PDS

PD_XPDA Ready Reference

Version 9.0

March 2008

DPDS3-PE-200041A

Copyright
Copyright 2005 Intergraph Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
2005 CAXperts GmbH. All Rights Reserved.
Including software, file formats, and audiovisual displays; may be used pursuant to applicable software license
agreement; contains confidential and proprietary information of Intergraph and/or third parties which is protected by
copyright law, trade secret law, and international treaty, and may not be provided or otherwise made available
without proper authorization.

Restricted Rights Legend

Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c) of the
Contractor Rights in Technical Data clause at DFARS 252.227-7013, subparagraph (b) of the Rights in Computer
Software or Computer Software Documentation clause at DFARS 252.227-7014, subparagraphs (b)(1) and (2) of
the License clause at DFARS 252.227-7015, or subparagraphs (c) (1) and (2) of Commercial Computer Software--Restricted Rights at 48 CFR 52.227-19, as applicable.
Unpublished---rights reserved under the copyright laws of the United States.
Intergraph Corporation
Huntsville, Alabama 35894-0001

Warranties and Liabilities

All warranties given by Intergraph Corporation about equipment or software are set forth in your purchase contract,
and nothing stated in, or implied by, this document or its contents shall be considered or deemed a modification or
amendment of such warranties. Intergraph believes the information in this publication is accurate as of its
publication date.
The information and the software discussed in this document are subject to change without notice and are subject to
applicable technical product descriptions. Intergraph Corporation is not responsible for any error that may appear in
this document.
The software discussed in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in accordance
with the terms of this license.
No responsibility is assumed by Intergraph for the use or reliability of software on equipment that is not supplied by
Intergraph or its affiliated companies. THE USER OF THE SOFTWARE IS EXPECTED TO MAKE THE FINAL
EVALUATION AS TO THE USEFULNESS OF THE SOFTWARE IN HIS OWN ENVIRONMENT.

Trademarks
Intergraph, the Intergraph logo, SmartSketch, FrameWorks, SmartPlant, INtools, MARIAN, PDS, IGDS, RIS and
IntelliShip are registered trademarks of Intergraph Corporation. IGDS file formats 1987-1994 Intergraph
Corporation. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Bentley, the Bentley logo
B, and MicroStation are registered trademarks of Bentley Systems, Inc. ISOGEN is a registered trademark of
Alias Limited. Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 2
General Conventions.................................................................................................... 2
Typefaces.............................................................................................................................2
Symbols ...............................................................................................................................3

Installation ................................................................................................................... 3
Loading projects................................................................................................................ 5
Control File .................................................................................................................. 5
Selecting the project..................................................................................................... 6
Tree view............................................................................................................................ 7
Navigation.................................................................................................................... 7
Double clicking ...................................................................................................................8
Pop-up menu........................................................................................................................8
Drag & drop.........................................................................................................................8
Properties.............................................................................................................................8
Manage Reference Data ......................................................................................................9
Colours and symbols .........................................................................................................10
Status bar ...........................................................................................................................11

Managing a PDS project .......................................................................................... 11

Creating a discipline, area and model/drawing .................................................................11
Copying Models ................................................................................................................13
Modifying an object ..........................................................................................................13
Deleting an object..............................................................................................................13

Menu................................................................................................................................. 14
File ............................................................................................................................. 14
Load PDS Project ..............................................................................................................14
Copy Seed Project to New Project ....................................................................................14
Settings ..............................................................................................................................18
Save User Settings.............................................................................................................19
Load User Settings ............................................................................................................19
Recent projects ..................................................................................................................19
Exit ....................................................................................................................................19

View........................................................................................................................... 19
Reload PDS-Project...........................................................................................................19
Toolbar ..............................................................................................................................19
Events Window .................................................................................................................20

Administration ........................................................................................................... 20
Select Site ID.....................................................................................................................20
Backup...............................................................................................................................20

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Restore...............................................................................................................................20
Automation Wizard ...........................................................................................................21
PDS DB Administration ....................................................................................................23
Lock Manager....................................................................................................................23
Site ID Manager ................................................................................................................24
Privileges Manager............................................................................................................25
Proj_file Editor ..................................................................................................................25

RDB ........................................................................................................................... 26
View PMC.........................................................................................................................26
Load Specification Data ....................................................................................................28
Report Piping Job Specification ........................................................................................28
Approve Complete RDB ...................................................................................................28

Tools .......................................................................................................................... 29
Create Design Review Session..........................................................................................29
Vector Hidden Line ...........................................................................................................29
Iso ......................................................................................................................................30
Report Manager .................................................................................................................34
Export PDS Project to Excel .............................................................................................35
Import PDS Project from Excel .......................................................................................36
Export Equipment to Excel ...............................................................................................36
Import Equipment from Excel...........................................................................................37

Language.................................................................................................................... 37
Language Editor ................................................................................................................38

Graphics mode MicroStation .................................................................................... 39

My Menu / Toolbar.................................................................................................... 40
Reference files ........................................................................................................... 41
Command Line Mode ..................................................................................................... 42
Starting Projects......................................................................................................... 42
Unloading RIS Tables................................................................................................ 42
Executing INI Files.................................................................................................... 42
Technical support............................................................................................................ 43
eCustomer Web Support............................................................................................ 43
Software Compatibility Matrix..........................................................................................43

Intergraph Policy Against Software Piracy.................................................................. 44

Glossary of Terms ........................................................................................................... 45

Introduction

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Introduction
The program PD_XPDA is an add-on product for PDS. PD_XPDA complements
PD Shell and provides advanced PDS users with exactly the functions they need for
their day-to-day work as well as supporting them in all administrative aspects of
Intergraph PDS.
Furthermore, PD_XPDA can be localized in different languages, with preconfigured
menus already available in English, German and Chinese.
PD_XPDA has been designed with the familiar Windows look & feel. Thus, for
instance, navigation has been implemented as a tree structure, similar to the Windows
Explorer and the right mouse button can be used to call up properties or to create
models.
Wizards are used to guide you through complex tasks (e.g. creating a new PDS
project).
Since PD_XPDA is an add-on for PDS, you can continue to use PDS as usual.
Note: All PDS projects which have been processed with PD_XPDA can be
opened with the PD shell at any time.

General Conventions
This document contains many visual cues to help you understand the meaning of
certain words or phrases. The use of different fonts for different types of information
allows you to scan the document for key concepts or commands. Symbols help
abbreviate and identify commonly used words, phrases, or groups of related
information

Typefaces
Italic

Indicates a system response, which is an explanation of

what the software is doing. For example,
The text is placed in the viewing plane.

Bold

Indicates a command name, parameter name, or dialog

box title. Command paths are shown using an arrow
between command names. For example,
Choose File > Open to load a new file.

Sans serif Indicates a system prompt or message, which requires

an action be taken by the user. For example,

Introduction

Select first segment of alignment

Normal typewriter
Indicates an actual file or directory name. For example,
The ASCII report is stored in the layout.rpt file.
Bold typewriter
Indicates what you literally type in. For example,
Key in original.dat to load the ASCII file.

Symbols
This document uses the following symbols to identify special information:
Note important supplemental information.

Map or path shows you how to get to a specific command or form.

More information indicates there is additional or related

information.

Installation
Requirements:

Operating system: Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista

PDS Version 8.0 or later

Microsoft MDAC and Jet Database Libraries

Administrator rights are required on each computer to install PD_XPDA.

No configuration of PD_XPDA is required. The required settings (RIS, proj_file,
etc.) are taken over from PDS automatically. Simply start setup.exe from your
installation medium, the setup software will guide you through the installation
process.

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Note if you want to use PDS Database Administration, select
Admin tools package in PD_XPDA customized setup. This package
should be installed for experienced users only, because it grants direct
access to the database.

Loading projects

Loading projects
When you start PD_XPDA, the main window opens. You can load now a PDS
project using File > Load PDS Project.

Control File

Selection of the control file also selects the proj_file and replaces PDS Configure.
The most recently used control file is saved and used automatically the next time
PD_XPDA is started.

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Selecting the project

This window lists all the projects of the relevant proj_file alphabetically. Open a
project by double clicking the project name or by selecting the project and clicking
OK.
The most recent project is selected automatically when you restart the software.

Tree view

Tree view
To provide a clear overview of the PDS project, PD_XPDA represents the entire
project as a hierarchical tree view. Beneath there is an event log, clicking on it opens
the log file in the systems standard editor.

Navigation
Navigation is very similar to that in Microsoft Windows Explorer. This means, of
course, that the usual Windows standards such as right click, drag & drop and
double clicking also function here.

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Double clicking
As with the Windows Explorer, double clicking expands a level of the tree structure
or opens the corresponding model/drawing in PDS.

Pop-up menu

Clicking the right mouse button opens a context-sensitive pop-up menu (depending
on the element selected in the tree view). This menu provides all the functions which
can be used in the current context for the currently selected element.

Drag & drop

If you hold down the SHIFT key, you can easily move models/drawings between
different areas by dragging and dropping them.
Additionally, for piping, equipment and structural models you can drag & drop
holding down the CTRL key: this copies the selected model to the target. The models
can also be copied between two projects, if both projects use the same database
structure.
See also Loading specifications (pipe classes), RIS dump files and Excel files.

Properties
The properties show all the information on an element (model, drawing, area) in the
form of a tree view.

Tree view

The properties of any model in the tree view can be displayed as follows:

Right click on the corresponding element in the tree view and select
Properties.

Select the element and press ALT+ENTER.

Manage Reference Data

Also see chapter Reference Files

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Colours and symbols

Elements in the tree view can be represented using different colours and symbols:

Model or drawing is locked (in use)

grey Model or drawing is not in the active site ID and is therefore locked
for editing.

Process status:

green - data is up to date or has been generated successfully.

yellow currently being processed

red error or the data is not up to date, see log file

Additional colour codes:

In addition, you can define your own colours. These are used purely for your own
information (completed, edited, checked) and have no influence on the project. You
set the colour by right clicking.

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Tree view

Status bar
Brief information (path, revision date, site ID, lock status) on the model/drawing
selected in the tree view.

Managing a PDS project

Creating a discipline, area and model/drawing
1. Right click on the relevant structure level.

2. From the pop-up menu, select Create new > Discipline, Area,

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3. Enter the name and description and item specific information.

4. If necessary: Change the path.
5. Click OK.

Note if you create a new model, PD_XPDA will set the model status
according to your settings in the Create new model form. Database
tables will be created automatically; application type is same as PDS
default

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Tree view

Copying Models
Piping, Equipment and Structural models can be copied using the right mouse button
context menu or via drag and drop. The models can also be copied between two
projects, if both projects use the same database structure.

Modifying an object
The model path, name and description can be changed by right clicking the relevant
object.

Deleting an object
Deleting an object means deleting disciplines, sub-projects, areas, models and
drawings. Unlike PDS, all subordinate models are automatically deleted when you
delete the parent area. This also applies to a discipline (all subordinate areas and the
models they contain are also deleted).

It is possible to delete models/drawings from the database only or to delete the model
files (*.dgn, *.prp) as well. You can also create a backup of the relevant files before
deletion for safety reasons.

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Menu
The menu provides access to all functions. Functions for which the user has no
authorization are greyed out.

File
Load PDS Project
The menu item Load PDS Project opens the project selection window.

Copy Seed Project to New Project

This function is based on a copy of a seed project.
PD_XPDA provides you with support for all the activities involved in creating a new
PDS project, namely: Creating the database user (Oracle or SQL Server),
replacement of all paths, modification of the ISOGEN configuration files, entry of the
new project in the proj_file.
You create a new project (with support from the Wizard) in just a few steps:
1. Select seed project:

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Menu

2. Enter the control file for the new project:

3. Define the name and the project directory:

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4. Enter the OS username and password for schema creation:

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Menu

5. This information is required to be able to create the new database user. An Oracle
client must be installed if Oracle is being used.

6. For Oracle servers only: Select table space:

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7. All the settings for the new PDS project are displayed. The new project is created
when you click the Create Now button. Click Cancel to quit the Wizard without
creating the project.

Settings
This is where you make general PD_XPDA settings.

Path to the user configuration file (ini)

Project auto reload

Path to user defined batch jobs

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Before PD_XPDA start

Menu

Before opening a project

After exiting PD_XPDA

Database configuration

Treeview Configuration
In case of several model or drawing attributes to be displayed in the
navigation treeview, additional attributes may be defined in this tree view.

Save User Settings

Save User Settings saves the user settings in an INI file.

Load User Settings

Load User Settings transfers the settings from another user or workstation.

Recent projects
The recently loaded projects or recently opened models/drawings will be listed in the
file menu.

Exit
Exit closes the active PD_XPDA session.

View
Reload PDS-Project
Reload the current project in the tree view, this may take some time.

Toolbar
Toggles the toolbar display.

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Events Window
Toggles the events window display.

Administration
Select Site ID
This menu command allows you to select the active site ID. All models/drawings
which belong to another site ID are locked (grey). You can only work on the
models/drawings of the active site ID.
The site ID information is available in PDS version 7.2 or later.

Backup
PD_XPDA does not use PDS Archival, but instead uses its own procedure for
backing up and restoring models and drawings.
Backing up models and drawings:
1. Select the models and/or drawings you want to back up in the tree view.
2. Select Backup from the Administration menu.
3. Enter the file name and path for the backup file (zip). PD_XPDA proposes a file
name made up as follows: project_user_date_time. You can overwrite
this as required.
A Zip file is created containing all the information required to restore the
models/drawings.

Restore
You restore models/drawings by choosing Restore from the Administration menu.
Restoration involves 3 steps.
1. Select the Zip backup file;
The contents of the file (models/drawings) are shown in a preview window.
2. Select the models/drawings that you want to restore.
3. Selecting Restore starts the restoration process.

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Menu
The system carries out a security check of model_index_no and
partition_no/drw_index_no in order to assign the models correctly.
Restriction: Only existing models or new piping/equipment models can be
loaded into the PDS project.

Automation Wizard
This function provides a simple method of automatically exchanging project data
between different sites. This form generates the content of an INI file which can be
used as parameter in PD_XPDA command line mode (see Executing INI Files) (e.g.
for use in batch files and timer applications etc.). In combination with system
commands like AT, PD_XPDA can backup and restore models and drawings at any
point in time.

E-mail
The backup file (Zip) can be sent to the other site automatically via e-mail. If
necessary, the Zip file is split into several parts. PD_XPDA can be set up in such a
way that all incoming PD_XPDA e-mails (with a backup file attached) are received
automatically and restored into the correct PDS project. Therefore you have to input
the settings of your e-mail account in the form E-Mail.

Backup

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Here you can select the directory where the backup file should go and the e-mail
address of the person who should receive the backup files via e-mail.

Restore

This form allows the selection of the file or e-mail attachment to restore. Several
options are available to decide in which case models or drawings should be
overwritten.

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Menu

PDS DB Administration
PDS Database Administration is only available if Admin tools package was
installed during PD_XPDA Setup. This package should be installed for
experienced users only, because it grants direct access to the database.

PDS DB Administration dumps the RIS schemas of the active PDS project.
1. Choose a project from the combo box or add one by clicking New
2. Add or remove schemas from the project by pressing Add new
schemas/Delete selected schemas
3. Hit the Unload button to create dump files.
4. Press Load RIS dump files to load a dump from a file.

Lock Manager
With the Lock Manager dialog you are able to unlock Drawings, Models and Files
locked by PDS. After choosing an object type PD_XPDA will show a list with
applicable objects. Select at least one entry and hit the Unlock selected objects

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button.
Two entries in the object type list, Offsite Models and Offsite Drawings, are
particular. The entries shown here are assigned to a foreign site and may be locked as
well as unlocked.
Changes will only apply after the OK button was hit and the followed
prompt has been confirmed.

Site ID Manager
Site ID Manager is used for the administration of sites. Both adding new sites and
editing site parameters of existing sites can be edited easily with the help of the data
grid.
To change the Local and Master site flags just click the appropriate button in the line
where the site is located. After a flag has been set the font will be displayed bold.
Changes in this dialog are only possible if the local site is also master site. Otherwise
the dialog is in read only mode.

Click the button Add new site to create a new site entry. Afterwards the parameters
of this site can be entered. The site_id property is responsible for the unique tagging
of a site. For this reason redundant entries are not allowed and will be rejected. This
column can also be edited for existing sites. After rename of the site all assigned
objects will be attached to the new site_id automatically. In the min and max_range
columns a positive interval can be defined in which i.e. model_indx_no and

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Menu
partition_no will be included. The ranges must not be overlap.
Hit the button Delete selected sites to remove one or more sites from PDS.
Sites can only be deleted if they have no objects attached.
Changes will only apply after the OK button was hit and the followed
prompt has been confirmed.

Privileges Manager
The Privileges Manager allows you to lock functions for specific users/groups. The
assignment of privileges is based on the Windows (domain) users and groups. This
means that you do not have to establish a new privileges management system.
Group and user rights are linked by an OR operation: If a group has a certain
privilege in PD_XPDA, every user in this group will have this privilege, even if this
privilege is not explicitly stated in the settings for this user.
The access rights are stored in an Access database (PD_XPDA.mdb). Former
versions of PD_XPDA placed it in the proj_file directory. An existing file will be
used otherwise a new file will be created in a new folder named pd_xpda that will be
created in the proj_file-folder. The privileges are thus the same for all the projects in a
proj_file.
Access to the Access database should be controlled using the Windows access rights.

Proj_file Editor
The Proj_file Editor allows you to create new proj_file, add/modify/delete project
definitions in a proj_file. Press Clear to delete all entries at once.
Via the Export/Import buttons the shown list may be exported into a Microsoft
Excel file for the purpose of edit. Afterwards the entries can be loaded from this file.

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RDB
Shows all piping and equipment libraries.

View PMC
Simple display of all pipe classes (components) of the project.
Code list values (option_code, material, ) are decoded (plain text no numbers).

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Menu
Using the grid:

Column arrangement
You can change the arrangement of the columns by clicking the column header with
the left mouse button, holding the button down and moving the column to the left or
right.

Sorting
Click on a column header in order to sort the list by that column. (Clicking the
column again switches between ascending and descending sort sequence).

Filter
Filters in the individual columns allow items to be selected according to certain
criteria. It is possible to combine several filters. The yellow bar at the top is used to
set the filters.
The filter can be reset by clearing the filter field or choosing the blank field.

Grouping

Dragging the column headers into the top area groups the data by that column. The
groups are arranged hierarchically, i.e. data is grouped from top to bottom within the
group range.

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Load Specification Data

Loads the specification data (pmc, pcd, ). As far as possible, the relevant data types
are detected automatically. It is also possible to load data by dragging and dropping
files to the tree view of the main window.

Report Piping Job Specification

Extracts the selected piping specification data to a file.

Approve Complete RDB

Loads data of the unapproved schema (e.g. ru_project) to the approved schema (e.g.
ra_project). All unapproved library files will be copied to the file path of the
approved library.

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Menu

Tools
Create Design Review Session

Simple creation of a design review session.

A SmartPlant review session is started in the background after you have selected the
target directory and clicked the Create Design Review Session button.

Generate DRV Files Generates DRV files in a batch process (if you do
not check this box, no database information will be used in SPR).

Force generation of DRV files (including up-to-date models)

Add Weld Graphics shows welds

Open SmartPlant Review opens the new session in SmartPlant Review

The processing status is indicated by colours (see Colours and symbols).

Vector Hidden Line

Vector Hidden Line starts the PDS-VHL process for the selected drawings.

The processing status is indicated by colours (see Colours and symbols).

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Iso
Run Isogen
This function starts a batch Isogen run for the selected pipes or models.
Options:

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"Submit for Plotting": After the Isogen run, the isometric representations
are plotted with IPlot.

"Run Isogen Also for Up-to-Date Line IDs": Generates isometric

representations again (also for up-to-date representations).

"Increment Revision No.": Increments the revision number

Menu
The pipes are coloured appropriately after the Isogen run (see 0Colours and
symbols).

Run Isoplot
Subsequent plotting of the isometric data (*.i0?) with IPlot.

Define Iso Default Sets for Searching Iso Files

Select one or more iso default sets from the list shown. Each selected item will be
used for searching iso files due to performance reason. If no iso default sets are
defined here, all iso default sets of the project will be used for searching iso files. The
Clear button will remove the selection from all items.

Iso Default Sets

Manage (create, configure, delete) default sets.

Revise Iso Area

With the help of this dialog you are able to map equipment and piping to iso areas.
Drag a single or several nodes that are selected by the appropriate checkbox from the
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available areas tree list on the project structure tree. Through the selection of the
destination branch you will see if this node is valid fort his operation.
Only a mapping of piping nodes to continuation areas and
equipment to equipment areas is valid.
The maximal node count below an equipment area branch is 5, a
continuation area can hold up to 20 piping areas.

This mapping can be removed by a click on the delete button. The areas must be
selected with the checkbox. Even if only one area shall be removed it has to be
checked.
Pressing the User Data button will show or hide the user data list. For every iso area
which is selected in the project structure tree view or chosen from the combo-box, an
individual list of ten entries will be shown.

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Menu

A single click on one of these entries allows you to edit this item.
User Data can not be deleted because the count of items is fixed. To
remove one, delete the assigned text.
Changes has been done in the project structure tree and the user data lists
will not be written back to the database until the OK button has been
pressed and the followed prompt was confirmed with Yes. The Cancel
button will close the dialog window and discards all changes. Please use
this button also if you did not make any changes.

Revise Iso Drawing

With the help of Revise Iso Drawing dialog Iso Drawing attributes may be edited
and Iso Drawings can be added.
Press the Add button to attach a new Drawing to an existing Iso Area. In the data
grid a new line will be added.

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Iso Area, Type, Line and DrawingNumber are mandatory and have
to be filled.
The entry for Line will also be applied to the Drawing Number and Iso
DGN Name columns.
Click with the mouse in a column to edit the contained values. The calendar helper
dialog for date values can be shown by pressing the button ( ) on the right hand side
of the cell.

After the adding process has been done, the Iso Area and Line columns cant be
changes anymore. In addition, the columns Extraction Number, Extraction Date,
Last MTO Date, Sheets Generated are also read only because the values will be
generated by PDS.
To remove one or more entries, select the corresponding lines and press the Delete
button. After the confirmation of the followed prompt the lines disappear.
Changes has been done in the data grid will not be written back to the
database until the OK button has been pressed and the followed prompt
was confirmed with Yes. The Cancel button will close the dialog window
and discards all changes. Please use this button also if you did not make
any changes.

Report Manager
The Report Manager dialog is used for the administration of reports. The parameters
of existing reports are shown in a data grid and can be edited easily within it.
Report No is used for unique tagging of reports. For this reason redundant entries are
not allowed and will be rejected.
With the help of the Open button, the appropriate report file (.rpt) will be opened
with the associated viewer program and respectively shows a dialog to administrate
Discrimination Data. Press Approve to mark the report as approved.

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Menu

By clicking the button Add new Report a new entry will be created that can be
edited afterwards. Report No, Report Path, Format File and Discrimination Data
are mandatory and must be filled. Hit the button ( ) at the right hand side of the cell
to show a Save as dialog for Report Path and respectively a list with already
known files for the Format File and Discrimination Data. Click the <add new>
entry in one of these lists to attach a new but existing file.
For further information on the topics Discrimination Data and
Format File consult your Intergraph PDS Documentation.
Press Delete selected Reports or Create report to remove entries from the data grid
and respectively fill the appropriate report files with report data. To change the
default path settings for Report, Format and Discrimination Data files, click the
button Report Management Data to show a dialog for this purpose.
Changes has been done in the data grid will not be written back to the
database until the OK button has been pressed and the followed prompt
was confirmed with Yes. The Cancel button will close the dialog window
and discards all changes. Please use this button also if you did not make
any changes.

Export PDS Project to Excel

Exports the selected models/drawings to a Microsoft Excel file, which is then
available for further processing.
The Excel file has the following structure:
Discipline Area
name
name

Area
Model
description name

Piping

Test Area1 Model1 Test Model1

Area1

Equipment Area2

Model
description Site ID

Test Area1 Model2 Test Model2 Munich

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This function also allows you to create, rename or delete disciplines, subprojects,
areas, models and drawings.

Import PDS Project from Excel

You can revise the complete structure of an existing PDS project very quickly and
easily or load it into a new PDS project. When you import the project from Excel,
the new project structure is first displayed in a preview window. Changed elements
are highlighted in colour.

Export Equipment to Excel

Exports the selected equipment to a Microsoft Excel file, which is then available for
further processing.

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Menu

Import Equipment from Excel

When you import equipment from Excel, the content of the Excel file is first
displayed in a preview window. Changed elements and new elements are highlighted
in colour.

Language
PD_XPDA is available in several languages. The following are supplied with the
product: English (default language), German and Chinese.

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You can use the Language menu command to switch between languages at any time.
You do not have to restart PD_XPDA. The most recent language setting is saved
automatically.

Language Editor
The Language Editor allows you to translate the interface into other languages or to
modify the existing languages.

Select source language

Select target language

Select the source and target language. You can then translate the individual items. If
the required target language does not exist, you can add it by clicking the "Add"
button. Save the completed translation by clicking the Save button.

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Graphics mode MicroStationPP

Graphics mode MicroStation

PD_XPDA replaces the PDS palettes with its own easy-to-use menu.

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My Menu / Toolbar
Here, you can quickly and easily group the commands you want into your own menu
by simply dragging and dropping them. You can also structure the commands by
grouping them.

Every item in My Menu is also represented by a toolbar icon (display per Toolbar
button).

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Graphics mode MicroStationPP

My Menu items can be deleted by the context menu (right mouse button), the
toolbar icon disappears then, too.

Reference files
The tree view allows you to manage reference files simply. This means that you can
reference entire areas or disciplines with a mouse click.
Models which have already been referenced are automatically selected in the tree
view.
Select Report reference files to Excel... from the popup menu to write a detailed
reference file overview into a Microsoft Excel sheet.

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Command Line Mode

To use PD_XPDAs command line mode one can
1. add the path to Xpda.exe to your local PATH variable or start Xpda.exe from its
home folder
2. display a detailed overview of the command line arguments call Xpda.exe /?

Starting Projects
PD_XPDA can be started directly from command line using
XPDA /PROJECT Control-File.CMD Projectname

Unloading RIS Tables

XPDA /RISUNLOADALL Directory

Unloads tables to specified output directory

Executing INI Files

XPDA /EXECUTE X:\PathToInifile\Inifile.INI

This executes the commands in the specified ini file (absolute path needed). See
Automation Wizard on how to create an ini file.

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Technical support

Technical support
eCustomer Web Support
Access the eCustomer Web site for the most up-to-date information about all
Intergraph Process, Power & Marine (PPM) products. To access the eCustomer Web
site, browse to the following site and type your eCustomer user name and password:
http://crmweb.intergraph.com/
Customers with appropriate eCustomer privileges can perform the following actions:

See What's New

Search the knowledge base for answers to support questions

Log and check on service requests

Check product release and support end dates

Find and download solutions, fixes, and service packs

Download product documentation or read it online

View the compatibility matrix of products, databases, and operating

systems

Software Compatibility Matrix

To view the compatibility matrix of supported software versions, click Downloads >
Products, and then click the PPM Compatibility Matrix link at the bottom of the
page.

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Intergraph Policy Against Software Piracy

When you purchase or lease Intergraph software, Intergraph retains ownership of the
product. You become the licensee of the product and obtain the right to use the
product solely in accordance with the terms of the Intergraph Software License
Agreement and the provisions of the various copyright laws.
You must have a valid license for each working copy of the product. You may also
make one archival copy of the software to protect from inadvertent destruction of the
original software, but you are not permitted to use the archival copy for any other
purpose. An upgrade replaces the original license. Any use of working copies of the
product for which there is no valid Intergraph Software License Agreement
constitutes Software Piracy for which there are very severe penalties. All Intergraph
software products are protected by copyright laws and international treaty.
If you have questions regarding software piracy or the legal use of Intergraph
software products, please call the Intergraph Legal Department at 256-730-2333.
Updated July 2003
Document No. DDGL562B0

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Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms
Attribute
A property or characteristic of an entity. A column in an entity table.

Batch Queue
A queue, or channel for moving requests, created through NQS. A batch queue
handles scheduling for processes submitted through the forms interface.

Cancel Box
A box that appears in the upper right corner of the PD Shell forms and contains an X.
Place a data point on the cancel box to exit the active form or option.

Client
In network operations, a node that accesses data or performs a function on the remote
resource (usually a server). All network operations (database, NFS, NQS) between
two or more nodes establish a client/server relationship.

Code List
A set of acceptable values for a specific attribute (column) that can be referred to by
an index number or selected from a form. For example, the code list set for the fluid
code attribute allows you to select from a set of standard entries (such as P for process
or MMA for methyl alcohol).

Code-listed Attribute
An attribute linked to a specific entry in a code list set. These attribute values can be
referenced by entering the associated code list number.

Column
An attribute of a table. A group of columns defines a table.

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Confirm Button
A button that appears in the upper right corner of a form and contains a green check
mark. Choose the confirm button to initiate a selected option.

Database
A collection of comprehensive informational files having predetermined structure and
organization that can then be communicated, interpreted, or processed by a specific
program.

Database Table
The part of the database that is made of rows and columns and contains information
about the project and design elements.

Design Area
A grouping of model files by discipline. A design area can refer to a specific volume
of the project area or the entire project area. The defined volume can represent a
unique volume or overlap another design volume. Design areas are used to
manipulate sets of design files. This is useful for operations which require multiple
design volumes such as reporting and interference checking.

Design Database
A database that contains the nongraphic design data for a project. Each model
represents a partition of the database.

Entity
An object (project, drawing, element, and so forth) of interest about which
information is stored; a relational database table.

Form
An interface or screen menu designed with the I/FORMS product.

Full Path Name

The name of the entire path or directory hierarchy to a file, including the file name.
See also relative path name.

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Glossary of Terms

Gadget
A portion of a form, such as a button, a field, or a checklist, that responds to
information. Gadgets can display default values or act as data entry areas.

Help Files
On-line documentation that provides command descriptions and sequences, and other
information to help you use the software.

Integrated Project
A project created with Piping, P&ID, Electrical Raceway, and ModelDraft Data.

IPLOT
An InterPlot client product that provides command-line, tutorial, and user command
interfaces for plotting.

Key-in Field
The field on a screen used to accept user-supplied data. Also known as data entry
field.

Model
A graphic representation or schema.

Model
A 3D design volume.

Model Number
A database attribute used to refer to a 3D model in the active project

Module
A specialized application within PDS such as the Piping Designer or Equipment
Modeling task.

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Network
An interconnection of computers that enables them to share data and control. The
term network can mean the devices that connect the system, or it can mean the
connected system.

Neutral File
An ASCII file which can be used to load data into a library, database, or design file.

Node Address
The hard-wired Ethernet address assigned to each node when it is manufactured. It is
necessary for each node to identify and communicate with another node in the
network.

Node Name
A name, or alias, that can be assigned to the node address of a device on a network.
The node name for Intergraph workstations can be a maximum of 6 alphanumeric
characters while all other devices on the network allow up to 14 alphanumeric
characters in the node name.

NQS
The acronym for Network Queuing System, the software package that allows you to
define network-wide batch and device queues. Use of NQS involves setting up local
resource queues on the system(s) where the resources reside and setting up pipe
queues on the systems that are to have access to the resources.

NPD
The acronym for nominal piping diameter.

Oracle
A relational database management system supported by RIS.

Partition
a subset of the database. Each model represents a partition of the Design database.

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Glossary of Terms

Path Name
The sequence of directories leading to a file. See also absolute path name and relative
path name.

PDS
Plant Design System.

Pipeline Name
A piping line number label that usually corresponds to sections of piping within a
model.

Pipe Queue
A controlled channel for moving requests to batch or device queues on remote
systems and for receiving status and/or data in response.

Project Control Database

A database used to define all the information related to managing a project including
design area definitions, interference management data, and revision management
data.

RDB
The acronym for Reference Database. A collection of reference data that contains
information relative to industry design codes, vendors catalog data, job
specifications, commodity libraries, graphics symbology, label descriptions, report
formats, and other information of a similar manner.

Reference Database
See RDB.

Relational Interface System

A generic relational database interface that isolates the differences in specific
vendors relational database management systems.

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Relative Path Name

The sequence of directories that lead from the current directory to a specific file. See
also path name and absolute path name.

Report Format File

A file that determines the contents and format of a report. It defines all the needed
criteria for creating the actual report, including which database attributes are reported.

RIS
The acronym for Relational Interface System.

Row
A unit of related information in a table. One collection of column values for a table.

Schema
An RIS identifier of a unique database/user combination that exists in a commercial
database system.

Search Criteria
A set of values used to scan a database or object library.

Seed Data
The default data used to create new projects, models, or drawings.

Seed File
A design file used to create a design file with a set of default parameters.

Server
In network operations, the node that maintains common data or performs a common
task needed by clients. All network operations (database, NFS, and NQS) between
two or more nodes establish a client/server relationship.

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Glossary of Terms

Source File
The uncompiled version of a language file or other data table. Source files are usually
contained in text libraries. See also neutral file.

Standard Note
A set of acceptable responses defined in the Standard Note Library. See also codelist.

Standard Note Library

A library that contains the text for code-listed attributes and standard notes. All
attributes identified as code-listed are stored in the database as integer data.

Toggle
To switch; to change between two alternatives.

Type 63 Element
An element used to store active parameters and customization data in a model or
drawing. Most of the customization data defined with the Project Data Manager is
stored in a type 63 element.

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