There is provided a method of automatically identifying and characterizing spectral peaks of a spectrum generated by an analytical apparatus comprising the steps of: receiving the spectrum generated by the analytical apparatus; automatically subtracting a baseline from the spectrum so as to generate a baseline-corrected spectrum; automatically detecting and characterizing the spectral peaks in the baseline-corrected spectrum; reporting the detected and characterized spectral peaks to a user; receiving a list of adjustments to be made to the detecting and characterizing step from the user; and adjusting exit values used in the detecting and characterizing step, based on the list of adjustments.