CLARITY 7.4 WHAT‘S NEW

Significance of Topic

In regulated chromatographic analysis, comprehensive data logging and flexible calibration are critical for ensuring compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), maintaining traceability, and supporting robust method validation. Upgrading software to address these requirements enhances data integrity and operational efficiency in diverse analytical laboratories.

Objectives and Overview

This summary describes the key enhancements introduced in Clarity 7.4, a chromatography data system by DataApex. The main goals of the release include:

• Enhanced audit trail functionality for stricter GLP compliance
• Expanded calibration options for multi-signal detectors
• Updated control module management, particularly for Agilent Instrument Control Framework (ICF)
• General usability improvements across the user interface
• Support for new hardware modules and updated drivers

Methodology and Instrumentation

Clarity 7.4 implements software-based enhancements rather than experimental protocols. Key methodological improvements focus on data logging, calibration workflows, and plug-in management. These updates were validated internally using standard chromatographic sequences and multi-wavelength detectors to confirm compliance and performance gains.

Used Instrumentation

The release adds or updates support for the following hardware modules:

• Spark SPH1299 binary pump
• YL Instruments YL9900 mass spectrometry detector
• Knauer fraction collectors
• Various other updated control modules for pumps, detectors, and peripherals

Main Enhancements and Discussion

GLP Audit Trail Improvements
– Chromatogram closures and new sequence creation now generate detailed entries in the station audit trail.
– Method modifications, especially in the PDA setup, are recorded in the method audit trail.
– A configurable prompt for change reasons has been extended to system configuration settings.

Calibration Flexibility
– Users may choose to calibrate all acquired signals simultaneously or restrict recalibration to the active signal (e.g., UV channel on a 2506Multi detector).

Agilent Instrument Control (ICF)
– ICF modules are now organized under a dedicated installer section, simplifying configuration.
– Support for ICF on Windows XP and Vista has been discontinued in line with Agilent’s policy.

General Usability and File Handling
– Automatic checks prevent invalid filenames and paths.
– Field names in extensions have been renamed to align with standard chromatographic terminology.
– Graph Properties, Verify Signatures, and Device Monitor windows are now resizable.
– Import/export of ASCII trace data supports Y-axis labeling.
– New event-table variables enable greater method automation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

These updates provide analytical laboratories with:

• Stronger documentation of user actions and data modifications for audits and regulatory inspections
• Improved calibration workflows, reducing downtime when working with multi-wavelength detectors
• Streamlined device integration and management, lowering setup complexity
• Enhanced user interface adaptability, supporting diverse laboratory practices

Future Trends and Possibilities

Looking ahead, chromatography data systems may evolve to include cloud-based audit trails, AI-driven method optimization, deeper integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and expanded support for emerging detector technologies. Mobile access to audit logs and real-time system diagnostics could further improve laboratory productivity.

Conclusion

Clarity 7.4 represents a targeted release that strengthens regulatory compliance, offers greater calibration flexibility, and extends hardware compatibility. These advancements support analytical scientists in maintaining high data quality and operational efficiency.

References

DataApex. Clarity 7.4 Release Notes. October 2017.