Chromeleon 7.3 - Release Notes

Importance of the topic

Chromeleon 7.3 represents a significant evolution in chromatography data systems, enabling faster sample-to-result workflows, improved compliance features, and extended hardware support. It addresses critical laboratory needs such as traceable audit trails, flexible licensing, seamless instrument integration and automated reporting to enhance productivity and data integrity in regulated and research environments.

Objectives and overview of the release

The primary goals of Chromeleon 7.3 are to:

• Eliminate dongle-based licensing in favor of a key-code system with graceful activation options
• Introduce control and diagnostics for the new Vanquish Core UHPLC platform and Solvent Monitor
• Implement a Smart Audit Trail Review Framework to connect data, injection, instrument and administration audit records for efficient regulatory review
• Expand compatibility with Thermo Fisher and third-party chromatography and mass spectrometry devices
• Enhance client and administration consoles with instrument overview, improved queue management, advanced eWorkflow defaults and concurrency controls

Methodology and instrumentation used

Chromeleon 7.3 builds on a modular software architecture with support for:

• Thermo Fisher Vanquish Core UHPLC modules: binary, quaternary and dual pumps; autosamplers; column compartment; diode array, fluorescence and variable wavelength detectors; Charged Aerosol Detector
• Vanquish Solvent Monitor for real-time solvent level tracking
• Thermo Scientific TRACE 1300 GC with updated multi-sampler support
• TriPlus 500 and TriPlus 300 headspace autosamplers with AutoPrep capability
• ICS-6000 auto-preparation for trace anion/cation analysis
• Mass spectrometers including TSQ Quantiva/Endura, Exactive Orbitrap, ISQ and MSQ Plus
• Third-party systems: Agilent ICF-driven LC and GC, Waters ACQUITY, Shimadzu LC, PerkinElmer Clarus, as well as legacy drivers for wider GC/LC compatibility

Main results and discussion

Key enhancements in Chromeleon 7.3 include:

• Licensing: A 60-day grace period for web or manual activation of key codes instead of physical dongles; centralized license management in the Administration Console
• Audit Trail Review Framework: New data audit events, interactive audit queries, and report tables to streamline compliance checks
• Vanquish Innovations: Method transfer and gradient delay adjustments, scheduled health checks, diagnostics suite, and user-defined sampler programs to expand UHPLC flexibility
• Client improvements: Instrument overview dashboard, reorganized queue display, eWorkflow default assignments, CSV raw data export, and enhanced MS report variables
• Administration updates: Concurrent log-on policies, remote IQ kit control, and upgrade to SQL Server Express 2017 for local data vaults
• Process Analyzer: Migration of the Chromeleon 6 Process Analyzer into the Chromeleon 7 environment for industrial applications

Benefits and practical applications

Chromeleon 7.3 drives tangible laboratory gains by:

• Reducing downtime through automated licensing and comprehensive instrument diagnostics
• Strengthening data integrity and audit readiness with interconnected audit trails
• Simplifying method transfers and hardware migrations among UHPLC platforms
• Accelerating sequence creation via advanced eWorkflows and queue management features
• Enhancing scalability by integrating new modules and maintaining backward compatibility

Future trends and potential applications

Looking forward, key opportunities include:

• Deeper integration with cloud-based and laboratory information management systems
• AI-driven data review and peak detection for advanced analytics
• Expanded support for process analytical technology (PAT) in continuous manufacturing
• Enhanced mobile and web clients for remote monitoring and control
• Increased automation of compliance workflows and electronic reporting

Conclusion

Chromeleon 7.3 represents a milestone in chromatography data software, delivering a more flexible licensing model, robust audit capabilities, extended instrument support, and significant workflow optimizations. By addressing user feedback and regulatory demands, it positions laboratories for greater efficiency, reliability and future-proof expansion.