Controls both the ColourFlex spectrophotometer and the physical piston simultaneously for consistent, coordinated measurement.
Synchronised Instrument Control
Modernising Scientific Testing Through Technology
Wool Testing Authority Europe (WTAE) is the only IWTO-accredited fibre testing lab in Europe, setting the benchmark for impartial wool testing since 2004. Licensed by UKAS and recognised by British Wool, they provide critical quality testing for the global wool supply chain - where accuracy, consistency, and compliance are paramount.
The Challenge
At the heart of WTAE's colour testing workflow was an ageing BYK Gardner spectrophotometer - now over 18 years old, unsupported, and increasingly unreliable. Connected to a bespoke piston mechanism and powered by discontinued software, it represented a single point of failure in an otherwise robust scientific process.
With the acquisition of a new IWTO-approved machine (the ColourFlex from HunterLab) WTAE needed a way to integrate it into their operations, without compromising accuracy, traceability, or compliance with IWTO-56 test methods. But with no in-house technical expertise to handle the transition, the risk was growing.
Our Approach
We approached this as a modernisation project, bringing together hardware, software, and compliance into one carefully crafted solution.
We started with a Discovery Project, including an on-site visit to map out existing processes, understand legacy systems, and confirm technical feasibility. Our team worked not just with WTAE, but directly with their hardware manufacturer, identifying and resolving issues with their SDK and ensuring the new spectrophotometer could be reliably controlled and integrated.
Throughout, we led the project with positivity and ownership - assembling the right experts, solving problems across boundaries, and keeping the end goal in focus: a compliant, future-proof, and user-friendly testing workflow.
The Solution
In just 10 weeks, we engineered a bridge between legacy systems and modern efficiency by delivering the WTAE Colour Software. This wasn't just a software update; it was a strategic replacement of the weakest link in WTAE's critical testing process with a scalable, supported platform built to last.
The result is a secure, local application that:
Accreditation-Aligned Calibration
Implements full IWTO-56 calibration logic, including intercept, slope, and glass correction formulae for XYZ tristimulus values in the D65 colour space.
Traceability & Validation
Ensures traceable readings with robust error handling and validation prompts, aligned to accreditation and audit requirements.
System Integration
Integrates seamlessly with WTAE's internal systems, passing standardised readings for downstream processing and analysis.
User Roles & Feedback
Provides configurable user roles, software-level configuration, and clear, contextual feedback throughout the workflow.
Secure, Local Deployment
Runs on local laboratory infrastructure with browser-based access and no external connectivity, designed for security, longevity, and auditability.
The Impact
Critical testing infrastructure secured:
- WTAE can now confidently fulfil their colour testing responsibilities without dependency on obsolete technology.
- Hardware-software integration achieved with no compromise to compliance or performance.
- Accurate, validated results preserved through rigorous calibration logic and IWTO-aligned workflows.
- In-house staff empowered with a safe, easy-to-use, and fully traceable testing system.
- Future opportunities unlocked: The platform is extendable to support new hardware, process automation, and even broader systems upgrades.
This project laid the groundwork for wider digital transformation across WTAE's entire operation. With trust built and legacy risk removed, we're now in a strong position to help modernise the factory floor - streamlining processes, improving traceability, and supporting long-term growth.
"The team at True9 genuinely took the time to understand our world - not just the technical challenge, but how it affects everything we do. They took full responsibility for making the project a success, worked closely with us throughout, and delivered exactly what we needed - on time and on budget. We couldn't have asked for a better partner."
This project shows the depth and breadth of our work - not just writing code, but solving the hardest problems in regulated industries, where quality matters. If you're dealing with a challenge that doesn't fit a standard solution, let's start a conversation.
You may like
Elevating Stairlift Operations with Real-Time IoT Diagnostics
A leading global stairlift manufacturer approached True9 with a clear vision: to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency through smarter, connected technology.
Their next-generation stairlift systems had the potential to revolutionise maintenance and servicing, but they needed a robust solution to fully unlock this capability.
Got a challenge? Let's solve it.
Whether you've got a legacy system holding you back or an idea waiting to take shape, we're ready to help. Bring us your challenge.
Let's start with a chat
Thanks for getting in touch.
We\'ve received your message and someone from the team will get back to you as soon as possible.