Can you recommend an Electrical Software Package?

[jpcqub]

Folks,

Our company is looking into getting a more intelligent electrical design software package than the one we are using. We’re trying to reduce the human error factors! Say we had to add an extra wire or relay to our motor control drawing, we might forget to number it, or have multiple wires with the same number, or the wrong supply to the device, or too many contacts off the relay etc. Would like some of your views on any packages you currently use or have used, pros and cons etc, really as much info as possible!

Thanks in advance.

 

[brinkmann27]

We have had the same problem and received a demo cd from ecti.com . It's called the PLC Schematic generator. Works with Autocad. Looks nice, but I'm not sure of the cost.

 

[djs]

We are currently using AutoCad Electrical. We have used Promis.e from ECTI. However it had too many querks for our use.

 

[jpcqub]

Thanks guys. We've been looking at both the promis.e and autocad electrical packages. I'd be very interested to hear about your querks djs. I think promis.e might be more favoured as it has also speeds up the panel design process. Did you have any dealings with that end of the package?

 

[Blackcountryman]

I've used Promis.e I don't know if it has any more quirks than any other software package.

Once I had the drawing template set to the standard we used and the parts catalogue set I found it ok.

 

[boreholelogger]

I hear Solidworks

http://www.solidworks.com

has really good electrical package out, but I am yet to try it. It may be worth looking at. I currently use Altium Designer 6.0.

 

[jpcqub]

It looks like solidworks is more mechanical based and Altium more electronic? We'd be looking at mains distribution, motor starter drawings, instrument & control and panel layout. Thanks for all the info to date. how long does it take to set the drawing template and the parts catalogue for promis.e?