Discovery VP Automated Systems
The Discovery VP Automated system is entirely the result of user-required features and control options. The program was created by a customer based on what he and his group wanted from an HPLC system: queue based sample submission, basic gradient profiles, automatic report printing, and a simple interface that anyone could walk up to and understand how to use, but was structured behind the scenes by a designated Administrator. As more systems were sold, other customers contributed to both the system functionality and design of its user interface to give Discovery VP more flexibility and make it even easier to use. All suggestions from customers are evaluated for possible inclusion in future software versions, and dedicated programmers constantly work to improve its functionality. Several system protect features are built into the program to minimize downtime and protect samples. E-mail notification or a text message to a cell phone or pager can alert users when runs are complete, and numerous system and sample logs are available to the System Administrator as monthly reports.
Highlights of the Discovery VP system are listed below. Visit the Analytical and Preparative system pages to explore the unique features of each.
Queue-based Sample Submission
The Discovery VP software has a simple interface for sample submission. Users add samples to the run queue on a first come, first served basis. The 'walk-up, walk-away' design allows busy chemists to focus on their primary tasks instead of assembling and configuring an HPLC system .
Gradient Profiles
Samples can be run isocratically, with a simple linear gradient, or with a 'complex' multi-step gradient for more challenging separations. Discovery VP will flush and equilibrate the column before every run so you are assured of column integrity and stability before sample injection. click for picture
Automatic Report Printing
Shimadzu’s CLASS-VP data acquisition software runs in the background to collect analog signal from multiple detectors such as UV, RID, ELSD, and MS. The printed report is totally customizable to display desired run information. PDA systems yield spectral information about compounds, and individual chromatograms from multiple wavelengths can be included with their own run reports.
Simple Interface
Users will access the Method Builder screen to add one or more samples to the run queue with only a few mouse clicks. Anyone can intuitively create a new method or select from a directory of stored methods. Control options for all system components are on a single page, and a Sequence Preview screen allows for a final check of run parameters.
Administrator
The System Administrator controls the 'behind the scenes' operational parameters for Discovery VP. In password-protected menu options, the Administrator identifies the hardware present, establishes column identity and limitations for flow rate, solvents, etc., configures the network interface for email, and manages a number of other options for setting up the system. The administrator receives notification from Discovery VP about any system abnormalities interfering with operation, and monthly status reports on system usage.
Customers Contributed
Customer input from 'real world' situations gives all users practical functions that simplify operation and make Discovery VP a powerful tool for method development and day-to-day operation by multiple users. Some features that came directly from customer requests are: 10 column capacity with solvent selection in Analytical mode, a 'default' method for columns to store frequently used run conditions, standby mode when the system is not running samples for quick startup and equilibration, a stacked plot report to overlay and compare multiple chromatograms, and control of the ELSD-LT and Shimadzu’s mass spectrometer for HPLC.
Future Software Versions
The Discovery VP software is constantly being updated and improved to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers. Shimadzu is committed to providing solutions for scientific challenges, and feedback from users results in new features for system ruggedness and ease of use.
System Protect Features
If the system is unattended, precautions are in place to handle situations such as column overpressure, full fraction collectors, unstable baseline, and many others. Discovery VP will pause the sample queue and stop solvent flow, display a message on the screen, and send an email to the Administrator to check the system. After Administrator intervention, Discovery VP resumes the sample queue.
E-mail notification
On a networked computer, Discovery VP will email users or send a text message to a pager or cell phone when runs are complete so analysts can quickly respond to samples that require immediate attention. The System Administrator receives email notification when Discovery VP requires intervention to reset the fraction collectors, check the detector for an unstable baseline, resolve a system overpressure, etc.
System and Sample Logs
Discovery VP sends a monthly email to the System Administrator that details system activity and column usage. This allows the Administrator to track and replace columns that approach the recommended limit for lifetime injections. click for picture
Enabling Technology for the Pharmaceutical Industry
Discovery VP Preparative System
Discovery VP Analytical System
