Auxalia PlantExpressTools Off-Page Connector Manager
Part of Series: Plant Innovation
- Plant Innovation: Automating Navisworks Publishing
- Building Assemblies to Simplify P&ID Design
- Plant Innovation: Custom Properties in Navisworks
- Project Templates – An Introduction
- Syncing Everything Else in Plant 3D with 360 Sync
- Auxalia PlantExpressTools Off-Page Connector Manager
- Plant Innovation: Project Template Environment Selection
- Migrating Python Scripts to Plant 3D 2022+
- Valves in the Plant 3D Spec Editor
Business Outcome
Out of the box Plant 3D allows you to place off-page connectors on your P&IDs with ease. They are formatted to acquire the Service and the PID number automatically. However, placement, connection and connector numbers all must be manually inputted. This workflow requires a user to open each drawing, select each off-page connector, then make the connection to another drawing, insert connector number, and ensure that each connector has the correct matching properties.
If we assume that it takes 5 minutes to configure each off-page connector, and each drawing has 15 off-page connectors, then on your average project with 30 P&IDs, you would spend over 37 hours and over $5,600 (assuming $150/ hr. rate). This can be drastically decreased using Auxalia PlantExpressTools Off-Page Connector Manager.
Technologies
The following technologies are utilized in the solution.
- Autodesk AutoCAD Plant 3D
- Auxalia PlantExpressTools Off-Page Connector Manager
Solution
By installing the PlantExpressTools bundle, you will have access to the Off-Page Connector Manager and can then begin using the interface to connect and ensure your connectors have the proper data.
Steps
- Connect Outgoing and Incoming without open a drawing.
- Properties will be carried over automatically.
- Check for any inconsistencies.
Final Output
Over $5,600 can be saved by using the Off-Page Connector Manager to make connection within Plant 3D.
