SmartLabs for Dealers
Deliver workflow add-ons around ZEN, without building an internal software team.
Unblock deals when workflow details slow them down
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Upsell automation packages without increasing your operational load.
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Back up your team (scoping calls, implementation, handover)
You keep the customer relationship and commercial ownership.
Delivery partner
for ZEN workflow engineering
SmartLabs is a specialist software engineering team focused exclusively on microscopy automation in the ZEISS ZEN ecosystem (ZEN blue/black editions and ZEN core). We ship production-ready ZEN extensions that make acquisition, processing, and export/reporting repeatable and supportable.
For ZEISS dealers, we integrate into your project delivery process and provide validated releases, clean installation, and long-term maintainability.
Our track record in
the ZEISS ecosystem
We’re used to collaborating with dealers, application specialists, and ZEISS stakeholders during scoping and delivery. Our focus is practical, maintainable extensions that don't impact your service/warranty.
6+ years
of delivering microscopy automation in the ZEISS ecosystem.
40+ projects
shipped with application teams from life science and industrial contexts.
How we collaborate
with dealers
You stay the primary partner. We act as the software implementation layer when a request is too custom or time-consuming.
What we deliver
Pre-sales scoping (what’s feasible, what’s risky, what to avoid)
Implementation + validation of the ZEN extension
Handover package (install notes, user steps, troubleshooting)
We can join calls (as your software delivery partner)
Commercially straightforward
Customer pays for the implementation (project-based)
No upfront cost for the dealer
The dealer’s top questions
1. Who pays? / How do we collaborate financially?
2. Are your solutions authorized by ZEISS?
3. Will this create more support work for me later?
4. Are the solutions aligned with ZEISS ZEN’s supported
environments?
5. Is SmartLabs an international partner?
Solutions offered by SmartLabs:
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Consistent Export and Reporting
Typical outputs: export package + CSV/Excel + PDF report + run manifest.
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We make exports deterministic: naming, foldering, metadata capture, and automatic CSV/PDF/template reports in the customer’s format.
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An example of what we delivered: Carbon Wall Thickness Measurements on ZEISS Axio Imager (ZEN Blue) (measurement outputs + standardized reporting package).
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Guided Acquisition in ZEN
Typical outputs: image sets that are consistent with SOP + metadata + folder structure + per-slide packaging.
We build step-by-step guided routines that lock critical settings, enforce required steps, and reduce operator variance across users and days.
An example of what we delivered: Automated modular histological slide analysis on ZEISS Axio Scan (ZEN Blue) (guided preview → ROI selection → scan with standardized output packaging).
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Batch / Plate Runs (repeatable sessions)
Typical outputs: per-sample folders + run logs + QC flags + standardized exports/reports.
We package repeatable multi-sample sessions with structured inputs, progress control, and consistent outputs across plates/days/operators.
An example of what we delivered: Wear particle analysis as repeatable ZEN Core Jobs (acquire → analyze → export) with deterministic outputs per run.
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We automate feature extraction on acquired images (cells, particles, defects, microstructures) using trained models or classical pipelines, and standardize outputs to match reporting needs.
An example of what we delivered: Automated TiAl microstructure classification feasibility workflow using ZEN Core + Python integration (standardized classification outputs + comparable reporting).
Automate microscope control
Typical outputs: reproducible acquisition runs + execution logs + structured datasets.
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We script stage, focus, and acquisition loops (multi-position, z-stacks, time-lapse) and package them as repeatable routines with logs and predictable outputs.
An example of what we delivered: Plant root tracking automation loop on ZEISS LSM 700 (ZEN Black) (acquire → measure displacement → reposition stage → continue).
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Connect different hardware
Typical outputs: synchronized datasets + unified metadata + run manifest.
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We integrate and synchronize devices into one coordinated run with synchronized triggers, shared metadata, and unified output packaging.
An example of what we delivered: AFM–LSM microscope synchronisation on ZEISS LSM 980 + Axio Observer (ZEN Blue) (synchronized acquisition sequence + aligned datasets + unified metadata).
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AI-assisted detection, segmentation, and measurement
Typical outputs: segmentation/overlays + measurement tables (CSV/Excel) + per-run summary report.
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We automate feature extraction on acquired images (cells, particles, defects, microstructures) using trained models or classical pipelines, and standardize outputs to match reporting needs.
An example of what we delivered: Automated TiAl microstructure classification feasibility workflow using ZEN Core (3.9) + Python integration (standardized classification outputs + comparable reporting).
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Concrete examples
#LifeScience
Slide scanning made repeatable (Axioscan / ZEN Blue)
Context: High-throughput labs scanning many slides, but setup + ROI selection + data handling varies per user/session.
What we built: A guided ZEN Blue workflow for ZEISS Axioscan that orchestrates preview → ROI detection → high-res scan, with structured storage and traceability.
What changed: Less expert dependence, more standard runs that any trained operator can repeat.
Outputs: Per-slide packaged folders (preview + ROIs + scans), metadata export (CSV/JSON), run structure that’s consistent across sessions.
#LifeScience
Correlative AFM + LSM synchronization (ZEN Blue + Experiment Feedback)
Context: AFM and LSM run as separate systems; correlation requires manual timing + alignment, slowing experiments and reducing reproducibility.
What we built: A synchronization framework using ZEN Blue Experiment Feedback + Python logic: LSM triggers AFM, and AFM completion triggers the next LSM acquisition via shared-folder event monitoring.
What changed: Enables a “this system can do correlative work” story without invasive hardware changes, and turns an advanced workflow into a repeatable routine.
Outputs: Synchronized datasets + unified metadata + stitched AFM line map aligned to LSM images + run logs.
#MaterialScience
On-site sieve certification automation (manual microscope, legacy-friendly)
Context: Client offers cement/materials certification. The calibration + measuring 200–400 apertures per sieve took 2–3 hours, was operator-dependent, and hard to trace.
What we built: A guided ZEN Blue workflow for a non-motorized ZEISS microscope that orchestrates preview → ROI detection → high-res scan, with structured storage and traceability.
What changed: Less expert dependence, more standard runs that all trained operators can repeat.
Outputs: Per-slide packaged folders (preview + ROIs + scans), metadata export (CSV/JSON), run structure that’s consistent across sessions.
#LifeScience
Automated wafer defect analysis (ZEN Blue, production QC)
Context: In this client's case, manual wafer inspection took 45 min–4 h per wafer, with variability from focus/illumination choices and manual reporting.
What we built: A ZEN Blue automation workflow (OAD macro + external Python reporting) that runs calibration → acquisition → segmentation/classification → wafer metrics → PDF/CSV/KLARFF export.
What changed: We turned a “hard to standardize” QC process into a push-button run that fits production throughput targets.
Outputs: Automated wafer report (PDF) + structured exports + defect crops + density mapping; ~10–15 min per wafer with strong reproducibility target (R² ≥ 95% vs legacy).
Get in touch
​We would love to hear about your challenges and contribute to great solutions. Let’s have a chat and see how we can help!
Belgium, Leuven 3000, Kapeldreef 60
+3216100086