This can be solved in elecworks™ through the use of connections labels.
In a Scheme, connection labels can be inserted by selecting the Icon « Insert a connection label for component… »


These give access to the Symbol selector where a relevant reference / foot print can be chosen for insertion



Once inserted (e.g. a rack), the label can be associated to the PLC component rack



To obtain the following results:

Using the same method, but by selecting another kind of connection label, results similar to the following can be obtained.



A brief of the PLC topology plus the tables with the input/outputs, descriptions, cross references...

Connection labels can be customized at any time.

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The data is imported into the Manufacture parts manager via the Import interface. A generic configuration file for the import is available through support. It is however recommended in checking the settings of the configuration file for each product group and saving as a separate configuration file for the import as the allocation of the information to the respective fields may vary depending on product groups.

This is how you do it:

Installing the Siemens CAx data import configuration file


The Siemens CAx data import configuration file needs to be installed before you can import the data from Siemens CAx software

In elecworks™, select " Projet " tab
Select " Configurations "
Select " Data import "…
Under the panel " Management (application) ", select " Unarchive "
Browse to the " Siemens CAx data import configuration.zip " file supplied by support
Select " Open ", then " OK " and click " Close "


Exporting Data from Siemens Product Master Data In this example, we will only export the SIRIUS range of relays from the CAx software for import into elecworks™


Using Shift and Ctrl, select the products you wish to import into elecworks™ Ctrl A selects all.
Select " Add product selection to shopping cart "
Select the " Shopping cart " tab
Select " Export CAx data types "
Check ◊ " Product master data " only
Check ◊ " Microsoft Office Excel 97-2003 (*.xls) "
Select " Start export "
Select " Close "
The xls spreadsheet will be saved in your " Target directory "

Importing the Siemens CAx Excel Data

In elecworks™, select the " Library " tab
Select " Manufacturer parts manager "
Select " Import "
Select " Import template "
Select " Siemens CAx Import "
Select " Excel file "
Browse to the Siemens CAx export file and select " Open "

If you wish to check the settings match the type of components you are importing, select " Next " until the following mapping screen is displayed.


If changes are required drag the required field from the left part of the dialogue to the correct header on the right part of the dialogue.

Select " Next "
Select " Compare " to compare whether the parts you are importing are already elecworks™. A log file will be created advising you of differences/changes.
N.B. Siemens are known as " Siemens " in elecworks™ and " Siemens AG " in the Siemens CAx software
Select " Import "
Select " Finish "
Select the " Filters " tab
Uncheck ◊ In the class
Select " Siemens AG "
Using Shift and Ctrl, highlight all of the **** Unclassified elements ****
Select " Properties "
Select **** Unclassified elements **** in the Class option
Select the correct Class from the list. In this example Contactor relays, relays
Select " Select " then " OK " and click " Close "

The new parts will now be in elecworks™

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The side-panel can be minimized by clicking on the push pin icon.

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When a new project is created, the user is faced with the following dialogue box where information is entered about the project such as the contract number, customer, site reference etc.

However because the descriptions are generic, you may find that different engineers fill in the information in a different annotation order or miss vital information off completely. Therefore if we change the prompts to meaningful descriptions, each engineer will always fill in the information correctly.

Select Customize



Highlight User data 1 as an example and you will note that you can change the prompt to the right of the dialogue in the section Data Properties. Just double click on the English label.
In this example, we are going to change the prompt to Site Reference.
You can edit, add or delete user data and save it as a company standard.

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You can assign some keyboard keys to launch instantly a command without clicking its icon.

To set up these shortcuts, open the "Customize Quick Access Toolbar" and select "More Commands".



Go to the "Keyboard" tab.

In "Category:" select the menu where the command is located.
In "Commands:" select the command.
Go to the "Press new shortcut key" field.
Press the key / keys that should run the command. The names of keys pressed appear in the "Key assignments:" box.
Click on the "Assign" button.
You can program as many keys as you want.
To exit the interface, click on the "Close" button.

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