Data management is no end in itself. OMERO-based image data management provides immediate benefits for the OMERO users in their everyday research work. For successful OMERO onboarding, it is important to convey these benefits to users by demonstrating the perks of using OMERO to them.

We generally recommend running a pilot user phase following an initial OMERO test installation. Engaging a small group of pilot users, typically three to five research groups who work extensively with microscopy data, ensures that the system is tested under real conditions while allowing feedback to be integrated before a broader rollout. It is very important to work with pilot users (i.e., research groups using microscopy data in their research) as trusted partners who are aware that pitfalls and hurdles may occur in the beginning. When expectations are managed transparently and openly, pilot users are usually very much willing to help testing the system and report if it fits their research needs or where issues are encountered. In our experience, many „issues“ relate to becoming acquainted with a new way of thinking about one‘s own data, e.g., object-oriented data organization based on Tags instead of using arbitrarily deep folder hierarchies (which OMERO doesn‘t allow). In some cases, special solutions are required based on a group‘s need. For example, using in-place import storage instead of uploading data through OMERO.insight.

A pilot phase should run for a couple of months (6 – 12 months). Pilot users can act as multipliers at the local institution. It is recommended to invite pilot users to speak about their use of OMERO in a local institutional seminar or during an official OMERO launch event organized individually.

To help users adopt OMERO in their work, we have developed reusable OMERO user training material:

This material can be downloaded, and readily adapted to fit the specific local environment and the institutional corporate design. In addition, OMERO user workshops can be offered locally by reusing workshop material from one of the many user workshops provided by I3D:bio and NFDI4BIOIMAGE. Upon request, our team can support local user trainings by sending a trainer to your institution.

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