Analytical Data System LabSolutions DB/CS

Significance of the Topic

Modern analytical laboratories face growing demands for data integrity, workflow efficiency and regulatory compliance across industries such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, food and academia. Centralized data management and integrated instrument control are key to meeting strict guidelines like FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and PIC/S GMP, while enabling remote work and cloud-based operations. Shimadzu’s LabSolutions DB/CS platform addresses these challenges by unifying data acquisition, analysis and reporting in a secure database environment.

Objectives and Overview of the Article

This application note presents LabSolutions DB (standalone) and LabSolutions CS (client-server) editions, illustrating how they support diverse laboratory scales and practices. The note outlines key features for efficient instrument usage, data integrity, regulatory compliance and flexible deployment from single PCs to cloud networks. It also describes optional modules for method development, LIMS integration and AI-based data processing.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

LabSolutions integrates with a broad range of Shimadzu and third-party instruments including:

• Chromatography: LC, GC, LC-MS, GC-MS
• Spectroscopy: FTIR, UV-Vis, Fluorescence (RF)
• Elemental and trace analysis: ICP-MS, IC, TOC analyzers, AA
• Physical testing: Thermal analyzers, particle size analyzers, balances

Key methodological elements include database-backed data handling, electronic signature workflows, audit trails, remote operation via Windows Terminal Services, Allotrope data format export and LIMS/ELN connectivity.

Key Results and Discussion

LabSolutions CS centralizes instrument data, user accounts and security policies on a server, enabling:

• Real-time monitoring of instrument status and acquisition schedules
• Remote acquisition and analysis from client PCs or tablets without local software installation
• Automated flow rate adjustment and scheduled startup/shutdown routines
• Consistent user interface across instruments to reduce training time

LabSolutions DB provides secure standalone operation for up to four LC/GC units or combinations of chromatography and non-chromatography devices.

Advanced data processing features demonstrate significant improvements in data reliability and throughput:

• i-PDeA II deconvolutes overlapping peaks via MCR-ALS
• Mass-it links MS data to chromatograms for confident compound identification
• Report Set bundles complete batch workflows into a single PDF for streamlined review and e-signatures
• Log extraction tools automate audit trail generation

Optional modules further enhance capability:

• i-QLinks for simplified test order management and report generation
• LabSolutions MD for AQbD-based method development using DOE and design space visualization
• Peakintelligence AI for expert-level chromatographic integration without manual parameter tuning
• LabSolutions Insight for rapid multi-sample MS(/MS) data comparison with threshold highlights

Benefits and Practical Applications of the System

LabSolutions DB/CS offers laboratories the following advantages:

• Enhanced workflow efficiency from setup through reporting
• Improved data integrity with centralized database management and audit trails
• Scalable deployment from single-instrument PCs to global cloud networks
• Regulatory compliance support via electronic signatures and secure user management
• Reduced training overhead through a uniform software interface

This makes the platform suitable for QA/QC, R&D, academic research and high-throughput industrial laboratories.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

As laboratories adopt Industry 4.0 and remote working, the following trends will drive further development:

• Deeper AI integration for predictive maintenance and automated method optimization
• Expanded support for data interoperability standards beyond Allotrope, such as AnIML
• Cloud-native, containerized deployments for flexible scaling and disaster recovery
• Greater LIMS/ELN interoperability via APIs and semantic data models
• Enhanced cyber-security measures for global, multi-site networks

These directions promise to further streamline operations and facilitate data-driven decision-making.

Conclusion

Shimadzu’s LabSolutions DB/CS platform unifies instrument control, data analysis and reporting in a secure database framework. By combining scalable architecture, regulatory compliance features and advanced AI-enabled processing, it addresses the critical needs of modern analytical laboratories. The system’s modular design and network flexibility support evolving workflows and emerging Industry 4.0 trends.

Reference

• Shimadzu Corporation. LabSolutions DB/CS Application Note (C191-E018F), First Edition October 2011, Revised 2025.