Communicating Technologies - Creating Traceability

Connecting a column equipped with an eCord to the ACQUITY UPLC System operated by Empower Software lets these three technologies communicate with each other in a unique way.

The eCord, which is able to record critical data of the most recent injections which is fed from the ACQUITY UPLC also contains a unique column identifier. This identifier, a part and serial number, is communicated to Empower Software and linked to the raw data set. Any result and other report is generated based on this raw data set. Therefore it is always known which column was used to generate a particular analysis. This information is now traceable across individual assays, multiple projects, and throughout the lifetime of the column.

Column Lifetime Monitoring and Suitability Control Charts

This level of data integrity allows the user to easily accumulate and access data points about any specific LC column. Any peak parameter of a given assay or a system suitability result can be accessed and exported in shape of a graphical or numerical report. The capability of being able to set control or alert limits lets the user quickly determine whether column performance is deteriorating or if the UPLC System is performing at its best. Alert limits which are exceeded can be set to trigger events such as preventing further system use with a particular column.

eCord

The eCord is a data recording device which is permanently attached to the column hardware. It contains the unique column identifier in the form of the column part number and a serial number, as well as the certificate of analysis (CoA). The eCord also provides on-board storage, capturing the most recent critical system and column parameters and injection count when connected to an ACQUITY UPLC System. Data on the eCord can be accessed using the system console. This ability provides a quick overview of column history, and can be utilized as a basic troubleshooting tool. This information is also automatically imported by Empower Software in case the column is ever used on a different Empower installation.

ACQUITY UPLC System

The eCord Reader Unit is part of the ACQUITY UPLC System. The eCord Reader Unit enables the communication between the UPLC System and the column as well as the chromatography data software, such as Empower. Without Empower Software controlling the UPLC, the most recent system and column data, such as maximum temperature, pressure, and injection count, are stored on the eCord and can always be accessed using the system console.

Empower Chromatography Data System

Empower Software is the chromatography data system that affords the user single point control of the ACQUITY UPLC System. The data system of Empower Software incorporates a relational database, which builds unique relationships between data and methods. All reports and results generated by Empower are based on a set of raw data generated during a chromatographic run.

Once an eCord enabled column is connected, Empower automatically reads all information stored on the eCord enabled column, independent of where this data has been generated. Also, with each chromatographic run the unique column identifier is linked to the raw data set.

As this happens in the background, a complete data set of column usage and performance is generated without any required user interaction.

Traceable Data Simplified

Automated monitoring and tracking of column usage data can be the cornerstone of a valuable data integrity workflow in the laboratory. It can be used for internal control processes, such as column lifetime, system integrity monitoring, and process development. Integrated technologies such as the ACQUITY UPLC with eCord and Empower Software allow the data monitoring process to be handled in the background and does not require any level of user interaction, allowing you to focus on science.