Agilent OpenLab CDS - Acquisition Failover Users Guide

Significance of the Topic

Continuous data acquisition is vital in regulated laboratories and high-throughput environments. An interruption in communication between acquisition controllers and the central server can halt sample processing, leading to delays and potential data loss. Implementing a robust failover mode ensures uninterrupted operation and safeguards data integrity under network disruptions.

Objectives and Overview

This guide explains the OpenLab CDS Acquisition Failover feature within the Client/Server architecture. It describes how to detect and respond to connection failures, operate instruments in offline mode, and restore seamless data integration once the network link is reestablished.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The failover workflow comprises several key steps:

• Failure Detection: Loss of network connectivity between the Acquisition Instrument Controller (AIC) and the OpenLab Server triggers failover notifications in each Acquisition client window.
• Local Access: Analysts connect directly to the AIC via console or Remote Desktop to launch Control Panel in Failover mode.
• Resource Caching: Methods, sequences, and report templates are automatically cached every 30 minutes during normal operation. Cached items remain available offline, while new locally created methods are stored on the AIC.
• Operational Constraints: In Failover mode, users cannot create or modify projects, instruments, or system settings. Acquisition and analysis functions continue with limitations, such as separation of normal and offline run data and the assignment of “System” as the user identity.
• Data Upload: Upon reconnection, the Failover Results Uploader utility transfers offline result sets from the AIC to Content Management. Activity logs and audit trails are synchronized, retaining a “Failover” tag for traceability.

Key Results and Discussion

The failover mechanism demonstrates resilience by allowing uninterrupted sample acquisition even during server outages. Cached methods and projects provide continuity, while the manual upload tool ensures that all generated data is consolidated after recovery. Audit logging preserves a clear record of offline operations, though responsibility for managing locally created methods remains with the laboratory.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Acquisition Failover feature delivers:

• Minimal Instrument Downtime: Analysts maintain acquisition schedules despite network interruptions.
• Data Integrity: Offline runs are recorded and formally reintegrated without duplication.
• Regulatory Compliance: Audit trails capture all offline activities, supporting traceability requirements.
• Operational Efficiency: Automatic caching and a dedicated uploader tool streamline the recovery process.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging enhancements may include real-time synchronization of locally created methods, automated detection and reconciliation of duplicates, integration with cloud-based content management, and predictive analytics to anticipate network failures and trigger preemptive measures.

Conclusion

The OpenLab CDS Acquisition Failover capability enhances operational robustness by preserving acquisition workflows during server disconnections and providing structured data recovery once connectivity is restored. This approach reduces downtime, protects valuable data, and supports continuous laboratory productivity.

Used Instrumentation

• OpenLab CDS Client/Server System
• Acquisition Instrument Controller (AIC)
• OpenLab Server with ECM XT