The EasyMatch Suite was developed to empower users with seamless control and connectivity—from stand-alone instrument operation to multi-site, cloud-enabled data management of HunterLab Essentials based instruments. At its core, EasyMatch Essentials™ runs directly on the HunterLab Essentials enabled instrument touchscreen interface, providing full-featured, self-contained operation with no external computer required. For users who prefer a desktop workflow, EasyMatch Quality Central™ extends functionality to include multi-instrument management, third-party software integration, and cloud-based data archiving. EasyMatch Essentials™-ER (Electronic Records) provides secure, compliant, and fully traceable data management across all HunterLab Essentials-based instruments. Together, these connected measurement platforms enable manufacturers to thrive in the Next-Generation Intelligent Manufacturing Era—where data, AI, and human expertise converge. 

Introduction

Modern manufacturing demands both precision and connectivity. Whether color measurement takes place at a single laboratory bench or across a network of global production sites, the software behind the system determines how efficiently data moves, how accurately results are captured, and how reliably quality is maintained.

The EasyMatch Suite of Software Solutions extends that precision and control to every user. With EasyMatch Essentials™ providing complete on-board operation and EasyMatch Quality Central™ enabling advanced PC-based management and connectivity, and EasyMatch Essentials™-ER (Electronic Records), this unified software platform allows laboratories, production teams, and enterprise networks to measure, analyze, and manage color data with total confidence.

Together, these solutions create a seamless path from stand-alone quality control to fully integrated digital color management, delivering unmatched accuracy, speed, and traceability throughout the production chain.

Purpose

The purpose of the EasyMatch Suite is to provide flexible, scalable color data management that adapts to any workflow—from independent quality labs to globally networked manufacturing systems.

At the instrument level, EasyMatch Essentials™ delivers a complete self-contained environment for color measurement, data management, and report generation, all through each instrument's intuitive touchscreen interface. No external computer or additional software is needed.

At the enterprise level, EasyMatch Quality Central™ extends these capabilities to multi-instrument environments, offering advanced analysis, centralized data storage, third-party integration, and cloud-based archiving.

This dual-platform approach supports today’s drive toward Next-Generation Intelligent Manufacturing, giving users complete control over color—from local measurement to global data synchronization.

Why It Matters

Color data is only as valuable as the system that manages it. Inconsistent workflows, manual transcription, and disconnected databases can lead to lost information, miscommunication, and costly rework.

The EasyMatch Suite eliminates these risks by providing a unified platform where every measurement, tolerance, and report is digitally captured, traceable, and network-ready.

• For laboratories, it means simplified operation and standardized methods across teams and shifts.
• For production facilities, it means real-time color monitoring and automated data transfer to LIMS, SPC, or MES systems.
• For management, it means reliable data visibility across all instruments, plants, and suppliers—supporting proactive decision-making and continuous improvement.

By combining intuitive on-board control with enterprise connectivity, EasyMatch ensures that color information flows seamlessly from the instrument to the organization, closing the loop between measurement, analysis, and process optimization.

 

EasyMatch Solutions

1. EasyMatch Essentials™ — Complete On-Board Control

EasyMatch Essentials™ is embedded software that runs directly on the instrument’s internal processor and touchscreen interface.

• Full-Function Operation: Operators can perform measurements, create workspaces, and conduct pass/fail evaluations—all from the intuitive touchscreen.
• Visual Data Management: Real-time trend charts, colorimetric plots, and batch statistics provide immediate insights without leaving the instrument.
• Local Data Storage: Templates, tolerances, and standards can be saved directly to the instrument, ensuring consistency across users and shifts.
• User-Friendly Interface: The clear, icon-driven layout is optimized for both new and experienced operators, reducing training time and operational errors.

Large-Format Display and Visualization

Essentials connects directly to an external monitor via USB, mirroring the user interface for large format viewing, side-by-side data comparison, collaborative reviews, and training demonstrations—ideal for laboratories with shared workspaces or multi-user environments.

 

Seamless System Integration — LIMS, SPC, and MES Connectivity

Essentials is built for modern manufacturing environments that demand digital integration and traceability.

• Open Architecture: Supports standard communication protocols for LIMS and SPC connectivity.
• Dual Communication Ports: Ethernet TCP/IP and USB interfaces allow both direct and networked communication.
• Automatic Data Export: Color, gloss, and imaging data can be transmitted automatically for real-time SPC trending or archived batch documentation.
• Secure Data Handling: All exported data are traceable, time-stamped, and compliant with GMP and ISO 17025 workflows.

2. EasyMatch Quality Central™ — PC Based Advanced Data Management and Reporting

For users who prefer or require PC-based operation, EasyMatch Quality Central™ expands the platform’s capabilities:

• Multi-Instrument Management: Control and compare multiple instruments across departments or facilities.
• Advanced Analysis Tools: Perform deeper trend analysis, statistical evaluations, and comparative batch studies.
• Third-Party Integration: Seamlessly connects to existing ERP, MES, and process control systems.
• Cloud Backup and Restore: Ensures enterprise-level data security, disaster recovery, and long-term traceability.

3. EasyMatch Essentials™ - ER (Electronic Records) 

EasyMatch Essentials™- ER (Electronic Records) provides secure, compliant, and fully traceable data management across all HunterLab Essentials-based instruments. Available both on-board and within EasyMatch Quality Central™, it ensures every color measurement is protected, auditable, and aligned with international regulatory standards.

 

EasyMatch Essentials-ER (Electronic Records) is engineered for laboratories that operate in highly regulated environments, particularly within bio-pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and medical device manufacturing. The software provides a unified, validated platform for color and appearance data acquisition, ensuring that every record meets FDA, EU, and USP expectations for data integrity and auditability.

Each measurement record is automatically time-stamped and permanently linked to the user ID, instrument serial number, and calibration reference, creating a continuous electronic trail from data acquisition through export. This framework supports both standalone and networked instrument configurations, enabling QA managers and compliance officers to demonstrate full control over analytical data without manual transcription or re-entry errors.

 

The EasyMatch Essentials-ER platform delivers more than analytical precision—it delivers regulatory confidence.

• End-to-End Data Integrity: Ensures every record is traceable, secured, and validated.
• Regulatory Readiness: Meets the expectations of FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and USP.
• Scalable Architecture: Operates seamlessly from standalone instruments to enterprise networks.
• Efficiency and Trust: Eliminates manual logging and verification steps while ensuring full transparency for audits and QA review.

 

EasyMatch Applications and Industry Impact

• Manufacturing & Quality Control – Streamlines color QC workflows from measurement to approval, reducing manual steps and documentation time.
• Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics – Provides traceable, compliant data management across regulated environments requiring GMP and ISO 17025 standards.
• Plastics & Packaging – Enables real-time data synchronization with LIMS/SPC systems for continuous appearance monitoring across multiple lines.
• Food & Beverage – Centralizes measurement data from multiple production sites, supporting brand consistency in color and appearance.
• Automotive & Coatings – Connects color and gloss results across labs and suppliers, ensuring alignment in global quality programs.

EasyMatch Advantages

• Complete Flexibility: Operate stand-alone with EasyMatch Essentials™ or connect enterprise-wide via EasyMatch Quality Central™.
• Seamless Integration: Ethernet connectivity ensures plug-and-play compatibility with modern quality systems.
• Unified Data Management: Consolidates color, gloss, and imaging data into one traceable workflow.
• Scalable Architecture: Grows with your needs—from a single instrument to a networked fleet.
• Data Integrity & Compliance: Secure, traceable communication supports GMP, ISO, FDA, and Intelligent Manufacturing.

Conclusion

The HunterLab EasyMatch Suite of Software Solutions delivers intelligence behind and precision. Whether operated as a stand-alone instrument, integrated into enterprise-wide systems, or connected to a large-format display for collaboration and training, EasyMatch solutions ensure that color measurement, management, and reporting are unified within one powerful, connected ecosystem.

From single-lab control to global data integration, EasyMatch Essentials™ and EasyMatch Quality Central™ help organizations move from “measured color” to “managed appearance”, delivering speed, consistency, and confidence in every decision.

To learn more about Color and Color Science in industrial QC applications, click here: Fundamentals of Color and Appearance

Do you need more information? Submit a ticket and a support team member will reach out to you soon!