OpenLAB CDS EZChrom A.04.08 Distributed System AIC's and CDS Clients - Site Preparation Checklist

Importance of Site Preparation

Thorough site preparation is essential for reliable, long-term operation of the OpenLAB CDS EZChrom Edition. By ensuring that computing resources, network connectivity and environmental requirements are met, laboratories can minimize installation delays, improve system stability and reduce maintenance burdens.

Objectives and Overview

This document outlines the prerequisites and checklist items for installing Agilent’s OpenLAB CDS EZChrom A.04.08 in distributed configurations. It defines customer responsibilities, hardware and software specifications for Instrument Controllers (AICs) and CDS Clients, networking requirements and other considerations to achieve a successful deployment.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Installation planning encompasses three main domains:

• Software environment – supported Windows operating systems (Windows 7 SP1, Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise, Windows Server 2012 R2) with required .NET frameworks and default English locale.
• Hardware components – minimum dual-core 3 GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM, 160 GB storage, DVD drive, display resolution 1280×1024 or higher, and network interfaces.
• Network infrastructure – IPv4 only, static or DHCP-reserved addressing, 100/1000 Mbps LAN, same subnet for instruments and servers, no NIC teaming on AICs.

Key installation tools include the Software Site Preparation Tool and Network Assessment Tool to validate PCs and LAN readiness.

Main Findings and Discussion

Analysis of site requirements highlights the importance of:

• Local administrator privileges for installation and service account configuration.
• Consistent domain membership for AICs, CDS Clients and servers to support shared services and Advanced File Security.
• Availability of backup solutions and antivirus protection to safeguard data integrity.

Consultation with system administrators and use of diagnostic utilities streamline the verification process and reduce configuration errors.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Adhering to the checklist ensures:

• Reduced installation time and costs by pre-validating all components.
• Enhanced data reliability through proper network isolation and storage planning.
• Improved user training outcomes when instrument operators participate in setup.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging developments in cloud-based data systems, virtualized network services and enhanced cybersecurity protocols will shape future site preparation. Integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and automated provisioning tools can further streamline deployments.

Conclusion

Comprehensive site preparation is the cornerstone of a stable and efficient OpenLAB CDS EZChrom implementation. By following the detailed specifications for hardware, software and network infrastructure, laboratories can achieve a seamless installation, optimized performance and reduced downtime.

References

Agilent Technologies. OpenLAB CDS EZChrom Edition A.04.08 Distributed System Site Preparation Checklist, Issued 22-Sep-2017, Revision 01.