build catalog from excel file ?

[rakeshjhunjhar]

hi all,

i want to build a catalog from scratch using an excel file..means want to import the catalog from another tool....how this can be done?

i m using aveva erm tool which has rebuild catalog and spec..now I want to import the same in plant 3d how I can import catalog and spec data pls help.

[schusterAPRO]

Hi @rakeshjhunjhar 

There is - AFAIK - no (usable and effective) way to build a Plant 3D catalog from scratch using an excel file that was not created by the Plant 3D catalog builder. You may have a look at this video to get into the workflow with it. After creation of the excel export file from the catalog builder you will have to "transform" the data from your external tool like Aveva into the excel file from the catalog builder. Afterwards you can use this transformed file to create a catalog. 

If Aveva was able to create "native" P3D spec sheet files (*.pspc and *.pspx), it would be quite easier to create a catalog based on that files. They only need to be opend in the spec editor, then use the menu bar "File > Export to catalog builder... ". This creates an excel file that is structured to fit to the catalog builder classes, containing all the items of the spec, from which you can generate a new P3D catalog (or to add them to an existing catalog).

#StaySafe

Steffen

[rakeshjhunjhar]

many thanks for your response. As of now, aveva does not support export in (*.pspc and *.pspx), hopefully, the same will be supported in a future release.

I have gone through the video you shared and I think this is enough to create at least a catalog through import files. by this now from Aveva I can export data in to excel standard file and build the catalog in plant 3d.

Is there any way to export the spec and import the updated spec ?I exported but I think this does not allow me to insert a new size in the plant3d excel file? Is any other option available to solve the spec import problem? once the catalog is ready in-plant 3d then would like to import bulk spec from aveva erm to PLANT 3d, this import option I am unable to locate in plant 3d, could u help in this?

I have a few more doubt related to plant 3d, could you help with the below queries-

1.  where I can see the full name of the primary end type? ex. bv, fl?  how I can insert new values in this LOV? through a database or any other way?

2. all ports have the same properties-checkbox? what does this mean?

3. I can see the item code field in catalog data-- that means once a spec item is used in 3d model then the same item code can be exported in mto/BOQ correct?

4. shape name field in catalog import file-- by this value plant3d understand this catalog need to be created under pipe or fitting?or any other field...i.e. skey or type?

5. what is the use of pnpclass while importing?i can see this field in catalog builder UI?

6. how I can export all skey +pnpclass+shape names in one excel file?

7. can I add additional fields at spec level,,,,like spec revision, create by, create date, corro allowance....etc?

[schusterAPRO · Accepted solution]

Many questions... 😉

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Is there any way to export the spec and import the updated spec ?I exported but I think this does not allow me to insert a new size in the plant3d excel file? Is any other option available to solve the spec import problem?

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Yes, you can export the spec an change/add values of/to the exported properties. But NO, you can not add new sizes to the spec by insert new lines in the excel export file. To have additional sizes, you have to add them in the catalog editor BEFORE you export them. Each catalog item is referenced by a unique identifier, called "PnPID", that is generated internaly when creating a component size in the catalog. 

This leads to your other questions... I am sorry, but to answer them would take some time, and for some I'm not that deep into the P3D database structure. You may have a look at youtube and the Autdodesk knowledge base searching for classes concerning the P3D Spec and Catalog Editor, there are some needful things. Maybe this information is would be helpful too.

Stay tuned!

Steffen

[George.Endrulat · Accepted solution]

I believe the *.psp* files are just renamed sqlite3 databases if it helps, you can perform any database operations on them like you would any other sqlite3 database.

[Fahad_Ghoerobi]

Hi,
I've tried to modify *.pcat directly in SQLite. I've tried two apps, SQLite Expert Personal and DBeaver. I've modified the data (in my case is ItemCode in the EngineeringItems Table). When I Open the Catalog in Spec Editor, the modification is not succeded. 
Did I do something wrong?