Model Based - Specification Driven

COMOSYS is model based and specification driven. This means that all objects which define the design are modeled in a three dimensional environment which allow for easy visualization and clash detection. Furthermore the user can limit himself to predefined databases which represent commercially available objects. With this capability the user cannot make the mistake of accidentally modeling an object which is either not available or of an incorrect size. The selection of an object consists of selecting its vendor, its type and a few other properties which automatically appear as the user scrolls through the options.

Cable Tray & Raceway Modeling

Cable trays, rounded elbows, cornered elbows, general bends, tees, downwardtees, four-way cross connections, reducers and miter type bends are all supported. With the user friendly interface offered by COMOSYS the user can create the entire routes of cabling systems within hours, not days. Commands which create groups of cable trays traversing certain areas together side by side or on top of each other also exist. These in particular make the process very easy to implement. Of course, the user is not modeling in thin air. Since the COMOSYS environment can integrate seamlessly with the structure (whether the steel structure or the concrete one) the cable tray modeler actually sees the beams and slabs and walls which he will use to hang or support the cable trays and also manages to avoid any clashes later on.

Support Modeling

Besides modeling the cable trays themselves COMOSYS also allows the user to model the supports. Whether they are hanging supports or side supports jutting out of concrete walls or any other type of support the user can quickly connect his cable trays to create a much more realistic model. This model can be used in clash checks and exports to overall project navigating tools. These supports will automatically appear in the 2D drawings and can be annotated their according to their type effortlessly.

The time spent modeling is never a waste as it always yields benefits down the line. While almost always being a way to avoid errors and clashes, they more often than not save time as well. It must be noted that the cost of extra time spent at the site is far greater than a few extra hours spent modeling.

Cable Routing & Cable Lists

The routing of the cable trays is not just to create the plans and sections but also to facilitate the actual modeling of cables which run inside these trays. With a few simple clicks, the user defines cable routes and then assigns cables to these routes which run from point A to point B. The program will warn the user when a cable tray is full and cannot take any more cables. Furthermore, the program also has the capability to warn the user if cables inconsistent with each other are placed in the same tray. Such warnings are extremely beneficial if the modeling is being done by comparatively inexperienced modelers. These cables also appear in the drawings if the user takes a sectional view. Once the modeling of the cables is finalized the user can prepare cable lists automatically.

Consumer Modeling

For the electrical engineer some of the most important objects in a project are electrical consumers. He has to design the overall system in accordance with the load put on the system by each consumer. In COMOSYS, the user can model the actual consumers and then associate them with electrical panels which then calculate the total loads etc. These consumers may be electrical fixtures, appliances or even large machinery and equipment as found in abundance in industrial projects. COMOSYS provides general purpose modeling techniques to model any particular shape which would represent a particular consumer.

Material Take-Off

The material take-off for the cable trays, elbows, tees, supports etc. can be prepared at the press of a button. Once the model is finished and even as the process is ongoing the program keeps track of all the modeled pieces. Accurate material take-off is essential for the smooth running of any project and this feature saves huge amounts of time as well.

Electrical Panels

As the main energy suppliers of the electrical systems, panels have a great importance in electrical system design. COMOSYS provides required relationship development tools in order to automatically compute the total installed/demand power and current of the system. In addition to that, the user can visually query the dependencies of the consumers etc. Coupling in between panels also can be taken into account. Three states for all electrical panels and consumers are provided such as on “duty”, “spare” or “future existence”. Therefore, it is possible to carry out an electrical system design not for the present but also for the future.

Automatic Plans, Sections, and 3D Views

COMOSYS isn’t only about modeling. Although its powerful visualization and clash detection are value enough for any project but it takes the process to the final level of drawing production. The user can create plans, sections, 3D views and detail views of any part of the model he wants and annotate them with rich information coming directly from the model. These drawings are themselves intelligent objects which get update as the user makes changes in the model.

So you can be sure that your drawings are always up-to-date with the model. Since the model is clash free it also implies that the work at the site will be a lot less prone to bottlenecks and modifications as compared to work which is carried out based on drawings created manually. In such drawings many times the link with the structural model is lost and the workers at the site have to improvise to find solutions.