Update management rethought: ZEISS Microscopy
Manual Updates at the Limit
Device groups in companies are becoming ever larger and more heterogeneous as digitalization progresses. This increasingly presents companies with the challenge of making software updates for these device groups secure, efficient and future-proof. ZEISS Microscopy, a business unit of Carl Zeiss AG and a global leader in optics and optoelectronics, was also faced with this problem. Updating the microscopy software manually was time-consuming, error-prone and led to longer downtimes. In addition, outdated software versions posed a security risk - a situation that needed to be optimized.
Efficient Update Processes Through Intelligent Automation
The answer to complex requirements in the field of high-precision microscopy systems: a solution developed together with ZEISS based on the existing Update Manager.
This central management platform from doubleSlash enables secure and efficient software updates - regardless of the IT environment.
Advantages of the Update Manager at a Glance
- Platform-independent architecture
Connection to common IoT platforms such as ThingWorx, Azure IoT, AWS IoT and Mender.io enables global distribution. - Intelligent automation
An integrated rule engine controls rollouts in a targeted manner, e.g. by software version, operating system or model variant. Compatible devices receive automatic updates, offline devices when reconnected. - Flexible rollout control
New updates are introduced in stages to minimize risks and ensure high operational stability. 1. test internally 2. test in pilot groups 3. roll out across the board. - Transparency through reporting
Extensive functions (including campaign progress and device status) are documented and IT admins retain full control at all times.
The implementation of the Update Manager has significantly improved our ability to distribute updates efficiently and securely. Thanks to this solution, we can keep all our networked systems up to date globally. This improves the user experience, security and increases the performance of our product thanks to the new functions of the rolled-out software. – Luca Lutsch, Product Owner at ZEISS Microscopy
Cooperation at Eye Level
The partnership between ZEISS and doubleSlash was characterized by close coordination, an agile approach and an iterative development process. The requirements were jointly developed and continuously adapted in regular exchange loops. The focus was always on developing a user-friendly, secure and robust solution that integrates seamlessly into the existing IT infrastructure.
Efficiency and Safety Sustainably Increased
The ZEISS Microscopy Update Manager has significantly increased the efficiency of update processes. Customers benefit from fast and reliable distribution of new software versions, significantly increased system availability and reduced manual effort. The continuous updating of systems ensures a high level of security and stability. Users particularly appreciate the ease of use and seamless integration into existing workflows.
Tech Setup for Smart Data Analysis
To evaluate the data quality, doubleSlash relied on a modern Python software stack with:
- Pandas for analyzing tabular data
- psycopg2 for connecting to PostgreSQL databases
In addition, a data science virtual machine was provided as an analysis environment via Microsoft Azure. This allowed the data to be explored interactively and the results to be visualized.
And What Happens Next?
- The analysis is already being incorporated into the further development of the platform.
- Planned measures are aimed at further increasing data quality.
- This will lay the foundation for predictive maintenance in the next phase of the project.
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