Portable vs. Benchtop NIR – Which One Will Lead the Future of Spectroscopy?
viktoriia
01. Apr 2025
In the world of Near-Infrared spectroscopy, the debate between handheld and benchtop devices has been ongoing for years. The truth is, portable NIR solutions are becoming more appealing, even to sceptics and with the latest advancements in prediction modeling, portable NIR is now achieving the same level of accuracy as traditional table-top NIR, accelerating the shift towards more flexible and efficient solutions.
Let’s explore why portable NIR solution is not just an alternative to benchtop systems—but the future.
In today’s fast-paced industries, the demand for rapid, accurate, and on-site analysis has never been greater. NIR spectroscopy has long been a trusted method for material characterization and fast quantification of quality parameters, traditionally dominated by benchtop instruments. However, advancements in technology have introduced handheld NIR spectrometers, offering distinct advantages over their benchtop counterparts. Integrating machine learning and AI, along with a user-friendly application interface and cloud software, the advancement of the technology has given a lot of potential to revolutionize how analysis is being done from now on.
Industries today are looking for portable solutions that provide both convenience and reliable data collection. One of the good examples is food production and agriculture, where having the right tools in the field can make a big difference. With climate change affecting growing conditions, farmers and producers need accurate, real-time analysis to determine the best time to harvest. A portable device that delivers instant feedback allows for quick decision-making and immediate adjustments, helping to improve yield and quality.
Key factors like sugar and moisture content are great indicators for this process. By measuring them on-site, producers can make better decisions about when to harvest, how to store crops, and how to maintain quality—all while reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
Wouldn’t it be great to know when exactly to harvest your olive?
Imagine if along with these parameters we could also provide indication of soil or leaves nutrients and condition with just a quick scan! Today this is possible due to the portability!
With portable cloud-based NIR solutions, real-time analysis and instant decision-making are now accessible for a wide array of applications. From live animal testing and feed production monitoring to recycling, polymer and textile authentication, counterfeit medicine detection, and environmental monitoring, new portable NIR solution enables businesses to gather valuable data remotely and take immediate action.
Benchtop NIR systems are reliable and accurate, but they come with notable drawbacks. They’re stationary, making them impractical for mobile analysis, and their high costs include hidden maintenance fees. These systems also require skilled operators, slowing processes and increasing overhead. Plus, not all businesses have space for bulky equipment. As the demand for speed and efficiency grows, these limitations are harder to overlook.
What are the benefits of portable NIR solution?
First of all it is “Portability” Handheld NIR solutions provide on-the-go analysis, offering the flexibility to perform real-time measurements directly in the field, production floor, or at supplier sites. Efficient, instant results at your fingertips.
And when it comes to the price tag, it is Cost Efficiency These solutions provide a more affordable alternative to traditional benchtop systems, with lower upfront costs, reduced maintenance, and overall operational efficiency, delivering a clear return on investment.
And if you are not convinced yet, here are more benefits:
Ease of Use With intuitive interfaces and minimal training requirements, handheld NIR solutions enable teams to conduct high-quality analyses quickly and efficiently, streamlining operations and enhancing productivity.
Space Optimization Compact and lightweight, handheld devices eliminate the need for dedicated lab space, offering a space-efficient solution suitable for businesses of all sizes without compromising performance.
Cloud-Based Software Access measurement data and results from anywhere, using cloud-based software. No need for complex installations—just seamless integration via mobile apps or any browser, enhancing flexibility and data accessibility.
Can the portable NIR solution be used in your industry?
The potential of portable NIR solutions is vast, and recent years have revealed a much broader range of applications than anyone could have anticipated. To inspire you, we’ve gathered a few examples of how portable solutions like NIRLAB can be applied across different industries.
Industry
Applications
Agriculture & Food Production
– On-the-spot quality control for crops, grains, and produce in the field. – Immediate analysis of key nutrients (moisture, protein, fat) in food products. – Verification of freshness and authenticity throughout the supply chain.
Pharmaceuticals
– Identification and verification of raw materials during receiving or in warehouses. – In-process quality checks during manufacturing. – Counterfeit drug detection in pharmacies and distribution centers.
Environmental Monitoring
– Real-time soil analysis for nutrient content and contamination in agricultural fields. – Waste sorting and identification of recyclable materials. – Monitoring of compost and organic waste quality.
Textiles & Apparel
– Fiber composition analysis during production and quality control checks. – Detection of counterfeit materials in retail or supply chains. – Quick verification of fabric properties (moisture content, dye composition).
Chemicals & Petrochemicals
– On-site identification of chemical compounds in storage or transport. – Quality control for raw materials and finished products in production facilities. – Real-time monitoring of fuel quality.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
– Verification of raw materials and quality control during production. – Rapid analysis of product formulations (moisture, oil, active ingredients). – Detection of counterfeit or adulterated products in the supply chain.
It is Time to make a first step towards future-proof solutions!
The benchtop NIR market is saturated, and while these systems have their place, they’re no longer the only option. Portable NIR solutions are breaking barriers, offering a level of flexibility and effectiveness that benchtop systems are struggling to match.
At NIRLAB, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with NIR technology. Our portable solutions are designed to meet the evolving needs of modern industries, providing accuracy, portability, and ease of use in one compact tool. What is more we are offering custom-made solutions for any on-demand application with the continuous support of our expertise and experienced team.If you would like to explore how NIRLAB solution can transform your operations, please contact NIRLAB team to learn more. Also, to explore more about spectroscopy and discover the full capabilities of NIRLAB’s technology, we invite you to read our other informative article, here.
The future of spectroscopy is here, and it fits in the palm of your hand!
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