Agilent OpenLab CDS v2.7 Workstation / WS Plus Software Site Preparation Checklist

Significance of the Topic

Proper preparation of the laboratory environment is essential to ensure that software and analytical instruments operate reliably, minimize downtime, and accelerate productivity. A structured site preparation process helps laboratories avoid installation delays and ensures that system prerequisites are met before the arrival of service engineers.

Aims and Overview of the Checklist

This checklist is designed to guide users through setting up the computing environment and network infrastructure required for Agilent OpenLab CDS v2.7 Workstation and Workstation Plus. It details customer responsibilities, software and hardware prerequisites, and final verification steps to facilitate a smooth installation and commissioning.

Methodology and Site Preparation Process

The document provides a step-by-step approach:

• Customer Responsibilities: Confirm workspace, power outlets, network connectivity, and availability of sales order information and software licenses.
• System Preparation Tool (SPT): Run the automated Windows configuration utility from the installation media to apply required operating system settings and review the generated report for mandatory and recommended adjustments.
• Final Verification: Ensure that users and an administrator are present during installation and that backup solutions and patch levels are in place.

Used Instrumentation

The checklist covers two deployment models:

• Workstation: Intel i5/i7 or Xeon E3 at ≥3.0 GHz, 4 cores, 8 GB RAM (16 GB for ≥4 instruments), 500 GB HDD or SSD, one 100 Mb/1 Gb LAN card for instrument control, optional RS-232 port, USB 2.0 port.
• Workstation Plus: Same CPU requirements, 16 GB RAM, two 500 GB/1 TB drives (RAID1 if using a disk array controller), dual LAN cards to isolate instrument traffic and house network.

Software prerequisites include Windows 10/11 Enterprise or Professional 64-bit, .NET 3.5 SP1 and .NET 4.x, supported browsers (Chrome 98+, Edge), and approved antivirus solutions. Network settings require IPv4 static or DHCP-reserved addresses on the same subnet as instruments.

Main Findings and Discussion

By following the checklist:

• Installation risks and conflicts with existing patches or firewall policies are minimized.
• Instrument communication is optimized through dedicated network isolation.
• Automated system checks reduce manual configuration errors.

Benefits and Practical Application

This structured preparation ensures rapid deployment of OpenLab CDS, reduces troubleshooting during installation, and supports long-term system stability. Laboratories gain confidence that hardware, software, and network settings comply with Agilent’s validated configurations.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Advancements may include cloud-based hosting of chromatography data systems, automated remote diagnostics during site preparation, and deeper integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Virtualization techniques and containerized deployments could further streamline installations and updates.

Conclusion

Comprehensive site preparation is a foundational step in deploying chromatography data systems efficiently. Adhering to specified hardware, software, and network requirements, combined with the use of the System Preparation Tool, ensures a reliable and expedited installation process for Agilent OpenLab CDS v2.7.