Trace Elec Pro is a TRUE client/server application enabling several people to work on the same project, while guaranteeing data integrity, and allowing the processing power and automation to be distributed.
As far as we are concerned, client/server does not mean putting a database on a computer in the network. Make no mistake about it, Trace Elec Pro is THE ONLY SOFTWARE today to feature this technology.
In addition to the client/server, it is a real tool for collaborative work
Folio management by the server:
Folio access is managed by the server. If a user tries to open a folio that is already open on another workstation, the server prevents the folio from being opened and displays the name of the person using the folio.
Processing management by the server:
When processing entails work on another folio or the entire project, the folios are automatically updated by the server in real time for folios opened by other users and in real or deferred time for closed folios.
To sum up, an electrical component is modified on computer A and is present on another folio opened on computer B. The update is performed instantaneously and in real time on computer B
A Trace Elec Pro folder is a set of plans (dwg), databases and miscellaneous documents. The folder manager simplifies access, indexing, duplication, archiving… basically, management of the folder and the documents comprised.
Archiving/unarchiving/exporting:
To classify a folder or transfer it to a subcontractor, Trace Elec Pro lets you archive in standard "ZIP" format, a complete folder containing all the elements required for it to be used by a third party (symbols, base maps…). The zip file can be unarchived directly in Trace Elec Pro, perfectly reproducing the project in your or the subcontractor's folder manager.
Trace Elec Pro can also extract a complete dwg folder in a Windows directory for users not equipped with Trace Elec Pro.
Revision management:
Folders can be managed with two revision indices (minor, major) to meet the index requirements of "engineering departments" and "customers". Revision management can be wholly configured to suit your own methodologies and uses.
For each folio, you can view the history and the differences between two revision indices.
Validation/verification:
To ensure the quality of the projects in progress, Trace Elec Pro offers two levels of control:
Verification allows the designer to check the entire folder (a tool can be used to check over 15 points). Validation allows the project manager to validate the designer's work.
Folio operations:
Folios can easily be sorted and/or renumbered using the mouse.
Printing folios:
Trace Elec Pro can be used to accurately print one or more folios by means of a command presenting the project's structure. Printing is handled by a Trace Elec Pro Server process, which manages a queue and any busy folios. A function is available for printing in reverse order.
Trace Elec Pro can export the folder in PDF format. Folio copy/cabinet copy:
The folio and cabinet copy functions let users copy folios or a complete cabinet from one project to another or within the same project. The identification of the locations, functions, symbols, terminal boards, terminals and cables can be modified on the fly. Trace Elec Pro updates the folios automatically. Each component can be viewed in the source document.
This Trace Elec Pro module is used to create a single-line wiring diagram. It naturally cohabits with the single-line and multi-line diagrams within the same folder.
It is essential for pre-studies and generates the cable book through a simplified representation of the electrical installation, without having started the diagram folder. Obviously, all the cables added to the wiring diagram are memorised along with their source and destination, and are ready to be added to the project's detailed diagram.
If the wiring diagram is used during the pre-study phase, it can also serve as the functional diagram for the installation
Energy distribution, tertiary installations, power supply mimic diagrams… just some of the good reasons for using the single-line schematic representation. Just like the wiring diagram, the single-line diagram may coexist in the same project with other types of representation.
This diagram can be produced by the Trace Elec Pro user or generated automatically by importing data from Trace Elec Calc or TM.
Trace Elec Pro manages both the synoptic single-line representation...
...and the single-line representation in table format. The data grid (lower part of the folio) is fully configurable, whether it concerns information automatically extracted from the diagram or entered by the user.
In addition to the concepts of location and function, each component belongs to a branch of the installation, which itself belongs to an electrical panel. Dividing in such a way ensures a close match with the real picture out in the field. Naturally, the single-line diagram manages all the elements required for project starts (terminal boards, cables, locations and so on).
This is the most precise and detailed part of a project's schematic study. In this section, Trace Elec Pro users can create a simple schematic diagram or manage as far as the wiring characteristics of the device connection points.
Obviously, several features and automatic processes help the designer.
With Trace Elec Pro, users manipulate electrical objects displaying electrical behaviour and not graphical entities, for which electrical consistency must be ensured manually.
Electrical links
Configuration: the lines are electrical links and users can define as many as required (power, 24V control, etc.). Over 50 settings are available for managing and using links (graphic: colour, type of line, and electrical: number of conductors, voltage, etc.).
Some of the settings can be accessed and modified directly via the context-sensitive menu on the segment, wire or mesh.
Wire numbering: Trace Elec Pro offers four numbering modes for querying or confirming wires that have already been numbered.
Wires are numbered automatically. Each type of link has its own numbering formula, defined according to the link's settings.
Numbers are attributed according to a choice of four unicity levels (project, cabinet, folio and column). All wire identification modes are possible - it is just a question of configuration.
Diagram modification: during editing operations, the links are always reproduced or updated to provide consistent electrical results. Equipotentials are spread, modified or deleted according to the real-time modifications.
Breaks: the objects added adapt to the type of link and any incompatibilities and/or unauthorised actions are notified to the user. The orientation and scale automatically adapt to the electrical context (type of link, direction of the lines), and the symbol inherits the electrical characteristics of the link to which it has been added.
Short circuit: short circuits are automatically detected when drawing a link between two different equipotentials.
Returns : by means of a simple context-sensitive menu on a link or an interface, Trace Elec Pro manages inter/intrafolio returns, return cascades and common returns.
Wiring order
When there are several wiring possibilities for a given diagram, Trace Elec Pro manages the wiring orders for all complex meshes.
The wiring order can either be fully automatic or manual. The results are used for displaying the destinations in the terminal boards and in the list of equipotentials.
Another possibility is open to the user for managing the wiring order. In this case, it concerns the so-called representation of oriented meshes. Symbols Trace Elec Pro is supplied with an extensive library of standardised symbols.
Symbol manager: symbols are stored in the library and classified according to six criteria for easy searches. The manager is common to all projects and is used to create/edit/delete symbols.
Thanks to an adapted interface, users can easily create their own symbols and define or modify their connection points, their attributes and their technical and electrical characteristics.
Insertion: when inserting the symbol, the symbol automatically cuts the link(s) and recovers the characteristics.
Identification: during insertion, the interface creates a new identification, assigns an existing identification, delocalises, changes function, assigns manufacturer references, modifies electrical and user characteristics, and so on.
Identification can be automatic, semi-automatic or manual and depends on the user-defined rules (customer specifications, IEC standardisation, uses of the organisation, equipment type, etc.).
Trace Elec Pro offers five unicity criteria: Project, Zone, Workstation, Location and Folio.
Black box: this is used to represent a complex component by its exterior outline. Trace Elec Pro inserts and manages this type of component in the same way as a symbol from the library (identification, terminal numbering, cross-references…).
A black box can be associated with any other component (coil, contact, automaton…), and the cross-references are executed and comply with the associations.
Cross-references Real time : cross-references (XREF) are created and kept up-to-date in real time between the master and slave elements, irrespective of whether the folios are opened by another user or closed.
Cross-reference thumbnails: in graphic or table mode, thumbnails are automatically generated and updated beneath the master elements and can therefore be used to locate the different elements.
Codification: if a manufacturer reference is already associated with the identification, a set of colours in the thumbnail help to view any reserves, the elements assigned and any inconsistencies concerning the choice of equipment.
Configuration: the graphical symbolic system of the thumbnails (graphic or table mode), their colour and their position can be fully configured.
The choice of equipment for meeting the functions described in the diagram stands as a key element in the design process. Trace Elec Pro is currently supplied with over 100,000 references from the main manufacturers.
Catalogues:
The availability of manufacturer catalogues and their monitoring represent a strategic component in developing the Trace Software/user customers/manufacturers relationship. The wide number of catalogues, their international management and the importance of the need for updates call for a commitment from the different manufacturers. Consequently, Trace Software works with a number of manufacturers, whereby the aim is to provide our joint customers with the necessary databases for the perfect operation of the software. Customers that have taken out the maintenance contract can therefore benefit from the updates to the manufacturer databases as part of these contractual relations. Users can also add their own references via a user catalogue creation tool.
Search:
Trace Elec Pro boasts an innovative search system combined with a unique technology that can recognise the validity of the references chosen, in relation to the symbol system implemented. The reference search feature accepts several criteria and depends on the available parameters (family, voltage, calibre, settings, and so on).
Dynamic and keyword-based search:
The textual search techniques on the designation or by keyword are also available, as well as filters on specific manufacturers or customer preferences.
Auxiliaries and accessories:
A help feature is available for choosing auxiliary devices and accessories.
Manual reference:
Trace Elec Pro features an interface for assigning a manual reference that does not come from the catalogues.
Folio updates:
Once the hardware has been chosen, the cross-reference thumbnails are automatically updated, as well as the hardware terminal numbers according to the information in the catalogues.
The components used in an electrical installation may be increasingly complex. Trace Elec Pro manages such components, depending on their structure.
Multi-function device:
The most basic example of this type of device is a reverse contactor. In this case, it is actually about managing the cross-references, and the linking of the auxiliary equipment… for each coil, while maintaining a uniform component. Similarly, Trace Elec Pro can manage any device with multiple internal functions.
The number of functions managed is unlimited.
Hierarchical component:
Thanks to the unique hierarchical identification management feature, Trace Elec Pro manages compound components. This type of management applies to the rule that "an identification is the parent of another". An infinite number can therefore be proposed in the hierarchy and thus an infinite number of possibilities. The most common example is a programmable automaton, comprising racks, which in turn comprise boards that hold the channels.
Component management is an interface that centralises the creation and editing of all the components in a project.
Design: Sometimes, the project manager needs to be able to design his project without necessarily starting the production phase, i.e. without even creating a single diagram folio. Trace Elec Pro component management lets you define the entire installation (location, mimic diagram, terminal board, component, cable, etc.) and edit and print the lists (hardware, cables…) without having to create a folio. Production: If production is combined with user rights management, component management will only allow the use of what has been defined by the project managers. Otherwise, the designer can use a unique interface for inserting and wiring components, assigning and copying the hardware references, managing all the identifications, managing the circuits, and creating wiring thumbnails and automatons.
Wiring thumbnails are Trace Elec Pro objects that are used to summarise all the characteristics of a component by means of a block that has been manually created or generated on the fly:
Identification, hardware terminals, hardware reference, equipotential, wiring (cable designation - conductor colour), terminating cables, channel number, etc.
Wiring thumbnails can be inserted into any folio of a schematic section and can be inserted several times for the same identification. A manufacturer reference does not need to have been assigned to the device in order to insert a thumbnail.
As with all electrical objects managed by Trace Elec Pro, wiring thumbnails are automatically updated during the different processing of the cross-references and symbols added/deleted/moved.
Building up and using standard diagrams is a key point in capitalising on knowledge.
Standard plan library:
Trace Elec Pro comes with a complete wizard that simplifies the process of adding plans to the library. This can be done by simply using the mouse to capture all or part of the folio to be placed in the library. The identifications, associated hardware, cables, and so on, and the complete context of the standard plan are saved. When inserting a standard plan, Trace Elec Pro offers to compile it on the fly in the current context by creating the missing elements if required (locations, terminal boards...).
Copying/pasting: Featuring exactly the same functions as the standard plan, copying/pasting is a standard plan that is not added to the library, but reinserted directly into the same or another folio within the same or another project.
Similarly, one or more folios or even a complete bundle of diagrams can be copied within the same folder or from one folder to another.
Any component in a project is defined by its geographic position (location) and its role in the process (function).
Trace Elec Pro manages these two concepts in accordance with standardisations.
Mimic diagram:
The Trace Elec Pro mimic diagram is used to define the different locations of the installation (cabinet, box, console, junction box...) and obtain an overview of the installation. Terminals boards and cable runs between locations can be defined. The length of the runs can also be entered and used as the default value for all the cables in a given run.
Terminals are specific components in a project, even if merely for producing terminal board folios. Trace Elec Pro offers all the facilities and automatic processes required for processing and managing terminal boards.
Terminals
Terminals in the diagram are added in the same way as a symbol - one by one or on line. Terminals are identified automatically or manually, depending on the project configuration.
They can also be generated in the folder before starting the actual diagram.
All types of terminal are supported - feed-through or isolating terminals, floor terminals, reserve terminals. Accessories can be defined for the terminals (fuses, LEDs) as well as for the terminal boards (stops, inserts…).
Terminal board manager
Users can manipulate their terminals, sort them according to a number of criteria, create reserve terminals, choose floor terminal boards, swap round terminals, renumber series of terminals, create cables and assign conductors. Terminals can be moved from one terminal board to another by dragging and dropping.
All modifications made in the editor are automatically replicated in the folios.
Sorting: Terminals can be sorted by termination, cable, conductor, equipotential, hardware reference, terminal number and folio.
Cables: The interface allows users to assign a cable from the left and/or right to one or more terminals. If the cable contains more conductors than there are terminals, users can leave Trace Elec Pro to automatically generate the reserve terminals. The reserve terminals can be reused directly in the diagram when placing new terminals.
The green/yellow conductors (or earth) are recognised by Trace Elec Pro, which automatically connects them to earth terminals. If the end of the cable is just one component, Trace Elec Pro generates an earth point on the component and connects the G/Y conductor to the earth point, without needing to represent it in the diagram. Context-sensitive menus are available for renaming, deleting and unassigning cables and/or conductors.
Terminals accept several conductors for each connection point. The number is restricted by the manufacturer's data.
Terminals: As far as terminals are concerned, the interface allows users to rename their terminals, view them in the diagram, turn them around, swap them around, renumber them, insert or delete reserve terminals, assign accessories, assign hardware references and manage floors.
Page break: Page breaks (automatic and manual) are displayed by colour lines within the list of terminals. They actually represent the way in which the terminal folios are divided. If so required, users can delete, add or move them via a simple context-sensitive menu.
Folio generation: For each terminal board, the terminal board manager is used to define Whether it must be represented With which configuration it will be represented In which section it will be represented Its position in the list of terminal boards
Terminal board folio generation
This time-consuming task is fully automated and managed by Trace Elec Pro.
When terminal boards and cables are defined, the terminal board folios are automatically generated in DIN or NF format.
Users can define terminal board folios as required by means of a complete configuration tool. The direction and number of terminal boards or terminals per folio can be defined and each type of terminal is given a specific graphic that can be fully configured.
Terminal board accessories are managed with a graphic identification of the chosen accessories.
Cables are chosen in a cable database supplied with the software. Users have every possibility for editing cables.
If cables are deleted or modified, the reserve terminals are kept or deleted, depending on the option chosen. The conductors of a cable that are not used can generate reserve terminals.
Once the cable has been assigned, the diagram's symbol system is modified (type of wire, wire colour) and the cable information is retrospectively annotated on the plan (cable identification, conductor colour, etc.). In the event of a complex mesh, Trace Elec Pro automatically manages the display of the different link segments, depending on whether they carry a cable.
There are several ways of wiring: Wiring via the terminal board editor Wiring by the context-sensitive menu on a link Wiring by component management Wiring in the inter-location run
There are no restrictions preventing a cable from being placed, irrespective of the components connected.
Trace Elec Pro is the only schematic software capable of managing complex power cables of the following type: 2 x 240²/Ph + 1 x 240²/N + 1 x 120²/PE
At any time, a cable can be replaced by another without any need to unwire the components.
Trace Elec Pro features a wizard for inserting the reference hardware in a cabinet.
For a given location, the list of equipment in the list is presented in a tree structure.
The system manages the front views of the casing, where each device is represented in simplified format or using a thumbnail from the manufacturer database.
Trace Elec Pro comes with a list wizard for generating any type of list in different languages as drawing folios or external files (formatted text, Excel).
Several templates are supplied as standard and continuously updated by technical support according to Trace Elec Pro upgrades: hardware list, folio list, equipment, cables, list of equipotentials, wiring list and customised lists...
All the information handled in a folder is stored in the project's database. All lists are possible - it is just a formatting configuration. For example, it is easy to establish lists that can be integrated into other product tools (lists of labels for engraving, list of inputs/outputs for programming automatons…)
To meet any other requirement, the Trace Elec Pro database can be accessed directly via database reporting tools supporting the SQL format.
Trace Elec Pro has been designed for the long term. Its development is based on the following fundamental choices to guarantee its considerable scalability potential:
Dwg graphic format:
Trace Elec Pro uses a graphic modeller generating plans that are natively compatible with the dwg format, or connects to a complete version of AutoCAD (2000 to 2007). This worldwide standard (dwg) ensures that your documents can easily be read by your customers and subcontractors.
The development technology used (ObjectARX®) can generate business graphic objects and associate them with a specific type of business behaviour. Users manipulate electrical objects and no longer graphic entities, while maintaining a native AutoCAD file.
Standard database:
To process and use data while ensuring its integrity, Trace Elec Pro maintains all the necessary data in a relational database for creating a project's folios. The database is used for processing, managing collaborative work and sharing information in the company's information or production system. As part of the continual concern for maximum openness and compatibility with the various industrial environments, Trace Elec Pro works indifferently with MS Access, MS SQL Server and ORACLE formats.
Open database:
For more sophisticated requirements (needs before or after creating the diagram, configurator, automatic plan, processing control…), access to the information in a folder can be performed by querying the project database through SQL queries or programming APIs, while maintaining the integrity of the data in the projects.
Multi-language:
Trace Elec Pro is available in French, English, Spanish, Italian, German and Dutch.
User management:
Advanced user management opens up the possibility of creating profiles (users and group) and managing access rights for the Trace Elec Pro commands.
Open software:
Trace Elec Pro is an open software package. Not only do the standard file formats guarantee full access to the data, but an entire series of data entry interfaces and wizards are available for editing and creating all the structural elements in Trace Elec Pro. For instance, Trace Elec Pro features editors for manufacturer catalogues, symbols, base maps, standard plans, configurations, and much more.
Configuration::
…+ 400 configuration settings…
Electrical schematics is undoubtedly the field containing the widest variety of techniques and uses in its working methods.
The software will often be used by engineering departments that need to adapt to the many principals with their different practices.
Although the product is supplied as standard with the usual settings in compliance with the IEC standard, practically everything can be configured in the software: graphics, behaviour, base maps, numbering algorithms, identifications, orientations, texts, traces, list forms, character fonts, cross-reference symbols, etc.
Trace Elec Pro
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If cables are deleted or modified, the reserve terminals are kept or deleted, depending on the option chosen. The conductors of a cable that are not used can generate reserve terminals.
