Chromatography data systems (CDSs)— the data “back end” for gas, liquid, ion, and supercritical fluid analytical chromatography—have evolved over the decades from simple chart recorders to onboard processors with minimal storage and analysis to personal computerbased and, finally, to connectivity with “peer” instruments and supervisory software systems.
Top 7 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a CDS
| 1. What are the key elements you need to have from the data system? |
| 2. What differentiates the vendor’s software from others offered, in terms of chromatography data handling, customization and powerful analysis? |
| 3. How do you validate the specification claims presented by the vendor? |
| 4. Has the data processing software been designed for enhanced analytics, with lab workflow in mind and does it support critical compliance requirements? |
| 5. What are important price points to keep in mind when selecting a GC software package? |
| 6. Laboratories need fast and effective services. This includes an effective distribution of installations, help desk, education, and service personnel. How does the company serve these needs globally? |
| 7. Is validation, like support for 21 CFR Part 11, critical for you? |
Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing a chromatography data system:
Types of chromatography data systems currently used by survey respondents:
| Stand-alone | 54% |
| Client/server | 31% |
| Web-based | 11% |
| Thin client | 3% |
Primary purposes for a CDS as reported by survey respondents:
| Infrastructure for capturing, accessing, and sharing experimental information | 18% |
| Centralized data repository | 15% |
| Improved productivity | 14% |
| Improved communication between instruments and software | 10% |
| Accelerating documentation and reporting | 7% |
| Streamlined regulatory compliance | 6% |
| Enabling scientists to collaborate effectively | 2% |
| Workflow coordination across geographic and business boundaries | 1% |
| All of the above | 27% |
Nearly 38% of respondents plan on purchasing a new or additional CDS in the next year for the following reasons:
 | Accelerating the documentation and reporting of experimentation |
 | Enabling scientists to collaborate effectively on multi-stage projects |
 | Increased capacity – addition to existing system |
 | Streamlined regulatory compliance |
 | Require a CDS that can incorporate high-speed chromatography system calculations |
 | Require a web-based system |
 | Setting up a new lab |
 | Other |
For more information on chromatography data systems, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/cds
