Agilent OpenLab CDS v2.5 AIC - Site Preparation Checklist

Importance of the topic

Proper site preparation for analytical instrumentation control systems is essential to ensure reliable operation, minimize installation delays, and extend the lifetime of both hardware and software. By defining clear responsibilities and verifying environmental requirements in advance, laboratories can avoid common pitfalls that lead to configuration errors or downtime. This proactive approach supports quality assurance and accelerates the deployment of routine analyses.

Objective and overview

This document outlines a structured checklist to guide customers through the preparation steps necessary for installing Agilent OpenLab CDS v2.5 on an Analytical Instrument Controller (AIC). It defines customer responsibilities, required computing resources, network configurations, and the use of an automated System Preparation Tool (SPT) to validate settings before the actual software installation.

Methodology

The site preparation strategy combines automated verification with manual adjustments:

• Automated checks: The System Preparation Tool scans Windows settings and generates a report of mandatory and recommended changes.
• Manual tasks: Adjustments to Windows features (e.g., enabling .NET 3.5 SP1), account privileges, and firewall rules based on the SPT report.
• Coordination: Engagement of a system/network administrator to configure domain settings and resolve any pending issues before on-site installation.

Used instrumentation

The following components form the core of the installation environment:

• Analytical Instrument Controller (AIC) running Agilent OpenLab CDS v2.5
• System Preparation Tool (SPT) for Windows setting validation
• Standard peripherals: serial (RS-232) ports, USB interfaces, and LAN connections for instrument communication

Main results and discussion

The checklist defines precise specifications to achieve a stable platform:

• Operating systems: Windows 10 (64-bit), Server 2016/2019 (64-bit) with .NET 3.5 SP1 and .NET 4.x support.
• Hardware: Intel i5/i7 or Xeon E3 processor at ≥3.0 GHz, four cores, 16 GB RAM, and at least two 500 GB drives (or a 1 TB SSD) in RAID1 for redundancy.
• Network: IPv4 only, static or reserved DHCP addressing, isolated 100/1000 Mbps LAN segment, no NIC teaming, and DNS resolution for all AIC and instrument endpoints.
• Security: Approved antivirus software, local administrator rights for installation, and appropriate firewall port openings for inter-component communication.
• Virtualization: VMware vSphere is supported but not recommended due to potential operational limitations.

Benefits and practical application of the method

Adhering to the checklist enables streamlined installation, reduces on-site troubleshooting, and ensures compatibility with laboratory network policies. It supports consistent performance across multiple instruments and promotes compliance with corporate IT standards. Early identification of missing components or configuration gaps prevents installation rescheduling and resource waste.

Future trends and potential applications

Looking ahead, integration of cloud-based monitoring, automated patch management, and containerized deployments may further simplify system preparation. Advances in secure remote access and industry 4.0 connectivity will drive the need for enhanced network segmentation and virtual instrumentation strategies while maintaining rigorous data integrity.

Conclusion

Comprehensive site preparation is the foundation of a successful OpenLab CDS AIC installation. By following a defined checklist, leveraging automated validation tools, and engaging the right personnel, laboratories can achieve reliable instrument control, minimize installation risks, and maintain compliance with both analytical and IT requirements.