Agilent OpenLab ECM XT Server/ OpenLab Server v2.5 - Site Preparation Checklist

Importance of Topic

In modern analytical laboratories, thorough site preparation is essential for reliable, long‐term performance of informatics platforms such as Agilent OpenLab ECM XT Server. By defining space, utilities, hardware, software, and network requirements up front, laboratories can minimize installation delays, ensure data integrity, and support ongoing maintenance and scalability.

Objectives and Document Overview

This checklist document provides a structured guide for customers deploying Agilent OpenLab ECM XT v2.5 and OpenLab Server. It outlines responsibilities, hardware and software prerequisites, network design considerations, and optional add‐on requirements, all aimed at facilitating a smooth installation process and optimal system operation.

Methodology

The document is organized into key sections:

• Customer Responsibilities: Planning electrical outlets, locating sales order and license information, preparing backup solutions, and arranging support personnel.
• Software Specifications: Supported operating systems (Windows Server 2016/2019, Windows 10 Professional/Enterprise), database options (MS SQL Server 2014–2019, PostgreSQL 11.5, Oracle 12c R2/18c), web browsers (Internet Explorer 11, Edge, Chrome), .NET Framework versions, and PDF reader.
• Hardware Specifications: Recommendations for small (1–2 instruments), medium (3–30), and large (31–100) deployments, detailing processor type (Intel Xeon), RAM (12–48 GB), OS/software disk (RAID 1), data disk configurations (RAID 1/5), and network speed (1 Gb).
• Networking Requirements: Use of standard TCP/IP, bandwidth planning, IP addressing, name resolution, lab subnet isolation, and firewall configuration.
• Add‐On Modules: System prerequisites for ECM XT Import Scheduler, Import Services, and Acrobat Template Plug‐In, including additional disk space and RAM requirements.

Main Findings and Discussion

The checklist demonstrates that proper planning of the computing environment—ranging from OS selection to RAID configuration—directly impacts system stability and performance. Clear network guidelines help avoid communication bottlenecks, while modular hardware recommendations support scalability as laboratory needs grow.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Implementing these site preparation guidelines ensures:

• Efficient and timely installation with minimal downtime.
• Validated, compliant infrastructure supporting QA/QC workflows.
• Predictable performance through correctly sized hardware and network resources.
• Smoother integration with existing laboratory information management systems.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Looking ahead, laboratories may adopt cloud‐based or containerized deployments of informatics platforms, enabling greater flexibility and remote access. Automated readiness checks, tighter LIMS integration, and AI‐driven capacity planning are emerging directions that will further streamline site preparation and system management.

Conclusion

Thorough site preparation as outlined in the Agilent OpenLab ECM XT Server checklist is a vital step toward achieving reliable installation, optimal performance, and scalable laboratory informatics infrastructure.