A provider of scientific instruments faced increasing operational inefficiencies as laboratories relied on multiple standalone devices, each with its own user management and data-handling. This fragmented setup created administrative overhead and compliance challenges in regulated environments.

To address this issue, we partnered with the client to create and implement an on-premises Data Management Platform (DMP) to unify user access, device management, and data access across all connected instruments within an air-gapped infrastructure. The result is simplified operations, reduced administrative effort, and a consistent foundation for managing laboratory systems securely and efficiently.

From a project perspective, the solution is a production-ready, on-premises platform designed for air-gapped environments within the scientific and laboratory domain. It enables centralised control over users, devices, and data without relying on cloud infrastructure.

The platform we implemented reduced administrative effort related to user and permissions management by approximately 50%, while support tickets decreased by 30–40% due to more standardised configurations and workflows.

Operationally, the platform introduces standardised access control and unified data access and control across connected devices, reducing duplication in both configuration and development efforts while enabling consistent system behaviour.

As laboratories expanded their use of specialised instruments, managing multiple devices independently became increasingly inefficient. Each system required separate user administration, configuration, and data access, leading to duplicated effort and inconsistent control across the environment.

In regulated settings, this fragmentation made it more difficult to maintain consistent user permissions and data governance. At the same time, the need to operate within on-premises, air-gapped environments limited the ability to adopt typical cloud-based centralisation approaches.

We partnered with the client to design and create a centralised platform that could unify these operations while respecting the constraints of security and on-premises infrastructure. The focus was on creating a system that reduces operational complexity, standardises processes, and supports consistent management across all devices.

To address these challenges, we introduced a centralised Data Management Platform to unify key operational functions across all connected laboratory instruments. User management and access control, previously handled separately on each device, are now centralised, reducing repetitive administrative tasks and ensuring consistent permissions across systems, directly lowering setup and maintenance effort. As user management is now simplified, the platform reduces inconsistencies that previously led to support requests. This contributes to a 30-40% decrease in support tickets and more predictable system usage.

The platform operates entirely within the client’s on-premises infrastructure, ensuring that data remains local. This design supports environments with restricted external connectivity and aligns with requirements for handling sensitive data. Another valuable improvement is the ability to deploy new features across all connected devices at the same time.

The platform enables centralised access to operational and measurement data generated by connected devices. Users can review and manage information without relying on individual device applications, improving accessibility within the existing infrastructure. This increase in efficiency and consistency strengthens customer loyalty by improving daily usability and operational reliability, as it encourages laboratories to use their interconnected devices for greater efficiency.

The Data Management Platform solution can be deployed in environments where multiple devices of the same make or product line, but using different software, need to be centrally managed under strict data control requirements. For organisations that already have the hardware for on-premises or air-gapped setups, it offers a faster, simpler alternative to cloud storage.

The approach can be extended to other industries facing similar challenges around fragmented systems and the need for centralised access and control.

By setting up the Data Management Platform as a solid foundation to connect devices, simplify access and maintenance, and increase efficiency, we have opened the door for additional integrations or advanced data usage scenarios within the same centralised environment.

By moving from isolated device management to a centralised approach, our solution simplifies operations, reduces operational complexity and improves consistency across laboratory environments. Does your organisation face similar challenges? Let’s explore how we can help your plant run more efficiently.