Agilent InfinityLab Assist: A Local User Interface to Control and Automate Your HPLC System

Significance of the Topic

The integration of a dedicated local user interface into high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems addresses critical challenges in modern analytical laboratories. By offering immediate access to instrument controls, status monitoring, and diagnostic tools at the instrument bench, laboratories can reduce user errors, streamline workflows, and improve overall productivity and data traceability.

Study Overview

This white paper introduces Agilent InfinityLab Assist, an upgrade module for Agilent 1260 and 1290 Infinity II/III LC systems. It describes how the Assist enhances the conventional client/server chromatography data system (CDS) setup by providing a standalone tablet-style interface. Key objectives include simplifying daily tasks, improving instrument diagnostics, and enabling both local and network-based access to LC controls.

Methodology and Instrumentation

InfinityLab Assist is a slide-in module that integrates between the top LC stack and solvent cabinet. It connects to other modules through a controller area network (CAN) bus and includes an integrated LAN switch for fast data exchange with detectors and the pump. Users may interact via a tilting touchscreen or remotely through any web browser within the laboratory network, with optional end-to-end encryption and user authentication tokens.

Main Results and Discussion

The Assist interface offers:

• Customizable home and ambient screens displaying real-time status widgets (pressure, temperature, detector signals).
• Quick-action tiles for module control, including Smart Purge routines that monitor pressure and signal stability.
• Predefined and user-defined tasks such as Make Ready (equilibration, lamp ignition) and Standby (flushing, energy-saving mode), with scheduling and conditional execution.
• PIN-protected user roles (Viewer, Analyst, Maintenance Technician, Service Technician, Administrator) to enforce access control and traceability.
• Health view with synchronized instrument logs, early maintenance feedback counters, solvent efficiency and run-per-day trends for economic and sustainable operation.
• Integrated troubleshooting guides and step-by-step maintenance instructions derived from the Agilent HPLC Advisor, enabling on-screen repair workflows.

The local interface demonstrated significant time savings for routine operations, reduced sample interruptions, and improved maintenance compliance by presenting contextual guidance.

Benefits and Practical Applications

InfinityLab Assist delivers numerous advantages:

• Enhanced user confidence and reduced errors through guided procedures and immediate diagnostics.
• Improved laboratory throughput via scheduled tasks and rapid local control.
• Better resource utilization through insights on solvent efficiency and instrument usage trends.
• Streamlined compliance and audit readiness supported by on-instrument logging and role-based access.

Future Trends and Applications

Potential developments include cloud-based remote access, integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and AI-driven predictive maintenance. Expanding automation capabilities and advanced user analytics will further optimize instrument uptime and laboratory efficiency.

Conclusion

Agilent InfinityLab Assist transforms HPLC operation by embedding a powerful, user-friendly interface directly at the instrument. Its combination of customizable controls, automation, diagnostics, and traceability supports faster, safer, and more sustainable analytical workflows.

References

• Agilent InfinityLab HPLC Advisor app, Agilent Technologies (2024)