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AutoCAD P&ID in a Multi-user Environment

Contents

Which environment do you work in? Single-or multi-user?.................................................................................... 3

Single user: ........................................................................................................................................................... 3

The Settings ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

New Project ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

Project Storage Location .................................................................................................................................. 5

Projects ............................................................................................................................................................ 5

Custom Blocks .................................................................................................................................................. 5

Standard Project Set Up................................................................................................................................... 6

Multi-user: ........................................................................................................................................................... 7

The Settings ..................................................................................................................................................... 7

Network Set ups .............................................................................................................................................. 7

How to add custom blocks? ........................................................................................................................... 11

Multi-user Tool Palettes (with custom blocks added) ................................................................................... 14

Offsite use ...................................................................................................................................................... 18

SQL Server .......................................................................................................................................................... 19

Vault ................................................................................................................................................................... 20

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Multi-user: 1. Project and settings locations

• Out of the box or user altered settings on local computer • Network settings hosted at a common network location assessable to all users

o CUI File o Palettes o ARG File o Project ‘start’ files

• Project stored in a project folder on a common network • Company’s specific blocks

The Settings For a multi-user installation of AutoCAD P&ID many of the same alterations and changes can still be applied on a per user customization with only a few modifications to some shared files.

This next section will illustrate how to set up and deploy a multi-user AutoCAD P&ID installation on a network.

Network Set ups The CUI, tool palettes, support directories, plotter/printers, plot styles, templates and the arg-file add different and varying offerings to deploying a multi-user network set up. For this class we will focus on utilizing the tool palettes as the primary object for setting up our P&ID multi-user environment. The other items listed previously have been discussed in classes and labs from other presenters. But we will go over them quickly just so that everyone has a refresher course on them. As with any customization of AutoCAD it is always necessary to include those support directories in the ‘Options support File Search Path’. The illustrations following the brief descriptions show where in the Options dialog box these additions need to occur.

• The CUI: An XML-based file that stores customization data. On startup, the first things AutoCAD loads are its CUI files. It first loads the Enterprise CUI file, then the Main CUI file, then any partial CUI files attached to the Main, then any partial CUI files attached to the Enterprise.

• Support Directories: AutoCAD P&ID uses the same standard commands and settings as AutoCAD pure. These default folders can be copied to a common network drive and be easy to maintain and control. Also, this is a good location to store any custom LISP or .dvb (VBA) files as well.

• Plotters/Printers: In the ‘Options’ dialog box under ‘Printer Support File Path’; this would be the location necessary for network printer .stb or ctb or plot style table files

• Templates: Here, in the ‘Options’ dialog box under ‘Template Settings’; this would be the location necessary for the drawing template

• The ARG File: The .arg file stores the users profile. Whenever we remember to save it from time to time. This profile tells AutoCAD where the appropriate files will be found. The .arg profile stores where to find the menu files, toolbars and tool palettes. If you save the profile to the network support directory each time you change your toolbars or palettes you’ll have a consistent backup just in case

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SQL Server The decision to use SQL Server is driven by the number of users modifying project data at one time. The default database type, SQLite is valid for up to 2 TB per file, so the project file size is not the issue. Because the SQLite database is a single file, successful read/writes depend on fast access. When more users access the database at one time, they have a higher chance of hitting the database at the same time (or close enough).

Due to network configurations, server performance, computer performance, network loads, and a host of other factors, a precise number of users cannot be given. However, through experience with various clients, most people start to see performance degradation with between 6 - 10 users.

If you know you will have more than 10 active users, you should implement SQL Server Express or SQL Server.

You must also use SQL Server if you plan to use Plant 3D with Vault.

Database Types SQL Server – An enterprise-level product offering from Microsoft that includes a database server with administration tools for replicating databases between sites, and other advanced features

SQL Server Express – A free product offering from Microsoft that includes a database server without advanced administration tools. You can still configure backups.

SQLite – An open source file-based database used by developers world-wide. The database engine is fast with good performance.

Versions AutoCAD Plant 3D has been run with SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2008, and SQL Server 2012.

Articles on setting up SQL Server Express and creating backups are available here:

http://www.pdoteam.com/series/plant3d-on-sql-express/


Vault Autodesk Vault (http://www.autodesk.com/products/autodesk-vault-family/features ) is document management software that integrates with many products in the Autodesk portfolio. In 2014, Vault became integrated into the Plant Project Manager.

Vault should be used in the following conditions:

• You have multiple sites that need to share data • Your Plant project structure contains all external references. • You can use SQL Server or SQL Server Express.

Vault allows you to store the drawing data in a central location, and have satellite offices check in/out drawings on an as-needed basis. Currently, all xrefs must reside within the project structure, as Plant uses it’s own working directory for Vaulted projects.

a ad® p &id in a multi-useer environment

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