The System Builder creates merged files, which you can then open in Smart Isometrics for isometric drawing generation. The following types of merge functionality are available:
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Merge to Pipeline creates a single, connected pipeline.
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Merge to System creates a system isometric that is a single file containing multiple connected pipelines.
The resulting output also includes system-specific information. When you import the
system into Smart Isometrics, the result is a single sheet (where possible) of connected
pipelines.
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Merge to POD creates a non-system piping object data (POD) file that contains multiple pipelines.
When you open the POD file in Smart Isometrics, the result is multiple separate pipeline
drawings, normally on separate sheets.
When you define the merge parameters for each of these scenarios, you have the option of running a Get External Data (GED) script on the input files prior to the merge or on the resulting merged file after the merge is completed. Prior to the merge, you can specify that a GED script be run on each individual file in the current fileset definition. You can also specify that a GED script be run on the merged file after the merging. The two scripts are independent, so one or both can be run during a single merge process. In both instances, the software writes the results of the GED processing to a log file and saves it to the TEMP folder on the local computer.
When you generate merged files, it is possible to create files that although valid are not suitable for processing through Isogen. This severely limits their usefulness, preventing them from being imported into Smart Isometrics or Intergraph Spoolgen for additional editing or drawing generation. To assist you in identifying this type of output, the software displays a window during processing that monitors progress and includes the information listed below.
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A message regarding each individual file as it is loaded.
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A report regarding the compatibility check. If any failures occur, the software provides a link to the IDFGEN message file. Clicking the link opens the message using your default text editor.
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A link to the generated merged data file. When you click the link, the software opens the default application associated with that file type and displays the file. If the default application is Smart Isometrics, you can generate a drawing based on the data file.
By default, I-Tools generates a POD file that has no 2D isometrics data associated with it. Consequently,
when you open the file in Smart Isometrics, it automatically displays in the 3D View
(A). To view the file as a 2D isometric, you must import the file into Smart Isometrics
(B). From there, you can edit the data as necessary and generate a drawing.
After processing completes, the software saves the output to a user-specified location. If needed, you can view Results Data on the Results tab.
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