Independent instrument control for chromatography data system allows users to quickly incorporate new LC and GC technology into the automated laboratory environment
Thermo Electron has introduced completely independent instrument control for its Atlas chromatography data system (CDS), which allows Atlas users to more quickly incorporate new LC and GC technology into the automated laboratory environment.
Instrument control is an essential requirement for chromatographers, yet CDS vendors are often unable to keep up with the development of new and upgraded instrumentation.
The Device Development Kit (DDK) provides instrument vendors, customers and Thermo's own Atlas development team with the tools to control new instruments, integrating seamlessly with Atlas and offering an intuitive user interface that minimises training requirements.
Benefits of the Atlas DDK for CDS instrument control.
Control for new instrument can be released independent of Atlas releases.
Requirement for validation is reduced by the separation of the instrument control functionality from the core CDS.
Distributed operation allows instruments to be configured and monitored from anywhere permitted by network security.
Fault tolerance and security are inherent to the DDK.
Depth of instrument control and automation is limited only by the instrument vendor, rather than the CDS. New features are available with the recently released Atlas version 2003 R2, including direct import of ChromQuest data files, and enhanced functionality for managing Thermo instruments - including the Finnigan Surveyor LC and SpectraSystem LC.
Atlas also now offers intelligent run control, taking action on system suitability (pass/fail).
Atlas is a scalable chromatography data system that adapts to workflows for increased productivity in networked laboratories with multiple users and channels, in both research and production environments.
Atlas supports full compliance with the FDA's 21 CFR Part 11; the validity and security of Atlas data is ensured through automatic recording of workbook changes, creation of secure log files tracking all system changes, and detection of modifications to data from outside sources.
