Pre-planning: Principle

The structuring in the pre-planning is done by means of so-called "segments": structure segments and planning objects.

Structure segments

Structure segments provide part of the project structure. Parts of the DT can, thus, be predefined. A structure segment can represent one or several structure identifiers (usually the higher-level function) in detail planning. The subsequent project structure is determined from the structure identifiers.

Structure segments are created and edited in the pre-planning navigator. At a structure segment, you can generate reports for properties for the required expenditure (time, energy, and costs) from the subordinate planning objects.

Structure segments can be placed as structure boxes on pages of the page types "Pre-planning" and "P&I diagram". On pre-planning pages the structure is determined from the graphical layout of the segments (Graphical pre-planning). On P&I diagram pages the structure box serves solely the Display of the structure. To this purpose a reference to the structure segment is generated.

Planning objects

Planning objects define part of a machine / plant in the pre-planning; they each describe a device and relate to the functions of a device. In this, the device represents the functionality of a machine / plant (e.g., motor for a conveyor belt). Each planning object may represent only one device.

Macros can be stored at planning objects. Such a macro can contain several devices, so that the planning object represents several devices. But on the basis of its properties, the planning object defines only one device - the central device of the functionality.

Planning objects are created and edited in the pre-planning navigator. Planning objects can also be created via the Drag & Drop of parts.

A planning object can be described with varying levels of detail:

By a description of the plant functionality. Enter this text in the Description field of the property dialog.
By additional technical features. You can enter any features and values, e.g., power, drive type, pressure, current, etc. in the Technical description field of the property dialog. In addition, you can use user-defined properties for the input of technical data.
By function templates belonging to the same device.
By specific parts belonging to the same device.

Deviating structure identifiers at the planning objects

Each planning object can have a deviating structure compared to the superior segments. For this reason properties for individual components of the structure identifiers are available at the planning objects. For example, you can enter the component of the structure identifier for the mounting location in the property Mounting location (single component) (ID 1228). The entire structure identifier for a planning object consists in this case of the own individual part and all the parts of the superior structure segments and planning objects.

In order to specify a structure that deviates from the superior structure segments and planning objects place a greater-than sign (">") before the value of a such property. Through the greater-than sign superior structure identifiers are ignored.

Without the use of the greater-than sign you can use these properties to define a separate additional component for the structure identifier for a specific identifier block (for example mounting location) at the respective planning object. In this way, for example, different mounting locations within a loop can be differentiated.

Connection planning objects

So-called "connection planning objects" are available as further segments in the pre-planning (piping planning objects, cable planning objects). Connection planning objects define which segments are connected with each other and describe a piping or a cable in the pre-planning.

Segment definitions

The segment definition specifies the type of segment (that is, of a structure segment or planning object), similar to a function definition that specifies the type of function. During the creation of segments you specify the type of the respective segment by the selection of a segment definition.

In projects without segment definitions, the predefined segment definitions for the pre-planning are generated during the first (not write-protected) opening depending on the existing license. The following segment definitions are available by default:

Structure segment general
Planning object general
Loop
Consumer
Measuring function
Consumer function
Container general
Piping planning object general
Cable planning object general.

Pre-planning macros

Any structure in the pre-planning navigator can be stored in a pre-planning macro. Such a macro is a separate file type with the file name extension *.emv. By using pre-planning macros, you can complete the pre-planning (without graphical representation) quickly and conveniently from finished substructures.

Macros at planning objects

At planning objects, macro libraries with "normal" window or page macros can be stored (*.ema or *.emp). Such a macro usually contains placeholder objects with variables. The values of the variables can be selected in the property dialog of the planning object via the value set selection or be edited manually. During the placement of the macro, the values selected at the planning object or entered manually are carried over to the placed functions.

If no macro is stored at a planning object, but a part to which a macro has been assigned, the macro of the part will be used to place the functions.