NI SystemLink™: The Operating System for the Modern Lab

Now Even More Accessible, Powerful, and Scalable

NI is releasing a significant update to SystemLink™, a centralized software platform designed to streamline test operations and laboratory management for engineering teams of all sizes. With the upcoming improvements, SystemLink becomes even more approachable through simplified installation, flexible packaging, and new onboarding resources. As a trusted NI distributor, CN Rood is pleased to present an overview of what this means for your lab—and how you can benefit from these new capabilities.

A New Chapter for SystemLink: What’s Changing in July

NI’s latest release of SystemLink is centered around ease of use, accessibility, and better alignment with real-world workflows in test labs. Several key improvements are introduced in this release:

First, SystemLink will features new packaging and pricing, making it easier for teams to select an edition that fits both their technical needs and their budget. Whether managing a few systems or scaling to enterprise-level operations, users will now find more tailored and transparent options.

The installation process has also been streamlined significantly, reducing complexity and time-to-deployment. NI has focused on removing common friction points, allowing users to go from setup to operational faster than ever.

To support smoother onboarding, the update includes restructured and enhanced documentation that is easier to search and navigate. Alongside this, two new educational tools are being introduced: a Quick Start deployment guide, designed to walk users through core setup tasks step by step, and a set of self-paced “Getting Started” training courses, allowing new users to learn at their own pace and quickly gain confidence in the platform.

Finally, NI is reinforcing its commitment to security with ongoing security updates, ensuring SystemLink continues to meet modern IT standards and regulatory requirements across industries.

Why SystemLink Matters to Modern Test and Engineering Teams

SystemLink offers a unified platform for managing test operations across hardware, software, and data environments. With a single interface, engineering teams can coordinate tasks that traditionally required multiple disconnected tools.

One of the core strengths of SystemLink is centralized system management. From a single web-based dashboard, users can remotely monitor and control a wide range of test systems, including PXI, NI CompactRIO, and Windows PCs. This centralization helps reduce manual oversight and ensures test systems across locations remain healthy, updated, and compliant.

For software deployment, SystemLink eliminates the need for manual updates by enabling users to push drivers, configurations, and test software to multiple systems simultaneously. This improves consistency across systems and significantly reduces deployment errors.

SystemLink also offers real-time visibility into test execution and equipment usage. Users can track the status of test sequences, monitor connected instruments, and access live data and results without needing to be physically present in the lab. This accelerates troubleshooting and increases team efficiency.

The platform’s data management capabilities allow teams to automatically store and organize TDMS files in a centralized location. With tools for analysis and reporting, teams can derive insights from test data quickly, improving responsiveness and decision-making.

Additionally, SystemLink includes built-in dashboards and visualization tools that require no programming experience. These tools let users observe key performance indicators, track test results, and monitor system status in a clear, visual format.

For teams using NI FlexLogger, SystemLink enables live streaming of measurement data, making it easy to review waveforms and signals in near real time. TestStand users can benefit from remote execution monitoring, gaining insight into test progress and outcomes without interrupting workflows.

SystemLink’s user access control features help ensure the right individuals have the appropriate level of access. Integration with enterprise systems such as single sign-on (SSO) simplifies user management and ensures security policies are followed.

Whether deployed on-premises or in the cloud, SystemLink aligns with modern IT infrastructure needs, offering a secure and scalable foundation that integrates seamlessly with the tools engineers already rely on—including LabVIEW, TestStand, FlexLogger, Jupyter Notebooks, and Python-based environments.

Selecting the Right SystemLink Edition

To make it easier for teams to adopt SystemLink at the right scale, NI offers flexible editions based on system count and team size.

The Small edition supports 2 to 10 connected systems and up to 5 users, with three self-paced training entitlements. This edition is ideal for compact labs and research groups that need centralized control without overcommitting resources. The part number for this edition is NAI-790508-35.

The Medium edition is designed for teams managing 11 to 25 connected systems, with access for 10 users and seven training entitlements. It supports more complex operations and larger teams. The part number for this edition is NAI-790509-35.

For organizations operating at an enterprise scale, custom configurations and additional deployment support are available through CN Rood and NI’s global network.

Part of the Broader NI Software Platform

SystemLink is more than just a monitoring tool, it is the operating system for the modern lab, providing the foundation for orchestrating test workflows, reducing downtime, and enabling smarter, faster decision-making. As part of the broader NI Software Platform, SystemLink integrates seamlessly with other NI tools to deliver unmatched productivity and flexibility in test and measurement environments.

Ready to Learn More?

CN Rood is here to support your team with guidance, implementation, and training on SystemLink and the full NI platform. To schedule a consultation, request pricing, or explore how this new update can benefit your lab, please contact your local CN Rood representative or visit www.cnrood.com.

Let us help you bring modern test orchestration into your lab, securely, efficiently, and with confidence.