ELENA WEB INTERFACE

OVERVIEW

ELENA (3D CAD Interface manager) is an application engineered for companies working in the industrial plant market (EPC Contractors and Owner Operators). It is an independent software platform whose main function is integrating heterogeneous 3D CAD systems with heterogeneous Material Management Systems (MMS).

Thanks to a completely automated process, ELENA can produce the components catalogue complete with the dimensional data, the piping specs and the accessories tables which are needed by 3D modelers in order to be ready for modeling.

According to ELENA workflow, the CAD department owns full control over their key data relating to any piping element of the project. The application has a fully configurable data model, making ELENA flexible and adjustable to any specific needs of the projects; it also lets users manage different 3D modeling systems simultaneously from a single material management system.

ELENA guarantees independence from the suppliers of material management systems and from the suppliers of 3D modeling systems, thus representing the linking point between the key software applications used for plant engineering and, in particular, between material management systems and 3D modelers.




BUSINESS BENEFITS

Quick learning curve thanks to the Excel-like User Interface; the same approach is used for the configuration and use of the different 3D modeling systems with which the application is interfaced. Strong cost-saving effect.

Its controlled workflow reduces the impact of project piping specs modification thanks to a powerful system of modification detection.

Data model and generation system are configured through a template which makes it flexible and adjustable to the specific needs of the projects.

It protects your initial investment thanks to its independence from material management systems suppliers and from 3D modeling systems suppliers.

Inconsistencies are not permitted because they get early detected by a powerful integrity data check.

Easy integration with external systems thanks to its modular architecture which is fully customizable through a powerful programming language.


KEY FEATURES

Database platforms: Scalable and multi-user, multi-process architecture, independent from the commercial database, ELENA uses Berkeley DB open database architecture, cost-free and does not require any database administration.

Global networking: Wide range of use: ELENA can be used both in “standalone” and in “network” mode. The “network” mode is particularly suitable for those big companies who need to access the system from remote locations but still keeping a centralized installation and administration. For this mode, ELENA uses a WEB interface, which allows a remote access with no installed part on client’s side.

Access control: In "network" mode each engineering site retains full control of their own data and, at the same time, roles and permissions can be differentiated for each user who works on the project. In "network" mode user authentication is done through Windows Active Directory, so that redundancy of user names and passwords is eliminated.

Revision control and data compare: A powerful revision control lets user keep both working and issued versions of each piping specs. The atomic data model architecture can keep a complete history of the modifications operated on the single data and allows undoing the data modification from any point in time. Changes are automatically saved in the database. Changed data can be viewed by users through a powerful compare system.

Data and workflow management: ELENA uses the same source of data for all 3D modelers. Every update is managed by a global transaction and it is possible to discard any modification by executing a single rollback operation at any time. Its controlled workflow reduces the impact of project piping specs modification thanks to a powerful system of modification detection.

Highly configurable: Data model and generation system are configured through a template which makes ELENA flexible and adjustable to the specific needs of the projects. Easy integration with external systems thanks to its modular architecture which is fully customizable through a powerful programming language “Python-like”.

Easy-to-use user interface: Microsoft Office Excel user interface makes the product learning curve quick and the product easy to use. Users interact with the database via familiar spreadsheet functionalities.

Reporting: During each issuing process, besides the loading files in native format for 3D modelers, ELENA produces reports in Microsoft Excel format for an easy review by the user and, on each report, modifications occured since the last issue are highlighted.