High Performance Liquid Chromatograph - A Proposal of “Flexible Workplace“

Importance of the Topic

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for analytical laboratories to maintain productivity while minimizing in-person staffing. Remote operation and automated workflows help ensure safety, social distancing, and operational continuity in critical HPLC analysis.

Objectives and Study Overview

This proposal introduces Shimadzu’s Flexible Workplace concept for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It aims to integrate remote control, automated sampling and intelligent monitoring to:

• Enable telecommuting and remote work for chromatography operations
• Reduce laboratory foot traffic and potential virus exposure
• Maintain high data quality, security, and throughput

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Flexible Workplace leverages Shimadzu’s Analytical Intelligence features across Nexera and i-Series systems (LC-2050/2060) combined with LabSolutions software. Key components include:

• Remote operation modules allowing system startup, method loading, and shutdown via PCs or smart devices
• Automated plate or vial changers accommodating up to 44 microplates or 1,242 vials per run
• Automatic column switching, mobile phase equilibration, and baseline monitoring
• LabSolutions Direct and LabSolutions CS platforms for secure networked access, data acquisition and processing
• MPMChecker for real-time mobile phase level monitoring through IoT weight sensors

Key Results and Discussion

Implementation of remote control workflows demonstrates:

• Successful initiation and monitoring of full LC sequences from home or satellite offices
• Reduced frequency of in-lab tasks via high-capacity autosamplers and automated column changes
• Continuous remote data processing, report generation, and chromatogram review through web or mobile interfaces
• Automated cleaning and shutdown routines that conserve energy and solvents

Benefits and Practical Applications

Shimadzu’s Flexible Workplace offers:

• Enhanced lab safety through minimized physical presence
• Improved productivity and instrument utilization
• Robust data security and compliance with ER/ES regulations
• Scalability for high-throughput QA/QC and research labs

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging developments may include deeper AI-driven predictive maintenance, fully cloud-based chromatography control, expanded IoT integration for reagent tracking, and cross-facility collaborative platforms supporting global analytical networks.

Conclusion

Shimadzu’s Flexible Workplace delivers a comprehensive remote-enabled HPLC solution. By combining automated hardware, intelligent software and secure network access, laboratories can maintain high analytical performance, protect staff, and adapt to evolving work environments.

References

No specific literature references were provided in the original document.