Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

OpenCFU VS Quartzy

Compare OpenCFU VS Quartzy and see what are their differences

OpenCFU logo OpenCFU

A powerful, user-friendly and free software to count and characterise bacterial (and other cell) colonies forming units from pictures.

Quartzy logo Quartzy

Quartzy is the world's #1 lab management software for life science companies. Manage inventory, track lab supply orders, and buy everything, all in one place.
  • OpenCFU Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-08-12
  • Quartzy Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-26

OpenCFU features and specs

  • Cost-effective
    OpenCFU is open-source and free to use, reducing the financial burden on laboratories and researchers who need to perform colony counting.
  • User-friendly Interface
    The software offers a simple and intuitive interface that facilitates ease of use even for users with minimal technical expertise.
  • Cross-platform Compatibility
    OpenCFU is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, enhancing accessibility for a wide range of users.
  • Efficient Colony Counting
    The software enables fast and accurate counting of bacterial colonies, saving time compared to manual counting methods.
  • Customizability
    Users can customize settings and parameters to fit specific experimental needs, providing flexibility in its application.

Possible disadvantages of OpenCFU

  • Limited Support and Updates
    Being open-source, it might lack the regular updates and dedicated support that commercial software typically offers.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic functions are user-friendly, mastering advanced features may require additional time and effort, particularly for users unfamiliar with similar software.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Although cross-platform, certain system configurations might still encounter compatibility issues, which can be challenging to troubleshoot without commercial-grade customer support.
  • Dependency on Image Quality
    The accuracy of colony counting is heavily dependent on the quality of the images used, which may necessitate high-quality imaging equipment.
  • Limited Integration with Other Tools
    OpenCFU might not easily integrate with other laboratory software or data management systems, complicating workflows where data interoperability is necessary.

Quartzy features and specs

  • Centralized Inventory Management
    Quartzy offers a centralized system to manage inventory, making it easier to keep track of lab supplies and streamline the ordering process.
  • Vendor Integration
    It integrates with multiple vendors, allowing users to compare prices and place orders directly through the platform, which can lead to cost savings and more efficient procurement.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform is designed with an intuitive user interface, which reduces the learning curve and makes it accessible for lab personnel with varying levels of tech proficiency.
  • Customizable Features
    Quartzy provides customizable options to meet the specific needs of different labs, such as tracking for specific projects or custom reporting.
  • Request Tracking
    It allows tracking of order requests from submission through approval to receipt, improving transparency and accountability in lab supply management.

Possible disadvantages of Quartzy

  • Limited Offline Access
    Quartzy primarily operates as a web-based platform, which can be a disadvantage if offline access is needed, such as in areas with unreliable internet connectivity.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the interface is user-friendly, some of the more advanced features may require training or acclimatization for users to fully utilize them.
  • Potential for Integration Issues
    Integrating Quartzy with existing enterprise systems might present challenges and require additional IT support or custom solutions.
  • Variable Vendor Pricing
    Although vendor integration is a pro, prices can vary widely between vendors, which may lead to inconsistencies unless thoroughly monitored by users.
  • Cost for Premium Features
    While basic functionality is free, some advanced features or additional services may require a subscription or premium payment, which could be a constraint for some labs.

OpenCFU videos

OpenCFU tutorial 1: Quick start

Quartzy videos

Quartzy Review 2020: Great for organizing and keeoing tabs on Orders

More videos:

  • Review - Quartzy Training Webinar for Lab Admins - October 2020
  • Review - Intro to Quartzy Shop

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenCFU and Quartzy)
Other Bio Tech
35 35%
65% 65
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
LIMS Software
27 27%
73% 73
Knowledge Search
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Quartzy seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 1 time since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

OpenCFU mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of OpenCFU yet. Tracking of OpenCFU recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Quartzy mentions (1)

What are some alternatives?

When comparing OpenCFU and Quartzy, you can also consider the following products

ImageJ - and Other Health Care

Lockbox LIMS - Third Wave Analytics LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is a flexible, user-friendly LIMS software utilized by labs of all types worldwide.

Cortellis - Enter your description

Benchling - Transform your R&D with the industry's most widely adopted Life Sciences R&D Cloud.

MBioLIMS BioBanking - Designed for BRC, Biobanks and Cohorts, MBioLIMS BioBankingยฎ software solution manages and tracks the entire life cycle of your biological samples

LabWare LIMS - Electronic laboratory information management software