Exploring the Latest Industry Leading Software from GDS Instruments: GDSLAB v2024 - unparalleled efficiency, accuracy, and innovation.
At GDS Instruments, as pioneers in geotechnical testing equipment, we have long been synonymous with innovative and high-quality solutions for geotechnical laboratories.
The software that supports our machines has always been solid and reliable but our reworked version that launched earlier this year and its latest update is a significant leap forward in terms of usability, advanced functionality and data integration. GDSLAB v2024 has been infused with a host of new features and functionality while retaining the familiar feel our customers enjoy.
GDSLAB v2024 will be updated bi-annually based on the hugely valuable feedback of the userbase, ensuring it remains the most comprehensive geotechnical software on the market, as well as ad-hoc essential updates as and when required for events such as changes in national standards testing requirements or operating systems critical updates.
The array of new features in GDSLAB v2024 are designed to streamline laboratory processes, improve data accuracy, and
enhance user experience.
In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into the latest updates and explore what makes GDSLAB v2024 the standout software in the Geotechnical Testing Industry.
Key Features and Enhancements in GDSLAB v2024
GDSLAB v2024 is packed with innovations that enhance laboratory operations by providing more intuitive controls, superior data management, and increased testing options. Let’s look a little more closely at the top features that make this version a must-have upgrade for any geotechnical testing laboratory.
Enhanced User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX)
One of the most noticeable upgrades in GDSLAB v2024 is the completely redesigned user interface. While GDSLAB v2 had a functional but somewhat basic layout, v2024 introduces a more modern, intuitive UI that significantly improves usability, whilst keeping a similar and familiar flow for people familiar with GDSLAB v2. Users can now navigate through menus and settings more easily thanks to enhanced visual cues, tooltips, and context-sensitive help that reduce the learning curve for new users.
The improved layout ensures that all the critical functions are accessible with fewer clicks, and the streamlined workflow aids in reducing operator errors, making the system more user-friendly. This makes it particularly beneficial for both new and experienced lab personnel.
Advanced Data Management and Analysis Tools
Another major improvement in GDSLAB v2024 is its powerful data management system. The new version supports more complex testing scenarios and allows for larger datasets to be processed with greater ease and with the potential for custom user defined formats.
One of the standout features is the real-time data analysis and visualisation of fast acquisition dynamic tests, which allows users to monitor tests as they are conducted, making adjustments on the fly when needed. This is a marked improvement over GDSLAB v2, which required data to be exported and manually reviewed, often leading to delays in identifying issues or trends during
testing.
In addition, GDSLAB v2024 offers better integration with third-party software systems for post processing, allowing seamless data transfer and reporting. This makes it easier for labs to share results and collaborate with external stakeholders.
Increased Test Automation and Customisation
GDSLAB v2024 fully embraces increased automation capabilities. Users can automate and create templates for more of the test setup, execution, and data collection processes. This is a significant upgrade from GDSLAB v2, where much of the automation had to be configured manually, requiring significant expertise and time.
GDSLAB v2024 offers customisable test scripts that can be modified according to specific lab requirements. This flexibility enables labs to tailor the software to suit their unique testing needs, improving overall efficiency. For routine tests, the automation features ensure consistency and accuracy across repeated experiments, which is essential for long-term data validity.
Expanded Testing Capabilities
The new release includes advanced options for soil mechanics testing, such as enhanced control over pore pressure measurements, shear testing, K0 and consolidation tests. These features make it possible to perform more complex analysis in geotechnical and environmental applications, providing greater insights into soil behaviour and properties under different conditions.
Improved Compatibility with Testing Hardware
Another key area of improvement in GDSLAB v2024 is its enhanced compatibility with a broader range of geotechnical testing equipment. Whether you're using GDS Instruments' own hardware or third-party machines, v2024 ensures simpler integration, reducing the likelihood of errors or miscommunication between the software and the hardware. The latest version offers increased plug-and-play compatibility, cutting down on setup time and reducing the complexity of test configuration.
Video Handbooks
To enable users to quickly train on the new GDSLAB 2024 and also keep up to date with new features, a series of video handbooks are provided.
Karl Snelling, Managing Director of GDS Instruments who has been heavily involved in the development of the new software commented:-
“I was part of the team that developed the original GDSLAB that has served us well over the years but things have moved on in software development and this new version certainly takes full advantage of that and I am delighted with the result.
For labs looking to streamline operations, improve the quality of their testing and future proof their Geotechnical testing, GDSLAB v2024 is a game-changer”.
This Geotechnical Engineer in the Offshore Wind Turbine Industry has been using the new software since March 2024 and added:-
“I am really enjoying the enhanced functionality of the new GDSLABS v2024 software. The configuration of tests and the graphical presentation for results both during and after the test is dramatically improved from version 2 of GDSLAB. Being very familiar with GDSLAB v2 I am extremely pleased with the enhancements, but I have also noticed that any users I train who are not familiar with GDSLAB v2, immediately see GDSLAB 2024 as an ever larger leap forwards in terms of ease of use. This is a great boost for our laboratory output”.
New Annual Licencing Option – Innovation and Future Proofing Built-in
The new licencing options that now come with the upgrade to GDSLAB 2024 bring huge benefits to end users in securing the most seamless and futureproof access to this ever developing software suite such as:-
- Year on year innovation – get the latest functionality and features as they are added.
- Availability of the latest product features – as they are added at a much lower cost than having to upgrade to the latest version.
- Technical updates – deployed via the software as they become available.
- Futureproofing – GDSLAB v2024 is built using modern architecture and the latest software development tools so user driven updates are free from the restrictions of older platforms.
- Technical and software support – available to all users but if a software update is required to solve a technical issue these will be available to licence holders at no additional cost.
7 Key Features of GDSLAB v2024 – all driven by user feedback
Multiple Language User Interface
The ability to switch between multiple languages within the same laboratory – ensuring users get support from colleagues even if their preferred language is different and facilitating collaboration anywhere in the World.
Graphical System Builder
Giving users the ability to configure their own setup which saves valuable time and makes changes easy to implement within the laboratory without the need for technical assistance and knowledge.
Real Time Graphs for Dynamic Tests
Users can recover dynamic data in true real time even when testing at significant speed, exactly in sync with the test. High speed dynamic data can also be plotted on screen in real time removing confusing data-lagged information.
Datastore for Test Data
Accuracy of test data is the true differentiator of GDS equipment. GDSLAB v2024 stores all test data at the maximum rate and the Datastore allows the user to export the data as many times as they want during or after the test - no data is ever missed or lost.
Generation of Customisable Output Files (.gds)
Matching software output files to users’ own data analysis takes time and resources. GDSLAB v2024 allows flexibility in formatting the layout of the export data making it easier than ever to compare and analyse results.
User Defined Test Scripting
Being limited to standard functionality within test modules can have significant impact on project deliverables but GDSLAB’s user defined scripts allow tests that are outside standard functionality, giving the ability to control and acquire data in unique ways with unique workflows.
Custom Defined Calculations
Combining user defined calculations with user defined test scripting opens up a world of possibilities and removes the normal constraints of testing software. This puts users in control based on their user defined calculations; either from standards that have not been published or unique experimental research-based tests outside the usual scope of geotechnical testing.
Conclusion
GDSLAB v2024 is not only a comprehensive upgrade over its predecessor, GDSLAB v2, offering a suite of features designed to improve efficiency, data accuracy, and user experience but is also very much the marketing leading software in the Geotechnical space. The improved user interface, enhanced data analysis tools, increased automation, and expanded testing capabilities truly set it apart.