Plant and piping software has reached an evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, stage. With much of today's industry dependent on processes involving the movement of liquids and gases, there's an ever-increasing need for this type of software to design the infrastructures that carry these commodities. Plant and piping software developers were early adopters of 3D modeling.

These software offerings fall into two broad groups—2D schematics, such as P&IDs (piping and instrument diagrams) and instrument and electrical diagrams, and the physical design comprising 2D and 3D deliverables. What's notable is that more 3D-based design packages at all price levels are available, and they automatically produce the 2D deliverables, reports and BOMs (bills of materials) that were available only in high-priced offerings in the past.

By using multiple viewing windows, components can be placed in 3d, the graphics being also shown in the 2D views. This offers the best of working in 2D and 3D by offering oth speed and ease of use.

This core Pipe module includes the following:

• Specification driven 3D intelligent pipe layout tool

• Full reporting including Bill of Materials, Line Lists,

• Valve schedule, etc.

• Uses Auto CAD and/or Micro Station CAD Platform.

• Project Administration/ Data Management control.

• Standalone or network functionality