How to Create New Spec in OpenPlant Specification Generator

Applies To
Product(s):	OpenPlant Modeler
Version(s):	08.11.09.XXX (SS5) \| 08.11.11.XX (SS6)
Environment:	Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit)
Area:	OpenPlant Modeler Specification Generator
Subarea:	Data
Original Author:	Rahul Kumar, Bentley Product Advantage Group

Background

In OpenPlant Specification Generator, to create a new Spec for any project. The Spec Generator is a stand-alone application whose primary function is to generate specifications for use with Bentley's OpenPlant applications. These catalogs and specifications are created in Microsoft Access MDB database format. This file format allows for a catalog/specification’s component tables to be stored in a single file with multiple tables.

When designers build a model, the set of available components and size ranges is determined by the active specification. All catalog and specification information is stored in an MDB (MS Access) database. The Spec Generator is used to build this database and assign unique IDs to each component in the specification, which is required by the latest OpenPlant applications.

During spec creation user need to follow the steps as described below to avoid any error or any difficulties. The guidelines are also outlined and well instructed inside the Help file menu of OpenPlant Specification Generator.

Steps to Accomplish

Launch OpenPlant Project Administrator. Select any project say OPModeler_Metric here.
Note – With latest SS5 version, OpenPlant Specification Generator open through OpenPlant Project Administrator.
From Tools, select Specification Generator.
From main menu-> Edit ->Add Catalog
Select catalogs from Catalogs Databases folder.
From Edit ->Add Spec Header.
Enter the data in header.

Note – Entering only Spec header and saving spec produce an error while re-opening it. Hence adding sections are mandatory.
Add Section to spec.
Once section get added, spec is ready for save and re-opening will not display any error while re-opening.
Save spec.
Enter name of spec and save it.
Re-open & verify result, it will open spec without any error.