Abstract This case study of a cell culture process development lab shows how various common analytical instruments were quickly and effectively integrated into a comprehensive process control and data management system. Streaming time-stamped results from these instruments directly into the process control system enabled automated real-time feedback and advanced characterizations of cell viability, instead of being limited to off-line, post-run analysis. Under the Ferm Works process control and data management software, drivers for instruments such as Cedex Cell Analyzer, YSI 2700 Biochemistry Analyzer, Bayer Blood Gas Analyzer and several other custom-made analytical instruments were easily added to the existing network of bioreactors and their hardware controllers (DCUs).