Agilent OpenLAB CDS v2.2 Adding AIC to Existing System - Site Preparation Checklist

Significance of AIC Integration

Integrating an Agilent Instrument Controller (AIC) into an existing OpenLAB CDS v2.2 system ensures reliable control, data acquisition and long-term stability of chromatographic workflows. Proper site preparation minimizes downtime, avoids configuration conflicts and secures data integrity across laboratory networks.

Objectives and Scope of the Document

This checklist outlines all customer responsibilities, software and hardware prerequisites, networking requirements and optional services needed for successful deployment of AIC on an existing OpenLAB CDS installation. It is intended to guide laboratory managers and IT staff through every step before on-site installation.

Customer Responsibilities

Customers must verify that:

• The designated workspace meets space, power and environmental specifications.
• Electrical outlets and network points are available at planned locations.
• Sales orders, software licenses, authorization codes and installation media are on hand.
• A backup strategy for the OpenLAB software is defined.
• A system or network administrator is available to assist with intranet connection.
• The Site Preparation Tool (Setup\Tools\SitePrep\SitePrepStartExe.exe) on the install media is executed to validate pre-requisites.

If Agilent installation services are used, instrument end users should attend to learn operational, maintenance and safety practices.

Software Specifications

Supported operating environments include Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 (Enterprise/Professional, 64-bit), Windows Server 2012 R2, with .NET 3.5 SP1 enabled and .NET 4.5.1 or later installed by the OpenLAB installer. OpenLAB CDS itself displays in English regardless of OS localization; drivers for Chinese, Japanese and Brazilian Portuguese are non-localized. A domain user account with local administrator privileges is required. Internet Explorer must be set as the default browser. Recommended antivirus suites include Symantec Endpoint Protection, Microsoft Security Essentials, Trend Micro and McAfee. Adobe Reader XI (or newer) and Flash Player 17 (or newer) are also required.

Used Instrumentation

The recommended AIC hardware configuration comprises:

• Intel Xeon E5-1620 (3.5 GHz, 4 cores) or equivalent CPU.
• 16 GB RAM.
• 7200 RPM SATA drives (minimum 2×500 GB or 1 TB; RAID1 on disk arrays recommended).
• 1600×900 display resolution.
• One RS-232 port and one USB port.
• Integrated Intel I217LM GbE controller plus a secondary Intel I210-T1 NIC for instrument traffic.

Networking Requirements

AIC must reside in the same Windows domain as other OpenLAB components or have appropriate cross-domain trusts. IPv4 is mandatory; IPv6 support must be disabled. DNS must resolve all controller and instrument addresses. LAN connections should use CAT-5 (100/1000 Mbps) on the same subnet, via isolated switches. NIC teaming is not supported on AICs.

Benefits and Practical Application

Adhering to these guidelines ensures accelerated installation, optimal performance of instrument control software and minimized network conflicts. Laboratories gain consistent chromatographic data management and robust backup and security configurations.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

As laboratories transition to cloud-enabled and virtual environments, future versions may support virtualized AIC deployments or containerized services. Enhanced cybersecurity measures, automated compliance reporting and seamless integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are anticipated advancements.

Conclusion

Thorough pre-installation site preparation is essential for reliable operation of AICs within OpenLAB CDS v2.2. By following this checklist, customers ensure a smooth integration, reduce installation delays and establish a stable platform for chromatographic data acquisition.

Reference

No external literature cited in the original document.