"In a constant exchange with our users, the acceleration of the process is increasingly crystallizing as one of the core requirements of computer-aided engineering (CAE)," says Stefan Mülhens, Managing Director of AmpereSoft GmbH. Creating correct and reliable circuit diagrams is a must, but being able to do this under high time pressure is nowadays a must. "With version 2022.1 of the ToolSystem, which is now available, we have met this requirement, among others."

In particular, the introduction of the powerful SQLite database format in the MatClass material and service catalog system accelerates the CAE process. This is because the amount of available material and product data is also increasing as digitalization progresses. In addition to the numerous advantages that this development brings, there are also challenges, for example in data processing.

Data formats such as Eclass Advanced depict reality in great detail, which is why AmpereSoft is promoting their establishment. In order to be able to process the resulting large files without any problems in the future, applications must offer the corresponding capacities. The Bonn-based CAE experts' ToolSystem forms a strong technological basis that allows the supported database formats to be expanded, which has now been realized with SQLite. "In contrast to the previously used Microsoft Access format, the new database is not limited to two gigabytes. This noticeably reduces waiting times when handling large amounts of data," explains Stefan Mülhens. As a side effect, it is also no longer necessary to install a driver. MatClass users are free to choose which of these two database formats they want to use.

Convenient access to forms

Other new features of version 2022.1 include optimized access to forms in the ProPlan CAE system, such as the wire diagram form, terminal diagram form or parts list form. As these can now be accessed directly from the main menu, this results in an improved workflow and therefore saves time. Improved sorting and filtering options also ensure more convenient handling. In addition, ToolSystem users can now store manually created forms as standard in the system settings for each form type to make them quickly available. The forms themselves have been fundamentally revised in order to achieve greater clarity and uniformity. In addition, rarely used and similar forms have been grouped together to enable faster selection.

The CAE solution has also undergone many other optimizations that simplify and speed up its use. For example, an even more precise project calculation is now available in the QuotationAssistant, as additional features can now be taken into account. As a result, the quotation and the actual cost match better, so that there are no delays due to possible complaints following a project.

Training in the home office

Because the coronavirus pandemic means that face-to-face meetings are no longer necessary, AmpereSoft GmbH is currently offering its training courses virtually. "This approach has recently proven its worth and established itself," explains Stefan Mülhens. User feedback on this measure has been positive. "Of course, we are also happy to introduce the new version to our customers digitally."