System Explorer

Common Functionality

Display : System Explorer

Provides an easy to use graphical method of navigating in the System Hierarchy in the database.

In this explorer you can view 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. It 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 displayed under all systems to which the items on the diagram belong, includes both primary and secondary systems.

You can right click in the Systems Explorer window empty space area to display a Filter drop-down menu with predefined filters, which can be applied to the explorer tree. Currently there are three filters available one for each discipline (Piping, HVAC, Electrical).

The System Explorer features a context sensitive right-click menu that provides common commands.

Note:

The System Explorer displays 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.