more... (=> 2.4)more... (=> 3)more... (=> 1.7)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
SPCat, the CD catalog, offers all performance features commonly found in electronic spare parts catalog software plus the following benefits:
The catalog solution
more... (=> 2.4)more... (=> 3)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.
The following schematic diagram illustrates the functional design of SPCat:
SPCat Editor is used for importing the following data:
In order to enable subsequent automatic processing and to create a useful catalog, the parts list should meet the following requirements:
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.
End-user catalogs may be produced for the following media:
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...
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.
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.
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)
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COM automationSPCat 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. |
For further information on catalog printing, refer to section "Features" under Printing - Printing the entire catalog / Creating a PDF file (=> 2.2.2).
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COM automationSPCat 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. |
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| Configurations by end user |
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| Display |
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| Navigation |
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| Search |
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| Output data formats |
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| Orders |
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| Export |
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| Translation |
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| Catalog start |
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| ...from CD |
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| ...from harddisk |
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| Uninstall from harddisk |
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The display of most information and database fields can be configured at the author and user level. SPCat always displays the following information:
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)
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)
Instead of graphics, SPCat can also display detailed information on the
selected part.
more... (=> 2.2.1.3)
SPCat can display the individual parts of an assembly or component in a
list.
more... (=> 2.2.1.4)
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TreeviewThe hierarchical structure of the system is illustrated in a treeview. Assemblies and single parts are represented by different symbols. IdentificationThe selected part is highlighted with a gray background in the treeview. ConfigurationThe display of data fields can be configured at the author and user level.
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ThumbnailsIf more than one graphic is available for an assembly, it is possible to display previews (thumbnails) of these graphics. FavoriteFor 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. |
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HyperlinksIn graphics, SPCat can generate colored active areas ("hotspots", "hyperlinks") which may be used to mark components or position numbers. IdentificationThe selected part in an assembly is highlighted with color in the graphic. |
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ZoomSPCat can display each graphic at two different zoom levels. |
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Stepless zoomGraphics 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.
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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. |
| [1] | http://www.adobe.com/svg |
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Detailed informationInstead of graphics, SPCat can also display detailed information on the selected part. ConfigurationThe display of data fields can be configured at the author and user level. |
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Parts listSPCat can display the individual parts of an assembly or component in a list. IdentificationThe selected part is highlighted with a gray background in the parts list. ConfigurationThe display of data fields can be configured at the author and user level. |
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Print assemblyYou can print the drawings and the parts list of an assembly right from SPCat. |
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Entire catalogThe catalog consists of the front page, an introduction, the table of contents, and the design drawings with related parts lists. Define the print layoutThe 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 fileThe 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. |
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Create a PDF fileStarting "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 printingThe 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. DemoExample of a PDF file (=> 4) created with SPCat. |
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Print preview basketYou can examine the order form created from your basket in a preview. Print basketYou can print an order form based on your basket. |
You can create and distribute your catalog data in various electronic formats.
Creation of PDF files is described in section Printing (=> 2.2.2).
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Create HTML+JavaThe 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+JavaThe created HTML files allow you to view the catalog data in any Java-compatible web browser. NavigationNavigation is done as in SPCat via the treeview or by clicking the hyperlinks (hotspots) in graphics. DemoExample of HTML+Java code (=> 4) created with SPCat. |
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Create HTML HelpThe 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 HelpHTML Help files can be viewed with the HTML Help Viewer of the Windows operating systems NT4 / Win95 or later. NavigationNavigation is done as in SPCat via the treeview or by clicking the hyperlinks (hotspots) in graphics. SearchThe CHM file stands out against the HTML+Java solution because it also contains a search routine. DemoExample of a CHM file (=> 4) created with SPCat. |
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Menu itemsIf 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:
Additional information is displayed for each menu item. |
Convenient navigation through the catalog is one of the most striking features of SPCat:
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TreeviewThe hierarchical structure of the system is illustrated in a treeview. Assemblies and single parts are represented by different symbols. IdentificationThe selected part is highlighted with a gray background in the treeview. NavigationClick 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. |
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Active areas in graphicsIn graphics, SPCat can generate colored active areas ("hotspots", "hyperlinks") which may be used to mark components or position numbers. IdentificationThe selected part in an assembly is highlighted with color in the graphic. NavigationClick a hotspot in the graphic to navigate to the related component. |
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Parts listSPCat 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. IdentificationThe selected part is highlighted with a gray background in the parts list. NavigationClick a data set in the parts list to navigate to the related component. |
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:
Search in fixed important database fields without the need to choose any
search options.
more... (=> 2.2.6.1)
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)
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)
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)
In addition to the commonly used table, search results can also be displayed
hierarchically in a treeview. more... (=> 2.2.6.5)
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Quick searchSearch 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). LayoutA 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). NavigationClicking a data set in the search result list will immediately navigate you to the related part in the catalog. |
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Extended searchSelectively 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. LayoutA 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). NavigationClicking a database field in the search result list will immediately navigate you to the related part in the catalog. |
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Management of drawingsSPCat 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. NavigationClicking a drawing data set will immediately navigate you to the part which is assigned to the drawing. |
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Maintenance databaseSPCat 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. NavigationClicking a maintenance data set will immediately navigate you to the component which is assigned to the maintenance task. |
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LayoutThe 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. SortingThe search result list can be sorted with regard to any field. NavigationClicking a data set in the search result list will immediately navigate you to the related part in the catalog. |
This function is only available if SPCat has been installed on your PC. It is not available if SPCat is started from CD.
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Clearly arranged viewSPCat 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. NavigationClicking a data set in the search result tree will immediately navigate you to the related part in the catalog. |
SPCat is based on the fastest database tool currently available for the PC platform: Microsoft Visual Foxpro.
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.
| [1] | http://www.foxprohistory.org/rushmore.htm | |
| [2] | http://www.dfpug.de/konf/konf_1994/data/132_SQL.HTM |
stepless
zoom (=> 2.2.1.2)