Creating Shapes and Adding to Stencils

A major part of the Diagrams functionality is based on a set of specialized Diagrams shapes. Many of these shapes contain information about what kind of database element the shape should be related to, while others do not have any database equivalence at all (such as annotation labels .). This mechanism enables the application to automatically create related database elements, as well as provide automatic annotation and general intelligence.

Shapes that should be recognized by Diagrams and handled by the application logic must be created through the Import Shape Wizard accessible on the Admin Tab. Examples of these are as follows:

• Shapes corresponding to DB elements, for instance branches, valves, instruments and fittings.

• Off-page connector shapes.

• Label shapes presenting attribute information.

Shapes processed by the Import Shape Wizard will be stored in a user-selected stencil and will contain data specific to the Diagrams application.

Other Visio shapes that have not been processed through the Import Shape Wizard can still be used for annotation . on drawings, but they will not be handled ‘intelligently’ by the application.

Diagrams shapes can also contain default attribute values, which can enable users to create specialized shapes and will reduce the amount of information that is necessary to enter when diagrams are created.

By investing some time and effort in the creation of stencils and shapes, the application can be tailored to work as efficiently as possible for the needs of the user. Thereby time and effort can later be saved when these shapes are used to build up diagrams.