OpenLAB CDS Distributed EZChrom Edition A.04.07 SR2 AIC's, CDS Clients and Instruments - Site Preparation Checklist

Importance of the Topic

Ensuring proper site preparation for laboratory software installations is essential for the long-term performance and reliability of analytical systems. A detailed pre-installation checklist helps laboratories meet hardware, software and network prerequisites, preventing delays, reducing troubleshooting time and safeguarding data integrity.

Objectives and Overview

This guide summarizes the key preparation steps for deploying Agilent OpenLAB CDS Distributed EZChrom Edition A.04.07 SR2. It defines the responsibilities of the customer, outlines mandatory software and hardware specifications for instrument controllers and client workstations, and describes the tools and procedures used to validate readiness before installation.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Customer Responsibilities
  • Verify computing environment, free disk space and network topology.
  • Plan electrical outlets and network ports for computers, peripherals and instruments.
  • Gather software licenses, media and backup/recovery plans.
  • Ensure a system or network administrator is available.
• Readiness Assessment Tools
  • Software Site Preparation Tool: Confirms PC meets hardware/software prerequisites.
  • Network Assessment Tool: Evaluates domain connectivity and network performance for OpenLAB CDS.
• Software Requirements for AIC and Clients
  • Supported OS: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 or 2012 R2.
  • .NET Framework 4.5.2 and 3.5.1, Windows Installer 4.5, Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Reader XI or newer.
  • Language support: English interface on various localized Windows editions.
  • Network protocol: IPv4 only, Client for Microsoft Networks, File/Printer Sharing.
  • Virtualization: VMware vSphere 4.x/5.x for AIC controlling LAN instruments.
  • Antivirus: Symantec Endpoint Protection 12.x or Microsoft Security Essentials recommended.
• Hardware Requirements
  • Processor: 3 GHz dual-core minimum; memory: 4 GB; storage: 160 GB (15 GB free).
  • Network adapters: two 100/1000 Mb NICs for instrument and server communication.
  • Optical drive: DVD-ROM; display: 17” SXGA (1280×1024) or 19” (1440×900).
  • Instrument interfaces: RS-232, GPIB or LAN cards per instrument; up to four instruments per AIC.
• Firmware and Instrument Compatibility
  • Refer to the OpenLAB CDS Supported Instruments and Firmware Guide for minimum firmware versions.
  • Static or DHCP-reserved IP addressing for instruments.
  • Isolated network segment or VLAN recommended for instrument traffic.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent Instrument Controller (AIC): Dedicated Windows-based server handling instrument communication and data acquisition.
• CDS Clients/Network Workstations: Windows machines for data processing, reporting and system configuration.
• LAN Interface Cards (G1369 series) or serial/GPIB modules connecting instruments to the network.

Main Results and Discussion

This comprehensive checklist clarifies all essential preconditions—software versions, network domains, administrative privileges, hardware specifications and instrument connectivity—prior to installation. By addressing these items in advance, organizations minimize installation errors, reduce downtime and ensure seamless integration of chromatography data systems into existing IT infrastructure.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Streamlined installation workflow and reduced on-site setup time.
• Improved reliability and maintainability of software and instruments.
• Enhanced compliance with IT policies and laboratory accreditation requirements.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Laboratories are increasingly adopting virtualization, cloud-based services and automated validation tools to further simplify deployment and scale systems. Future enhancements may include IPv6 support, integrated remote diagnostics, advanced cybersecurity measures and predictive maintenance driven by analytics.

Conclusion

Thorough site preparation is critical for successful deployment of OpenLAB CDS Distributed EZChrom Edition. Following the outlined checklist ensures that laboratories meet all technical requirements, enabling a stable, efficient and secure chromatography data management environment.

Reference

• Agilent OpenLAB CDS Distributed EZChrom Edition A.04.07 SR2 Site Preparation Checklist, Agilent Technologies, March 2016.