We are planning to purchase a chromatography data system in the near future. We need a system that is in compliance with CFR 21, Part 11. I'd appreciate hearing about everyone's experience with the various systems, such as (alphabetically listed!): Agilent, Beckman, Dionex, Perkin Elmer, Waters (or any others that I've overlooked). We're especially interested in hearing about ease of use, and the vendors' support regarding service and training.
Thanks
-Mary

I have used, in alphabetical order, Dionex, Spectra Physics before the changed their name and Waters.
In my opinion the Dionex PEEK system is the best HPLC. These are the easiest pumps to service and maintain. Unfortunately, PEEK cannot be used for separations with chloroform or THF if that is a consideration. Spectra Physics, now called Thermal Separations has a very dependable system. It is the oldest system in our lab and runs like a charm.
Dionex and Waters have great training programs in all areas of HPLC, Dionex in ion chromatography and Waters in sample preparation.
For service Dionex and Thermal Separations really do great job. On the odd occasion when our Spectra Physics failed and I was unable to fix it. I considered it dead and ready for burial. I sent it off to their service department to confirm its loss. I prepared capital proposals for its replacement. In each case it came back running like new. Dionex is one of only two instrument manufacturers with which I suggested having service contracts. Dionex is the only HPLC instrumnet manufacturer, the other is a titroprocessor instrument supplier, Brinkmann.

Which instruments (type, make, LC, GC ?) do you want to connect to your CDS ? which number ?
Do you already have chromatographic software ? standalone or networked ?
I suggest you to consider all these points before making your choice.
I have installed Agilent ChemStation Plus (i.e. ChemStation + ChemStore + Security Pack) for my whole lab (18 data stations,12 GCs, 13 HPLCs) and we have no problem; the support is great (at least in France!).
Waters seems to be OK as well for compliance.
A last word about Agilent : their new system "Cerity for Pharma" will be available next January.

Our company installed Perkin Elmer Turbochrom. The service has been good, but the software has limited user options for basic functions in terms of monitoring data, report layouts; the integration is cumbersome at best, and it is very difficult to learn. It seems like the software designers had no idea what a chromatographer needs from such a system. It has significantly slowed our QC lab turnaround times.

We have used in the past shimadzu EZ-Chrom and HP Chemstation and both of these are superior in terms of ease of use and "teachability".

A number of systems are very similar.However, I would suggest getting a trial of approx. 2-3 and try out the integration.
Kontron, I believe have one of the better 'inteligent' algorithms and thus give best 'first time' integration. What you have to watch is that you get the best chromatographically with the CFR 21 compliance. Not what has the best software features. In my experience Turbochrom has had difficulty with some integration. ATLAS is another CDS that may be worth looking at. It was developed in colaboration with a number of pharmaceutical compnaies so it should be good !!

By Anonymous on Saturday, December 9, 2000 - 01:24 pm:
Our company installed Perkin Elmer Turbochrom.

Can I help you with your TCWS?

pgpg@tutopia.com