InfinityLab Assist Control Software 2.0

InfinityLab Assist Control Software 2.0 — Release Summary

Importance of the topic

The InfinityLab Assist Control Software is a central instrument management and health-monitoring platform for Agilent LC systems. Version 2.0 introduces enhancements that improve instrument integration, maintenance workflows, and laboratory efficiency. For analytical laboratories, robust instrument control and proactive maintenance capabilities reduce downtime, improve data integrity, and streamline regulatory documentation — all critical for routine QC, regulated analysis, and high-throughput research environments.

Objectives and overview of the release

This release note summarizes the principal functional additions, compatibility requirements, and installation guidance for InfinityLab Assist 2.0. The main goals of the update are to extend instrument and CDS integration, enhance maintenance and diagnostic guidance, provide improved reporting and user portability, and add internationalization. The document also lists minimum module compatibility and historical fixes in prior versions.

Methodology and implemented changes

Version 2.0 is a software maintenance and feature release. The changes were implemented across three main areas:

• Integration: Expanded driver and CDS support to include new Pro iQ mass detectors, hybrid multisamplers, level sensing, and sample ID reader status reporting.
• Usability and reporting: Added OpenLab CDS single-sign-on, PDF export of logbook entries, configurable status views, update notifications, and settings/tasks portability with encryption.
• Health and diagnostics: Introduced guided maintenance workflows, interactive troubleshooting with stepwise diagnostics, and expanded diagnostic tests (pump leak-rate, wavelength calibration, FLD intensity).

Used instrumentation

The release lists supported Agilent LC modules and minimum required Assist software versions. Notable newly supported or updated modules in 2.0 include:

• Mass detectors: G6160B Pro iQ and G6170A Pro iQ Plus (listed as new support at Assist 2.0).
• Hybrid multisampler: 1290 Infinity III Hybrid Multisampler (G7137B) — configuration support added.
• Level sensing: InfinityLab Level Sensing module (G7175A) — integrated for solvent refill detection and guided adjustments.
• Various LC pumps, multisamplers, detectors, column compartments and valve drives — all listed with minimum required Assist versions (mostly 1.0; several items requiring 2.0 are highlighted).

Main results and discussion

Key capabilities delivered in 2.0 and their practical implications:

• OpenLab CDS login support simplifies credential management and enables tighter integration in labs using OpenLab CDS (supported from OpenLab CDS 2.8).
• PDF export of logbook entries supports validated documentation and archiving, useful for audits and method transfer records.
• Instrument Service Blocking provides a way to restrict access and CDS connectivity during maintenance windows, improving sample integrity and preventing unintended runs.
• Settings & task portability with encryption facilitates replication of instrument configuration across systems and secure transfer of automation tasks.
• Expanded health checks and guided procedures reduce mean time to repair by giving technicians stepwise diagnostics and maintenance instructions for common components (pumps, seals, peristaltic tubing, detectors).
• Instrument status distribution and configurable dashboard ordering enable management to assess utilization and align the interface to local workflows, supporting operational optimization.
• Internationalization extended to Japanese with improved non-Latin on-screen keyboard support, enabling broader adoption in global facilities.

Benefits and practical applications

• Reduced downtime through guided maintenance and improved diagnostics, leading to higher instrument availability in production and research labs.
• Improved compliance posture by producing exportable PDF logbook entries and centralizing status and event history.
• Simplified deployment and scaling by enabling encrypted export/import of instrument settings and tasks between systems.
• Better resource allocation made possible by daily usage breakdowns and configurable dashboards showing active, idle, error, and off states.
• Tighter integration with multiple CDS platforms supports heterogeneous instrument estates and eases data workflows across vendors.

Compatibility and installation notes

System requirements: Windows 10 or 11 (Enterprise or Professional, 64-bit) and a modern Chromium- or recent Safari-based browser. The software is localized into US English, Chinese, and Japanese. Supported CDS integrations and minimum required versions are specified (OpenLab CDS, MassHunter, Empower, Chromeleon, among others). Some Assist features require specific LC driver versions or module firmware; consult minimum software versions per module before upgrading.

Installation and update guidance are provided in the InfinityLab Assist User Manual. Additional documents shipped with the software include the Software Status Bulletin (SSB) documenting known issues and workarounds, and the Software Release Bulletin (SRB) summarizing fixed items for the revision.

Future trends and potential applications

• Deeper predictive maintenance: data collected by Assist (usage profiles, leak tests, trend analytics) can support ML-driven predictive service scheduling to further reduce unplanned downtime.
• Tighter CDS and cloud integration: enhanced remote monitoring, centralized update management, and integration with laboratory informatics and asset management systems.
• Expanded multi-vendor interoperability: as driver coverage grows, Assist can act as a unifying layer for mixed fleets of instruments, improving standardization across labs.
• Enhanced automation portability: encrypted task export could be extended to standardized templates for method transfer and regulatory submission packages.

Conclusion

InfinityLab Assist 2.0 focuses on integration, maintainability, and usability improvements that address operational reliability and documentation needs in modern analytical laboratories. The update strengthens instrument connectivity, broadens diagnostic and guided maintenance capabilities, and introduces features that support secure portability of settings and tasks. Before upgrading, labs should verify module and driver minimum versions to ensure full functionality.

Reference

• InfinityLab Assist Control Software 2.0 Release Note and associated User Manual.
• Software Status Bulletin (SSB) and Software Release Bulletin (SRB) included with installation media for known issues and fixed items.
• Document identification and copyright: Agilent Technologies release documentation (Document No D0134488 Rev. A.00).