Merck, a leading science and technology company, has introduced its BrightLab™ cloud-based inventory management and instrument connectivity platform for research scientists. The new software includes an electronic lab notebook, which allows scientists and lab managers to track and update experiments from any computer or mobile device.

“In today’s research environment, analog methods of documentation and analysis often take us away from the research itself,” said Klaus-Reinhard Bischoff, head of Research Solutions, Life Science, at Merck. “By centralizing essential research information, we are empowering scientists to be more productive, save time and avoid costly errors.”

Recognizing the increasing demand for data automation, Merck’s BrightLab™ software connects lab instruments to the cloud via application programming interface and Internet of Things (IoT) integrations, avoiding the need for manual transcription. It saves researchers hours of unnecessary review, allowing for more time at the bench. The platform also automates workflows and produces a secure, searchable archive of reports. All information on the cloud is accessible to only to designated users since the platform is designed with SSL encryption and provides data integrity with audit trails and regular backups built in.

“The BrightLab™ platform has transformed our chemical management processes,” said Emmet Campion, laboratory manager, Royal College of Surgeons, in Ireland. “We now have complete oversight of our chemical inventory across multiple sites, including hazard identification and safety documentation, as well as the ability to reorder. It is the complete system for the modern laboratory.”

Merck’s BrightLab™ platform recognizes that every lab has its own devices, so it connects with a growing library of supported instruments. Once set up, scientists can search data across projects and experiments. Lab equipment maintenance reminders, calibrations and protocols are saved in one place to stay organized and, ultimately, speed up the discovery process.

The platform is available at no charge to individual lab customers in academia. For those in industry, a 30-day free trial is available on brightlab.com to test the product and gain familiarity with its core lab function optimization features.

About Merck

Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 56,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene- editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – Merck is everywhere. In 2018, Merck generated sales of €14.8 billion in 66 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck’s technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the “Merck” name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Performance Materials.

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