Combining fields in Plant 3D

Issue

You want to create a user-defined property which combines / concatenates multiple fields respectively properties from your project.

Solution

For this you use the command PLANTDEFINECALCPROPERTIES. It is designed to create a singular field based on concatenating the data of multiple fields and defined values into one value. This will place a SQL statement within the project database.

Please note: A value must be entered in all fields to see the result. If one of your concatenated field is without a value, nothing will be returned for your new property.

These are the steps:

• Open your project.
• Enter PLANTDEFINECALCPROPERTIES into the command line. You will get this dialog:

• Select the proper database for Plant 3D (= Piping, this example) or P&ID (= PnID) (1).
• In the 'Class Definitions' tab select Pipe. The new porperty will be assigned to the Pipe class and the data will be stored there (2).
• Enter a new property name, for example 'Autodesk' (3).
• Select STRING from the drop down list. The new data will be stored as string values.
• Double click on the field 'Short description'. This will copy the data to this 'Autodesk'-field.
• Click the concatenating symbol (||). Enter the text '(' - ')'. Click the concatenating symbol again.
• Double click on the field 'Spec'. The text should now look like the mark (5).
• Click 'Apply' (6).

Formal notes:

• After every field or text entry the concatenating symbol must be set to separate. Note: This symbol can only be used in string fields.
• Text must be encapsulated by parathensis and a singular quote, i.e. ('text').

Test the solution:

• Create a new drawing and insert a pipe.
• Select the pipe and open the property window.
• You will find here the new property 'Autodesk'.