Agilent GPC50/50 Plus Gel Permeation Chromatograph Software Revision# – Site Preparation Checklist

Significance of Site Preparation

Proper site preparation is critical for the reliable installation and operation of the GPC50/50 Plus Gel Permeation Chromatograph and its control software. Ensuring that space, utilities, electrical wiring, and computing environments meet specified requirements minimizes installation delays, prevents system failures, and extends the instrument’s service life.

Objectives and Overview of the Checklist

This document serves as a comprehensive site readiness guide that outlines customer responsibilities and technical specifications needed prior to installing Agilent’s GPC50/50 Plus software. Its primary goals are to:

• Verify computing environment compatibility.
• Ensure availability of required electrical outlets and network connections.
• Confirm necessary software media, licenses, and backup solutions.
• Prepare peripherals and instrument interfaces.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The checklist divides preparation tasks into several key areas:

• Computing Environment: Windows XP Professional (with Service Pack updates) is the supported operating system. If Windows 7 is in use, Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode must be installed to maintain compatibility.
• Hardware Requirements: A Pentium 4 or equivalent processor (≥2 GHz), minimum 512 MB RAM, SVGA display, USB and RS-232 ports.
• Software Dependencies: .NET frameworks and any required add-ons should be installed. Customers must have installation media, authorization codes, and upgrade files on hand.
• Network and Administration: A qualified network or system administrator should be available to integrate the instrument into the laboratory intranet.

Main Discussion

The checklist emphasizes proactive coordination between the customer and Agilent support teams. Key discussion points include:

• Running the Agilent software within Windows XP Mode to support legacy drivers and instrument control applications (e.g., Varian Trigger, ResPro, and Cirrus).
• Using Agilent’s Software Site Preparation Tool to automatically validate PC hardware and software prerequisites.
• Attaching instrument USB devices to the virtual PC environment upon startup to enable seamless data acquisition and instrument control.

Benefits and Practical Applications

By following this preparation checklist, users achieve:

• Reduced installation time and fewer on-site service reschedules.
• Optimized instrument performance through a correctly configured computer environment.
• Enhanced data integrity by ensuring proper driver and software compatibility.
• Improved operator training outcomes by enabling full participation during installation and familiarization.

Future Trends and Possibilities

As laboratory informatics evolves, future advancements may include:

• Native support for modern Windows versions and 64-bit operating systems, eliminating the need for virtualized environments.
• Cloud-based instrument control and data acquisition platforms for remote monitoring and analysis.
• Automated site preparation and validation tools that integrate with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Conclusion

Comprehensive site preparation is the foundation for a successful installation of the GPC50/50 Plus system. Aligning laboratory infrastructure with Agilent’s specifications prevents costly delays, ensures reliable performance, and lays the groundwork for future software and hardware upgrades.

References

• Agilent Software Site Preparation Tool: http://www.chem.agilent.com/en-US/Support/Downloads/Utilities/SWSitePrepTool/Pages/Default.aspx
• Agilent Customer Education: http://www.agilent.com/chem/education
• Microsoft Windows Virtual PC and XP Mode: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/default.aspx