[applecrazy]

Isn’t there analytical chemistry software?

[girvo]

There is. Some of it is quite powerful, too, but it has some (quite serious) limits: process chemists definitely aren't in danger of losing their jobs just yet!

[Reelin]

Yes, but good luck interpreting the output if you aren't an accomplished synthetic organic chemist.

[fuzzfactor]

Analysts can benefit tremendously from better knowledge of research, synthesis or process work, and vice versa.

But great professionalism can also be developed without as much cross-functionality between subdisciplines.

Like many things, detailed efforts unique to the subprofession can be the most essential.

[fuzzfactor]

You must utilize the software beyond the vendors' design goals before you can be as effective as you could before there was software.