New software tools make production of spare parts catalogs easier

Munich, 2005-07-01

Conversion of graphic files and positioning of hyperlinks between the parts list items and the parts drawing ("hotspots") are among the most labor-intensive steps when creating an electronic spare parts catalog. For users of the SPCat Spare Parts Catalog software, the production of catalogs will now become even more convenient. Two new programs assist the SPCat user when creating a catalog.

SPCat TIFF Batch Converter

With just one step for the user, a pixel based graphics file is converted to all file formats that are required for import into SPCat. The program distinguishes between CAD drawings and photographs and automatically selects the appropriate target format for the detected type of graphic. 

Additional options allow you to remove white borders or to enhance lines in CAD drawings for improved display. The batch converter is a stand-alone application. It runs without SPCat and does not require any additional software for processing of the graphics files.

SPCat Link Editor

The new tool is integrated into SPCat. It displays the parts list of a selected component next to the related drawing. You can position hotspots by dragging an item of the parts list onto the drawing and then dropping it (drag & drop). Several functions assist the user for quick manual creation of hyperlinks (infinitely variable zoom, automatic and precise vertical or horizontal alignment of hotspots with respect to each other).

The Link Editor is also available as a stand-alone application running without SPCat. In this case, the hotspot information for a graphic is stored in a separate file. Later on, this information can be imported into the SPCat database. 

This way, the process of creating hotspots is fully independent from the other steps required for creating a catalog. Optionally, the spare parts catalog can output the information stored in the parts list. This information will be available automatically when creating hyperlinks. 

Manual creation of hyperlinks or editing of hyperlinks via SPCat Link Editor may become necessary if automatic recognition of hotspots is not possible or if automatic processing is not worth the effort.

Both programs have been developed for .Net Framework 1.1 using C#. They run under Windows NT 4.0 (2000, XP, 2003) and require .Net Framework 1.1.

Contact:
Dr. Kurt Schopper
CPTec GmbH
Tegernseer Landstr. 62
D-81541 München
Germany

Tel. +49-89-614542-10
Fax +49-89-614542-29
Email info@cptec.org