How to print a report from Sequence in Clarity software

Efficient data handling is essential in chromatographic analysis, particularly in laboratories where high throughput and standardized reporting are required. The Clarity Chromatography Software offers a feature called post-run settings, which allows specific actions to be performed automatically after a measurement is completed. Among these actions, automatic report generation and printing play a crucial role in ensuring data traceability and immediate availability of results.

This article provides a structured, step-by-step guide on how to configure Clarity to print reports—either to PDF or directly to a physical printer—immediately after the completion of a measurement sequence.

Understanding Post-Run Settings in Clarity

What Are Post-Run Settings?

Post-run settings are predefined actions executed automatically once a chromatographic run is finished. These can include exporting results, generating reports, sending notifications, or printing.

Location of Post-Run Settings

• Single Analysis tab: Applies settings to individual chromatographic runs.
• Sequence window columns: Applies settings across multiple analyses in a batch sequence.

For this guide, we focus on the Sequence window to automate printing.

Materials and Tools Required

• Clarity Chromatography Software with post-run functionality enabled
• Configured chromatogram window for visualization
• Overlay mode (optional, for multiple chromatograms)
• Defined report style specifying the content and layout of the printed report
• Access to a printer (physical or virtual PDF printer)

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Display Hidden Post-Run Columns

By default, most post-run settings such as Print to PDF remain hidden.

• Navigate to the Setup Columns dialog in the Sequence window.
• Enable visibility for the Print to PDF (or Print) column.

2. Prepare Chromatogram Window

To ensure all relevant chromatograms are included in a single report:

1. Open the chromatogram window.
2. Confirm no chromatogram is currently active.
3. Activate Overlay Mode.
   • When enabled, multiple chromatograms can be printed together.
   • If disabled, each chromatogram is printed separately.

3. Configure Sequence Actions

• In the Sequence window, check the Open checkbox for each chromatogram to be printed.
• Select Print to PDF (or Print) on the final row.
• Ensure the correct report style is applied in the row where the print action will execute.

4. Define Report Style

The report style determines the exact content and structure of the printed report.

a) Edit Report Style

• Click the Edit Current Report Style icon from the chromatogram tab.
• Adjust default settings:
  • Change Signals to All.
  • Set Tiled By to Chromatograms (ensures each chromatogram has its own graph).

b) Configure Results Tab

• Switch to the Results tab in report style editor.
• Adjust settings:
  • Set Signals to All.
  • Enable Summary Table.
  • Check Word Wrap Long Text for improved readability.
  • Select Force Inverted in the Table Layout section (compact format with inverted rows and columns).
• Save the customized report style.

5. Execute Measurement and Generate Report

• Start the measurement sequence.
• Upon completion, Clarity automatically generates the configured report.
• The final report will include:
  • Graphs of all chromatograms (each displayed separately).
  • Individual result tables for each chromatogram.
  • Summary table with wrapped names and inverted layout for compact readability.

Discussion and Best Practices

• Overlay Mode is critical when multiple chromatograms must be combined in a single report. Without it, each run will print independently.
• Report styles should be tailored to laboratory needs. Including both graphical and tabular outputs ensures clear interpretation of results.
• PDF printing is recommended for digital archiving, while direct printing can be reserved for physical documentation requirements.
• Periodic review of report templates ensures compliance with laboratory reporting standards and regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

By configuring post-run settings in Clarity, laboratories can automate the generation and printing of chromatographic reports immediately after analysis. This approach streamlines workflows, reduces manual intervention, and ensures consistent documentation across all runs. Proper customization of report styles guarantees that results are presented clearly, whether for internal review, quality control, or regulatory reporting.