How Software Is Defining the New Era of Laboratory Science

Chromatography is an essential analytical tool used in many industries, including pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, and chemistry. It is the most employed technique for separating, identifying, and quantifying components of a mixture. While there are different types of chromatography, the success of all chromatography systems largely depends on the accuracy and precision of their instruments. For the length of my career, nearly every year ushers in giant steps in the systemic improvement of commercial systems’ accuracy, precision, and overall efficiencies. These “leaps” have frequently been attributable to the physical changes in our systems, such as materials, miniaturization, and chemistries. Today, we turn our attention to software, an essential component of chromatography instruments. This article discusses software’s dynamic and growing role in chromatography, its benefits, and the belief that it will profoundly change our jobs and industry.