Top HPLC Softwares - Features, Capabilities - imdip

HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) software controls chromatographic instruments, collects and analyzes data, and manages reports and compliance.

Here's a list of commonly used HPLC software in pharmaceutical labs, Research & Development, and Quality Assurance or Quality Control settings:

Empower CDS

➧ Company: Waters Corporation
➧ Used for: Liquid Chromatography (LC), Gas Chromatography (GC), Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC), and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS).

Chromeleon CDS

➧ Company: Thermo Fisher Scientific
➧ Used for: Liquid Chromatography (LC), Gas Chromatography (GC), Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography(UHPLC), Ion Chromatography(IC).

LabSolutions CDS

➧ Company: Shimadzu
➧ Used for: Liquid Chromatography (LC), Gas Chromatography (GC), Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography(UHPLC), Ion Chromatography(IC), Mass Spectrometry(MS).

Clarity CDS

➧ Company: DataApex
➧ Used for: Liquid Chromatography (LC), Gas Chromatography (GC), Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography(UHPLC), Ion Chromatography(IC), Mass Spectrometry(MS).

OpenLAB CDS

➧ Company: Agilent
➧ Used for: Liquid Chromatography (LC), Gas Chromatography (GC), Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography(UHPLC), Ion Chromatography(IC), Mass Spectrometry(MS).

EZChrom Elite CDS

➧ Company: Agilent
➧ Company: Gas Chromatography (GC), Liquid Chromatography (HPLC/UHPLC), Ion Chromatography (IC), Mass Spectrometry (MS), Analog-to-Digital Converters, Third-Party Instrument Support.

Popular HPLC Software Platforms

Empower Chromatography Software

Company:

Waters Corporation

Description:

Empower is an industry-leading chromatography data and laboratory management system developer. They offer solutions for liquid chromatography (LC), gas chromatography (GC), supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

Features of Empower Chromatography Software:

1. Multi-Technique Support

• Supports HPLC, UPLC, GC, and MS data acquisition and processing.
• Unified platform for multiple detection techniques.

2. Flexible Instrument Control

• Compatible with a wide range of instruments from Waters and third-party vendors.
• Allows full control of instruments and detectors.

3. Streamlined Workflow

• Offers QuickStart interface for routine operations.
• Customizable workflows for method development, validation, and quality control.

4. Integrated Data Management

• Centralized data storage for easy retrieval and audit trails.
• Supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for electronic records.

5. Advanced Data Processing

•  Peak detection, integration, and quantification tools.
• Automated calculations and customizable report generation.

6. Regulatory Compliance

• Designed to meet GMP/GLP standards.
• Built-in audit trail, e-signatures, and user-level access control.

7. Scalable Architecture

• Available as stand-alone, workgroup, or enterprise-wide solutions.
• Scalable for small labs to large, global operations.

8. Empower Auto-Integration

• Intelligent auto-integration for consistent peak detection.
• Reduces manual intervention and operator bias.

9. Custom Reporting and Analytics

• Built-in report publisher with templates.
• Can generate custom reports including chromatograms, tables, and audit trails.

10. Method Lifecycle Management

• Facilitates method development and validation tracking.
• Manages the lifecycle of analytical methods from creation to routine use.

Chromeleon Chromatography Software

Company:

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Description:

A powerful, scalable CDS supporting HPLC, UHPLC, and other systems. It is another leading chromatography software widely used in both research and regulated environments. It offers a comprehensive, user-friendly solution for managing chromatography and mass spectrometry data.

Features of Chromeleon Chromatography Software:

1. Multi-Technique & Multi-Vendor Support

• Supports HPLC, UHPLC, GC, IC, and MS
• Controls over 525 instruments from multiple vendors, making it highly flexible.

2. eWorkflow™ Technology

• Predefined templates to standardize and automate workflows.
• Ensures consistency, compliance, and efficiency in routine analysis.

3. SmartPeaks™ Integration

• Automates peak detection, integration, and correction.
• Reduces manual intervention and improves data reliability.

4. Full Data Integrity & Compliance

• Designed to meet 21 CFR Part 11, GxP, and ISO 17025 requirements.
• Secure audit trails, role-based access control, and electronic signatures.

5. Powerful Reporting Tools

• Customizable reporting engine with drag-and-drop interface.
• Real-time dashboards and charts for data visualization.

6. Built-in Business Intelligence

• Tracks lab performance, instrument usage, and productivity.
• Facilitates decision-making through analytics.

7. Enterprise-Level Scalability

• Deployable as a stand-alone, client/server, or cloud-based.
• Suitable for both small labs and large, multi-site global operations.

8. Direct Mass Spectrometry Control

• Seamlessly integrates LC/MS workflows.
• Enables chromatographic and mass spec data to be viewed in a single platform.

9. Multi-language User Interface

• Designed for global labs with multilingual support.
• Increases accessibility and ease of use.

10. User-Friendly Interface

• Ribbon-style UI similar to Microsoft Office.
• Easy navigation with minimal training required.

LabSolutions Chromatography Software

Company:

Shimadzu

Description:

Shimadzu’s proprietary CDS for seamless integration with their HPLC/UHPLC systems.

Features of LabSolutions Software:

1. Unified Control for Multiple Instruments

• Operate LC and GC systems from a single software interface, enabling simultaneous control of multiple instruments from one PC.
• Supports seamless switching between instruments, reducing training time and simplifying operations.

2. Networked Data Management (LabSolutions CS)

• Centralized data management through a server-based database, allowing access from any networked PC.
• Facilitates instrument monitoring, control, and data analysis remotely, enhancing laboratory efficiency.

3. Regulatory Compliance and Data Integrity

• Designed to comply with regulations such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11, PIC/S GMP, and CSV.
• Features include electronic signatures, audit trails, and user access controls to ensure data integrity.

4. Intuitive User Interface

• User-friendly design with customizable layouts allows efficient operation and reduced training requirements.
• Supports multiple-monitor displays and offers flexible viewing options for data analysis.

5. Automated QA/QC and Peak Analysis (LabSolutions Insight)

• Provides over 75 user-defined QA/QC flagging criteria for parameters like retention times and concentration limits.
• Enables automated peak comparison and flag-based labeling to streamline data review processes.

6. Comprehensive Reporting and Data Visualization

• Offers customizable reporting tools for generating detailed and compliant reports.
• Features such as peak overlay and component chromatogram display aid in comprehensive data analysis.

7. Advanced Method Development Support

• Supports efficient method development through tools like automated pH screening, aiding in the optimization of analytical methods.

Clarity Chromatography Software

Company:

DataApex

Description:

Flexible and affordable third-party CDS.

 

Key Features

1. Multi-Instrument and Multi-Detector Support

• Simultaneous data acquisition from up to four independent chromatography systems, each capable of handling up to 32 detector signals.
• Compatible with a variety of instruments, including GCs, HPLCs, UHPLCs, and autosamplers.

2. Instrument Control Modules

• Direct control of numerous instruments through dedicated modules for GC, LC, and autosamplers.
• Supports devices from various manufacturers, enhancing flexibility in laboratory setups.

3. Data Acquisition and Processing

• Advanced integration and processing tools allow for interactive baseline adjustments, peak integration, and custom calculations.
• Features chromatogram overlay capabilities for comparative analyses.

4. Extensions for Specialized Analyses

Optional extensions available for techniques such as:

• GPC/SEC (Gel Permeation/Size Exclusion Chromatography)
• PDA (Photodiode Array)
• MS (Mass Spectrometry)
• SST (System Suitability Testing)
• HA (Detailed Hydrocarbon Analysis)
• CE (Capillary Electrophoresis)
• NGA (Natural Gas Analysis)
• GC×GC (Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography)

5. Regulatory Compliance

Designed to meet GLP and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, featuring:

• Audit trails
• Electronic signatures
• User access controls

6. LIMS Integration

Offers connectivity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for sample submission and result output via ASCII transfers.

7. User-Friendly Interface

Intuitive graphical user interface with customizable layouts and multilingual support, including French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Chinese. 

8. Remote Monitoring with Clarity2Go

Mobile application allowing users to monitor running analyses from smartphones or tablets, enhancing flexibility and accessibility.

Product Variants

• Clarity: Full-featured version supporting multiple instruments and detectors.
• Clarity Lite: Simplified version for single-instrument setups.
• Clarity Offline: For data evaluation and method development without instrument control.

OpenLAB CDS

Company:

Agilent Technologies

Description:

Comprehensive CDS for Agilent and other instruments.

Features of OpenLab CDS

1. Multi-Vendor Instrument Control

• Supports a wide range of instruments, including Agilent LC, GC, LC/MS, GC/MS, and even non-Agilent LC and GC systems.
• Enables centralized control, reducing the need for multiple software platforms.

2. Enhanced Data Integrity and Compliance

• Built-in technical controls to meet regulatory standards such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, GAMP5, and ISO/IEC 17025.
• Features include secure data acquisition, processing, reporting, and storage.

3. Advanced Data Analysis Tools

• Offers tools like Peak Explorer and Match Compare for efficient data interpretation.
• Facilitates quick identification of outliers, retention time shifts, and integration issues.

4. Custom Calculations and Reporting

• Automates calculations to reduce manual tasks, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Provides intuitive functionalities for fast and easy report generation.

5. Scalable Architecture

• Offers flexible deployment options, including workstation, client/server, and cloud-based configurations.
• Supports virtualization, allowing remote access and centralized data management.

6. Application-Specific Add-Ons

• Extends functionality with add-ons like Sample Scheduler, Deconvolution, GPC, and ADFExport.
• Enhances capabilities tailored to specific laboratory workflows.

7. Seamless Migration Tools

• Facilitates easy migration from legacy systems like ChemStation and EZChrom, preserving methods, data, and user configurations.

 

EZChrom Elite

Company:

Agilent Technologies

Description:

This provides comprehensive control, data acquisition, processing, and reporting for various chromatography instruments. It is widely utilized in pharmaceutical, chemical, and analytical laboratories, offering features that support regulatory compliance and efficient laboratory workflows.

Features of EZChrom Elite:

1. Multi-Instrument Control

• Supports a broad range of instruments, including Agilent and non-Agilent LC and GC systems.
• Compatible with various detectors and autosamplers, facilitating integration into diverse laboratory setups.

2. Flexible Deployment Options

• Available as a standalone workstation or as part of a client/server architecture, allowing scalability from single-user environments to enterprise-wide installations.
• Supports virtualization, enabling deployment in modern IT infrastructures.

3. Regulatory Compliance

• Designed to meet regulatory requirements such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ensuring data integrity and security.
• Features include electronic signatures, comprehensive audit trails, and user access controls.

4. Advanced Data Processing and Reporting

• Offers robust data analysis tools, including peak integration, calibration, and quantification.
• Provides customizable reporting capabilities, allowing users to generate detailed and compliant reports.

5. Enhanced Workflow Efficiency

• Incorporates features like sequence scheduling and automated data processing to streamline laboratory operations.
• Facilitates method development and validation through intuitive interfaces and tools.

6. Integration with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

• Supports integration with LIMS, enabling seamless data exchange and enhancing laboratory data management.
• Automates the transfer of sample information and results between systems, reducing manual data entry and associated errors.

7. User-Friendly Interface

• Designed with an intuitive graphical user interface, minimizing the learning curve for new users.
• Provides consistent operation across different instruments, simplifying training and daily use.

8. Third-Party Instrument Support

• PerkinElmer: Flexar LC, Clarus GC systems
• Shimadzu: GC-17A, GC-14, GC-2014, LC-10Avp, LC-20A systems
• Hitachi: LaChrom LC, LaChrom Elite LC, LaChrom Ultra LC
• Jasco: 1500/2000 LC systems
• CTC Analytics: Autosamplers

Key Capabilities to Look For in HPLC Software

• Instrument Control: Start/stop runs, gradients, autosamplers
• Data Acquisition: Real-time chromatogram display
• Peak Integration: Auto/manual peak detection, area calculations
• Compliance: 21 CFR Part 11 (audit trails, e-signatures, user roles)
• Reporting: Customizable reports (PDF, Excel, raw data export)
• LIMS Integration: Centralized data management and reporting
• Multi-vendor Support: Especially useful in OpenLAB and Chromeleon

Suggested Software According to Use Case:

• GMP/Regulated Pharma Lab Empower, Chromeleon, OpenLAB
• Academic / Research Lab LabSolutions, Clarity
• Budget Constraints Clarity or LabSolutions Lite
• Already Using Agilent Instruments OpenLAB CDS is optimized
• Waters HPLC Instruments Empower is the default choice