Chromeleon 7.3 - Release Notes

Importance of the Topic

Chromeleon 7.3 represents a major upgrade for chromatography data management, addressing critical needs in high-throughput laboratories, regulated environments and process analytics. By integrating advanced device support, audit trail review, dongle-free licensing and centralized workflow control, this release enhances data integrity, operational efficiency and compliance.

Objectives and Overview of the Release

This release note summarizes the key enhancements in Chromeleon 7.3: license activation improvements, new drivers for Thermo Scientific Vanquish Core UHPLC and Solvent Monitor, expanded audit trail framework, streamlined client console features, and the introduction of a Process Analyzer for industrial applications.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Dongle-free licensing with License Initialization Codes and automated/manual activation modes.
• Support for new Vanquish Core modules (Autosampler VC-A12/A13, Pumps VC-P10–33, Detectors VC-D11/D12/D40–51, Column Compartment VC-C10, Solvent Monitor).
• Enhanced drivers for TRACE1300 GC, TriPlus 500, ICS-6000 AutoPrep.
• IQ/OQ/PQ packages updated for Vanquish Core devices.
• Chromeleon 7 Process Analyzer client/server for integral process analytics.

Main Results and Discussion

• Licensing streamlines installation and activation, eliminating physical dongles and enabling grace periods.
• Audit Trail Review Framework adds configurable data audit events, detailed query capabilities, report tables for event tracking and enhanced HTML reports.
• Client-side enhancements include an Instrument Overview dashboard, reorganized instrument queue, flexible eWorkflow default assignments, and interactive 3D signal extraction units.
• Data export now supports CSV raw data; new MS-related report variables improve reporting accuracy.
• Administration updates add concurrent logon policy, remote IQ kit control and SQL Server Express 2017 support.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Faster method setup and diagnostics for UHPLC via Method Transfer and health checks.
• Regulatory compliance enhanced by comprehensive audit trail events and electronic reporting.
• Improved lab efficiency through keyless licensing, centralized instrument monitoring and automated workflows.
• Industrial process control supported by the new Process Analyzer module.

Future Trends and Application Opportunities

Looking ahead, Chromeleon will continue expanding device support, deepen connectivity with LIMS and IoT platforms, and advance machine learning-driven data processing. Enhanced cloud integration and predictive maintenance tools will further streamline laboratory and process operations.

Conclusion

Chromeleon 7.3 delivers significant improvements in device integration, auditability, licensing and workflow management. These enhancements strengthen data integrity, user productivity and regulatory compliance across analytical and process environments.

References

Thermo Fisher Scientific. Chromeleon 7.3 Release Notes, Feb 2020.