Agilent OpenLab CDS v2.4 – Adding Client to Existing System - Site Preparation Checklist

Significance of the topic

Proper site preparation is essential to guarantee reliable long-term operation of analytical instrumentation and associated software. By establishing the right environmental, hardware, and network prerequisites, laboratories can minimize downtime, optimize performance, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Objectives and overview

This document provides a detailed checklist for installing an OpenLab CDS v2.4 client in an existing system. It guides customers through hardware, software, network, and administrative preparations to facilitate a smooth and timely deployment.

Methodology and instrumentation

The checklist covers:

• Software environment: supported Windows operating systems (Windows 7 SP1, Windows 10, Windows Server 2012 R2/2016), required .NET frameworks, browser compatibility, antivirus recommendations, and backup solutions.
• Hardware specifications: recommended CPU (Intel i5/i7/Xeon E3), minimum 8 GB RAM, 500 GB SATA or SSD storage, display resolution requirements, USB ports, and network interfaces.
• Networking: IPv4-only configuration, domain membership and DNS resolution for instrument controllers, static or reserved DHCP addressing, and recommendations for VLAN isolation.
• Virtual environments: support for Citrix XenApp, VMware vSphere, Remote Desktop Services, and Hyper-V with equivalent resource allocation and domain requirements.

Key results and discussion

While not experimental in nature, the document consolidates best practices for software deployment, ensuring compatibility across diverse lab infrastructures. The built-in Site Preparation Tool validates system readiness, reducing installation errors and service delays.

Benefits and practical applications

• Reduces installation time by identifying missing prerequisites prior to deployment.
• Enhances system stability and user productivity by aligning with validated configurations.
• Facilitates seamless integration of new clients into existing chromatographic data systems.

Future trends and possibilities

• Expanded virtualization and cloud deployment options for scalable computing resources.
• Automated compliance checks and real-time monitoring of installation health via integrated dashboards.
• Broader support for emerging operating systems and containerization technologies.

Conclusion

This site preparation checklist is a comprehensive guide for laboratory professionals to set up an OpenLab CDS v2.4 client. Following these recommendations will lead to efficient installations, maintain system integrity, and support ongoing lab operations.

Reference

Agilent Technologies. OpenLab CDS v2.4 – Adding Client to Existing System: Site Preparation Checklist. Issued 28-Feb-2019, Revision 1.0.