OpenLab CDS
Combines productivity, usability, and data integrity for fast reliable results
- OpenLab CDS is a chromatography data system that enables productive, consistent, and secure analytical workflows. It unifies Agilent LC, GC, GC/MSD, LC/MSD, LC/TOF, and LC/Q-TOF, and, along with instruments from other vendors, in a single environment—streamlining training and standardizing the way work is performed across the lab.
- Built-in tools simplify analysis, interpretation, and reporting, while technical controls help ensure work quality, strengthen records management, and enhance data security. OpenLab CDS is ideal for analytical labs that require the highest levels of data integrity across routine and advanced analytical workflows.
- Data integrity and compliance – For laboratories that must follow requirements such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, GAMP5 as well as ISO/IEC 17025 and EPA’s 40 CFR Part 160.
- Application-specific software add-ons – Extend functionality or add additional capabilities with software add-ons such as Sample Scheduler, Multi-Attribute Method, MatchCompare, Deconvolution, GPC, ADFExport, and more.
- Scalable architecture – Improve lab operations through centralization and get better access to instruments and information with a client/server configuration.
- On-demand learning – Onboard new staff quickly and effectively with a wide variety of learning tools to improve knowledge and performance.
- Automated software migration tools – Preserve result sets, methods, and user and instrument information from legacy ChemStation, ChemStation Edition, EZChrom Edition, and Galaxie CDS.
- Automated qualification tool – Perform software qualification and verification tasks to ensure your software is operating as intended.
- Flexible, remote access – Complete sample processing, review, and approval securely from home with virtualization, networking, and cloud solutions that make remote work simpler, safer, and more productive.
Confidence in Every Chromatography Result
Streamline chromatography workflows with data integrity at every step
Overview
Transform your lab routine
Features and functionality that help labs work better, faster, and smarter.
Automated sample submission
Automate sample submission to save time, reduce errors, and improve lab efficiency. Eliminate transcription errors by automating the transfer of sample information and managing workloads through a centralized interface that routes samples to available instruments.
Learn more
Standardized data analysis
Eliminate operator variability with Integration Optimizer and enhanced quantification tools that support consistent, reproducible results across chromatography workflows.
Standardize your analysis
Automate complex calculations
Save hours per analysis with custom calculations that automate complex workflows directly within OpenLab CDS. Create sophisticated analyses using prebuilt formula components based on signals, peaks, injections, and sequence values, reducing manual calculations and streamlining data review.
Accelerate data review
Flexible reporting
Generate reports using configurable templates, layouts, and calculations. Eliminate manual reporting tasks, including printing, spreadsheet data entry, and external calculations to streamline review and result delivery.
Generate reports
Audit trail and review
Record user activities in secure, computer-generated, time-stamped audit trails. Streamline review with audit categories and full-text search while maintaining confirmation and documentation in a single electronic record and eliminating the need for hybrid records.
See more
Electronic signatures
Apply electronic signatures within OpenLab CDS to document reviews and approvals as part of a complete electronic record.
See how it works
User management and access control
Manage user permissions and access rights to help ensure individuals can only perform authorized actions and access relevant information.
Manage user access
Records protection
Store raw data, metadata, and results in a protected location. Checksum verification confirms whether records are valid, invalid, or have been altered.
Secure your records
GPC/SEC analysis
Separate compounds by molecular weight and perform advanced calculations with dedicated algorithms.
Explore more
Oligonucleotide analysis
Deliver faster, more reliable LC/MS analysis of therapeutic oligonucleotides, reducing manual effort in QC for purity, assay, and impurity profiling.
Accelerate oligo analysis
RGA/NGA analysis
Simplify energy content calculations for refinery and natural gas producers, from raw to refined materials.
Learn more
Peak purity analysis
Automatically flag peaks with spectral changes and calculate user-defined MS or UV purity values.
See how it works
Support laboratory growth
Connect laboratories, reduce data silos, and scale operations with confidence.
Centralized lab operations
Connect instruments, data, methods, and users across laboratories to break down silos, streamline processes, and improve efficiency.
Flexible deployment options
Deploy OpenLab CDS in the environment that best fits organizational requirements, from virtualized systems to cloud-based deployments.
Take a closer look at OpenLab CDS
Click each hotspot to learn more about the key areas of OpenLab CDS. Use the button to navigate between the data analysis and data acquisition screen.
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Data processing
Open and compare data across injection results quickly. Select the signals and traces you see to dial in on data you care about most.
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Chromatograms
View processed chromatograms individually or overlaid.
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Injection results
Displays results in tabular format.
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Peak explorer
Spot trends, unexpected or missing peaks, retention time shift, integration problems, outliers, and artifacts. Diagnose instrument problems quickly by visualizing retention time trends.
- 20%, 24.5%
- 45.3%, 24.5%
- 45.5%, 54.37%
- 88.3%, 24.26%
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Status bar
Instantly know when the system is ready, injecting, or running.
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Run queue
View the status of all your samples at a glance.
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Workflow toolbar
Guides you through data acquisition tasks.
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Multi-technique data
Combine chromatograms with UV or mass spectra
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Instrument status
Updated in real time for all configured instrument models.
- 5.73%, 47.0%
- 19.5%, 27.7%
- 49.4%, 21.6%
- 62.2%, 56.0%
- 68.5%, 27.7%
See what's new in OpenLab CDS version 3.0
The latest OpenLab CDS release unifies LC/MS and LC/HRMS—bringing native Q‑TOF/TOF acquisition and high‑resolution workflows together in a single environment to strengthen data integrity and elevate QC confidence.
LC high-resolution MS, now built in
Integrate LC/MS and LC/HRMS workflows in a single data system to improve consistency and simplify operation across the laboratory.
MAM workflows for QC laboratories
Support LC/HRMS-based MAM workflows with guided analysis designed for QC laboratories, simplifying data review while leveraging OpenLab CDS data integrity controls.
Enhanced GC/MS data review
Clearer review, less manual effort, and easier management of complex data.
OpenLab CDS Version 3.0
OpenLab CDS Version 2.8
OpenLab CDS Version 2.7
OpenLab CDS Version 2.6
Specifications
See what our customers are saying
"The flexibility to adjust reports with custom calculations and alerts is unique to the reporting solution."
"[OpenLab CDS] is a robust and easy-to-use system. Excellent in reporting."
"Managers and analysts are more focused on science and quality throughput, as analysis that used to take days to hours is now completed in minutes."
"I would definitely recommend OpenLab CDS to my colleagues. It offers seamless integration of new equipment into an ever-expanding laboratory."
"OpenLab CDS brought instrument control to the next level."
"OpenLab CDS is the favourite software in our lab. Everyone enjoys working with OpenLab CDS, which makes people happy."
Documents & support
Applications and industries
OpenLab CDS for Energy and Chemicals
OpenLab CDS is designed for the unique QC testing requirements of energy and chemical laboratories. Built-in support for ASTM and other standardized methods, industry-specific calculations, advanced reporting, and automated sample management help streamline routine testing workflows. Secure data management, centralized administration, and scalable deployment options simplify operations while supporting laboratory growth.
OpenLab CDS for Pharma and Biopharma
OpenLab CDS is built for the rigorous demands of pharma and biopharma labs. It ensures compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 and simplifies workflows for method development, validation, and routine analysis. Advanced data integrity and secure audit trails protect your results, while flexible deployment options enable seamless integration across instruments and sites.
Frequently asked questions
What’s new in the latest release of OpenLab CDS?
The latest release of OpenLab CDS, version 3.0, brings native Q‑TOF/TOF acquisition into the software you trust—unifying LC/MS and LC high‑resolution MS workflows in a single, consistent environment. It also introduces key enhancements for single‑quadrupole GC and LC workflows to make daily analyses easier and more reliable.
What instruments are supported in OpenLab CDS?
See the complete list of supported instruments in OpenLab CDS.
What are the system requirements for OpenLab workstations?
See minimum requirements for Agilent OpenLab workstations including PC and network specifications, and operating systems.
Can OpenLab CDS be deployed in the cloud?
Labs can now leverage cloud technology when deploying OpenLab CDS so they can scale quickly and better protect their vital data. We have supported deployments of OpenLab CDS and ECM XT on Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.
Can I upgrade to the newest version of Windows when it is released by Microsoft?
We recommend waiting to upgrade to new versions of Windows until we've fully tested the new version. See more details
Is OpenLab CDS supported with a Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version of Microsoft Windows?
While OpenLab CDS is mainly used with standard Semi-Annual Service Channel (SAC) versions of Windows included with most personal computers, Agilent does test and support the LTSC version.
What is a feature pack and what does it include?
Find detailed information about OpenLab CDS feature packs, including their contents and the naming conventions used.
What ASTM test methods are supported in OpenLab CDS?
See list of supported ASTM methods in OpenLab CDS version 2.7 and above.
How do I generate a license?
See the process for generating a permanent license file in SubscribeNet for OpenLab CDS software products.
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Advance your lab with technical training
OpenLab CDS Webinar Series
Join our OpenLab webinar series for expert tips, best practices, and insights into new advanced features.
Three winning arguments to get management approval for an OpenLab CDS upgrade
Getting management approval for an OpenLab CDS upgrade is not always easy. Learn winning arguments to get approval for an OpenLab CDS upgrade in your lab.
Data integrity webinars and podcasts
Series of webinars to help prepare for regulatory examinations. Stay informed about the latest FDA and global enforcement trends to stay compliant.
Resources and services for success
Access training, validation, and expert resources to maximize the value of OpenLab CDS.
OpenLab CDS tutorials
Learn how to use OpenLab CDS with quick video tutorials that guide you through essential tools and workflows.
Effective onboarding
Train new staff quickly and get the most out of your software with self-guided learning tools.
Compliance consulting and validation
Accelerate compliance with expert-driven validation solutions designed to simplify regulatory readiness.
Instrument and software qualification
ACE-powered compliance solutions help labs meet USP <1058> and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements across the full instrument lifecycle.
Automate software verification
Perform verification tasks to confirm that the software is operating as intended.
Explore the analytical software suite
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Software support and resources
Get support from our technical experts driving lab performance and reliability
World-class team of experts dedicated to you. Hand selected from across the globe, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to help you solve your issue quickly and efficiently.
Licensing
Manage your software licenses and downloads.
Software Service Desk
Submit a support request or check the status of your request.
Software lifecycle policy
View lifecycle status and support timelines for OpenLab software versions.
Software status bulletin
Check the status bulletin for documented issues related to OpenLab software products.