Abstract: In a method of allocating a plurality of functional tasks to a plurality of functional devices each capable of carrying out one or more of the functional tasks, the functional devices are analytical devices and each of the functional tasks corresponds to a respective predefined process related to analyzing a respective sample by a respective one of the functional devices. The functional tasks are allocated to the functional devices based on a criterion to achieve compliance with at least one predefined control target of controlling the functional devices.

Abstract: A process which, on the basis of a provided test sample including a mix of a plurality of preknown sample components and on the basis of provided absolute sample separation properties for each of the sample components, includes experimentally determining a real sample separation result by executing a sample separation method for separating the test sample by a sample separation apparatus, and determining a real value of at least one operation parameter based on a comparison between the absolute sample separation properties and the real sample separation result for characterizing a real course of the sample separation method.