Usability of RemoteAnalyzer

Usability of RemoteAnalyzer

For on-site users, as well as external clients, there is only a requirement to become familiar with a single software system for sample submission and data analysis and presentation. Users can be configured to have specific permissions and access to specific instruments or methods as required. A familiar web style user interface is used irrespective of the underlying host instrument. In this way, users are presented with a consistent look and feel to sample submission and interaction with the service. Users may arrange for multiple injections from a single sample vial if required. Simple point and click menus allow for sample submission and reviewing of results of completed sample analyses as well as editing of user settings. Sample submission can be either instrument or method centric. In the former, the chemist is able to select the specific instrument that they want to run their sample(s) on. In the latter, they select the method they want to run and the system will direct them to the most relevant instrument based on technique and availability. This can be configured on a per user basis. Authorized users can register samples for analysis from anywhere if they have the relevant permission which can include external institutions. One-off training sessions can now be undertaken face to face or via a live web-link for off-site users, dramatically reducing staff time dedicated to user training. With a single system there is also a reduced requirement for re-training due to infrequent use of one or the other systems. Authorized users are also able to remotely view their results.

The administrator has the option to give access to user accounts, instrument configuration and method set up and system configuration. RemoteAnalyzer works in conjunction with the native instrument software to provide a simple to use top level interface. Reports can be customized to provide management information such as instrument utilization or user/group activity. Additionally, automated report templates can be created to be printed or emailed, for example, monthly invoices can be generated for each research group based on their usage.

Data acquisition is carried out using the native instrument software so the acquired data files are maintained entirely intact and independent from subsequent data processing. Data files are converted into a file format optimized for file size and data processing speed. Processing methods are created by the administrator using the relevant section in ‘System Setup’ and the secure results are made available on the server or passed to another location as required. Further data processing can be carried out using local copies of AnalyzerPro®, where AnalyzerPro fully integrates and communicates with the RemoteAnalyzer server. All the additional MS data processing capabilities within AnalyzerPro are then available to the user. This includes Target Component Analysis, Library searching, and Quantitation as well as advanced features such a MatrixAnalyzer™ which allows multiple sample comparison and data analysis. Powerful features such as Principal Component Analysis of their MS data is also available. In a similar manner NMR data can be easily taken in to specialized third party software.

The mass spectrometrist does not need to compromise choice of open access instrumentation based on functionality of proprietary open access software since RemoteAnalyzer is a cross-platform option. Additional benefits include the ease of system and sample monitoring, enhanced administration benefits such as real-time accounting and tracking of group and individual usage. Administration of the system is extremely flexible and the administrator can monitor and interact with any sample at any time. The output to the users is posted immediately on the server for ready access at any time and can be easily transferred to an electronic document or electronic notebook. RemoteAnalyzer is the 21st Century solution to instrument management, data handling and reporting. The cross platform capability of this software means instrument choice due to software related issues is not relevant.