon

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.
 
 
 
 
 


Software Update Icon

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.
 
 
 
 






Instron Universal Testing Machines




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.


Windows® Compatibility

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