Introduction to OMNIS - Software Basics

Introduction

OMNIS software is the central control hub for Metrohm’s next-generation systems, bringing together instrument control, method creation, data handling, and reporting in one unified platform. This article provides a concise overview of OMNIS software basics. Whether you are new to OMNIS or looking for a quick refresher, this review is designed to help you move through the software with confidence and clarity.

Reserving an Instrument

  • Networked instruments will be displayed in the instruments inventory.
  • If an expected instrument is not displayed, check the network priorities.

  • Click-and-drag instruments over to reserve the instrument. The instrument and all its functional units will be displayed, and the device will be removed from the inventory of networked instruments.

Manual Control

  • Double click on a functional unit or click on a functional unit and press the manual control icon.
  • Initialize a device if it has lost communication. An orange circle next to an instrument or functional unit will indicate lost communication.
  • Prepare, empty or put the cylinder in the exchange position.
  • Dose a defined volume from the dosing port.

  • Fill or aspirate a defined volume from the filling port.

Properties & Firmware

  • Click on the Properties icon and select Specific data of dosing unit to define dosing and filling ports.
  • Specific data of the solution to name the solution, see titer data.

  • Licenses and firmware of the titrator to see what functions are active and to activate additional licenses.

Creating Work Systems

  • A work system (WS) reserves functional units that will be used while running a process (i.e. OP).
  • Drag-and-drop functional units to be used.

  • If an OP is imported in, the WS will have silhouettes of functional units. Drag-and drop over the matching functional units, but do not delete any silhouette functional units.

Creating Methods

  • Create a new method or import a method template.
  • Drag-and-drop commands from the library into a sequential order.
  • Click on an individual command to enter parameters.
  • Under method properties, select a WS to execute with.

  • Optional runs can be added to the method to run in case of an error or stop.

Creating Operating Procedures (OPs)

  • An OP is a collection of methods and commands.
  • Methods can be expanded to see the sequence and parameters but cannot be edited.
  • Commands are limited, no hardware or titration commands.

  • The OP parameters define subsample variables (i.e. rack position, sample position, sample size, a result).

Subsample Variables in the OP

  • Subsample variables are defined in the OP and will be displayed in the sample list.
  • Click on the OP heading, then properties → parameters and add column.
  • Sample size, sample position and results are input fields that use a number.

  • Remember to save the OP if you need to use one in a method formula.

Calculations

  • Calculations can either be inserted into an OP or method.
  • Highlight the calculation command and click on properties → parameters.
  • Click on the fx icon to enter a calculation.

  • A result can be saved as a variable by clicking the (x) icon. Save a system variable to reuse in calculations (i.e. Blank) or save as subsample data if you have defined a result field in the OP subsample variables.

Calculations: Formula Editor

  • The formula editor is used to enter calculations for results.
  • The sample size can be found in the subsample data (choose correct subcategory).
  • The endpoint (EP) is part of the titration command, so it can be found as a command variable. Therefore, to find the EP, the calculation needs to be in the method, not the OP.

  • To use the titer value on the bottle cap RFID tag, it can be found as an equipment variable since the solution is listed in the equipment. Subcategory will be of the current work system.

Importing Template Operating Procedures

  • Template OPs/methods can be downloaded from the Metrohm Knowledge Base.
  • Gives OP files (.opro) for stand-alone and automation systems.
  • REMEMBER - titer determination for Europeans is a factor and that in the USA a titer is the titrant concentration.
  • Basic edits of templates are still required to be able to use them.

  • Import .opro in the operating procedure processes (unzip folder first!).

Saving a Titer Value

  • To save a titer result to the solution, create a method that has a titration command, followed by a calculation command, followed by a titer write command. 
  • This command option is not available in the OP command list.
  • To take the average titer, check the box for calculate statistics.

  • In the titer write command, define the titration command and the calculation command.

pH Electrode - Calibration

  • The pH calibration method/OP runs a loop sequenced based on how many pH buffers to be used. The number of loop cycles equals the number of buffers to be used.
  • In the command CAL pH parameters, define what type of buffers will be used and the number of buffers. 
  • The calibration data can be written to the electrode using the CAL WRITE command if the measuring module that the electrode is connected to is defined in the execute with of the CAL pH command.

  • Automatic recognition of pH calibration buffers based on their potential.

Creating Sample Profiles

  • Enter the name of the sample profile (ie plating bath C2A, Water Tank 32, etc.). Remember the sample is the focus!
  • Sample profiles define what input fields are displayed in the sample list for the sample, not the subsample (i.e. batch number, location, etc.).
  • Sample profiles can be thought of as a sample table template.

  • The OP(s) that will be used for the sample and number of subsamples to be run is defined.

Sample Lists

  • A sample lists is where a sample table can be made, where samples are run, where we can view live titration curves, look at previously run sample titration curves and results, print reports and reprocess data.
  • Name the sample list and select a sample profile for your sample and click the add sample icon
  • If a mistake is made, a sample profile can be removed* from the sample list or we can add and delete subsamples

  • Views can be rearranged by clicking the drop down next to Sample List, Results, Curves and Data and Subsample.

Sample List Icons

  • Choice between series and parallel determinations. 
    • Series determination: Analyze all executable subsamples in the sample list sequentially. 
    • Parallel determination: Analyze all executable subsamples in the sample list simultaneously. 
  • There is the option to run a single determination, a series determination or parallel determination (multiple work systems). 

  • Determinations ca be started, stopped, stopped after a delay, or live edit a series determination. 

Starting a Sample List

  • Highlight the determination(s) in the sample list to be run.
  • Choose to run a single determination or series determination.
  • If multiple subsamples are defined in the sample profile, they must be run together.

  • Click the start icon to start running samples.

Running a Sample

  • The live titration curve will be displayed while a sample is running.
  • The scale of the x & y-axis can be changed by clicking and dragging the green lines on the curve display.

  • An orange work system icon will appear below the equipment. This will show you all work systems that contain functional units that are currently being run.

Curves & Data

  • Clicking the drop down we can switch between the curves of run determinations, seeing a measuring point list, viewing live data and calibration curves.
  • Titration curves can be overlayed by clicking
  • A second y-axis can be added by clicking the properties icon of the curve displayed. 

  • Reevaluate a titration curve (for EPs) by clicking and changing potentiometric parameters (windows, EP criterion, EP recognition).

Results

  • View raw data of a determination (i.e. EP, time of titration).
  • View results from the calculations defined in the method/operating procedure.
  • If statistics are enabled, view the mean, standard deviation, RSD, etc.

  • Recalculate results by highlighting the result in the calculations and clicking the icon The calculation parameters can be edited, such as editing the formula with a correct sample size. 

Subsample

  • The Process, Equipment, History or Signatures can be viewed in the Subsample area if displayed.
  • Process - the method and OP name used for a determination can be viewed. An OP can be restored to the Process work area by clicking
  • Equipment – can get all information on instruments, work system, sensors and solutions. Including any monitoring, serial numbers, etc.

  • History – shows the determination history including if it has been edited, when the subsample was run, completed, etc.

Creating Reports

  • In the sample list area highlight the subsample(s) to be printed and click on the create report icon.
  • Select which report template you want to use. Report templates cannot currently be edited.
  • Select printer or PDF and a target location for a PDF.

  • Printer settings are in the General Settings subsection. 

Backup Database

  • The entire database (i.e. work systems, sensors, solutions, methods, OPs, sample lists, sample profiles) can be backed up as a .bak file in the Settings work area in the subsection Database Management.

  • Databases can only be backed up in this subsection. Databases cannot be reset or restored here.

Database Administration

  • The database administration is a separate application from the software.
  • Databases can be backed up, restored or reset from the database administration.

  • The database administration version must match the version of OMNIS software on the PC. In case the software is updated, the database administration can be updated here.

Additional Support

  • Press F1 anywhere in OMNIS to access the help menu. 
  • Hover over icons to have them identify what they are and look for the link to the online help for that specific area. 

For additional training on any of these topics, explore our available Metrohm Titration Training courses or learn more about our Metrohm Custom Training options. 

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