Designer XI Terminology

Compatible Unit (CU)

These represent the cost for either physical equipment or labor. They contain a Work Management System (WMS) code, which is a unique identifier that corresponds to the CU record in the customer’s WMS.

Component

This is an item visible in the map, similar to features in ArcMap. It contains geometry and relationships to other components. For electric components, it also contains phasing and operating voltage.

Design Workflow

These are the steps a design specifically takes within the Designer XI application.

Equipment Catalog Specification

This contains common information to a class of physical devices used for engineering calculations. For example, electric equipment contains number of possible phases, rated kVA, and impedance. Equipment specifications can be Simple or Detailed.

GIS Data Transfer Objects

This is an object created during the push to GIS procedure, and it is used to create the GIS feature. It contains everything from the component, equipment specification, and CU. It only exists in memory during the push and is then discarded.

Import

This is when you bring data from the GIS into Designer XI.

Macro CU

This consists of a single CU that is drawn and represents the group in the map, in addition to any number of Simple CUs associated with it.  For example, a pole usually includes bolts, brackets, support arms, assemblies, and guying in addition to the pole itself. Thus, a Macro CU could be pre-configured to include all these specs in proper quantity, making it easier to place common assets. The Macro CU can be placed and then modified by adding or deleting Simple CUs, or changing the drawn CU on the component representing the group in the map.

Macro Workflow

This is also called a Business Workflow. It is the full workflow that a job or work order goes through from creation to completion. A Design Workflow is a part of the Macro Workflow.

Push

This is when you send designed components to become features in the GIS.

Simple CU

This is also called a non-drawn CU. It is any CU with a cost, but no drawn feature on the map. A common example is labor, which can be added directly to a Work Location