When storing master data, EPLAN distinguishes between project master data and system master data.
Project data storage
Most work with project master data is referenced, whereby the master data is stored in the project in the form of a copy, e.g. of a symbol library that is then accessed from within the project.
Master data is thus stored on a project-related basis. Project data is automatically synchronized with the master data pool when opening, saving, or restoring a project if you have selected the Synchronize project master data when opening check box (under Options > Settings > Projects > "Project name" > Management > General).
The large data volumes are tolerated for this mode of operation because typically there is sufficient hard drive capacity, and the required master data take up relatively little memory.
The references relate to the project-related copies of the master data, such as the symbol libraries in the project database, the plot frames in the project directory etc. Excluded from this are macros and foreign languages; these are stored respectively in the schematic on a file or word basis.
Master data storage
Macros, forms, and plot frames are saved as individual files. The format is the XML text format. Symbol libraries consist, on the other hand, of multiple binary files in their own directory structure.
The individual files are edited in the symbol, form, or plot frame editor, whereby EPLAN works with the individual files or the library when storing them in projects.
For documentation purposes the files can be imported individually into so-called documentation projects (Utilities > Reports > Generate).
Note:
There are no automatic functions for synchronizing individual files with the master data project. All actions have to be manually started. This makes it possible to structure the files in directories and to manage the files individually (updates, copies, e-mails, etc.).
See also