Database Structure - CADWorx - Help

CADWorx P&ID

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CADWorx Version
20.2

CADWorx P&ID can be used with an external database linked to the components or symbols in project drawings.

Without a Database

Any information extracted from the drawing requires the attribute extraction command (ATTEXT) in the CAD platform. This is possible because P&ID uses the CAD platform blocks and attributes.

Without a database, any changes you make to a process line or component will not propagate to the other components on the process line.

With a Database

An external relational database provides default tables that contain information about the symbols or components used in the drawings:

  • Instrument

  • Mechanical

  • Miscellaneous

  • Nozzles

  • Process Lines

  • Reducers

  • Valves

  • Vessels

Up to ten custom tables containing component information can also be added. You can create queries to use these tables for any type of requirement. All component tables can be modified.

The Project Documents table maintains the documents that can be associated with components. This table can be modified. The Link Database and Project Drawings tables contain information about the total number of drawings, internal links, and other information for maintaining the integrity of the CADWorx drawings. Do not modify these tables.

CADWorx can operate with Microsoft Access, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server databases. Choose the needed format when creating a new project. For more information, see File Manager.

We recommend using Microsoft SQL Database for shared and multi-user environments.

Microsoft Access Setup

In Microsoft Access, the software maintains a database in a single .mdb file. All tables are in the database. This database can be modified as needed.

During initial project setup, use Table Setup to add or remove columns from a default table, or to create custom tables. For more information, see Table Setup. Some tables are required for the database to properly function. For more information, see Required Database Tables and Columns.

Columns can be added after a project is set up, but this is a manual process. For more information, see Add a column to an existing database.

  • The software automatically places an underscore after each column names to avoid duplicating names or keywords used by SQL (Structured Query Language) commands.

  • Microsoft Access has a limit of 7500 characters across all columns in a record.

As table data is updated using commands such as Edit and Synchronize Synchronize, blocks or symbols whose attribute definition tag names match column names in the table are also updated. For example, a drawing can contain a block, valve type 303, with attribute definition tag names of SIZE, SPEC and TAG. In the external database, table values are changed. When you use Edit on a symbol, these values are transferred into the drawing

CADWorx is only tested with Access 2003 and Access 2007, but can create databases in Access 97, Access 2000 or Access 2002/XP/2003 formats:

  • To always create Access 97 databases by default, run the file [Product Folder]\P&ID\System\Access1997.bat.

  • To always create Access 2000 databases by default, run the file [Product Folder]\P&ID\System\Access2000.bat.

  • To always create Access 2002 or Access 2003 databases by default, run the file [Product Folder]\P&ID\System\Access2002-2003.bat.

SQL Server Setup

See [Product Folder]\P&ID\System\SqlServer.txt for information on how to set up CADWorx with a SQL Server database.

Passwords in a SQL server for a SQL database now save with the project. You need only enter the password the first time you log in to a drawing. If you receive the Enter User Name and Password dialog box after opening the drawing a second time, then the password in the SQL server was changed.

Oracle Setup

See [Product Folder]\P&ID\System\Oracle.txt for information on how to set up CADWorx with an Oracle database.

Database Errors

Database errors are displayed in the CAD platform text window and appended to the log file [Product Folder]\P&ID\System\Sql_Error_Log.txt.