Principles of operation of the program
Analogous to the other master data, all of the necessary information on parts required for independent work with a project are stored in the project itself. There are always two parts databases (redundant data management): the central parts database for all projects and the internal project parts database integrated in the project, which only contains parts placed in the project.
Within a project, the parts from the internal project parts database are referenced, i.e., a part that is used 10 times is stored only once, and is referenced 10 times in the project (via the part number). Parts data can therefore be easily changed and synchronized via the central parts database.
For the parts database you can either use an internal EPLAN format or SQL databases. The data is stored at the part variants. This way you have the possibility, for example, to store different macros at the variants of a part.
Window structure of parts management
The main window of the parts management is split vertically. In the left-hand area of the dialog, the data to be managed is displayed in a tree view or list view, with the tree view displaying the following hierarchy levels:
- Part; configuration of the displayed hierarchy is possible via the Tree configuration
- Accessory list
- Accessory placement
- Drilling pattern
- Connection point pattern
- Customer
- Manufacturer / supplier
In the "Parts" hierarchy level the parts are structured according to the product grouping and divided according to different trades. The top hierarchy level represents the generic product groups such as "Electrical engineering", "Fluid power", "Mechanics" or "Process engineering". The parts of the generic product group "Mechanics" contain general and mechanical data (for example, of EPLAN Pro Panel). Within a generic product group, the parts are divided into "Components", "Assemblies", and "Modules". Cables and housings are included in the components group.
The individual part numbers are displayed at the lowest hierarchy level in the tree. If more than one variant of the part exists, these variants are shown below the part.
As an alternative to the tree view, you can also display the data in a list, where the scope of the display is set using the Configure representation popup menu item. The list shows all parts but no manufacturers, suppliers and customers.
The respective information on the records (e.g. parts, accessory lists, customers) which you have marked on the left-hand side are displayed on the right-hand side of the dialog. There are tabs available for all part types (such as Overview, Properties, etc.), and tabs with special input options for a specific part type (such as Module, Assembly, etc.).
Adapting the tree structure
To also be able to structure the parts (and other record types) according to a customer-specific view, it is possible to adjust the tree view according to your needs (so called "Tree configuration"). You can create own hierarchy levels (nodes) for the tree view. As the last hierarchy level in the tree view the individual part numbers or - if there is more than one variant - the variant designation are shown.
See also