The following diagram illustrates the basic workflow for using I-Convert.
As the diagram shows, the nature of the process is iterative. As with any other data
conversion process, configuration of the I-Convert software to provide the required results can take several attempts before the output
is verified ass complete and accurate.
The basic workflow consists of the following key steps:
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Extract the plant design system data and then organize the data in a folder structure format that the software can read for the specific type of project. Depending on the plant design system from which you are converting your data, various techniques are used to extract the data the software requires to create SmartPlant Isometrics-format specifications and catalogs. For more information, see Prepare Project Data.
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Configure the project, that is, specify the general and specific settings for the plant design system module in use (including the specification of other necessary input files). Although configuration of the software is similar for most plant design systems, there are some differences involved in the configuration of the project-specific settings. For more information, see Project Creation and Configuration.
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Generate the SmartPlant Isometrics-format piping specifications and catalogs. After you configure the software, you then select the specification, or specifications, you want to process. The software automatically generates SmartPlant Isometrics-format piping specifications and catalogs.
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Verify Output Data, which includes the piping specifications and catalogs. Verification of the output plant data is the final step, and most important, aspect of the process and is performed by using one of the following tools.
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Catalogue Viewer allows component data to be listed and viewed by component group or type. The Catalogue Viewer is available only when you configure a project for I-Sketch™ output. For more information, see Alias Catalogue Viewer.
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SmartPlant Isometrics Catalog Viewer allows component data to be listed and viewed by component group or type. The SmartPlant Isometrics Catalog Viewer is available only when you configure a project for SmartPlant Isometrics output. For more information, see SmartPlant Isometrics Catalog Viewer.
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SmartPlant Material Editor allows you to build catalogs and specifications from scratch for use in SmartPlant Isometrics. Material Editor is delivered with SmartPlant Isometrics. For more information, see the Material Editor Help.
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Deploy the SmartPlant Isometrics-format data on the project. After you have verified the output data, it is distributed for use on the project for which it has been processed (usually by a project administrator who configures and sets up the SmartPlant Isometrics project).
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The SmartPlant Isometric Catalog Viewer and the Alias Catalogue Viewer only allow you to view catalogs, whereas the Material Editor allows you to create a complete custom catalog.
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If you are using plant design system data, you must make changes to component data using the originating plant design system software, rather than using Material Editor. SmartPlant Isometrics specifications and catalogs can then be re-converted to bring through the modified component data. In this way, the plant design system database always remains the primary data source for use on the current and future projects.