Digitalization runs in the veins of Metrohm
Since the beginning of the 1970s, Metrohm has been committed to digitalization and has incorporated the latest digital technology into its instruments. As early as the year 2002, digital data management, instrument control and integration as well as self-monitoring features have become an integral part of the Metrohm product portfolio.
At Metrohm, we understand digitalization as a means of ensuring better, more reliable, and faster results. Digitalization is the backbone of modern laboratories.
Our solutions enhance digitalization in laboratories and process environments and include an overall digital platform, automation and robotics, and enterprise services.
More about Laboratory automation
More about Laboratory robotics
Digital labs or Lab 4.0
Instruments and software in a modern lab are no longer stand-alone entities, they belong to a process or a network of data.
Our goal was to create a software-controlled analytical workbench with standardized user interfaces and a unique software for data handling. The software tiamoTM marked the first step. Fast forward from 2004 to 2024, Metrohm now provides a platform that fully integrates technologies such as NIR spectroscopy and titration in one software concept. We call it OMNIS (lat. everything).
OMNIS Software is a modern application and provides flexible setup for single desktop use as well as client/server configurations. The server can run as a on-prem, data center, or even cloud installation. This makes it most adaptable to the needs of small businesses to global operating enterprises.
OMNIS Software connects to your titration devices as well as NIR spectrometers from Metrohm. However, it is not exclusive to the Metrohm device realm: it connects to balances, turbidity meters, density meters, UV-Vis spectrometers, and many other devices. The OMNIS platform seamlessly integrates in your lab IT environment offering state-of-the-art communication protocols such as REST to support all workflows in the laboratory.
The low-code approach that was introduced with the tiamoTM software in 2004 was implemented and improved in OMNIS. Users can easily understand and write even complex methods and operating procedures using drag and drop commands.
Laboratory automation
The automation platform OMNIS Sample Robot marked another Metrohm first in 2016. It increased the throughput to a new level thanks to multiple workstations running in parallel and fed by the integrated robot arm. It was subsequently enhanced with new functionalities including liquid handling and heating. The OMNIS Sample Robot is now the core element to handle samples of different sizes, amounts, and for different applications. The unprecedented flexibility in configuration and add-on selection makes it the platform for lab automation.
However, customization of the platform to the needs at hand has always been a strength of Metrohm. Therefore, we can now look back on over 100 customer-specific alterations from balance modules, barcode scanners, and many more. This makes the OMNIS Sample Robot the most versatile platform on the analytical instrument market.
Laboratory robotics
The combination of all Metrohm instruments in a robotic platform is the latest development. To achieve this, Metrohm works together with a network of trusted partners for system integration. All Metrohm devices can be built in any kind of independently running lab.
For instance, a customer's engineering project led to our first fully automated and integrated robotic platform for oil sample analysis, the Lab Robot TAN/TBN. Read more in the blog article.
Blog: Lab of the future – Automated robotic analysis of petroleum products
Process analytics 4.0
Metrohm does not stop in the lab – all analytical technologies can be used in the process environment, catering to the industry 4.0 approach of instant control and monitoring quality and throughput in a plant.
With IMPACT software, all necessary information can be delivered from the analyzers to a PCS (Process control center). Fast and non-destructive technologies, such as spectroscopic methods, can deliver instant information on the product inline or atline. Metrohm provides a rich portfolio of process analyzers, for instance a NIRS (Near Infrared spectroscopy) analyzer, Raman analyzer, or XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyzer.
Inbound and outbound material analysis helps to secure a stable supply chain in a plant with high-quality raw materials and hence high-quality products.
Further information is provided in our blog article:
Blog: Building a Smart(er) Factory by implementing Process Analytics 4.0 solutions
Enterprise Services
Metrohm Enterprise Services offer a rich package of IT services focused on the OMNIS platform.
In the demanding world-wide OMNIS Client/Server installation and operation, Metrohm Enterprise Services supports the implementation on-site and remote as well as IT project management to directly address the technical needs of our clients’ IT departments. The services include support with SLA in different time zones to meet all customer scenarios and needs and ensure a quick response time by knowledgeable specialists.