Shimadzu Corporation has expanded the network functionality of the Nexera and Prominence HPLC systems, enabling monitor and control ability from an Apple iPad wireless device. This new technology builds on the existing web interface used in current Shimadzu HPLC systems and provides additional management options.

When the iPad is used in conjunction with workstation PCs, it is possible to simultaneously monitor and control the operating and usage conditions of multiple HPLC systems within a single network. Many tasks that previously required a trip to the lab can now be performed wirelessly via the iPad. The mobility and document browsing features of the iPad can provide additional gains in laboratory efficiency through quick and easy access to important information. The upgradable nature of Shimadzu modular HPLC design allows these new functions to be used by existing Nexera and Prominence series equipment as well.

HPLC systems with this expanded functionality will be on display at Pittcon 2011, the world’s largest analytical equipment exposition, March 13th-17th in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Development Background

In analytical work, equipment maintenance is essential in order to obtain highly reliable data. In an increasing number of industries, like the pharmaceutical industry, proper maintenance validation is a requirement for regulatory compliance. With increasing demand for regulation and validation in the pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and nutritional supplements industries, there is a need for more efficient maintenance management that allows for multiple instrument inspection from a single platform.

In the HPLC laboratory, there is a need to do many tasks at once, not just collection of analytical data. By enabling access via wireless networking from the iPad, a variety of tasks can be performed with the flexibility to move easily between different lab stations or locations. This freedom allows other necessary jobs such as sample preparation, system equilibration, and report creation to be done while maintaining connection with vital HPLC analyses, increasing the overall efficiency of the analytical laboratory.

The following improvements in task efficiency can be realized using the new functionality:

(1) Improved Efficiency through Equipment Status Monitoring

With multiple HPLC systems on the same network, batch monitoring of analysis conditions and operating status, including error reporting, is now possible. The status of equipment in the analytical laboratory can be checked quickly from remote locations. If an error occurs, equipment instruction manuals loaded into the iPad can be referenced immediately, enabling a rapid troubleshooting and response. The result is more reliable execution of analysis tasks, and overall improvements in task efficiency.

(2) Improved Efficiency in Equipment Maintenance Tasks

With multiple HPLC systems on the same network, consumables usage status and other data necessary for equipment maintenance can be swiftly obtained, improving the efficiency of equipment control versus conventional system-by-system control. Because the consumable information is incorporated into each Shimadzu modular HPLC unit, this information can be easily obtained even in mixed-vendor systems.

(3) HPLC System and Analytical Column Cleaning

In addition to monitoring, equipment control is also possible. Cleaning of equipment and analytical columns, required either before or after analysis tasks can be done through iPad control. By enabling this control from the iPad, sample pretreatment, processing of analysis data, and other tasks can now be performed while working at a location separate from the HPLC equipment. In this way, overall improvements in laboratory workflow are achieved.

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