System Explorer

Diagrams User Guide

Diagrams : Working with Diagrams : Main GUI Components : System Explorer

The System Explorer can be used to navigate in the System Hierarchy in the database. If the System Explorer is not visible, it can be displayed by using the View Tab > Explorers > System Explorer command in the main application menu.

In this explorer you can see the secondary Systems hierarchy. Below each system, the items are further sub-grouped by Folders. Folders do not exist in the database, they are only a way to display items of the same type, together, and provide a better navigation and overview.

Main schematic items such as Pipelines, HVAC lines, Equipment items and Cables are members in the system hierarchy through their SCSYSF attribute, which contains an array of system references. This means that a schematic item can be a member of more than one system simultaneously, thereby appearing in several places in the System Explorer tree. The first system in the array is considered the primary system, and others are considered secondary. By default, all subordinate items are considered to be members of the same system as the parent Pipeline / HVACline / Equipment item. It is however possible to override this by setting a different system reference on a subordinate item, such as a special valve or a sub-equipment item.

In this case that particular item would both appear below the parent item (Pipeline, Equipment) in the system explorer, and also by itself under the system set for that item.

Diagrams are shown under all systems to which the items on the diagram belong. This includes both primary and secondary systems.

Above the navigation tree is a Filter checkbox as well as a dropdown list where predefined filters can be selected. If the Filter checkbox is checked, the selected filter will be applied to the explorer tree. Currently there are tree filters available, one for each discipline (Piping, HVAC, Electrical).

The System Explorer features a context sensitive right mouse button menu that provides common commands.

Note:

The System Explorer shows the entire contents of the database and not only the current drawing. Some administrative elements such as the SYSCDA and SYSMDA are however hidden in order not to clutter the view. These elements can be seen and manipulated through the systems hierarchy administration function. Please refer to Systems in Chapter Application Setup for further information.