introduced issues when the function can save in our everyday diagram was exported to other work.” file formats. Better integration of external data Diagram rules in NXTools+ and graphics Due to the new and improved DXF Graphics at a glance The Diagram Validation functionality import, even files from non-current now checks every diagram created file formats or files with complex against a predefined set of rules, details are imported with high which ensures data and shape accuracy. This greatly reduces the consistency. Both factors help amount of time for redoing or manage the increased amount of correcting the imported components checking tasks when implementing and speeds up the diagram creation shape and text elements that are process, especially the process of delivered from outside of Siemens implementing and adding new and need to be made part of the switchgear or diagram types to the diagram(s). solution. This also adds a whole dimension of Ready for new, more complex fault tolerance to the tool without diagram types the need to have each rule coded For this fiscal year and the coming separately into the production code, year, five new switchgear types are which would decrease the creation planned – every one of them adding performance – a factor that is also more complexity than any of the crucial when thousands of users are previous types. The new diagram creating diagrams in parallel with the types planned could previously only solution. be implemented with great effort due to the high complexity of the visualization rules that apply to these Benefits diagram types. With the new Visio Since the implementation of Visio 2010 based solution, this becomes a 2010, Siemens E D MV has seen feasible task, since new versions can several improvements in overall tool be released more quickly and usage and a great reduction in the diagram accuracy can still remain at time formerly invested in ensuring the level necessary to keep diagram consistency and accuracy. customers satisfied. With this new version, checking for errors mainly consists of checking for even more switchgear and the rules output window. Heyns users comments, “It is incredible how The tool was initially created for 150 much time such an easy-to-overlook users, and now has reached 1,600
introduced issues when the diagram was exported to other file formats. Diagram rules in NXTools+ Graphics at a glance The Diagram Validation functionality now checks every diagram created against a predefined set of rules, which ensures data and shape consistency. Both factors help manage the increased amount of checking tasks when implementing shape and text elements that are delivered from outside of Siemens and need to be made part of the diagram(s). This also adds a whole dimension of fault tolerance to the tool without the need to have each rule coded separately into the production code, which would decrease the creation performance – a factor that is also crucial when thousands of users are creating diagrams in parallel with the solution. Benefits Since the implementation of Visio 2010, Siemens E D MV has seen several improvements in overall tool usage and a great reduction in the time formerly invested in ensuring diagram consistency and accuracy. With this new version, checking for errors mainly consists of checking the rules output window. Heyns comments, “It is incredible how much time such an easy-to-overlook function can save in our everyday work.” Better integration of external data and graphics Due to the new and improved DXF import, even files from non-current file formats or files with complex details are imported with high accuracy. This greatly reduces the amount of time for redoing or correcting the imported components and speeds up the diagram creation process, especially the process of implementing and adding new switchgear or diagram types to the solution. Ready for new, more complex diagram types For this fiscal year and the coming year, five new switchgear types are planned – every one of them adding more complexity than any of the previous types. The new diagram types planned could previously only be implemented with great effort due to the high complexity of the visualization rules that apply to these diagram types. With the new Visio 2010 based solution, this becomes a feasible task, since new versions can be released more quickly and diagram accuracy can still remain at the level necessary to keep customers satisfied. for even more switchgear and users The tool was initially created for 150 users, and now has reached 1,600
Siemens_MicrosoftVisio2010.docx