Collecting Data from Devices Lacking Programmable Interfaces: Digitalizing Data from Laboratory Balances

The digitalization of processes in experimental laboratories often encounters obstacles with devices that lack connectivity with other systems. We propose a method to record and use values from such devices, demonstrating its effectiveness for weighing processes conducted using laboratory balances. Our developments include a mobile application (app) that records digital values, performs image recognition and integrates with the functionality of an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN). Our method can be factored into essential laboratory workflows, adapted for different steps involved when using balances and is, thus, applicable for various use cases. The app and the ELN facilitate a fully digital process: from planning a weighing procedure to documenting the results digitally. The procedure offers significant advantages: automation, reducing chances of mix-ups and errors, enhancing transparency, and making the processes verifiable because the image of reading from the laboratory balance is stored in addition to the digitized results.