Network Configuration Is Required
The PC and instrument must be connected to the same network via a switch or router. Direct Ethernet cable connection is not supported in version 2026.1.
License Activation Is Instrument-Based
The Quality Central license must be activated on the Essentials L2 instrument using the provided USB drive before PC connection can occur.
EasyMatch® Quality Central is a PC-based color quality management platform that mirrors the embedded Essentials L2 software. Once installed and licensed, it allows users to:
Connect to Essentials L2 instruments over a network
Synchronize WorkSpaces and Jobs automatically
Monitor and analyze measurement data from a centralized PC
Copy, export, and automatically file-sync measurement data
Launch or send standardized WorkSpaces between instruments
Import legacy EasyMatch® QC data and migrate standards
This video walks through the complete setup process—from license activation on the instrument to network connection and data management configuration— ensuring users can confidently deploy Quality Central in production or lab environments.
EasyMatch Quality Central Quick Start Guide
1. Before You Begin
Quality Central requires a valid license and Essentials L2 version 2026.1 or later.
Before starting, make sure you have:
- A Quality Central license (USB flash drive)
- Access to download EasyMatch Quality Central from support.hunterlab.com
- An instrument updated to Essentials L2 2026.1 or later. If your instrument is running an earlier version of Essentials L2, download and install the latest version from support.hunterlab.com before proceeding.
- A PC connected to the same network as the instrument
- Minimum PC requirement:
| Component | Minimum Requirements |
| Operating System | Windows 10 (64-bit), Professional or Enterprise Windows 11 (64-bit), Professional or Enterprise |
| Processor | 1.5 GHz or faster, 64-bit processor |
| RAM | 8 GB RAM minimum (16 GB recommended) |
| Hard Drive | 20 GB available disk space minimum (SSD recommended) |
| Network | 1 Gigabit Ethernet network adapter (built-in or USB-C adapter required for instrument communication) |
| Display | 1920 × 1080 resolution or higher |
| USB Ports | At least one available USB port (for instrument connection if required) |
| Internet Access | Required for software updates and instrument connection (if applicable) |
2. Activate the License on the Instrument
Insert the USB flash drive containing the Quality Central license into the instrument.
When the activation prompt appears on the Essentials L2 screen, select Enable.
Once activated, the instrument is ready for connection to Quality Central.
3. Install EasyMatch Quality Central on PC
Download the installer from support.hunterlab.com and run it on your PC.
Follow the installation prompts and launch the application when installation completes.
4. Connect the Instrument
Ensure the PC and instrument are connected to the same network. Connection through a network switch or router which assigns IP addresses is supported.
When Quality Central opens, instruments available on the network appear in the Instruments panel. Double-click the instrument you want to connect to.
The first time you connect, you will be prompted to enter an access code. On the instrument, navigate to:
Essentials L2 System Menu → Instrument Settings → Network Settings
Enter the displayed code into Quality Central. The instrument window will then open.
Access code showed in Essentials L2 Network Settings
Enter Access code in EasyMatch Quality Central
5. Viewing Measurement Data
All WorkSpaces and Jobs on the instrument are synchronized automatically in Quality Central.
5.1 Open a Job
Double-click a Job to load its measurements.
5.2 Display Data
Select one or more measurements to display them in the available views, including:
- EZ View
- Color Data Table
- Spectra Plot
- Spectra Data Table
- Color Plot
- Sample Image.
You may collapse the Workspace or Measurement panels to enlarge the data display area.
6. Data Output
6.1 Copy and Paste
Measurement data shown in the Color Data Table or Spectra Data Table can be copied directly into a spreadsheet.
After selecting the desired measurements, right-click and choose Copy or Copy with Header. Standard keyboard shortcuts are supported.
6.2 Export Measurements
Measurements can be exported in a configured format per WorkSpace.
Select the measurements and use the Export function to choose file format and destination. The export configuration is saved with the WorkSpace.
6.3 Automatic CSV Export (File Sync)
Quality Central can automatically export measurements to CSV files.
Enable File Sync in the WorkSpace settings, then configure the destination folder and export rules under Settings → Integrations. Once enabled, CSV files update automatically when new measurements are taken.
File Sync cannot be enabled on default WorkSpaces. A custom WorkSpace must be created first.
7. Send or Launch a WorkSpace in Essentials L2
Launch on Instrument: A WorkSpace or Job can be opened directly on the instrument Essentials L2 from Quality Central.
Send to Instrument: You can also send a WorkSpace to another instrument Essentials L2, allowing standardized setup across multiple devices.
8. Legacy Data Import and Standard Migration
Import legacy EasyMatch® QC jobs through Settings → EasyMatchQC Import to preserve historical data in Quality Central.
Standards saved in EasyMatch® QC can be pushed to Essentials L2 instruments as WorkSpaces for consistent setup across instruments.
9. Why Use Quality Central?
Quality Central expands the capabilities of Essentials L2 by allowing you to:
- Synchronize measurement data continuously
- Monitor multiple instruments from one PC
- Copy and export data efficiently
- Automatically export measurement data
- Share WorkSpaces between instruments
- Import legacy EZMQC jobs and migrate standards
Essentials L2 operates on a single instrument.
Quality Central centralizes and enhances workflow management.
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