Techniques for automated installation testing and reporting for analytical instruments

摘要

Automated installation processing of a mass spectrometer is described. Software is executed providing a user interface for controlling the installation process. Manual setup operations in connection with physical installation of the mass spectrometer are performed. Instrument level testing of the mass spectrometer is performed. The instrument level testing includes automating execution of a first test sequence in response to a first user interface selection. The first test sequence includes one or more performance tests whereby mass spectral data characterizing observed performance of the mass spectrometer is compared to predetermined performance criteria. System level testing of functionality of the mass spectrometer in combination with one or more other components is performed upon successful completion of said instrument level testing. The system level testing includes automating execution of a second test sequence in response to a second user interface selection. System level testing is performed after successful completion of instrument level testing.

主权项

1. A method of performing installation processing for installing a mass spectrometer, the method comprising:
executing software that controls an installation process of the mass spectrometer, wherein said executing software performs first processing including providing a user interface controlling a workflow of the installation process, wherein the workflow includes a predefined order of processing steps performed to complete the installation process, wherein, at a current point in the installation process, different user interface options performing associated processing steps of the installation process are disabled to enforce performing processing steps of the installation process in the predefined order; completing one or more manual setup operations of the installation process in connection with physical installation of the mass spectrometer; performing, as part of the installation process, instrument level testing of the mass spectrometer, wherein said instrument level testing includes automating execution of a first test sequence in response to a first user interface selection from the user interface controlling the workflow of the installation process, said first test sequence including one or more performance tests whereby mass spectral data characterizing observed performance of the mass spectrometer is compared to predetermined performance criteria; and performing, as part of the installation process, system level testing of functionality of the mass spectrometer in combination with one or more other components upon successful completion of said instrument level testing, wherein said system level testing includes automating execution of a second test sequence in response to a second user interface selection from the user interface controlling the workflow of the installation process, wherein said system level testing is performed after successful completion of said instrument level testing.