OpenLab CDS Quick Reference Sheet

Significance of OpenLab CDS in Analytical Workflows

OpenLab CDS is a comprehensive chromatography data system designed to streamline instrument control, data acquisition, processing and reporting.
It ensures regulatory compliance, data integrity and auditability in demanding QA/QC and research environments.

Objectives and Overview of the Application Note

This document provides a concise reference to the key components and workflows in OpenLab CDS.
It aims to guide users through system preparation, instrument and project management, data acquisition and analysis.
By summarizing core features, it supports efficient adoption and best practices.

Methodology and Instrumentation

OpenLab CDS integrates the following modules:

• Control Panel – central launch point for user and instrument administration, method audit trails and layouts.
• Acquisition – experiment setup and method download to instruments, single-run and sequence execution.
• Data Analysis – loading injections, processing with linked methods, peak integration optimization and report generation.
• Help and Learning – interactive e-Introduction modules and context-sensitive Help for guided onboarding.

Main Features and Discussion

Key system capabilities include:

• User and Role Management – assign system, project or instrument-specific privileges and enforce security policies.
• Project Organization – group data by instrument, lab or study, apply custom parameters and project-level audit trails.
• Sequence and Injection Control – create flexible sequence templates, import from CSV, drag-and-drop result sets and cycle through samples.
• Processing Methods – master methods linked to injections, automatic or manual reprocessing, integration events, calibration and spectral confirmation.
• Reporting – customizable report templates, batch printing, PDF export and sequence summaries.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Implementation of OpenLab CDS delivers:

• Enhanced compliance – comprehensive audit trails capture user identity, timestamps, change descriptions and reasons.
• Improved productivity – preconfigured layouts, sequence templates and processing workflows reduce setup time.
• Data integrity – enforced project and instrument-specific settings maintain consistency across analyses.
• Collaborative environment – shared templates and community resources accelerate method development and troubleshooting.

Future Trends and Opportunities for Use

Emerging developments likely to extend OpenLab CDS capabilities include:

• Cloud integration – secure data storage, remote access and collaboration across laboratories.
• AI-driven processing – automated peak detection, baseline correction and anomaly recognition.
• IoT connectivity – real-time instrument health monitoring and predictive maintenance.
• Enhanced LIMS interoperability – seamless sample tracking and reporting within enterprise information systems.

Conclusion

OpenLab CDS provides a robust platform for chromatographic data management, from instrument control through reporting.
Its modular design, comprehensive audit trails and flexible workflows support both regulated and research laboratories.
Adoption delivers consistent results, regulatory compliance and improved laboratory efficiency.

References

• Agilent Technologies. OpenLab CDS – Basic Information. Document Number D0002171en Rev. B, April 2022.