Pychron was developed from a need to automate and streamline multi-step experimental procedures in the New Mexico Geochronology Research Lab (NMGRL). It is an advanced, full-featured software that provides automated hardware control and data reduction; written in Python for cross-platform use; and entirely customizable to lab-specific hardware requirements. Although Pychron is open-source, most clients hire Pychron Labs to customize the software for their needs and guide the installation process.