Clarity Software REFERENCE GUIDE

Importance of the Topic

A robust, flexible chromatography data system is essential in modern analytical laboratories to control instruments, manage user access, acquire and process data, and ensure regulatory compliance. Clarity® Software by DataApex® offers a comprehensive reference guide covering system configuration, user management, instrument control, data acquisition, chromatogram evaluation, and reporting. Its modular design supports multi-detector setups, third-party control modules, electronic signatures, audit trails, GLP options, and remote monitoring, making it a versatile platform for research, quality control, and regulated environments.

Objectives and Overview of the Guide

This guide documents Clarity’s functionality, detailing how to install, configure, and operate the software. Key objectives include:

• Configuring system and user accounts
• Managing instruments and projects
• Defining methods for acquisition and data processing
• Conducting single analyses, sequences, and batch processing
• Evaluating chromatograms and calibrations
• Generating reports with electronic signatures and audit trails

Methodology and Instrumentation

System Configuration addresses:

• Registration of control modules (detectors, pumps, autosamplers)
• Instrument setup (GC, LC, PDA, MS, and auxiliary devices)
• Digital I/O mapping for external start/stop

User Accounts enable protected mode with password policies, role-based access rights, and electronic signature certificates. Project and directory management centralizes data storage (DATA, CALIB, COMMON). Instrument Windows provide status bars, control icons, and remote monitoring via Clarity2Go. Method Setup defines acquisition (sample rate, range), event-driven automation, gradient programs, integration, calculation, and subtraction options. Single Analysis, Sequence, and Batch dialogs govern execution and post-run actions. Data Acquisition and Device Monitor display real-time traces and hardware status.

Main Features and Discussion

Key features include:

• Multi-instrument support (online/offline modes)
• Wave and Legacy integration algorithms with global/local parameters
• Custom user columns, variables, and mathematical operations
• User-friendly chromatogram window with move/scale/3D view
• Flexible data export (AIA, TXT, ASC, CSV, Excel, dBase) and printing
• GLP options to enforce read-only modes, file overwrite protection, and audit logging
• Electronic signatures and certificate management for secure approvals
• Comprehensive audit trails for station, chromatogram, calibration, and sequences

Used Instrumentation

Clarity supports a wide range of instrument control modules (CSW DLL drivers), including:

• Hewlett-Packard, Agilent, Shimadzu, SRI, PerkinElmer GCs
• LC pumps and autosamplers from Waters, Jasco, Gilson
• DataApex PAD, Colibrick, Net-PAD A/D converters
• Thermostats, fraction collectors, detectors (UV, RI, FLD, ELSD)

Benefits and Practical Applications

Clarity streamlines laboratory workflows by integrating instrument control and data evaluation in one user interface. Real-time monitoring, customizable methods, and event tables enable automated sequences and error handling. Batch processing and audit features accelerate reprocessing and compliance reporting. Data export to multiple formats supports interoperability with LIMS and other software. Remote monitoring via Clarity2Go enhances operational oversight. Electronic signatures and GLP options meet regulatory requirements in pharmaceutical, environmental, food, and petrochemical industries.

Future Trends and Applications

Future developments may include tighter integration with cloud data storage, advanced AI-driven peak detection, expanded instrument support (novel detectors, miniaturized systems), and enhanced cybersecurity. Workflow automation using recipe-based configurations, deeper LIMS/ELN integration, and standardized data models will further improve reproducibility and data sharing. Mobile apps, IoT connectivity, and predictive maintenance alerts are emerging trends to increase laboratory efficiency.

Conclusion

Clarity Software offers a powerful, modular chromatography data system for laboratories requiring comprehensive instrument control, secure user management, flexible method configuration, and robust data evaluation. Its extensive customization, compliance features, and interoperability make it suitable for diverse analytical challenges, while ongoing enhancements and emerging technologies promise even greater efficiency and data integrity.

References

• Clarity® Software Reference Guide, DataApex Ltd. (2025)
• Clarity® Getting Started Manual, DataApex Ltd.
• Clarity® in Regulated Environment (M132), DataApex Ltd.