Table of contents

Homepage

1 News

1.1 2006-03-16

1.2 2006-02-23

1.3 2005-07-01

1.4 2004-07-29

1.5 2003-11-12

1.6 2003-06-10

1.7 2003-04-14

1.8 2002-12-27

1.9 2002-10-05

2 CD catalog

2.1 Functional description

2.2 Features

2.2.1 Display

2.2.1.1 Hierarchical structure

2.2.1.2 Graphics

2.2.1.3 Detail view

2.2.1.4 Parts list

2.2.2 Printing

2.2.3 Output formats

2.2.4 Installation

2.2.5 Navigation

2.2.6 Search

2.2.6.1 Quick search

2.2.6.2 several data fields

2.2.6.3 for drawing numbers

2.2.6.4 for maintenance tasks

2.2.6.5 Search results

2.3 System requirements

2.4 Technology

3 Internet catalog

3.1 Functional description

3.2 Features

3.3 System requirements

3.4 Technology

4 Demo versions

4.1 Output formats

4.2 SPCat CD

4.3 Internet catalog

5 Support

5.1 Documentation

5.2 File formats

5.3 Support forum

6 Sitemap

7 Contact

7.1 Imprint

Spare parts catalog software SPCat is an economical, highly versatile electronic spare parts catalog for the following output media: Paper print, CD, and Internet. The spare parts catalog software has been developed for the special demands of the mechanical engineering industries. SPCat may be extended to form a uniform solution for your overall documentation. The spare parts catalog is a product of CPTec GmbH[1]. Easy use SPCat displays the entire technical documentation of your system in a tree structure. This representation is familiar to PC users because of Microsoft Windows Explorer. Convenient navigation Position numbers are displayed as active areas and thus enable navigation via your design drawings. Professional search routines Powerful search routines (=> 2.2.6)assist the user - especially in catalogs which contain only a few design drawings. more features... (=> 2.2) Why to choose SPCat Automated production, versatility, speed, and orientation towards the specific needs of the mechanical engineering industries as well as an outstanding price-performance ratio are good reasons for using SPCat in your business. more... (=> 2)

2006-03-16 UCP Spare parts catalog online With UCP Processing Ltd., CPTec has gained another customer for their spare parts catalog software. UCP is a leading manufacturer for plasma cleaning systems in the semiconductor back-end field. more... 2006-02-23 SPCat-OCR for recognition of item numbers in CAD drawings presented (=> 1.2) 2005-11-17 FTE spare parts catalogs now also available on CD-ROM Spare Parts Catalog[2] SPCat is an affordable and highly versatile electronic parts catalog for the following output media: Paper, CD-ROM, and the Internet. The SPCat Software has been developed for the special requirements of mechanical engineering in the field of special purpose machines. more...[2] 2005-07-01: New software tools make production of spare parts catalogs easier (=> 1.3) 2004-06-18: BMB AG opts for SPCat spare parts catalog software (=> 1.4) 2004-04-03: Symbol library for technical writing presented The library is free and offers warning signs, prohibiting signs, mandatory signs and further pictograms in the GIF and the EPS file format for download.more... 2004-03-18: Customer comments: Integrated documentation at Unaxis

External links:

1 News

2006-03-16 UCP Spare parts catalog online (=> 1.1)

With UCP Processing Ltd. located in Liechtenstein, CPTec have gained another customer for their spare parts catalog software. UCP is a leading manufacturer for plasma cleaning systems in the semiconductor back-end field. more... (=> 1.1)

2006-02-23 New tool SPCat-OCR for recognition of item numbers in CAD drawings presented (=> 1.2)

Setting hyperlinks between the parts list and the related item numbers in technical drawings ("hotspots") is one of the most time-consuming steps in the production of electronic spare parts catalogs. SPCat-OCR supports the user by identifying the item numbers in pixel graphics. more... (=> 1.2)

2005-07-01 New software tools make production of spare parts catalogs easier (=> 1.3)

Conversion of graphic files and positioning of hyperlinks between the parts list items and the parts drawing ("hotspots") are among the most labor-intensive steps when creating an electronic spare parts catalog. For users of the SPCat Spare Parts Catalog software, the production of catalogs will now become even more convenient. Two new programs assist the SPCat user when creating a catalog. more... (=> 1.3)

2004-07-29 BMB AG opts for SPCat spare parts catalog software (=> 1.4)

Bachofen + Meier AG in Bülach, market leader in the field of converting systems for production and processing of foil, paper and cardboard, opts for the spare parts catalog software by CPTec. The Swiss company is a member of the Kroenert concern and plans, manufactures and supplies complete production systems for the refinement of paper, cardboard, plastic foil and aluminum foil and develops innovative solutions for coating technology. more... (=> 1.4)

2003-11-12 CPTec Spare Parts Catalog software features Open Catalog Interface (OCI) and allows integration into SAP portals (=> 1.5)

The CPTec Spare Parts Catalog software now features the Open Catalog Interface (OCI) which allows integration into SAP portals. After logging into the SAP portal, the user can call up the SQLCat spare parts catalog. more... (=> 1.5)

2003-06-10 Spare parts catalog software by CPTec supports the SVG format and features a stepless zoom function for pixel graphics (=> 1.6)

The CPTec spare parts catalog versions SPCat 6.5b and SQLCat 1.1, which will be released in July, will now support the display of SVG graphics. more... (=> 1.6)

2003-04-14 DocuCat available (=> 1.7)

The first version of the CD catalog module DocuCat is now available. DocuCat presents the spare parts catalog, operating instructions, OEM manuals and service instructions of a system within the framework of the familiar SPCat user interface. more... (=> 1.7)

2002-12-27 Unaxis Balzers AG relies on "Integrated Documentation" from CPTec (=> 1.8)

Unaxis Balzers AG, a globally operating and leading supplier of equipment in the fields of semiconductor technology, data storage and displays, relies on the SPCat and SQLCat tools for publication of its system documentation. more... (=> 1.8)

2002-10-05 SPCat Version 6 available (=> 1.9)

Version 6 of the parts catalog software SPCat has been released now. Some of the new features are: Even more powerful search routines, options to configure the user interface, and an updated documentation which describes all software updates since version 5 in detail. more... (=> 1.9)

1.1 UCP Spare parts catalog online

Munich, 2006-03-16

With UCP Processing Ltd.[1] located in Liechtenstein, CPTec have gained another customer for their spare parts catalog software. UCP is a leading manufacturer for plasma cleaning systems in the semiconductor back-end field.

As of today, UCP customers may visit the website www.ucpgroup.com/spareparts[2] where they can view spare parts catalogs for their products, identify the required parts, and order them online.

The spare parts catalogs are created using the SPCat software and then published for the Internet using SQLCat[3]. Access to the catalog data is restricted to UCP customers and requires input of a user name and a password.

Contact:
Dr. Kurt Schopper
CPTec GmbH
Brienner Str. 54
D-80333 München
Germany

Tel. +49-89-614542-10
Fax +49-89-614542-29
Email info@cptec.org[4]

External links:

1.2 New tool SPCat-OCR for recognition of item numbers in CAD drawings presented

Munich, 2006-02-23

Setting hyperlinks between the parts list and the related item numbers in technical drawings ("hotspots") is one of the most time-consuming steps in the production of electronic spare parts catalogs. SPCat-OCR supports the user by identifying the item numbers in pixel graphics.

SPCat-OCR

The SPCat-OCR software uses previously specified patterns in order to identify item numbers in CAD drawings that are supplied in a pixel graphics format (e.g. TIFF). The results are stored in a separate XML file for each drawing and can be imported into the SPCat spare parts catalog software later on.

SPCat-OCR can achieve very high recognition rates if it is configured carefully. In this case, the fraction of numbers that are recognized incorrectly or not at all is typically less than 1 %. Even critical digits such as 1 and 7 or numbers that are enclosed in a circle/box are recognized properly.

SPCat-OCR ist is a stand-alone application and does not require any additional software. Batch processing has been implemented for automatic processing of drawing archives.

Preparations and configuration

In order to configure the recognition process, the pattens to be recognized are assorted in a sample file and marked by means of the SPCat link editor. For successful identification of the item numbers, several recognition parameters can be optimized for each sample file.

Recognition process

Based on the entries in a batch manager, several drawing archives can be processed by application of various sample files. The user can specify the priority of the SPCat-OCR process with respect to other Windows applications. If the recognition process is running in the background with low priority, you may continue working with other applications in the foreground. The recognition process itself does not require any intervention by the user.

Platform and system requirements

The program has been developed for .Net Framework 1.1 using C#. It requires at least Windows NT 4.0 with installed .Net Framework 1.1 for operation. The recommended hardware is a PC with 1 GByte RAM and a 3 GHz Intel CPU.

Contact:
Dr. Kurt Schopper
CPTec GmbH
Brienner Str. 54
D-80333 München

Tel. 089/614542-10
Fax 089/614542-29
Email info@cptec.org[1]

External links:

1.3 New software tools make production of spare parts catalogs easier

Munich, 2005-07-01

Conversion of graphic files and positioning of hyperlinks between the parts list items and the parts drawing ("hotspots") are among the most labor-intensive steps when creating an electronic spare parts catalog. For users of the SPCat Spare Parts Catalog software, the production of catalogs will now become even more convenient. Two new programs assist the SPCat user when creating a catalog.

SPCat TIFF Batch Converter

With just one step for the user, a pixel based graphics file is converted to all file formats that are required for import into SPCat. The program distinguishes between CAD drawings and photographs and automatically selects the appropriate target format for the detected type of graphic. 

Additional options allow you to remove white borders or to enhance lines in CAD drawings for improved display. The batch converter is a stand-alone application. It runs without SPCat and does not require any additional software for processing of the graphics files.

SPCat Link Editor

The new tool is integrated into SPCat. It displays the parts list of a selected component next to the related drawing. You can position hotspots by dragging an item of the parts list onto the drawing and then dropping it (drag & drop). Several functions assist the user for quick manual creation of hyperlinks (infinitely variable zoom, automatic and precise vertical or horizontal alignment of hotspots with respect to each other).

The Link Editor is also available as a stand-alone application running without SPCat. In this case, the hotspot information for a graphic is stored in a separate file. Later on, this information can be imported into the SPCat database. 

This way, the process of creating hotspots is fully independent from the other steps required for creating a catalog. Optionally, the spare parts catalog can output the information stored in the parts list. This information will be available automatically when creating hyperlinks. 

Manual creation of hyperlinks or editing of hyperlinks via SPCat Link Editor may become necessary if automatic recognition of hotspots is not possible or if automatic processing is not worth the effort.

Both programs have been developed for .Net Framework 1.1 using C#. They run under Windows NT 4.0 (2000, XP, 2003) and require .Net Framework 1.1.

Contact:
Dr. Kurt Schopper
CPTec GmbH
Brienner Str. 54
D-80333 München
Germany

Tel. +49-89-614542-10
Fax +49-89-614542-29
Email info@cptec.org[1]

External links:

1.4 BMB AG opts for SPCat spare parts catalog software

Munich - Bülach (CH), 2004-07-29

Bachofen + Meier AG[1] in Bülach, market leader in the field of converting systems for production and processing of foil, paper and cardboard, opts for the spare parts catalog software by CPTec. The Swiss company is a member of the Kroenert concern[2] and plans, manufactures and supplies complete production systems for the refinement of paper, cardboard, plastic foil and aluminum foil and develops innovative solutions for coating technology. 

Silicone-adhesives coating line for simultaneous lamination of raw label material.

Arno Zindel, project manager at BMB AG: "I have already been using the SPCat software[3] some time ago and was convinced by its ease of use. SPCat does not only allow you to process automated parts lists from ERP systems, but you may also create and edit spare parts catalogs "by hand". This is very important for us because we want to integrate a large amount of supplier data in our catalog, and this information may come in a large variety of data formats and often lacks a clear structure."

For the current pilot project, parts lists of the BMB AG and its suppliers are united to a hierarchical spare parts catalog and complemented by CAD drawings. On-site support is provided by Artech Ltd.[4] in Liechtenstein. Its local proximity to the BMB AG ensures fast and optimum support. 

For information on CPTec GmbH visit our website www.cptec.org[5].

Contact:
Dr. Kurt Schopper
CPTec GmbH
Brienner Str. 54
D-80333 München
Germany
Phone: +49-89-614542-10
Fax: +49-89-614542-29
Email: info@cptec.org[6]

External links:

1.5 CPTec Spare Parts Catalog software features Open Catalog Interface (OCI) and allows integration into SAP portals

Munich, 2003-11-12

The CPTec Spare Parts Catalog software now features the Open Catalog Interface (OCI) which allows integration into SAP portals. After logging into the SAP portal, the user can call up the SQLCat spare parts catalog. The required spare parts can now be located using SQLCat's convenient view and search routines and afterwards be stored in a basket. The contents of the basket are reported back to the SAP portal. The portal receives the data and adds information retrieved from SAP such as availability and price. The result may e.g. be processed as a spare parts inquiry or an order in SAP.

Further information:
Erschließung neuer Potenziale im Maschinenbau mit E-Service-Portalen (PDF 3.3 MB, german language)[1]; Talk given by Axentiv AG and Leybold Optics GmbH at the SAP Conference on Business Portals and Integration Technology.

For information on CPTec GmbH visit our website www.cptec.de[2].

Contact:
Dr. Kurt Schopper
CPTec GmbH
Brienner Str. 54
D-80333 München
Germany
Phone: +49-89-614542-10
Fax: +49-89-614542-29
Email: info@cptec.org[3]

External links:

1.6 Spare parts catalog software by CPTec supports the SVG format and features a stepless zoom function for pixel graphics

Munich, 2003-06-10

The CPTec spare parts catalog versions SPCat 6.5b and SQLCat 1.1, which will be released in July, will now support the display of SVG graphics. 

Both the CD version SPCat and the internet version SQLCat utilize the freely available SVG Viewer[1] by Adobe Systems Inc. for display of graphics. Hyperlink and hotspot features of the catalogs will work in the usual way. When implementing the software, special attention was paid to ensure a uniform and easy-to-use catalog GUI. As an example, clicking the right mouse button will call up the context menu of the Adobe SVG Viewer offering additional graphics related catalog functions.

Further features of SPCat and SQLCat become evident when displaying pixel graphics. These graphics can now be zoomed continuously and displayed in high quality for each zoom factor thanks to an anti-alias function.

The extensive use of the freely available Adobe SVG Viewer in catalog applications marks another step forward in CPTec's strategy to utilize reasonably-priced standard solutions when implementing software functions.

For further information on CPTec visit our website www.cptec.org[2].

Contact:
Dr. Kurt Schopper
CPTec GmbH
Brienner Str. 54
D-80333 München
Tel. 089/614542-10
Fax 089/614542-29
Email info@cptec.org[3]

External links:

1.7 DocuCat available

Munich, 2003-04-14

The first version of the CD catalog module DocuCat is now available. DocuCat presents the spare parts catalog, operating instructions, OEM manuals and service instructions of a system within the framework of the familiar SPCat user interface. To this end, document types and document contents are separated hierarchically and then combined in a database. In addition, DocuCat allows to create links within the individual information units.

The user may use a treeview as well as hyperlinks for navigation. The following document types can be published with the current version: Parts Catalog The functionality of this section is equivalent to the CD Spare Parts Catalog. more...[1] Service Instructions Maintenance task information is listed in a treeview with respect to the interval groups. Any information which is linked to a maintenance task (required spare parts, OEM manual, relevant section in the operating instructions) can be displayed right away via a mouse click in a navigator bar. Operating Instructions Operating instructions are embedded in the HTML format or the PDF format. In the case of HTML, the chapter structure of the source is forwarded to the treeview. Any information which is linked to a chapter/section (service instructions, spare part, OEM manual) can be displayed right away via a mouse click in a navigator bar. OEM Documentation The documentation on OEM products is listed with respect to the manufacturer and to the product name. Any information linked with an OEM manual (spare part, service instructions, chapter/section in the operating instructions) can be displayed right away via a mouse click in a navigator bar. The striking features of this complete solution are easy operation, clarity and convenient search functions. On one single CD, the entire system documentation is available in electronic format to service personnel.

  
For further information on CPTec visit our website www.cptec.org[2].

Contact:
Dr. Kurt Schopper
CPTec GmbH
Brienner Str. 54
D-80333 München
Tel. 089/614542-10
Fax 089/614542-29
Email info@cptec.org[3]

External links:

1.8 Unaxis Balzers AG relies on "Integrated Documentation" by CPTec

Munich - Trübbach (FL), 2002-12-27

Unaxis Balzers AG[1], a globally operating and leading supplier of equipment in the fields of semiconductor technology, data storage and displays, relies on the SPCat and SQLCat tools for publication of its system documentation.

For this purpose, the operating instructions, spare parts catalog, OEM manuals and the electrical documentation of a single system are combined in a database. A standardized user interface is used for publishing on CD and on the Internet. This allows convenient access of the different document types and the related information units which are linked with each other. Both a treeview and hyperlinks are available for navigation. An additional interface to a diagnostic system enables time-saving preventive maintenance.

The outstanding features of this solution are easy operation, global search routines, and the integration of a diagnostic system. These features are expected to significantly improve two of the most critical figures of merit in the service field, namely the MTTR "Mean Time To Repair" and the MTBF "Mean Time Between Failure".

For further information on CPTec visit our website www.cptec.org[2].

Contact:
Dr. Kurt Schopper
CPTec GmbH
Brienner Str. 54
D-80333 München
Germany
Phone: +49-89-614542-10
Fax: +49-89-614542-29
Email: info@spcat.de[3]

External links:

1.9 SPCat Version 6 available

Munich, 2002-10-05

Version 6 of the SPCat spare parts catalog software is now available. New features are mainly found in the user interface, search operations, graphics, and in the authoring tools:

User interface

The user interface is now divided into three areas (treeview, parts list, picture/detail view), and each area can be configured by the end user with regard to the displayed information.

The parts list is displayed optionally below the picture/detail view and can be configured freely with regard to the displayed fields. It displays the subparts of the component which has been selected in the treeview. In addition to the treeview and to hyperlinks in pictures, the parts list may also be used for navigation (=> 2.2.5).

The entire concept of operation is fully up-to-date: All functions and settings are performed dynamically now, and there is no need for restarting the program after the configuration has been changed. Dialog and list windows may be used in conjunction with previously opened windows of programs running in the background. Colors and font sizes can be selected.

Search operations

The search operations have been extended significantly with regard to the search result display, the spare parts identification, and to preventive maintenance. Results may now be displayed in a table (=> 2.2.6) as well as in a treeview (=> 2.2.6).

Graphics

A number of drawings including hyperlinks may now be assigned to any component or individual part. If more than one drawing is assigned to a component, a preview of these drawings (thumbnails) can be displayed.

Authoring tools

The day-to-day use of our software has lead to a number of refinements which speed up the typical tasks performed by an author. As an example, it is now possible to edit or move a selection of parts or components at the same time. And it is possible to assign access rights to the catalog fields separately for the end user and for the editor.

For further information on CPTec visit our website www.cptec.org[1].

Contact:
Dr. Kurt Schopper
CPTec GmbH
Brienner Str. 54
D-80333 München
Germany
Phone: +49-89-614542-10
Fax: +49-89-614542-29
Email: info@cptec.org[2]

External links:

2 SPCat CD catalog

SPCat, the CD catalog, offers all performance features commonly found in electronic spare parts catalog software plus the following benefits:

The catalog solution

• is extremely fast - especially when performing seach operations across a huge database. more... (=> 2.4)
• produces spare parts catalogs at a surprisingly low price because labor-intensive steps can be automated completely.
• integrates seamlessly into any editorial environment because in many cases it allows to complete the project using the commonly found standard tools for graphics and print.
• is extremely versatile during production. Catalogs may be created automatically and then adapted to suit your customers' needs. On the other hand, you may use SPCat as an authoring tool and create your catalogs manually.
• produces catalogs for all types of media. In addition to paper print and CD, the SQLCat module may be added in order to publish spare parts catalogs on the Internet. more... (=> 3)
• covers all fields of a service documentation. Additional modules which are currently being developed will integrate operating instructions, OEM manuals and electrical documentation to a uniform overall solution. more... (=> 1.7)

Would you like more information on the performance features and functions available in SPCat? The performance features (=> 2.2) website contains a full overview. Or take a closer look at the functional design (=> 2.1)of SPCat.

2.1 Functional design

The following schematic diagram illustrates the functional design of SPCat:

Data import

SPCat Editor is used for importing the following data:

Parts list

In order to enable subsequent automatic processing and to create a useful catalog, the parts list should meet the following requirements:

• Hierarchical information: Position of the spare part/assembly in the tree structure
• Position number of the spare part/assembly inside of another assembly
• Drawing number/file name of the design drawing related to the spare part/assembly

Graphics

Graphics files may contain technical drawings or digitized photographs of the assemblies and spare parts in the catalog. They are normally available in the pixel format TIFF or in the vector format DXF.

SPCat's conversion modules will automatically read a number of graphics files formats and convert them to the GIF and PNG formats which are displayed by the catalog. In the case of vector graphics files, the positon numbers of spare parts in assemblies will also be identified. more...

The parts list and graphics files are automatically linked by SPCat, thereby creating a tree structure of the system and the graphics related to the assemblies. If SPCat has identified position numbers in a vector graphics file, active areas (hyperlinks) for navigation will be created automatically.

SPCat Editor is used for further processing of catalogs which have been created via automatic data import. On the other hand, you may also create catalogs "by hand" if no suitable data source is available for import.

Output formats

End-user catalogs may be produced for the following media:

Paper print

SPCat automatically generates a printed version of the catalog based on your corporate identity. Design drawings of assemblies and the related parts lists are arranged on pages facing each other. Page numbers are arranged in a special way ensuring easy orientation throughout the printed catalog. more...

CDROM

A CDROM is created by recording the entire SPCat directory on a CDROM. SPCat is shipped with a start routine which automatically offers a start menu to the end user after the CDROM has been inserted. Additional software for creating a setup routine is not required for distributing SPCat spare parts catalogs.

HTML Help file / CHM file

SPCat automatically generates a CHM file from the catalog data. This is an electronic document with the functionality of Microsoft HTML Help files - similar to the help files commonly found under the Microsoft Windows operating system. HTML Help offers a table of contents, index, full-text search, and it runs under all Microsoft Windows operating systems.

Internet

SPCat catalogs can be published on the Internet via SQLCat. SQLCat is an extremely fast database and webserver solution for publication of hierarchical document structures. It is based on Microsoft SQL Server and Internet Information Server. more... (=> 3)

How to generate a printed version of the catalog

COM automation SPCat is able to forward data to other application programs (e.g. Microsoft Word) via "COM automation". This method is used to create a printable version of the catalog: After the user has specified the required options, the print function of SPCat automatically generates a Microsoft Word file which contains the printable version of the catalog. The only technical requirements for this method are Microsoft Word software installed on the SPCat workstation and development of the required Microsoft Word style templates.

Advantages

• Layout or corporate identity changes require only the Microsoft Word style templates to be adapted.
• On request, SPCat can be adapted to any layout/typesetting/print tool which is suitable for COM automation. SPCat is also available with an XML export module as an option. This way SPCat integrates into many editorial environments without the need for new typesetting/print tools.
• The use of external standard applications for printing yields professional results while keeping the cost of development low - the basis for the excellent price-performance ratio of SPCat.

For further information on catalog printing, refer to section "Features" under Printing - Printing the entire catalog / Creating a PDF file (=> 2.2.2).

How to convert drawings to catalog-readable formats

COM automation SPCat is able to control other application programs (e.g. Corel Photopaint, Adobe Illustrator) via "COM automation". This method is used to automatically convert TIFF or DXF graphics files to the GIF and PNG formats displayed by the catalog.  In the case of DXF graphics, it is also possible to determine the position of text objects in the drawings (e.g. position numbers of the subparts of an assembly) - this allows to automatically create active areas (hyperlinks) in the drawings. Unwanted objects (e.g. drawing header, dimensioning lines) can likewise be removed if they are identified clearly (e.g. when stored in different drawing layers). The only technical requirements for this method are Corel Photopaint or Adobe Illustrator software installed on the SPCat workstation.

Advantages

• On request, the conversion rotuines of SPCat can be adapted to any image processing software which is suitable for COM automation.
• SPCat can easily be extended to read graphics file formats other than TIFF and DXF, provided that these formats can be imported by the external graphics program. This means that SPCat integrates into many editorial environments without the need for new graphics tools. This also eliminates the need for any preceding external conversion of the graphics files.
• The use of external standard applications for image processing yields professional results while keeping the cost of development low - the basis for the excellent price-performance ratio of SPCat.

2.2 CD catalog features

Graphical user interface (GUI)

Data

Installation

2.2.1 Display

The display of most information and database fields can be configured at the author and user level. SPCat always displays the following information:

Hierarchical structure of the system

The hierarchical structure of the system is illustrated in a treeview. Assemblies and single parts are represented by different symbols. more... (=> 2.2.1.1)

Thumbnails and graphics of assemblies

If more than one graphic is available for an assembly, it is possible to display previews (thumbnails) of these graphics. In graphics, SPCat can generate colored active areas ("hotspots", "hyperlinks") which may be used to mark components or position numbers. more... (=> 2.2.1.2)

Detailed information

Instead of graphics, SPCat can also display detailed information on the selected part. more... (=> 2.2.1.3)

Parts list of an assembly

SPCat can display the individual parts of an assembly or component in a list. more... (=> 2.2.1.4)

2.2.1.1 Hierarchical structure of the system

Treeview The hierarchical structure of the system is illustrated in a treeview. Assemblies and single parts are represented by different symbols. Identification The selected part is highlighted with a gray background in the treeview. Configuration The display of data fields can be configured at the author and user level.

2.2.1.2 Graphics of assemblies

Thumbnails If more than one graphic is available for an assembly, it is possible to display previews (thumbnails) of these graphics. Favorite For each part, the catalog author can decide if a favorite graphic is to be displayed when navigating to this part. Thumbnails will be offered otherwise.

Hyperlinks In graphics, SPCat can generate colored active areas ("hotspots", "hyperlinks") which may be used to mark components or position numbers. Identification The selected part in an assembly is highlighted with color in the graphic.

Zoom SPCat can display each graphic at two different zoom levels.

Stepless zoom Graphics can be zoomed continuously. Thanks to an anti-alias function, vector and pixel graphics can be displayed in high quality for each zoom factor. In order to use this feature, the freely available Adobe SVG Viewer[1] must be installed on your PC.

Graphics related commands such as 'zoom in/zoom out', 'anti-alias on/off', 'center selected hotspot' are also available via the context menu of Adobe SVG Viewer.

External links:

2.2.1.3 Detail view of a selected part

Detailed information Instead of graphics, SPCat can also display detailed information on the selected part. Configuration The display of data fields can be configured at the author and user level.

2.2.1.4 Parts list of an assembly

Parts list SPCat can display the individual parts of an assembly or component in a list. Identification The selected part is highlighted with a gray background in the parts list. Configuration The display of data fields can be configured at the author and user level.

2.2.2 Printing

Printing an assembly with drawings and parts list

Print assembly You can print the drawings and the parts list of an assembly right from SPCat.

Printing the entire catalog / Creating a PDF file

Entire catalog The catalog consists of the front page, an introduction, the table of contents, and the design drawings with related parts lists. Define the print layout The catalog author can specify which data fields of the parts list are to be printed. You can also adjust some other layout related settings. Create MS Word file The SPCat command "Create Word" automatically creates an MS Word file which contains the entire catalog. This requires MS Word to be installed on your catalog workstation.

Create a PDF file Starting "Adobe PDF Maker" in MS Word will automatically create a PDF file. The PDF file contains bookmarks which reflect the hierarchical structure of the catalog. This requires Adobe Acrobat to be installed on your catalog workstation.  Duplex printing The page layout makes sure that assembly drawings and the related parts lists will appear on pages facing each other when duplex printing. This means that assembly drawings and parts lists can be seen at the same time. Demo Example of a PDF file (=> 4) created with SPCat.

Printing the basket

Print preview basket You can examine the order form created from your basket in a preview. Print basket You can print an order form based on your basket.

2.2.3 Output formats

You can create and distribute your catalog data in various electronic formats.

PDF

Creation of PDF files is described in section Printing (=> 2.2.2).

HTML+Java

Create HTML+Java The catalog author uses the SPCat command "Create HTML" to automatically create HTML files from the catalog data. Furthermore, additional code for a Java applet is created. The Java applet displays the catalog hierarchy in a treeview.  Properties of HMTL+Java The created HTML files allow you to view the catalog data in any Java-compatible web browser. Navigation Navigation is done as in SPCat via the treeview or by clicking the hyperlinks (hotspots) in graphics. Demo Example of HTML+Java code (=> 4) created with SPCat.

HTML Help / CHM

Create HTML Help The catalog author uses the command "Create CHM" to automatically create a HTML Help file from the catalog data. This requires MS Help Workshop to be installed on your catalog workstation. Properties of HTML Help HTML Help files can be viewed with the HTML Help Viewer of the Windows operating systems NT4 / Win95 or later. Navigation Navigation is done as in SPCat via the treeview or by clicking the hyperlinks (hotspots) in graphics. Search The CHM file stands out against the HTML+Java solution because it also contains a search routine. Demo Example of a CHM file (=> 4) created with SPCat.

2.2.4 Installation

Start menu when inserting the CD

Menu items If the autorun function of your CD drive is activated, the SPCat start menu will automatically appear after the CD has been inserted. You can choose between the following menu items: Start the catalog from CD Install the catalog on your local harddisk Display CHM file (HTML Help version) of the catalog Display PDF file (print version) of the catalog   Open SPCat help file Close start menu Additional information is displayed for each menu item.

2.2.5 Navigation

Convenient navigation through the catalog is one of the most striking features of SPCat:

Navigation via treeview

Treeview The hierarchical structure of the system is illustrated in a treeview. Assemblies and single parts are represented by different symbols. Identification The selected part is highlighted with a gray background in the treeview. Navigation Click objects in the treeview to navigate to the related system areas, assemblies or single parts. The treeview can also be operated with the cursor keys.

Navigation via active areas in graphics

Active areas in graphics In graphics, SPCat can generate colored active areas ("hotspots", "hyperlinks") which may be used to mark components or position numbers. Identification The selected part in an assembly is highlighted with color in the graphic. Navigation Click a hotspot in the graphic to navigate to the related component.

Navigation via parts list

Parts list SPCat can display the individual parts of an assembly or component in a list. The end user can specify which data fields are to be displayed. Identification The selected part is highlighted with a gray background in the parts list. Navigation Click a data set in the parts list to navigate to the related component.

2.2.6 Searching

Powerful search routines enable you to quickly and efficiently find any information which is included in the parts data, drawing data or in the maintenance schedules. 

Thanks to the Visual Foxpro database system (=> 2.4) used by the application, any character string can be found immediately. Even in catalogs containing several ten thousand parts the search result will be returned in less than a second.

The option "Search only below current position" enables you to restrict your search on selected components of the system. The following diagram presents an overview of the available search methods:

Quick search

Search in fixed important database fields without the need to choose any search options. more... (=> 2.2.6.1)

Search in several fields of a table

Search for various information in the parts data, drawing data or in the maintenance schedule by entering search terms in the related fields of a search mask. more... (=> 2.2.6.2)

Search for drawing numbers

SPCat stores information on CAD drawings in a separate table. You can perform a selective search in the following data fields: Drawing name, drawing number, sheet number, sheet type and drawing version number. more... (=> 2.2.6.3)

Search for maintenance tasks

You can perform a selective search in the following data fields: Action, interval, remark, name, and any date or time field. more... (=> 2.2.6.4)

Search result display

In addition to the commonly used table, search results can also be displayed hierarchically in a treeview. more... (=> 2.2.6.5)

2.2.6.1 Quick search

Quick search Search in fixed important database fields without the need to choose any search options. Parts which match the search term in a database field are displayed (OR operator). Layout A simple search result list comprising the most important database fields is output below the quick search input mask. The search results can be displayed in more detail in a table (=> 2.2.6.5) or in a treeview (=> 2.2.6.5). Navigation Clicking a data set in the search result list will immediately navigate you to the related part in the catalog.

2.2.6.2 Search several data fields with simple search result display

Extended search Selectively search for terms or other selection criteria in several database fields. Parts whose selected database fields match all of the entered selection criteria (AND operator) are displayed. Layout A simple search result list comprising the most important database fields is output below the quick search input mask. The search results can be displayed in more detail in a table (=> 2.2.6.5) or in a treeview (=> 2.2.6.5). Navigation Clicking a database field in the search result list will immediately navigate you to the related part in the catalog.

2.2.6.3 Search for drawing numbers

Management of drawings SPCat stores information on CAD drawings in a separate table. You can perform a selective search in the following data fields: Drawing name, drawing number, sheet number, sheet type and drawing version number. Navigation Clicking a drawing data set will immediately navigate you to the part which is assigned to the drawing.

2.2.6.4 Search for maintenance tasks

Maintenance database SPCat stores stores maintenance tasks for individual components in a separate table. You can perform a selective search in the following data fields: Action, interval, remark, name, and any date or time field. Navigation Clicking a maintenance data set will immediately navigate you to the component which is assigned to the maintenance task.

2.2.6.5 Display search results in a table

Layout The postion and size of the table window as well as the width and the arrangement of the fields can be selected to suit your needs. Sorting The search result list can be sorted with regard to any field. Navigation Clicking a data set in the search result list will immediately navigate you to the related part in the catalog.

Display search results in a treeview

This function is only available if SPCat has been installed on your PC. It is not available if SPCat is started from CD.

Clearly arranged view SPCat displays the results of you search in a treeview in a separate window. All matches are marked with green color. Individual branches of the tree may be folded in and out for a better overview. Navigation Clicking a data set in the search result tree will immediately navigate you to the related part in the catalog.

2.3 System requirements

SPCat 6

Software

• Windows 98 with MS Internet Explorer 4 or later
• Windows NT 4 with Service Pack 4 or later, MS Internet Explorer 4 or later
• Windows 2000 with Service Pack 1 or later
• Windows XP

Hardware

• Personal Computer (Pentium or higher)
• 64 MB RAM
• Approx. 100 MB free harddisk space (depends on the size of the catalog database)
• Graphics card with 800 x 600 pixels and a pixel depth of 8 bits
• CDROM drive

2.4 Technology

SPCat is based on the fastest database tool currently available for the PC platform: Microsoft Visual Foxpro.

What makes SPCat so fast?

Microsoft Visual Foxpro utilizes the so-called Rushmore™ technology. This is a data access technique which enables very efficient and thus time-saving access to data sets. The Rushmore™ optimization of search operations uses indices in order to find specific data sets. It is always used when a search is performed which requires access to several indexed table fields at a time.

For further information on Rushmore™ refer to:

• Rushmore Technology - The Heart of The Fox[1]
  (Article written in English)
• Peter Herzog: RUSHMORE & SQL, FoxPro Developer's Conference '94[2]
  (Article written in German)

External links:

3 SQLCat Internet catalog

Parts catalogs in the Internet SQLCat is an extremely fast database solution for publication of parts catalogs in the Internet. SQLCat is based on SQL Server and Microsoft Internet Information Server.  Automatic catalog publishing SQLCat is an all-automatic tool for publication of SPCat spare parts catalogs (=> 2) on the Internet. An extended version which will also publish PDF files, hierachical HTML files, OEM manuals and electrical documentation is currently under development.

As an SQLCat administrator you operate a convenient user interface to create a hierarchical structure on top of your own document types. You administer any number of user accounts and assign the required access rights for the published catalogs and manuals.

3.1 Functional design

The following schematic diagram illustrates the functional design of SQLCat:

SQLCat Console

SQLCat Console is used for administrative access to SQLCat functions. It empowers the catalog author to do the following:

• Create hierarchical structures (e.g. customer's name, project name, etc.) under which catalogs can be imported
• Import catalogs produced with SPCat right from the Windows file system
• Create and administer user accounts
• Assign access rights for users or user groups on an object level

The console has been developed using Microsoft Visual Foxpro, just like SPCat.

SQLCat Database

SQLCat Database has been developed for MS SQL Server. It stores all catalog data:

• Parts lists
• Graphics
• Drawings
• Catalog configuration
• User accounts
• Security settings

It can be accessed from SQLCat Console as well as from SQLCat Application Server via an authenticated network connection using ODBC. In order to speed up complex operations, parts of the query logic are stored right on the SQL Server as "stored procedures". 

SQLCat Application Server

SQLCat Application Server has been developed for Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS). The information stored in the SQLCat database is published by the application server via ASP pages (active server pages). In an ASP page, the application server establishes a connection to the SQLCat database. The data reqired for presentation are queried by the database server, processed in HTML, and then forwarded to SQLCat Frontend (web browser).

If the catalogs to be published contain confidential data, the entire communication (incl. transmission of catalog drawings) between web server and web browser can be performed encrypted via SSL. The performance of the overall application is only slightly reduced in this case.

In general, Application Server and Database Server can be installed on the same server (physically).

SQLCat Frontend (web browser)

SQLCat has been optimized for Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5 and later, but it will also work with most web browsers available today from other manufacturers.

The pages displayed to the catalog user in the frontend consist of ordinary HTML with embedded JavaScript. The display of the tree structure is based on a Java applet. The Java applet has been optimized for display of very complex and extensive tree structures. To this end, only data of currently visible parts are called from the application server during run time. This enables fast and convenient navigation with the mouse even in catalogs containing thousands of nods and hundreds of thousands of parts.

3.2 Internet catalog features

Administration

• User accounts
• Access rights
• Document structure

Import / export of SPCat catalogs

Archive functions

• System hierarchy
• Drawings
• SPCat configuration

Functionality

• User authentication
• Navigation / tree structure
• Search
• Basket
• Connectivity to ERP systems (SAP Internet Sales via OCI interface)

3.3 System requirements

SQLCat Frontend

• Web browser with activated Java and JavaScript
• Optimized for Internet Explorer 5.5 and 6.0
• Tested with Firefox 1.5 and 2.0, Opera 6.03, Mozilla 1.0, Netscape 6.02

SQLCat Server

Software

• MS Windows 2000 Server, MS Windows 2003 Server
• MS SQL Server 2000, MS SQL Server 2005, MS SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (limited use)

Hardware

• Server with 512 MByte RAM, 1 CPU PIII (minimum),
  1 GByte RAM, 1 CPU P4 (recommended)
• One harddisk (minimum, disk space depends on database size),
  2 physically separate harddisk systems, RAID 1/5 (recommended, disk space depends on database size)

3.4 Technology

SQLCat has been developed eclusively for Microsoft SQL Server. Microsoft SQL Server is one of the fastest database servers currently available for the PC platform. In addition, Microsoft SQL Server offers best availability and scalability.

For further information on Microsoft SQL Server refer to:

• TPC-C Benchmark (article written in English)[1]
• SQL Server Fast Facts (article written in English)[2]

External links:

4 Spare parts catalog demos

The following demos are available for download or testing:

• SPCat spare parts catalog on CD (=> 4.2)
  A fully functional spare parts catalog on CD, running under the Windows operating system Win98 or later. 
   
• Output files created with SPCat (=> 4.1) 
  PDF, HTML/Java, CHM. The SPCat spare parts catalog is not required for viewing these files.
    
• Live Internet demo[1]
  Log into one of several accounts in our SQLCat server and use spare parts catalogs online via the Internet.
  

External links:

4.1 Examples of output formats created with SPCat

PDF (2.3 MB; Adobe Acrobat Reader required)

• The PDF file has been created automatically from SPCat Editor and contains the entire printable spare parts catalog
• More information on how to create PDF files and print catalogs:
  - How to create a printed version of the catalog (=> 2.1)
  - Features - Printing the entire catalog / Creating a PDF file (=> 2.2.2)

HTML+Java (this version can be viewed online on our web server)

• The HTML files were created automatically from SPCat Editor and contain the entire spare parts catalog
• More information on how to create HTML and Java:
  - Functional design - Output formats (=> 2.1)
  - Features - Output formats - HTML+Java (=> 2.2.3)

HTML Help (6.7 MB; MS HTML Help Viewer required)

• The HTML Help file has been created automatically from SPCat Editor and contains the entire printable spare parts catalog
• More informationen on how to create HTML Help files:
  - Functional design - Output formats (=> 2.1)
  - Features - Output formats - HTML Help (=> 2.2.3)

Information on the file formats (=> 5.2) offered in this page.

4.2 SPCat demo CD

Mail

We will gladly send you an SPCat demo CD via mail. For this, send an e-mail with your name and address to info@spcat.de[1]. 

Downloads

SPCat68_demo_cd_en_iso.zip
(ISO disk image[2] for burning to physical media; 45 MB)

SPCat68_demo_cd_en.zip
(ZIP archive for immediate use; 45 MB)

External links:

4.3 SQLCat Internet catalog demo

• Start SQLCat live demo[1]

External links:

5 Support

Here you find technical support for SPCat. Parts of this site are password protected and only accessible for clients of CPTec GmbH or Artech Trading Ltd.

Alternatively you may send a request for support in German or English language to support@spcat.de[1] or refer to:

Christian Deger

CPTec GmbH
Brienner Str. 54
D-80333 München
Germany
Tel. +49-89-614542-42
Fax +49-89-614542-29

External links:

5.1 Documentation

Here you find the latest documentation on SPCat and SQLCat. The developer versions are password protected.

SPCat Edition 02/2006

 
Information on the file formats (=> 5.2) offered in this page.

5.2 Information on file formats

PDF files

PDF files can be viewed with Adobe Acrobat Reader[1]. In order to save PDF files on your local harddisk, click the respective link in your web browser with the right mouse button and select "Save Target As...".

CHM files

This format is used by most modern Windows programs for online help. The pages of these files are coded in HTML. In addition, the CHM viewer offers extended functions for convenient navigation. The viewer required for this so-called "HTML Help" is enclosed in all modern Microsoft operating systems.
Microsoft's latest viewer is available as a download[2] for use with operating systems prior to Windows 2000 and Windows XP. In this case you have to select and download the "hhupd.exe" file.

HTML files

These files can be viewed directly in your web browser.

External links:

5.3 Support Forum

[1]	Answers to your questions on SPCat and technical support can also be found in the SPCat Support Forum[1].

External links:

6 Sitemap

News

2006-03-16

2006-02-23

2005-07-01

2004-07-29

2003-11-12

2003-06-10

2003-04-14

2002-12-27

2002-10-05

CD catalog

Functional description

Features

Display

Hierarchical structure

Graphics

Detail view

Parts list

Printing

Output formats

Installation

Navigation

Search

Quick search

several data fields

for drawing numbers

for maintenance tasks

Search results

System requirements

Technology

Internet catalog

Functional description

Features

System requirements

Technology

Demo versions

Output formats

SPCat CD

Internet catalog

Support

Documentation

File formats

Support forum

Sitemap

Contact

Imprint

7 Contact

If you would like more information on SPCat, please send an e-mail to info@spcat.de[1] or refer to:

Dr. Kurt Schopper

CPTec GmbH
Brienner Str. 54
D-80333 München
Germany
Tel. +49-89-614542-10
Fax +49-89-614542-29
www.cptec.org[2]

If you are from Liechtenstein or Switzerland, please refer to:

Gaston Pfister, Ing. HTL

Artech Limited
Rebenstrasse 12
CH - 9320 Arbon
Tel. +41-71-446 9391
Fax +41-71-446 9394
www.artech.li[3]

Printed information on SPCat

You may print the contents of the entire website easily. To this end, open this page. Then select a B&W printer with a resolution of at least 600 dpi and start printing in the DIN A4 or US letter portrait format.

External links:

7.1 Imprint

Operator of this website and responsible for its content:

Copyright

© Copyright 2003 CPTec GmbH, Germany. All rights reserved. The entire content of this website is protected under copyright law and by other protection laws. The content of this website, complete or partial, may not be used for commercial purposes without our prior written approval.

Restrictions on liability

CPTec takes all reasonable steps in order to ensure the reliability of the information presented in this website, but makes no guarantees regarding its accuracy, reliability or completeness. Any liability for loss or damage that could arise directly or indirectly from or in connection with the use of this website is excluded. This website may contain links to third-party websites. CPTec does not assume any responsibility for the content of these or any other third-party websites.