The present disclosure is directed to a method of operating a chromatography column. This method involves collecting column outlet signal and accumulated flow parameters at two or more intervals of at least one mobile phase transition front during operation of the chromatography column comprising column packing. A model gamma cumulative distribution curve is determined based on the collected column outlet signal and accumulated flow parameters for the at least one mobile phase transition front. The height equivalent theoretical plate (HETP) value is calculated for the at least one mobile phase transition front using parameters of the model gamma cumulative distribution curve and the quality of the chromatography column packing is assessed based on the calculated HETP value. If during routine column monitoring, an adverse trend in HETP is observed or the control limits are exceeded, the eluate product quality, column process performance, and/or impurity removal data should be evaluated to ensure product quality for the identified batch. Should any of the product quality or column performance fail the criteria set, appropriate corrective action, such as conditioning, repacking or replacing the column, and qualification should be performed prior to release for further use.
