Replace Data

The data replacement command allows users to realize electrical project wide changes, for example to replace one manufacturer part with another, or one set of symbols with another.

The command lists all the electrical project data available for replacement (such as symbols or manufacturers parts). These can be selected for replacement.

The wizard has several tabs each of which relates to a specific information type that can be handled.

This wizard can use a configuration file defined in the second step. This configuration saves all actions you carry out during this data replacement. It could be reused for another data replacement.

Step 1. Electrical project data replacement

This step allows you to go to the tab you want to manage. However, it's best to manage each tab to check the changes that could be made.

Step 2. Selection

Current configuration: The choices made can be saved to a configuration file in the Saving step; this can then be loaded from the Current configuration drop-down menu in the future.

The Selection tab allows users to define the data types to be processed during the replacement process.  

Check the data types to be managed; this will directly affect the available data tabs at the top of the dialog.

Click the Next button to go through the data tabs or click directly on any particular data tab to manage those replacements.

You can use a copy/paste from SOLIDWORKS Electrical to Excel to edit the data. Select the cells you want to edit and strike Ctrl+C. On Excel (or other spreadsheet) use Ctrl+V to paste the data. Edit the data you want to change and use copy/paste function to re-import data in SOLIDWORKS Electrical.

Step 3. Manufacturer parts

State: Indicates the validity of the selected reference. Double clicking State field displays a pop-up dialog with information relating to why the reference replacement is not valid.

If an inconsistent reference is selected and checked for replacement, it will be applied regardless of the potential discrepancy.

Existing instance: Indicates the number of instances located throughout the electrical project.

Manufacturer: Shows the manufacturer names located within the electrical project.

Reference: Shows the electrical project manufacturer part.

Manufacturer (Replaced by): Indicates the manufacturer name that will replace the existing instances of manufacturer.

Reference (Replaced by): Indicates the manufacturer part name that will replace the existing instances. Double click the field to access the Manufacturer part selection dialog; the selection made here will also populate the Manufacturer (Replaced by) field.

Select: Checkboxes are displayed when the Manufacturer and Reference (Replaced by) fields are filled out; activating the checkbox indicates that the replacement should be made. If a previously saved configuration file has been loaded, it may be necessary to uncheck certain selections.

Step 4. Cable references

The Cable references tab operates in the same manner as the Manufacturer parts.

State: Indicates the validity of the selected reference. Double clicking State field displays a pop-up dialog with information relating to why the reference replacement is not valid.

If an inconsistent reference is selected and checked for replacement, it will be applied regardless of the potential discrepancy.

Existing instance: Indicates the number of instances located throughout the electrical project.

Manufacturer: Shows the manufacturer names located within the electrical project.

Reference: Shows the electrical project cable reference.

Manufacturer (Replaced by): Indicates the manufacturer name that will replace the existing instances of manufacturer.

Reference (Replaced by): Indicates the cable reference that will replace the existing instances. Double click the field to access the cable reference selection dialog; the selection made here will also populate the Manufacturer (Replaced by) field.

Select: Checkboxes are displayed when the Manufacturer and Reference (Replaced by) fields are filled out; activating the checkbox indicates that the replacement should be made. If a previously saved configuration file has been loaded, it may be necessary to uncheck certain selections.

Step 5. Symbols

State: Indicates the validity of the selected symbol. Double clicking State field displays a pop-up dialog with information relating to why the symbol replacement is not valid.

Existing instance: Indicates the number of instances located throughout the electrical project.

Name: Shows the symbol names located within the electrical project.

Name (Replaced by): Indicates the symbol that will replace the existing instances of symbol.

Select: Checkboxes are displayed when the Name (Replaced by) field is filled out; activating the checkbox indicates that the replacement should be made. If a previously saved configuration file has been loaded, it may be necessary to uncheck certain selections.

The previews on the right of the dialog show the current/existing symbols and the symbol it will be replaced by.

Step 6. Title blocks

The Title block tab operates in the same manner as the Symbols tab.

State: Indicates the validity of the selected title block. Double clicking State field displays a pop-up dialog with information relating to why the title block replacement is not valid.

If an inconsistent symbol is selected and checked for replacement, it will be applied regardless of the potential discrepancy, for example the loss of cross-referencing.

Existing instance: Indicates the number of instances located throughout the electrical project.

Name: Shows the title block names located within the electrical project.

Name (Replaced by): Indicates the title block that will replace the existing instances of title block.

Select: Checkboxes are displayed when the Name (Replaced by) field is filled out; activating the checkbox indicates that the replacement should be made. If a previously saved configuration file has been loaded, it may be necessary to uncheck certain selections.

The previews on the right of the dialog show the current/existing title block and the title block it will be replaced by.

Step 7. Saving

This option allows you to save the settings made in the various tabs to a configuration file. This configuration file can be used in the future for replacing data.

Save data without correspondence: Check the box to store the items which have not been set for replacement.

Step 8. Finish

Click the Finish button to launch the data replacement. The databases and drawings are automatically updated.