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This chapter describes if and how Not-Place Objects (NPOs) can be used with PlantDataManager and PlantSpecDriven.

What are Not-Placed Objects (NPOs)

NPOs are objects which do not exist in a drawing. NPOs can be created by PlantSpecDriven or PlantDataManager. PlantReporter can use them in a report/list/data sheet.

Details about NPOs can be found under Not-Placed Objects.

Where are they stored

Up to released PDM 4.3.0.1971 and PSD 4.3.0.1971 the NPOs were stored in the ACPProcessPower.dcf database in your project under the ACPlantTools folder. Or in the [Project]_ACPProcessPower database when using SQL Server.

Essentially the ACPProcessPower.dcf is a copy of the structure of the ProcessPower.dcf (P&ID Database). In addition there are some tables needed for the NPOs.

With the introduction of PlantTools 5.0.0.x the ACPProcessPower.dcf is integrated into the ProcessPower.dcf. Existing ACPProcessPower.dcf databases will be migrated when opening a project in a PlantTools or Plant 3D.

Using NPOs with PlantSpecDriven

NPOs are used in PlantSpecDriven to add typically fasteners like gasket or stub-ends to the flanges or valves in you P&ID drawing. The NPOs can be seen in the PSD panel.

In PDM those NPOs appear in blue.

Using NPOs with PlantDataManager

If you are working on a Vault or BIM360/ACC project with PlantDataManager, we had to disable the NPO functions. The reason for this is, that we currently cannot check in the NPOs you create in PDM.

We will check if Plant 3D 2023 has any improvements for that or if we can find a work around.

Restrictions do NOT apply for regular projects (not using Vault or BIM360/ACC).

Using AUDITPROJECT on NPOs

NPOs created by PlantSpecDriven will not be removed by AUDITPROJECT.

Up until PDM 4.3.0.1971 you could create NPOs and how them related to a drawing or not. During the migration of previous projects to PlantTools 5.0.0.x, all NPOs will be migrated.

However, NPOs with no relation ship to a drawing will be removed when you execute AUDITPROJECT.