Modules
The Modules command group provides direct access to selected database-related modules from within the CAD environment of Helios 3D. It is intended for users who want to manage project data, drawings, components or choice lists without leaving the current drawing workflow.
These commands are especially useful when database information has to be checked or adjusted while working in a DWG file. Instead of switching back to the main database application, the relevant module is opened as a dialog inside the CAD-based workflow.
Command Group Modules
In this area, certain database modules can be accessed as dialog windows within the CAD environment. This eliminates the need to switch between the CAD software and the main application.
A detailed description of all database modules can be found in the section on the „database application“. These calls will be gradually extended and may eventually make the main application optional or replace it in the future.
The available module calls currently focus on central administrative data used throughout a Helios 3D PV project. Depending on the project workflow, these dialogs may be used during project setup, drawing registration, component maintenance and the preparation of reusable choice-list values.
Changes made in these dialogs may affect project-related database information and should therefore be carried out carefully. Before editing data, make sure that the correct project, drawing or database entry is selected.
Call project management
Calls the project management in a dialogue. Project and new DWG files can be created, registered and managed.
Use this command when project or drawing information must be created, checked, registered or maintained while working in the CAD environment. This can be relevant when a DWG file has to be assigned to a project or when project-related drawing data must be reviewed before continuing with layout, electrical planning or evaluation tasks.
The dialog is part of the database-related project workflow. Any project or DWG-related changes should be checked before continuing with planning steps that depend on project and drawing data.
Call component management
Calls the component management in a dialogue. Any article, with limitations to arrays, can be created and managed.
This call eliminates the need to go back to the main application.
Use this command to access component-related database entries directly from the CAD workflow. Component data is relevant for PV planning because modules, arrays and other articles can influence layout definitions, placement results, evaluations and parts lists.
The current article states that article management is available with limitations to arrays. The exact scope of editable component types and the restrictions for arrays should be reviewed in the detailed Component Management documentation.
Calls the choice list module
Calls the choice list management in a dialog. Within this dialog you can edit, delete and change data.
This call eliminates the need to go back to the main application.
Use this command when predefined selection values or choice-list entries must be maintained without leaving the CAD environment. Choice lists can support consistent data entry across project, component and configuration dialogs.
Because choice-list values may be reused in several areas of Helios 3D, changes should be made with care. Before deleting or renaming entries, check whether they are already used in existing projects, components or database records.
Notes and typical use cases
The Modules ribbon commands are mainly intended to reduce context switching between CAD work and database administration. They can be helpful when a user notices during planning that project data, drawing registration, component data or choice-list entries need to be checked or updated.
Typical use cases include registering or checking a drawing, reviewing component entries before using them in a layout workflow, and maintaining database selection values that are required for consistent project documentation.
Some details are not described on this page and should be reviewed in the corresponding database application articles. This applies especially to required permissions, editable fields, restrictions for array-related articles and the effect of deleting or changing database entries.