Agilent OpenLab ECM XT Server / OpenLab Server v2.3 - Site Preparation Checklist

Significance of Site Preparation for Analytical Software Deployment

Accurate planning of software and hardware environments is critical to guarantee reliable performance, data integrity and regulatory compliance in analytical laboratories. A structured site preparation process reduces installation delays, minimizes operational risks and extends the lifecycle of both instruments and software systems.

Goals and Overview of the Checklist

This checklist is designed to guide customers through all necessary steps prior to installing Agilent OpenLab ECM XT Server or OpenLab Server v2.3. It outlines responsibilities, required resources and technical specifications to ensure a timely, trouble-free deployment.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Approach:

• Define customer responsibilities, including verifying network access, software media availability and backup planning.
• Detail software requirements for server and client systems: supported operating systems, database engines (MS SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle), web browsers and .NET frameworks.
• Specify hardware configurations for small, medium and large installations based on the number of instrument connections, with recommended CPU, memory and storage layouts.
• Enumerate networking prerequisites: TCP/IP protocols, bandwidth considerations, IP addressing and subnet isolation.
• List optional ECM XT add-ons with their additional software and hardware requirements.

Main Results and Discussion

Key findings from the checklist include:

• Customer site must support Windows Server (2012 R2, 2016) and Windows client OS (7 SP1, 10) with appropriate database back-ends.
• Recommended hardware scales from a single Xeon E5 v2 system with 12 GB RAM for small setups to dual Xeon E5 v3 with 48 GB RAM for large sites.
• Disk configurations advise RAID 1 for OS/software and RAID 5 for data storage, sized according to instrument count.
• Networking must use standard TCP/IP with 1 GB bandwidth; WANs are not supported and domain/firewall settings must align with Agilent guidelines.
• ECM XT add-ons (Import Scheduler, Import Services, PDF Template Plug-In) require additional RAM, disk space and Adobe Acrobat Professional for PDF templates.

Benefits and Practical Application of the Method

Implementing this checklist enables laboratories to:

• Achieve a predictable installation timeline and avoid costly rescheduling.
• Maintain regulatory compliance by ensuring validated, documented environments.
• Optimize system performance through right-sized hardware and network infrastructure.
• Plan for future growth by selecting scalable server architectures.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Looking ahead, site preparation for laboratory software may evolve to include:

• Greater adoption of virtualization and containerization to simplify deployment and updates.
• Cloud-based architectures enabling remote access and improved disaster recovery.
• Automated validation workflows that integrate directly with LIMS and QA/QC systems.
• Enhanced security frameworks to address emerging cyber-threats in connected laboratories.

Conclusion

A thorough site preparation process is a foundational step for successful installation and long-term operation of Agilent OpenLab ECM XT and Server solutions. Adhering to the specified hardware, software and networking requirements minimizes downtime, ensures data integrity and maximizes return on investment.

References

• Agilent Technologies. OpenLab ECM XT v2.3 Site Preparation Checklist. August 2018, Revision 1.1.
• Agilent Technologies. OpenLab ECM XT Hardware and Software Requirements Guide.