Configuring OpenLab CDS with OpenLab ECM

Importance of the Topic

Effective laboratory data management and secure, centralized storage are essential for modern analytical workflows. Integrating OpenLab CDS (Chromatography Data System) with OpenLab Enterprise Content Management (ECM) ensures consistent data handling, streamlined instrument control, and regulatory compliance across multiple instruments and sites.

Objectives and Overview

This document provides a step-by-step guide to installing and configuring the OpenLab Shared Services Server to connect OpenLab CDS 2.8 clients to an existing OpenLab ECM environment. It covers system requirements, installation options, user and role management, project organization, and maintenance tasks. Interoperability with legacy Agilent systems (ChemStation and EZChrom) is also addressed.

Methodology and Configuration

The installation process is divided into four key steps:

• Prerequisites and System Preparation – Run the System Preparation Tool to apply mandatory and recommended OS settings; install antivirus exclusions.
• Database Schema Setup – Create or update the Shared Services database using PostgreSQL or Microsoft SQL Server.
• Server Installation – Install the Shared Services Server software, configure ECM connection, define storage paths, and verify licensing.
• Post-Installation Configuration – Use the Control Panel to verify ECM integration, import users, assign roles, and define project folder paths.

Two deployment strategies are presented:

• New Server Deployment – Preferred approach to isolate the existing environment, minimize downtime, and allow parallel validation.
• In-Place Upgrade – Consolidates servers but may require client upgrades and incurs higher revalidation effort.

Main Results and Discussion

After successful installation and configuration:

• OpenLab CDS clients authenticate against ECM, leveraging existing user accounts and group policies.
• Data from CDS, ChemStation, and EZChrom are stored and indexed in ECM, searchable by extracted metadata.
• Role-based security ensures controlled read/write or read-only access at global, project, or instrument levels.
• Project structures in ECM can follow product-, instrument-, or user-centric hierarchies, supporting flexible data organization.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Integrating OpenLab CDS with ECM delivers several advantages:

• Centralized data management reduces duplication, enforces data integrity, and simplifies audit trails.
• Scalable architecture supports multiple instruments, labs, and geographic sites with minimal disruption.
• Role-based access control and secure storage facilitate regulatory compliance (21 CFR Part 11).
• Legacy data from ChemStation/EZChrom can be accessed and converted on demand, preserving historical results.

Future Trends and Applications

Looking ahead, laboratories may adopt cloud-based ECM platforms, deeper integration with LIMS, and enhanced automation of installation and updates. Advanced search capabilities, machine-learning-driven data mining, and real-time analytics are expected to improve productivity and decision support in regulated environments.

Conclusion

This guide outlines a robust approach to deploying OpenLab CDS 2.8 in concert with OpenLab ECM, ensuring secure, centralized, and searchable chromatographic data management. By following best practices for installation, configuration, and role-based security, laboratories can streamline workflows, preserve legacy investments, and maintain compliance.

References

No external literature references were provided in the source document.