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 function designation) 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, for example 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 location designation in the property Location designation (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 usage 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, location designation) at the respective planning object. In this way, for example, different location designations within one 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.
See also
Creating and Editing Structure Segments
Creating Planning Objects, PCT Loops, PCT Loop Functions, Containers and Connection Planning Objects