iPad Control in HPLC System Operations

Shimadzu Corporation has expanded the network functionality of the Nexera and Prominence HPLC systems, enabling wireless monitor and control ability from an Apple iPad. 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 and wirelessly 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 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. Shimadzu says the upgradable nature of its modular HPLC design allows these new functions to be used by existing Nexera and Prominence series equipment.

Shimadzu outlines the following improvements in task efficiency from using the new functionality: 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; 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; 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.

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.