BIW-AP is a software aimed to assist in planning the assembly process in BiW production lines. It helps in visualizing the product family tree and parts assembly sequence, modifying assembly sequence, automatic creation of assembly CATIA product files, planning the production processes like spot welding, sealing etc., adding the defined processes to CATIA files and automatic generation of workshop drawings.

3. Overview

3.1. Program Functions

3.1.1. Read or Create CAD Files According to Plant BOM

BIW-AP program is intended to create/manage CAD files and process shop drawings of projects of planning a BiW assembly line. If The CAD files of the family tree are already created according to the Plant BOM (Manufacturing Bill of Material) the program can start a project by reading the Plant BOM structure from the existing CAD files. Otherwise, it can create the CAD files according to the planned assembly sequence of Plant BOM.

3.1.2. Visualize The Family Tree

Once the Plant BOM is defined in the program, it visualizes the family tree of the product and accordingly the image and information of each assembly station. A visual presentation of the family tree helps in understanding the Plant BOM and find flaws or possibilities of improvement in the planned Plant BOM. An example of tree view of a project is shown in Figure ‎3‑1.

Figure ‎3‑1 A Family Tree View in BIW-AP Program

3.1.3. Create Family Tree Chart in Excel

The family tree chart in Excel which is a typical document in automotive industry for illustration of the BiW assembly plan and is required for communication with suppliers and different departments is made by the program. Manual creation of this chart is a cumbersome job which is now made easy as a click by this program and saves a considerable time in engineering of the BiW assembly lines. An Example of family tree chart created by BIW-AP is shown in Figure ‎3‑2.

Figure ‎3‑2 An automatic generated family tree Excel chart

3.1.4. Definition of Processes

Manufacturing processes at each station of the assembly line can be defined in the program either by importing from a excel file or reading from BiW Fastening definition in Catia CAD Files.

3.1.5. Creation of Process Sheet Drawings

Process drawings are one of the goals of engineering of BiW assembly lines. These drawings are needed for programing the tools and teaching the robots and training of the production personnel. These drawings are also needed as documents needed for repair and maintenance of the BiW lines during the production life cycle.

Since the construction and production technicians are the main users of the process drawings, and these people usually have no access to expensive software like Catia, the process drawings are preferred to be made in general software like Excel to be available to the users, and also be editable by them to keep them handy and updated during the product life cycle.

Creation of process drawings is a meticulous, cumbersome and exacting job which is very prone to mistakes. The BIW-AP program makes the creation of drawings as easy as a click for dozens of drawings. The drawings are created both in Excel and PDF documents. A sample of automatic in excel created process drawings is shown in Figure ‎3‑3.

Figure ‎3‑3 Samples of automatic generated process drawings

3.1.6. Validation of Drawings by Tracking the Changes in Process Plan

It is a tremendous job to keep them updated during the Plant BOM planning and keep track of changes in the process in drawings. This program keeps the drawings continuously updated and warns if any changes in stations or process definitions invalidate any of drawings. The changes in the drawing validations automatically and immediately reflect in the listing and reports. Invalidated drawings, appear with a warning sign (⚠️) in the listing reports.

Figure ‎3‑4 Invalidated Drawing in a listing report

3.1.7. Movability

The program updates its data with the existing files in the project folder. Therefore, just copying the files or drawing folder to the folder of a new project is enough for transferring the data or synchronizing the data with the new project. Of course, the data will be checked for consistency and validation when they are loaded to the project.

3.2. Program User Interface

The program interface provides visual facilities for viewing project data and performing desired task on the project.

Figure ‎3‑5 Program Interface

3.2.1. Data View Area

Data view area is the largest part of the program window. In the data view area of the program the family tree structure of components produced in the BiW assembly line is shown. Each station in the BiW line comprises a node in the tree which gives a brief overview of the station information in a bubble. On the left side of the bubble a picture of the assembled component in the station is shown if available. More details of each station can be seen by adjusting the setting in the view settings menu. The view settings menu pops up when clicking on the gear sign () on the top right side of the data view area. A glimpse of the Data View Area is shown in Figure ‎3‑5. Tree viewer details is explained in section ‎9.2.

3.2.2. Top Menu Bar

The top menu bar of the program includes menu headers of File, Project, Process, Report, Tools and help. Each of these menu headers pops a menu with related items. The file menu includes items for creation of s new project, save and open item and exit the program.

The project menu includes items for viewing or manipulating project information and creation of assembly components.

The process menu includes items for adding or removing process items to stations in the factory project and creation of process shop drawings.

The report menu generates list reports of the project data including reports of components, stations and process and drawings. The reports are generated in sub windows in the program but option for export to excel is available if required. One of items in the report menu also creates the family tree chart in an excel sheet.

In the Tools menu an item is available for checking the connection to Catia program, and item for unhiding excel program if excel runs in hidden mode and the options item is available through this menu which allows adjust program and project settings.

The help menu provides the instruction of the program including this help document.

3.2.3. Search Bar

A search box appears on top right side of the program along with the menu bar. This search bar can be used to find nodes in the family tree view. If the sought node is in a collapsed branch of the tree the branch is expanded and the found node bubble is shown as the selected node.

3.2.4. Status Bar

Status bar is the ribbon on bottom of the program main window. The status bar includes a progress bar that indicates the progress of the running task of program, the status text area which shows the messages of the program, and the Catia status indicator which continuously shows the Catia connection status.

3.2.5. Catia Status Indicator

The Catia status indicator comprises three big dots on bottom right of the main window. The first dot from left indicates if Catia is running on the computer. If no instance of Catia is running it is red and the other two are gray. As soon as an instance of Catia is started on the computer this first dot turns green and the second dot turns red, which indicates that Catia is not connected yet. When Catia is fully loaded and BIW-AP program succeeds in connecting to it, the second dot turns green too.

The last dot on the right side is green whenever Catia is visible and red if Catia is running in invisible mode. Some of program operations hide or unhide Catia, but a manual control is also available in “Catia Status Watcher” window through options menu (see sec. ‎8.2).

3.2.6. Node Types

There are five node types in product family tree as listed in the Table ‎3‑1:

Table ‎3‑1 Node Types

Icon	Node Type	Description
	Factory Product	Factory products are the final products of the BiW Assembly line considered as the output of the line. A project should have at least one factory product. The program allows to define more than one factory product.
	Primary Component	Primary component is a component already produced and fed to the assembly line. A Primary component appears only once in the factory product. A primary Component can be a body panel with a CATPart type CAD file or a complex assembled structure in a CATProduct file. However, if it’s a CATProduct no operation on the sub parts of it are allowed in the project. If operations on sub parts are intended then a subassembly node type should be defined for it.
	Subassembly Component	Subassembly component is an assembly of some parts presented by a CATProduct CAD file used several times as different positions in the factory product. Further operations like welding of subassembly panels at the insertion positions is allowed in the program.
	Standard Part	Standard part is a component already produced and fed to the assembly line. Unlike primary components, a standard part may appear more than once in the factory product. A primary Component can be a body panel with a CATPart type CAD file or a complex assembled structure in a CATProduct file. However, if it’s a CATProduct no operation on the sub parts of it are allowed in the project. If operations on sub parts are intended then a subassembly node type should be defined for it.
	Subassembly Instance	Subassembly instance is a node in the family tree of the factory product where an instance of a subassembly is inserted. The ID of the node comprises the ID of the subassembly followed by its instance number embraced in “<>”, e.g., “A0050089<1>”
	Standard Part Instance	Standard part instance is a node in the product family tree where an instance of a standard part in inserted. The ID of the node comprises the ID of the standard part followed by its instance number embraced in “<>”, e.g., “SUDT8x12<1>”
	Produced Component	Produced components are components that are produced by assembling several other components together in the BiW assembly line.

💡 Note:

The nodes of types Factory Product, Subassembly Component and Produced Component are actually corresponding to working stations in the BiW Assembly line, hence called also stations.

The station nodes can have manufacturing process definitions. i.e., manufacturing processes like spot welding or other type of welding, addition of adhesives, mechanical joining and etc. can be defined for station nodes.

4. File Menu

File Menu provides general functions for staring a new project, opening and closing a project file as well as saving operations.

Figure ‎4‑1 File Menu

4.1. New project

There are several ways to start a new project that are included in the new project menu item.

4.1.1. New by Plant BOM Table

In this method the parent-child relations of the family tree components should be defined in an Excel sheet. By clicking on this menu item, a new project dialog box as shown in Figure ‎4‑2 opens.

Figure ‎4‑2 New By Parent Children Dialogue

In this dialog box there are input fields for entering the Excel file name, two fields for defining the file, Input folder in which the Catia files of the product components are stored and a folder as the project folder in which all the files created by BIW-AP Program including assembly files, images and temporary files are stored.

4.1.1.1. Options

There are some options adjustable in the dialog box.

· In the options section of the dialog search patterns for CATPart and CATProduct file types can be defined, the search pattern can be defined according to wild card pattern rules of the operating system. For example *PartID*.CATPart results in all files that contain PartID in their name with extension of CATPart and may start with any sequence of characters (* in the beginning means any sequence of characters) and may have any additional characters after the PartID.

· The check box of “Search for products also in input folder” if checked, the program searches through the input folder to find the product files of the family tree. This option can be used when the product files of the family tree are already created and located in the input folder. This option is normally unchecked because the products can be created by the BiW AP program and are usually meant to be in the output folder.

· The check box of “Search for sub-assemblies also in input folder” if checked, the program searches through the input folder to find the subassembly files of the family tree. This option can be used when the subassembly files of the family tree are already created and located in the input folder. This option is normally unchecked because the subassembly products can be created by the BiW AP program and are usually meant to be in the output folder.

4.1.1.2. BOM Table File Formats

To define the Bill of Materials (BOM) tree structure for factory products, the Excel file must include a table that describes the hierarchical relationships between components. The BOM table must contain two specific columns representing the tree structure. These columns must use one of the following keyword pairs:

"Parent" and "Child"
"Part No." and "Level"
"Part Number" and "Level"

An additional column titled "3D Position" is optional and may be included if spatial part data is available.

💡 Note: Keywords are not case-sensitive, but spelling and spacing must match exactly to one of the accepted pairs for correct processing by the software.

📑 Guidelines for the Excel BOM File

When preparing the Excel file for BOM import, follow these rules:

Sheet Location:
The BOM table must be placed on the first sheet of the Excel workbook.
Identifying the Table:
The software locates the table by scanning for the first row that includes both keywords from one of the accepted pairs (e.g., "Parent" and "Child"). This row is treated as the title row of the table.
Header Placement:
Any rows above the title row are ignored by the software. You may use these rows to include notes, headers, or instructions for your own reference.
Sorting Rules Based on Format:

If using Parent–Child format:
The rows do not need to be sorted. The software will construct the tree based on the logic of parent-child relationships. However, for easier validation, it is recommended to sort the rows or group related parts logically.
If using Level–Part No. (or Part Number) format:
The rows must be sorted so that level numbers reflect the correct component hierarchy. The root should appear first, followed by children in order of their depth.

Level Numbering:
The root of the BOM tree may have a level number of either 0 or 1. Level numbers should increase progressively as the tree branches out toward the leaves.
Ignoring Extra Columns:
Any column with a blank cell in the title row will be ignored by the software.
Adding Child Properties:
You may define custom properties for child components by adding additional columns to the table. To do this:

Set the property name in the column header (title row).
Enter the property value in the cell corresponding to each child.
The cell fill color and text color (if any) are also read and used by the software as the colors for that property.

A sample child-parent sheet is shown in the Figure ‎4‑3, and a sample of Level-Part No. sheet is shown in Figure ‎4‑4.

Figure ‎4‑3 Sample Child Parent Sheet

Figure ‎4‑4 A Sample of Level-Part No. BOM Table

📑 Child, Parent and Part Number input formats

The suitable way to introduce each child or parents can be given chosen from one of different formats explained in the following table with examples:

Table ‎4‑1 Child and Parent input formats

Entered Value	Example	Result
ID or Item Key	AB002556L	A Catia file corresponding to the given ID is searched for according to the search pattern. The Search is done in the “input folder” and the “Project Folder” respectively.
Full file name	E:\CatiaComponents\PN-AB002556L-Outer.CATPart	The given file is searched for.
File name	PN-AB002556L-Outer.CATPart	The given file name is searched for in the “input folder” and the “project folder” respectively.
“CATPart” File name with relative address in CHILD column	.\Some Subfolder\ PN-AB002556L-Outer.CATPart	The given file is searched in the given subfolder respectively in the “input folder” and the “Project Folder”
“CATProduct” File name with relative address in PARENT column	.\Some Subfolder\PN-AB002556L-Outer.CAT.CATProduct	The given file is searched in the given subfolder respectively in the “input folder” and the “Project Folder”. If the component is not found, the subfolder will be created in the project folder and the assembly file will be created in it.
ID or Item Key with relative address	.\Some Subfolder\AB002556L	A Catia file corresponding to the given ID is searched for according to the search pattern. The Search is done in in the given subfolder in the “input folder” and the “Project Folder” respectively. If The If the component is not a primary component and not found, the subfolder will be created in the project folder and the assembly file will be created in it.

💡 Note: The search for component in the input folder includes deep searching through subfolders of the input folder, whereas the search in the project folder does not include subfolders.

💡 Note: In addition to the file address, a color can be assigned to the child component by assigning a fill color to the child definition cell. This fill color will be used as the color of the component in creation of Catia assembly files by the program.

📑 3D Positon input Format

The 3D position of each component indicates the position and orientation of the child component in the parent assembly. If the 3D position of a child is left blank the child is inserted in the assembly CAD file in the same coordinate system as the parent’s which is usually the Car Coordinate System in the automotive industry.

There are two different ways for entering the 3D position, by 6 or 12 coordinate components. The coordinate components are in either way separated by a semicolon “;”.

· In 6-component format of the 3D position the first three components indicate the origin of the coordinate system and the three remaining components indicate the orientation of the coordinate system by three rotation angles respectively about X, Y and Z axes of the parent coordinate system. i.e., the coordinate system is given as: “X; Y; Z; RotX; RotY; RotZ”

· In 6-component format, the rotation angels are given in degrees.

· In 12 component format the coordinates of the unit vectors of the child coordinate system axes with respect to the parent coordinate system come first and then the coordinates of the origin of the coordinate system. i.e., the coordinate system is given as: “Ux; Uy; Uz; Vx; Vy; Vz; Wx; Wy; Wz; X; Y; Z”

Hint: A simple way to extract the position coordinates of a component in Catia is to open the parent “CATProduct” file in Catia. Then temporarily apply a “Fix” constraint on the component you need the coordinates of (i.e., by icon ). Now you can open the “Constraint Definition” window of the added constraint by double clicking on its anchor sign. the 6 coordinate components can be seen in the opened dialogue box, by clicking on the “More>>” button. (Figure ‎4‑5)

Figure ‎4‑5 Components of coordinate system in CATIA

📑 Additional Property Definition

Any desired number of properties can be defined for the child components by adding more columns to the table. For this purpose, the property name should be included the title row and the property value in the corresponding row of the intended child.

· Fill color and text color of the property cell are also read and used by the program as the colors of the property.

· If a row comprises only one of either child or parent (i.e., either Child cell or parent cell in a row are left blank) the row is considered as a property definition row. The properties given in the row are attributed to the given component in the child or parent column.

· If a property is given more than once for a child the last row definition is taken by the program.

4.1.1.3. Input folder

If the full file address of a component is not given in the excel sheet, the program first searches for it in the “input folder.” So, the primary components of the product family tree can be placed in a folder and introduced as input folder to the program

4.1.1.4. Project Folder

If a component is not found in the input folder it will be searched for in the “Project Folder” by program. If the component is not found in the project folder it will be created in the project folder.

· In addition to the Catia components, the project folder is where all created data of the project including drawings, images, process components, export files and temporary files will be created in.

· Images of the components will be created in a subfolder named “images” in the project folder

· Process drawings including Excel drawing files, PDF files and Jpeg or PNG files will be created in a subfolder named “BAP DWG” in the project folder.

· Process shapes are created in a subfolder named as the corresponding component file name in the project folder.

· Catia process export files will be created in the project folder with the same file name as the corresponding component with a “.txt” extension.

4.1.1.5. Search patterns

If a child or parent component is indicated by its ID in the Excel sheet, the program searches for them with respect to the given search patterns for “.CATPart” and “.CATProduct”.

· If a component is a primary component or standard component (i.e., it is not mentioned as parent in the family tree), the program searches for both corresponding CATProduct and CATPart for it. However, if a corresponding CATProduct is found the CATPart will be ignored.

· If a component is mentioned in the parent column the program searches only for the corresponding CATProduct.

· If several files corresponding the given ID are found, the files with longest file name will be taken by the program. If all files are of the same length, the conventional comparison will determine the result.

The search patterns can be adjusted according to the “wild card” rules of the operating system, in the corresponding items in the dialogue box.

Figure ‎4‑6 Search Patterns for CATPart or CATProduct files

Some examples of search pattern are given in the Table ‎4‑2:

Table ‎4‑2 CAD File search pattern examples

Pattern	Result
ID.CATPart	A file with the name: “ID.CATPart”, for example for a given ID of A0050068 the file A0050068.CATPart will be searched for
ID.CATPart	Any file containing the given ID as part of its name will be searched for
*ID.CATPart	Any file name ending with “ID.CATPart” will be searched for
ID*.CATPart	Any file name with extension “CATPart”, starting with given ID will be searched for
?ID.CATPart	Any file name that has only one letter before ID and ends with “ID.CATPart” will be searched for
C ID .CATPart	Any file name starting with letter “C” followed by “ID.CATPart” will be searched for
CC ID ee.CATPart	Any file name starting with “CC” then ID then “EE” then “.CATPart” will be searched for

4.1.1.6. Analyse Button

This button runs an analysis on the child-parent relations in order to figure out the family tree, and also checks the existence of the component CAD files. If any problem is detected in the given data a corresponding warning or error is generated. List of the problems checked for is given in the Table ‎4‑3:

Table ‎4‑3 Problems checked for in the parent-child definition excel sheet

Problem	Type	Meaning
No Root	Error	Could not find the final product in the excel file. Possibly the product tree root is involved in a loop.
Infinite Loop	Error	The analysis detected that the give child-parent relations is inconsistent so that, some relations definitions lead an invalid loop (i.e., some parent is mentioned as child of one of its descendants) The loop is listed in the errors window like this: “OP45 ! OP50 ! OP70 ! OP45” Where a “!” separates the sequence of child definitions leading to the loop.
Missing Component	Warning	A primary component given as child in the Excel sheet could not be found. As a result, the parent assembly files will be defected. The list of missing can be seen by opening the errors window.
File name discrepancy	Fatal Error	Different file names are given for the same component throughput the parent child definitions table
File Type Invalid	Error	Parent components may only be of CATProduct file type. If the given file name is of CATPart type this error is generated
Folder Invalid	Error	If the given folder for a component does not match the acceptable format of the operating system this error is generated
Invalid Excel file format	Error	A row including “child” and “parent” cells could not be found in the excel sheet to be considered as the table title
Position Components Not Valid	Fatal Error	Position input data is not valid so that program could not parse position components for child
Component Duplicated	Fatal Error	A component is placed at the same position in the assembly file more than once
Property Row Problem	Warning	Duplicate values are given for a property of a component. The duplicated value is ignored.

4.1.1.7. Errors Button

After running the analysis on the input data, if any problem is detected this button is activated and the button text changes to reflect the number of warnings and errors. If any errors are detected the button text color turns red. Clicking on this button opens a window listing the problems. An Example of errors window is shown in Figure ‎4‑7.

Figure ‎4‑7 Example of errors detected in analysis of Child-Parent relatons Excel sheet

4.1.1.8. Create Project

If no errors are detected after analysis of the input data, this button will be activated. By clicking on the “Create a new project” the new project will be created. If there are any warnings detected in the input data, it’s up to the decision of the user to create a new project with imperfect data or not.

The new project gathers more related information from the project folder, like process drawings and component images if available.

4.1.2. New From CATProduct

If a Catia assembly file constructed according the desired family tree is already available, a new BIW-AP project can be started by extracting the family tree from this CATProduct file. The corresponding command is invoked by the menu path “File > New > By Importing from .CATProduct File”.

Clicking on this menu opens a simple dialogue box for selecting the Catia file and entering the project title. This dialogue box is shown in Figure ‎4‑8.

Figure ‎4‑8 New by CATProduct dialogue window

Catia files and project title can be set in this window. In addition, there are options for assignment of component IDs.

4.1.2.1. ID source

There are two options for assigning ID of the components. By selecting the component ID from Part/Product numbers, the product numbers read from inside Catia files is used for assignment of the component IDs.

The second choice is the assignment of IDs from file name of each component.

4.1.2.2. Extract IDs By Regex Pattern

If the check box of “Extract IDs By Regex Pattern” is checked the regex expression in the corresponding textbox is used for extraction of the component IDs from the full file name or product numbers. Several examples of regex patterns are available by clicking on the down arrow to open the dropdown window under the regex textbox as shown in Figure ‎4‑9. These patterns can be modified to attain the desired pattern.

Figure ‎4‑9 Example regex patterns

💡 Note: A good way to get the suitable regex pattern in through the use of AI GPT services, by explaining the way you wish to extract the ID from full part numbers.

4.1.2.3. Create Project

By clicking on the create button the new project will be created. If any errors are encountered in creation of the new project a message box prompts for the error and the errors list can be seen in the opening error window.

The new project gathers more related information from the project folder, like process drawings and component images if available.

4.2. Open

By clicking on the open menu item, a dialogue box pops up for choosing a file with extension BIW-AP. By choosing the project file the project opens.

The new project gathers more related information from the project folder, like process drawings and component images if available, and updates its own data with the date found in the project folder.

4.3. Save

If the project has already been saved once this button updates the saved file. And if the file has not been saved yet it asks for a file name with extension BIW-AP and saves the project information in it.

4.4. Save as

It opens a dialogue box to ask a new file name with extension BIW-AP and saves the project in it.

4.5. Exit

This menu item closes the program. If the current project contains unsaved data or there are running tasks in the program, it asks for confirmation before exit.

5. Project Menu

Functions for manipulating project data are listed in project menu items.

Figure ‎5‑1 Project Menu Items

5.1. Project Info

By clicking on project info menu item, a window opens that shows overall information of the project as shown in Figure ‎5‑2.

Figure ‎5‑2 Project Info Window

Project title that will appear in all drawings, can be seen or edited in this window. Project input folder and output folder addresses are also listed in this window. These folder addresses can be changed by clicking on the pencil icon on right side of the folder address text boxes. By choosing a new folder, the project checks for availability of files in the new folders and updates the project info with the new folder.

5.2. Data tree Viewer

This opens a new window which provides visualization of the project family tree with the same capabilities as the data view area of the main window explained in ‎3.2.1. This menu item is useful for cases we would like to work or watch different branches of the family tree at the same time. As many as wished data tree viewers can be opened if required.

5.3. stations

This menu item opens a station viewer window in which an overview of information of stations defined in the project, are shown.

Figure ‎5‑3 Station Viewer

The station viewer window gives the information about component created in the station including the station type, file name and component name, list of children components, tools and list of process definitions. More details of functions available for each of shown items in the station viewer can be seen by right clicking in the items. For instance, by right clicking on the list of children components a pop-up menu opens with the option of seeing details of the component. Or, by right clicking on the process list the details of each process can be seen.

5.4. Create assembly files

If the assembly files are not already created, they can be creating through this menu item. If Catia program is not running on the computer a message box will prompt the user to run Catia and try again. This function also creates an image of all component in the family tree.

During creation of the assembly files and images, Catia remains hidden. However, the progress is shown in the status bar area. Also, in the data view area, the status of each corresponding node will change to a green text of “File Created”. Image of each component appears on the left side of the corresponding bubble immediately after creation.

5.5. Create Images

This menu item creates an image for all components in the family tree which have existing CAD files. Each created image appears on the left side of the corresponding bubble immediately after creation. The images are also used in creation of the family tree chart in Excel. The images are created in a subfolder named “Images” in the project folder.

5.6. Change Project Folder

This menu item allows to choose a new folder as the project folder. By choosing a new folder, the project checks for availability of files in the new folders and updates the project info with the new folder. This option a provides the possibility of moving the project folder to a different drive or folder on the computer or working on the same project in different computers.

5.7. Relocate Input Folder

This menu item allows to choose a new folder as the input folder. By choosing a new folder, the project checks for availability of files in the new folders and updates the project info with the new folder This option a provides the possibility of moving the input folder to a different drive or folder on the computer or working on the same project in different computers.

6. Process Menu

This menu provides functions for defining or modifying BiW processes jobs to the project information, adding the process information to CAD files and creation of technical shop drawings for processes.

Figure ‎6‑1 Process Menu

6.1. Import Process

This meu item opens a sub menu providing two methods for importing process definitions into the project data. The “Add from Catia Export File” option allows to import the process definitions from BiW Fastening process definitions in a CATProduct file.

The “Add from Excel table” option allows to import process definition from an Excel sheet. This option uses the advantage of the flexibility of MS Excel sheets to import process definitions from any kind of process definition data base or process definition banks. All required task is to export the process data from process definition bank to an Excel sheet and modify the sheet according to the data format of the BIW-AP process definition table.

After importing processes, an icon of process () appears on the bottom right corner of the image area of the tree node bubble for stations in which process definitions were imported. By keeping mouse over this icon for moment, a tooltip bubble pops up in which a brief report of the process definitions in the station is listed. As shown in Figure ‎6‑2.

Figure ‎6‑2 Process icon and the brief report of process definitions in the staion

Also, two small buttons appear on lower edge of the station info area, which show the number of process and tool definitions in the station (Figure ‎6‑3). A click on these buttons respectively opens a process list window or tool list window.

Figure ‎6‑3 Processes, Drawings and Tools List Buttons on station info bubble

6.1.1. Import From Catia BiW Fastening

In order to import process definition from BiW Fastenings in a CATProduct file, the process definitions should be exported to a text file using export tool in BiW Fastening module of Catia. The export tool opens a dialogue box in which the user can assign a file name and indicate the directory in which the export file will be created. The check box of “Include additional information” should be unchecked in this dialogue box.

Figure ‎6‑4 Automotive BiW Fastening export dialog box in catia

After successfully exporting the BiW Fastening definitions in to a text file. The user can import the process definitions in to BIW-AP project by clicking on the “Add from Catia Export File” menu item. The program asks for the import file and imports the process definitions to the corresponding station data.

💡 Note: Uncheck the “Include additional information” check box.

6.1.2. Import From Excel file

By clicking on this menu item, the program opens a dialogue box asking for the excel file of process definitions. The program then reads the excel file and incorporates the process definitions to the station definitions of the project.

Each row of process definition in the excel sheet is investigated separately by the program and if there is no problem in the definition, the process is added to the project information. Therefore, if there are problems in only some of the process definitions in the excel file, they do not affect the correct process definitions and the excel sheet is incorporated partially to the program information. The program prompts about the number of correctly incorporated process definition and the number of erroneous rows in the excel sheet as shown in Figure ‎6‑5.

Figure ‎6‑5 The program prompt on result of process definition reading from Excel sheet

If any problem is detected in the process definitions the program opens a report window listing a report of the detected problems as shown in Figure ‎6‑6.

Figure ‎6‑6 Error report of importing process from Excel file

6.1.3. Process Excel File Format

In order to import data from Excel the process information should be written in a table in the first worksheet of an Excel file with a specific format. The table format contains two rows of table title. The first row of table title holds the main column titles and the second row holds subtitles or default values. The table should contain four mandatory titled columns, but there are several optional table columns that can be added to the table for additional information.

The mandatory titles are listed in Table ‎6‑1:

Table ‎6‑1 mandatory titles of Process definition table

Title	Meaning
Process/Spot ID	Each process definition should have a unique identifier that can be a text, number, or specific characters or combination of them
Station ID	The ID of the station in which the process will be applied on the BiW panels
Panel 1	At least one panel is required for definition of a process, however most of process types usually are applied on a couple of panels or more. So, definition of a column titled “Panel 1” is mandatory however more panels can be defined for process by adding columns of “Panel 2”, “Panel 3”, … and so on.
Position(s)	The X,Y,Z coordinates of each process.

In addition to the mandatory columns, some arbitrary can be defined in the process definition tables as listed in Table ‎6‑2.

Table ‎6‑2 Arbitrary titles of the process definition table

Title	Default Value	Meaning
Standard	GBF_STD	Name of the BiW Fastening standard definition corresponding to that of Catia
Process Type	Unspecified	Type of the process as defined in the standard
Spot Diameter	4.0	Diameter of spot-weldings or thickness of weldings or other types of process definitions
Flags	-	Flags of a process definitions like Geometry, Inspection etc.
Tool ID	-	ID of the tool assigned for application of the process
Tool Generic Name	-	Generic name of the tool type like welding gun, welding torch etc.
Tool Generic Type	-	Generic type of the tool like X or C for spot welding guns
Tool Manufacturer	-	Manufacturer name or info of the tool
Tool Manufacturer Type Code	-	Type Code of the tool in manufacturer standards
Tool Program	-	Program ID of the tool for the process
Tool Location Code	-	Location of the tool in the factory

💡 Note: Each table title may include several subtitles in the subtitle row. I case there are more than one subtitle for a table title, the title cell is a merged cell merging the title cells of all subtitle columns.

6.1.3.1. Process/Spot ID

The Process/Spot ID column comprises a single excel sheet column and takes no value in the subtitle row. The IDs of the processes are entered in this column and there is no specific rule for definition of the process IDs. The Process IDs can be a combination of alphabet characters, numbers and special characters. The only rule in this column is that the IDs should be unique.

💡 Note: Please note that the process IDs are CASE SENSITIVE. This means that the program differentiates between capital letters and small letters.

6.1.3.2. Station ID

The station ID should be corresponding to ID of a station already defined in the family tree of the project.

6.1.3.3. Panel

Each Panel column comprises three sub columns with subtitles of “ID/Code”, “Name” and “Thickness”. One of either “ID/Code” or “Name” values is mandatory for definition of a panel. However, the priority is with “ID/Code”. This means if the ID of a panel is given the program ignores the name of the panel.

The given ID should correspond to the ID of a component in the family tree of the project. The “Name” of the panel should correspond to the “Part Number” in the CATPart file of a component in the family tree of the project.

💡 Note: Please note that the “Part Number” of a Catia part is different from the file name. So, it should be carefully extracted from CATPart file by opening the CAD file in Catia and finding the “Part Number” on the root of tree structure or inside the “properties” dialogue box.

💡 Note: if a panel appears more than once in the product tree structure of a component, i.e., in case the panel is a standard component or part of a subassembly repeatedly inserted into the product, definition of the panel requires resolving the ambiguity of the panel under process. By default, the program automatically resolves the ambiguity by finding the instance of panel coinciding with the process position. However, there is an option for explicitly specifying the intended panel in the excel file. The ambiguity resolving is explained in section ‎6.1.3.4.

6.1.3.4. Resolving Panel Ambiguity

If a panel appears more than once in the product tree structure of a component, i.e., in case the panel is a standard component or part of a subassembly repeatedly inserted into the product, definition of the panel requires resolving the ambiguity of the under-process panel. By default, the program automatically resolves the ambiguity by finding the instance of panel coinciding with the process position. However, there is an option for explicitly specifying the intended panel in the excel file.

Automatic resolving panel ambiguities

By default, the program automatically resolves the ambiguity by finding the instance of panel coinciding with the process position. In order to resolve the ambiguity, the program first measures the distance of the process location and all instances of the ambiguous panel in the station. The closest panel is then selected as the target of the process.

The panel resolving procedure is a relatively time taking procedure. The program exploits Catia for measuring the distances. Specially in large products the measurements take more time and CPU load. As a rough estimate, in a complete car body model it may take up to two minutes to resolve panel ambiguities for each process definition.

During running of ambiguity resolving, a progress window appears on the screen, showing the progress status in a progress bar. A cancel button on the progress window allows cancelation of the procedure. During execution of the panel resolving functions, the program seems irresponsive due to the heavy CPU usage of CATIA. Therefore, after clicking on the cancel button, please be patient for a minute until after finishing measurements of the current process program responds to your command and cancels the procedure.

Figure ‎6‑7 Panel ambiguity resolving progress window

Address Clue

Regarding the time taking procedure of the automatic panel resolving, an alternative option is available to manually identify the target instances for ambiguous panels, by providing an address clue in the definition of panels in the process definition excel sheets. If the option of “Prefer Resolving Panel Ambiguity by Address Clue” in checked in the project options (See ‎8.1.6.1 ), the program first looks for address clues in panel definitions and uses the given address clues for resolving ambiguity of the corresponding panels. The address clue can be added before panel name in the panel name column of the excel sheet.

The address of the panel, relative to the station in which the process is defined, comprises the sequence of tree nodes starting from the station product down to the intended panel. The address starts with the “Part number” of the station, then an exclamation sign (i.e., “!”), then the “instance name” of the subsequent node (usually the part number of the node with a trailing “.1”, “.2” etc. in Catia), then an exclamation sign, then the instance name and an exclamation sign for the next node and so on, down to the intended panel’s “instance name”. The panel “Part Number” should come after the address clue. Below, some examples of panel address clue definitions are given.

Table ‎6‑3 Some examples of address clue definition

OP85.1!A00060085-LOCKU.1!A00060086-BAS.1!A00060086-BAS

OP85.1!A00060085-LOCKU.2!A00060086-BAS.1!A00060086-BAS

OP55.1!A00060085-LOCKU.1!A00060086-BAS.1!A00060086-BAS

💡 Note: If ambiguous panels have common sequence of nodes in starting part of their address, the common part of their address can be ignored. In other words, the minimum address information that clarifies the ambiguity if enough for definition of the address clue.

6.1.3.5. Position(s)

The “position(s)” table column accommodates the place for insertion of X, Y and Z coordinates of as many points as required for definition of the process. The subtitle row of the position(s) includes repeated sequences of three columns for X, Y and Z respectively. For definition of processes that apply to a single spot (i.e., spot welding, riveting, clinching etc.) only a single set of X, Y and Z can be given whereas for processes that apply on curves, such as MIG Welding, a multitude of at least two sets of X, Y and Z coordinates are required.

6.1.3.6. Standard

The standard column is optional. If the table does not contain a standard column the standard of the process is set to “GBF_STD”, which is equivalent to the default BiW Fastenings standard in Catia.

6.1.3.7. Process Type

The “process type” column is an optional column. In case no process type column is given in the table, all processes take the first type defined in the standard (“Unspecified” in case of default standard of “GBF_STD”). If the process type column is added to the table, a default value can be defined in the subtitle row for the process type, so that all the process definitions with a blank cell take this default value.

The predefined process types in the default “GBF_STD” in the program are listed in table below:

Table ‎6‑4 Predefined Process Type Definitions

	Name	Acro	CATIA PTYP Name	Spot Operation	Curve Operation
1	Unspecified 1	U1	Unspecified 1	Spot Defined	Curve Defined
2	Unspecified 2	U2	Unspecified 2	Spot Defined	Curve Defined
3	Spot Welding	SPW	Resistance Welding	Spot Defined	N/A
4	Resistance Welding	RES	Resistance Welding	Spot Defined	Curve Defined
5	TIG	TIG	TIG	Spot Defined	Curve Defined
6	TIG (14)	TIG14	TIG (14)	Spot Defined	Curve Defined
7	TIG (141)	TIG141	TIG (141)	Spot Defined	Curve Defined
8	Laser	LAS	Laser	Spot Defined	Curve Defined
9	Unspecified Welding	UNSW	Unspecified Welding	Spot Defined	Curve Defined
10	MIG	MIG	MIG	N/A	Curve Defined
11	MIG (13)	MIG13	MIG (13)	N/A	Curve Defined
12	MIG (131)	MIG131	MIG (131)	N/A	Curve Defined
13	Roll Seam	RSM	Roll Seam	N/A	Curve Defined
14	Flash Butt	FBT	Flash Butt	N/A	Curve Defined
15	Resistance Butt	RBT	Resistance Butt	N/A	Curve Defined
16	Brazing	BRZ	Brazing	N/A	Curve Defined
17	Projection	RPRJ	Projection Resistance	Spot Defined	N/A
18	Unspecified Projection	UPRJ	Unspecified Projection	Spot Defined	N/A
19	Clinching Point 1	CLI	Clinching Point	Spot Defined	N/A
20	Clinching Point 2	CLI2	Clinching Point 2	Spot Defined	N/A
21	Rivet	RVT	Rivet	Spot Defined	N/A
22	Unspecified BiW Mechanical	UNSM	Unspecified BiW Mechanical	Spot Defined	N/A
23	Punch Rivet	PR	Punch Rivet	Spot Defined	N/A
24	Blind Rivet	BR	Blind Rivet	Spot Defined	N/A
25	Robot Sealant	ROS	Robot Sealant	Spot Defined	Curve Defined
26	Manual Sealant	MAS	Manual Sealant	Spot Defined	Curve Defined
27	Unspecified Sealant	UNSS	Unspecified Sealant	Spot Defined	Curve Defined
28	Structural Adhesive	STR	Structural Adhesive	Spot Defined	Curve Defined
29	Nonstructural Adhesive	NSTR	Non Structural Adhesive	Spot Defined	Curve Defined
30	Unspecified Adhesive	UNSA	Unspecified Adhesive	Spot Defined	Curve Defined

Either of Name, Acro or Catia PTYP Name of the process type may be used for defining process types. The spot and curve operation columns indicate the possibility of definition of the process on curves or spots. For definition of process on curves, it is necessary to define at least two sets of coordinates in the position columns.

6.1.3.8. Diameter

A “diameter” column can be added for defining a diameter for spot operations of thickness for curve operations. A “default value” can be defined in the subtitle of this column. If the table is missing the diameter column all the processes take a diameter value of “3”.

6.1.3.9. Flags

The “Flags” table title may accommodate any number of sub columns for definition of flags for the process. The “Is Geometry” and “Is Inspection” values are considered as preserved words for flags which are specially treated in the program as standard indications. Beside these two, any text or note can be given as flag for the process.

6.1.3.10. Tool Definition

Several optional titles may be added to the table for definition of tools. These titles include “Tool ID”, “Tool Generic Name”, “Tool Generic Type”, “Tool Manufacturer”, “Tool Manufacturer Type Code”, “Tool Program”, “Tool Location Code”.

Tool id

Tool ID is mandatory for definition of tool for a process.

Tool Generic Name

Definition of the tool generic name is optional and a default value can be defined for it in the subtitle row. For a specific tool (i.e., a specific tool ID), it is enough to define the tool generic name only once in the table.

Tool Generic Type

Definition of the tool generic type is optional and a default value can be defined for it in the subtitle row. For a specific tool (i.e., a specific tool ID), it is enough to define the tool generic type only once in the table.

Tool Manufacturer

Definition of the tool manufacturer is optional and a default value can be defined for it in the subtitle row. For a specific tool (i.e., a specific tool ID), it is enough to define the tool manufacturer of each tool only once in the table.

Tool Location Code

Definition of the tool location code is optional and a default value can be defined for it in the subtitle row. For a specific tool (i.e., a specific tool ID), it is enough to define the tool location code of each tool only once in the table.

6.1.3.11. Tool Program

Tool program is a property attributed to the process definition. A specific tool may be used with different programs for several processes. The tool program may be a number a text of combination of numbers and text. Default value may not be defined for tool program in the table.

6.2. Apply to CAD Files

This menu provides two methods for applying the process definitions into CAD files. The first method is to add the processes as BiW Fastenings to the CAD files. This method creates BiW Fastening entities as provided in BiW Fastenings workbench of Catia. For more information about BiW Fastenings in Catia you may refer to the official help documents of Catia.

The second method for applying processes to the CAD files, creates spherical or worm shapes in Catia corresponding to spot or curve processes respectively.

6.2.1. Create BiW Fastenings

This menu item applies BiW fastening entities in Catia files corresponding to all stations with process definition in the project. Alternatively, it is possible to apply BiW fastenings to a specific station by right clicking on the corresponding node in the data tree view of the project and choosing “Apply Process to CAD Files -> Apply Automotive BiW Fastenings”, item in the opened pop-up menu.

Figure ‎6‑8 Apply Proceess to CAD Files Through Context Menu

6.2.1.1. Create BiW Fastening Options

Options for creation of BiW Fastenings are available in the “Process to CAD Options” tab of the options window. Shown in Figure ‎6‑9. (Accessible through menu path “Options -> Settings”)

Figure ‎6‑9 Apply to CAD Files Options

The options include:

Only create export files

If this option is not checked, the program creates the BiW Fastenings in the Catia files, however, if this option is checked the program creates process export text file of the process definitions for each station. These export files can be imported into Catia files of the CATProduct file of station component by user.

More information about options of this page is available in section ‎8.1.5.

6.2.2. Apply Balls and Shapes

This menu item creates a ball shape for each spot processes and a worm shape along the curve path for each curved process. This menu item creates shapes in Catia files corresponding to all stations with process definition in the project. Alternatively, it is possible to apply process shapes to a specific station by right clicking on the corresponding node in the data tree view of the project and choosing “Apply Process to CAD -> Apply Process Shapes”, item in the opened pop-up menu (Figure ‎6‑8).

There are two options of file type for creation of the shapes which are selectable in the options window (Figure ‎6‑10). In the default and first method (i.e., “In Single Catia Part”), all the process shapes of a station are created in a CATPart file and each process shape is created as a body in the created CATPart file with the same name as the process ID. In the second method (i.e., “As Catia Product”), each process shape is created in an individual CADPart file and a CATProduct is also created to accommodate the process shape CATParts.

Figure ‎6‑10 Proess Shape File Type Options

Two options are also selectable for “Insertion of Shapes”, shown in Figure ‎6‑11. If The option of “Only Create the Shape Catia File” is selected the Catia file for the shapes are created but are not inserted to the station product CAD files, whereas the option “Insert into the Station Product” inserts the process shape files into the station product CAD file.

Figure ‎6‑11 Insertion of Shape Options

More information about options of this page is available in section ‎8.1.5.

6.3. Generate Drawing Sheet(s)

This menu item opens a dialogue box for creation of process sheets of the stations. Alternatively, the process sheet creation dialogue box is also available through right clicking on a station in the tree nodes in the data tree viewer for a specific station.

6.3.1. Process Sheet Creation Dialogue Box

Process sheet creation dialog is in two slightly different form depending on if it is opened for creation of drawings for a single station (i.e., when called through the context menu by right click on a station node in tree view or by click on the icon in the toolbar), or if it is opened for batch creation of drawings on multiple stations (i.e., when called through main menu). The two different forms of the PSC dialog box are shown in Figure ‎6‑12 and Figure ‎6‑13.

Figure ‎6‑12 Process Sheet Creation Dialogue Box for Multiple Station

Figure ‎6‑13 Process Sheet Creation Dialog Box for Single Station

The differences in the dialog boxes include the station selection pane which is not available in the single station dialog box.

6.3.1.1. Drawing Name

The drawing name can be entered or edited in the drawing name text box. If a drawing is being created for the first time a default drawing name is assigned automatically by the program for the drawing. However, the user can modify or change this default auto generated drawing name. The drawing name should be unique and if an already existing drawing name is entered, a warning message appears above it and the program will not create the drawing until a valid drawing name is entered. The changes in the drawing name can be reset by clicking on the icon button, , on the right side of the drawing name text box.

The default auto-generated drawing name is generated according to the drawing name template that can be managed in the options window (see section ‎8.1.3.1).

If a drawing is regenerated for a new revision, the drawing name is set equal to its name and is not editable by user.

6.3.1.2. Revision

Revision of the drawing is shown in the revision text box. The Revision is set to 1 the first time a drawing is created. Each time a drawing is regenerated the revision of the regenerated drawing is incremented by one.

6.3.1.3. Selection of stations

On the top of the process sheet creation dialogue box (PSC Dialogue) there is a check box list of station with process definitions. The station or stations for which it is intended to create the process sheet can be selected from this list. A select all check box is also available above the list that simplifies selection of all stations for batch creation of process drawing sheets. In case the PSC dialogue box is called through pop up menu in the project tree view, the station ID of the intended station appears in place of the station selection list.

6.3.1.4. Sheet Template Selection

The sheet template selection combo provides a list of available sheet templates for selection. A blank sheet and several default sheet templates are available as out of the box companions of the program. The default sheet templates are available for A4, A3 and A2 drawing paper sizes. The tables of the default sheet templates provide place holders for “logo Image”, “project name”, “Station ID”, “drawn by” and “drawing date” information of the drawings that can be filled by automatically by program. Adding, removing and modification of the sheet templates is possible through “sheet templates” tab in options window (Explained in ‎8.1.3).

6.3.1.5. ViewPoint Selection

The view point selection combo appears on top right side of the PSC Dialogue box. This combo provides a list of frequently used viewpoints in engineering drafting. A small car image from the corresponding view point is shown for each listed view point. A custom view point option is also given at the end of the list, by choosing of which, the user can create the drawing in any desired view as explained in section ‎6.3.1.6.

Figure ‎6‑14 View Point Selection Combo

6.3.1.6. Custom Viewpoint

If the custom viewpoint () is selected in the viewpoint selection combo, the program will ask the user for adjustment of the viewpoint and drawing extents during creation of the drawing. After, clicking on the “Create drawing” in the PSC dialogue box it might take a short while for the program to load the component in Catia. The program brings Catia to the view of the user with a message box stating “Please adjust the view angle the desired and click OK”. At this moment the user can adjust the view angle of the model in the desired angle by means of available options in Catia like , , , mouse gestures, etc. After adjusting the desired angle, the user should click on “OK” button in the message box. It then takes a while for the program to generate the drawing.

Figure ‎6‑15 Drawing adjustment dialogue window

6.3.1.7. Open process selection and drawing adjustment window

If “Open process selection and drawing adjustment window” check box is checked in the PSC dialog box, the program will ask the user for adjustment of the and drawing extents and selection of process definitions during creation of the drawing. As explained in section ‎6.3.2 .

6.3.1.8. Generate Drawing Button

By clicking on this button, the program starts to create the drawing or drawings for the selected process IDs with respect to the selected viewpoint and sheet template. There are more options available in “PS Sheet” tab in options window (See ‎8.1.4) for creation of the drawings. During creation of the drawings the Catia and Excel applications are hidden by the program, however, it is possible to unhide them through corresponding menu items in “Options” menu (See ‎8.2 and ‎8.3). After creation of the drawings, Catia and Excel application will be visible again. If several drawings are created in a batch drawings creation a window, listing created drawings, will be opened and in case of creation of a single drawing a drawing detail window will be opened.

If “Open process selection and drawing adjustment window” check box is checked in the PSC dialog box, the program will ask the user for adjustment of the and drawing extents during creation of the drawing. As explained in section ‎6.3.2 .

6.3.2. Partial View Creation

If partial view check box is checked in the PSC dialog box, the program will ask the user for adjustment of the drawing extents during creation of the drawing. A partial view drawing focuses on the selected part of the component and only the focused part is depicted in the drawing. A small whole view of the drawing is created on a corner of the drawing in which a rectangle indicates the extents of the selected part of the view. An example of a partial view drawing is shown in Figure ‎6‑16.

Figure ‎6‑16 An example of a Partial View Drawing

There are two different options for drawing extent adjustment with can be chosen through a pair of radio buttons in the options window (See ‎8.1.4.3). These options include “In Catia” and “In Crop Window” which are explained here.

6.3.3. Partial View Extent Adjustment in CATIA (Discontinued Feature)

If “In Catia” choice is selected for creation of the partial views (In Program Options), after creation of the drawing scheme the drafting window of the Catia appears to the user with the drawing of the whole component model made in the selected view angle. A drawing adjustment dialog window appears on top of the Catia window which provides tools for magnify, minify, move and rotate or fit in page of the drawing etc. as shown in Figure ‎6‑17.

Figure ‎6‑17 Drawing Extent adjustment in Catia

The user can adjust the intended extent of the drawings so that the part of the drawing lies inside the boundaries of the drawing sheet (appearing as a black thick rectangle in the Catia drafting window). The adjustment can be done by means of the tools in the extent adjustment dialog window. The selected process definitions for the drawing appear in the drawing as tiny circles. If the process lies inside the boundaries the process is colored blue and in case the process lies out of the boundaries the color turns red. This way the user can consider the inclusion of desired processes in the drawing.

Attension: This Extent adjustment in Catia option is no more available in BiW AP version 2 and above

6.3.4. Partial View Extent Adjustment in Crop Window

The program provides a crop window in which the user can select the desired boundaries of the drawing and select and manage the process definitions that appear in the drawing. After creating the drawing scheme, the program opens a crop window in which the whole view of the drawing is shown to the user. The selected processes appear as green solid dots on the drawing. If moues pointer is kept on each of the process dots, a brief report of the process information appears on the screen.

The drawing extents can be selected by clicking on a corner of the perceived view rectangle and dragging it up to the opposite corner. The selected area will be shown as a bright rectangle and the outer areas turn darker. Also, the color of processes, out the selected boundary, turn pale. As shown in Figure ‎6‑18.

Figure ‎6‑18 Extent Adjustment in Crop Window

The deactivated processes will not appear in the drawings even if they are withing the selected area boundaries. The deactivated processes are shown in yellow color. The statistics of the processes, showing total number of process as well as number of deactivated process and the active processes withing the selected area, is available on the top right corner of the drawing extent adjustment window as shown in Figure ‎6‑19.

Figure ‎6‑19 Process Statistics Area

A crop reset Button () allows the user to reset the selected extent area.

6.3.4.1. Process Selection by Filtering

By clicking on the “Process Selection by filtering” button () the process filtering window opens that allows to activate/deactivate process definitions by filtering them with respect to their properties.

In the filtering window as shown in Figure ‎6‑20, the processes are listed in a table showing the properties of each process in a row. The activation state of each process is shown in the first column titled “Active”. Unchecking the text box of each row deactivates the corresponding process.

The filtering window, provides a filter icon () in each property column header. By clicking on filter icon only the process definitions containing the entered filter value remain are allowed in the filtered list. In global search box is available in the process filtering window that filters out the processes by searching the desired expression through all property columns.

Figure ‎6‑20 Process Filteration Window

On top of the filtering window there are four buttons as shown in Figure ‎6‑21 that let to apply the desired activation/deactivation on the processes in the filtered list. They respectively from left to right allow

· activate the filtered list and deactivate the out filtered ones,

· deactivate the filtered list and activate the out filtered ones,

· activate the filtered list and not change the state of the out filtered ones,

· deactivate the filtered list and not change the state of the out filtered ones

Figure ‎6‑21 Batch Process Avctivation/Deactivation Buttons

6.3.4.2. Spot Controls

The spot controls shown in the Figure ‎6‑22 allow controlling the visual appearance of the process spots in the extent adjustment window.

Figure ‎6‑22 Spot Controls

6.4. Process Sheet Settings

This menu item opens the process sheet setting options tab in the options window. (see ‎8.1.4)

6.5. Manage Sheet Templates

This menu item opens the drawing sheet templates tab in the options window. (see ‎8.1.3)

6.6. Manage Standards

The default standard of Catia BiW Fastenings module is predefined in the program under name of “GBF_STD” with the default process types as those of default “GBF_STD” standard of Catia. If the BiW Fastenings standard in Catia is customized or new standards are defined in Catia, the equivalent standard can be defined or edited in the BiW-AP to correspond it. More information about Catia BiW Fastening standards can be found in the help documents of Catia. Definition of custom BiW fastenings in Catia is not a common practice. So, if your Catia BiW Fastening is not customized you can skip this reading section.

If your Catia BiW Fastening is customized, it is recommended to follow the instructions of this section with consultation of the expert persons in charge of customization of BiW fastenings module of your Catia. Because this section uses the same parameter names and settings as those used in BiW fastenings module of Catia.

A click on manage standards menu item opens the standards management window as shown in Figure ‎6‑23.

Figure ‎6‑23 Manage Process Standards Window

6.6.1. Defined Standards

A list of defined standards is shown under defined standards label in the standards management window.

Icon buttons under this list i.e. , , , , respectively allow adding new standard, deleting a standard from the list, loading default standard definition, making a duplicate copy of the selected standard and editing the selected standard.

6.6.2. Defined Process Types

Accumulative list of defined process types according to all defined process standards, is shown on bottom of the window. Icon buttons under this list i.e. , , , respectively allow adding new process types, deleting a standard from the list, making a duplicate copy of the selected process type and editing the selected process type.

6.6.3. Define and Edit a Standard

A new Standard can be created by clicking on each of new default or copy standard buttons (i.e. , or ) under the defined standards lint in the manage process standards window. After creation of the new standard, it can be edited by clicking on the edit button (i.e. ). The standard edit window opens as shown in Figure ‎6‑24. This window allows to define the standard process type and parameter definitions corresponding to those of customized standard in Catia.

Figure ‎6‑24 Edit Standard Window

6.6.3.1. Standard Name

The standard name can be directly edited in the standard name text box on top of the window. It should be the same as the standard name in your Catia in case you wish to import/export process definitions between BiW-AP and Catia. The default standard name in Catia is GBF_STD and it is already available in BiW-AP as the default standard definition.

6.6.3.2. Catia PCA

The process categories, named PCA in Catia standard definition (Ref. Catia help documents), are defined in this list. The PCA definitions can be added, deleted, copied or edited by clicking on the icon buttons under the list. By Clicking on either of the add or edit buttons, a PCA edit window opens for editing the new or selected PCA as shown in Figure ‎6‑25.

Figure ‎6‑25 PCA Edit Window

6.6.3.3. Catia PTYP

The process types, named PTYP in Catia standard definition (Ref. Catia help documents), are defined in this list. The PTYP definitions can be added, deleted, copied or edited by clicking on the icon buttons under the list. By Clicking on either of the add or edit buttons, a PTYP edit window opens for editing the new or selected PTYP as shown in Figure ‎6‑26.

Figure ‎6‑26 PTYP Edit Window

6.6.3.4. Catia FTY

The feature types, named FTY in Catia standard definition (Ref. Catia help documents), are defined in two separate lists for definition of curve bead feature types and spot point feature types. The FTY definitions can be added or deleted by clicking on the icon buttons under the list. By Clicking on the add button, a FTY definition window opens for defining the new FTY as a single string as shown in Figure ‎6‑27.

Figure ‎6‑27 FTY Definition Window

6.6.3.5. Process Types

The defined process types under the standard definition are listed on bottom of the standard edition window. The process type definitions can be added, deleted, copied or edited by clicking on the icon buttons under the list. By Clicking on either of the add or edit buttons, a process type edit window opens for editing the new or selected process type as shown in Figure ‎6‑28.

The value of parameters in the process type edit window should be in accordance to the standard definition. The value of the stacking type is set to LAP which is the only available stacking type in the default standard definition in Catia. If your customized standard defines a new stacking type it can be entered in this field. The values of “Name” and “Acronym” are used only by BiW-AP and can be chosen freely.

Figure ‎6‑28 Process Type Edit Window

7. Report Menu

This menu provides facilities for observing and accessing the project data in tables and making table reports in Excel sheets. Validation of the drawing sheet is a special feature in the table reports that continuously check the consistency of the process drawings and the current process definitions in the project. Any changes in the process definitions of the project like deleting a process or moving to a different station is continuously checked by the report tables and any invalidation of the drawings is instantaneously reflected in the report tables.

The reports menu also provides a tree chart of family tree which can be considered as a documentation of the BiW Line assembly plan.

7.1. Create Tree Chart in Excel

The program starts creation of a family tree chart in Excel right after clicking on this menu item. Creation of chart takes a few moments and the job progress is indicated in status bar of the program. A sample of created chart is shown in Figure ‎7‑1.

Figure ‎7‑1 An example of tree chart in excel

It includes a title area, info table, component information area, and level columns. The title area is filled with the project title by default but can be set to the desired title in the chart options window. The info table under the title area is mostly left bank and can be filled with any desired info by the user. The component info area provides information of the tree nodes including node type (i.e., primary component, standard part, sub assembly component, etc.) and properties of component. And, the level columns provide places for picture of each node component in its respective column level. The levels start from 0 for the primary components and instances of standard part or subassembly and continues up to the highest level which might be a factory product or a subassembly.

Several options are available for creation of a tree chart in Excel that can be accessed through path Options > Settings > Tree Chart tab (Ref. sec. ‎8.1.2).

7.2. Family Tree Node List

This item opens a window listing all nodes in the family tree structure of the project as shown in Figure ‎7‑2.

Figure ‎7‑2 Family tree node list report window

Listed Node Informaton

Information listed for each node in the family tree node list viewer include the items listed in table:

Table ‎7‑1 Family tree node listed information

Column Title	Description
Node Type	see ‎3.2.6
ID	ID of the node
Parent Node	ID of the parent node. For factory products, subassemblies and standard parts, the parent node reads the project name (considered as the factory name) is shown. For other node types, the ID of the direct parent node in the tree branch is listed.
Assembly Station	ID of the assembly station. For subassembly and standard part instance nodes, it’s the ID of the subassembly station or the standard part. Otherwise, it’s the same as the node ID
Qty. in Factory	Quantity of the component product of the node used in the factory. For subassemblies and standard parts, it’s the number of instances of the component inserted in the family tree of the factory product. For nodes of the subassembly branches the quantity is multiplied by the quantity of the subassembly in the factory.
No. Children	Number of children components of the node
No. Process	Number of processes defined in the node station
No. Drawings	Number of process sheet drawings created for the node
No. Tools	Number of tools defined for processes in the node

In addition to the listed information, a small icon of the node type appears on the left side of each row, providing visual indication of the node type.

7.2.1. Context Menu of the Node List

Right click on each row of the node list opens a pop-up menu as shown in Figure ‎7‑2. This menu provides items for viewing station details (see ‎9.3), component which opens a component viewer for the component of the selected node (see ‎9.4), process list which opens a process list viewer listing the processes defined in the station of the selected row (see ‎7.4) and related drawings which opens a drawing list viewer for the drawings of the selected node (see ‎7.5).

7.3. Component List

This meu item opens a window listing all components defined in the project as shown in Figure ‎7‑3.

Figure ‎7‑3 Component List Viewer

Mouse Clicks

Double click on each row of the component list opens a component detail window for the component of the selected row. Right click on each row of the list opens a pop-up context menu.

7.3.1. Context Menu of Component List Viewer

Right click on each row of the component list viewer opens a pop-up context menu as sown Figure ‎7‑3. The context menu provides an item for viewing component details which opens a component viewer for component of the selected row.

7.4. Process List

This meu item opens a window listing all processes defined in the project as shown in Figure ‎7‑4.

Figure ‎7‑4 Process List Viewer

Listed Process Information

Information listed for each process in the process list viewer include the items listed in Table ‎7‑2:

Table ‎7‑2 information listed for each process in process list viewer

Column Title	Description
ID	The process ID
Station	The station in which the process is assigned to take place
Process Type	Process type title (see sec. ‎6.1.3.7)
Tool ID	ID of the tool assigned for the process
Tool Program	Program ID of the process to apply on the assigned tool
No. Drawing	Number of drawings in which the process is indicated
Panels	ID of the panels on which the process is defined
Panel Names	Name of the panels on which the process is defined
Flags	Flag definitions of the process (see sec. ‎6.1.3.9)
coordinates	Coordinate list of coordinates of the spot or curve on which the process is defined

Mouse Clicks

Double click on each row of the process list opens a process detail window for the process on that row. Right click on each row of the process list opens a pop-up context menu.

7.4.1. Context Menu of Process List Viewer

Right click on each row in the process list opens a pop-up menu providing items of “View Process Details” which opens a process details viewer for the selected item (see ‎9.7), “View Related Drawings” which opens a drawing list viewer listing the drawings in which the selected process is indicated (see ‎7.5), and “Delete Process” which deletes the selected process from the project data. The context menu of the process list viewer is shown in Figure ‎7‑5.

Figure ‎7‑5 Popup Menu of the proces list viewer

7.5. Process Drawings List

This menu item opens a window, listing all the process drawings in the project as shown in Figure ‎7‑6.

Figure ‎7‑6 Process Drawings List Viewer

The information listed for each drawing is listed in Table ‎7‑3.

Table ‎7‑3 information listed for drawings

Column Title	Description
Validity	If the drawing is valid a green tick sign (ü) is shown, otherwise a warning sign (⚠️)
Station	ID of the station to which the drawing belongs
No. of Process	Number of processes depicted in the drawing
View Point	View point of the drawing (see ‎6.3.1.5)
View Type	Type of the drawing view i.e., “Partial View” or “Whole View”
Drawn By	Name of the user who created the drawing
File Name	File name of the Excel document of the drawing

Mouse Clicks

Double mouse click on each row of the drawing list viewer opens the drawing details viewer for the drawing of the selected row. Right click on each row of the drawing list viewer opens a pop-up menu context menu.

7.5.1. Drawings Validation

The drawings are continuously monitored by the program with respect to the assembly and process plan of the project. If any changes in the process plan happens that result in invalidation of some drawings, a warning sign (⚠️) appears in the validation column of the drawings list. The number of invalidated drawings is shown also below the list. If the most is kept over a drawing a brief report of the reason for invalidation of the drawing is shown in the popping up tooltip as shown in Figure ‎7‑7.

Figure ‎7‑7 Indication of Invalidated Drawings

7.5.2. Show and Hide Obsolete Drawings

If a newer version of a drawing is created, the older drawings state is changed to obsolete. The obsolete drawings are not shown in the drawing list window. If there is a need to view the obsolete drawings, the check box of Show obsolete drawings below the drawings list shoiuld be checked.

7.5.3. Context Menu of the Drawing List Viewer

Right click on each row of the drawing list viewer opens a pop-up menu as shown in Figure ‎7‑8. This menu provides items of “View Drawing Details” which opens a drawing details viewer for the selected item (see sec. ‎9.6), “Open Drawing in Excel” which opens the drawing as an editable Excel sheet in Excel application, “Open Drawing in PDF” which opens the drawing as a PDF document in the pdf viewer and “Delete Drawing”. The “Delete Drawing” should be clicked on carefully, because it irreversibly deletes the drawings all belonging documents from the project storage.

Figure ‎7‑8 Pop up menu of the drawing list viewer

8. Options Menu

This menu provides an item for adjusting the “settings” of the program as well as useful tools for monitoring the connection to Catia software and hide or unhide it, as well as an item for unhiding the Excel program in case is running in hidden mode.

8.1. Settings

The settings menu item in the options menu opens the settings window which provides tools for adjusting settings of the project and program in several tabs as shown in Figure ‎8‑1.

Figure ‎8‑1 Settings Window

On bottom of the page there are several buttons for applying settings, reset to defaults or canceling the changes.

8.1.1. Settings Page Buttons

On bottom of the page there are several buttons for applying settings, reset to defaults or canceling the changes as shown in Figure ‎8‑1. The buttons are explained below.

Reset to Defaults

A default value is associated to every item in the settings of the program. Whenever this button is clicked on, the settings of the open tab are reset to the default values.

Apply changes

This button ion activated in case the user has changed some of setting items. By clicking this item, the changes are applied and saved to the current settings of the project.

Undo Changes

Clicking this button cancels the changes in the settings page and the current settings of the project are restored to the setting selections of the page.

Close

This button closes the settings window. If there are some changes in the settings page that are not applied to the project, a message box pops up asking the user whether to discard changes and close the settings window or cancel the closing in order to allow the user to apply the changes.

8.1.2. Tree Chart Options Tab

Three chart options page is shown in Figure ‎8‑2. the options in this window tab are explained here.

Figure ‎8‑2 Tree chart options tab

Create Each Assembly in Separate Sheet

If this option is set to yes then the tree chart of each factory product or subassembly branch is created in a separate excel sheet. Otherwise, the chart of all the subassembly and factory products are created in a single sheet.

Level Zero from the Factory Product

This option determines the level assignment rule for the stations and components. If this is set to from factory product, then the factory final product’s level is considered as zero level and the tree node levels are determined according to their distance from root.

If this option is set to no then the tree leaves take the level zero and the tree node levels are determined according to their distance from leaf.

Number of properties for each item

This item determines number of properties of each tree node to be listed in the component info area. The more properties selected, the more rows of Excel are dedicated to the tree node and the bigger will be the inserted image. By default, it is set to 8 which results in a moderate uniform size of the node images. If this value is set to “Auto Calculate” the number of rows is determined according the selected option of “Variable Images Height”.

Variable Image Height

This option is active only if “the number of properties for each item” is set to “Auto Calculate”. If it is set to “No”, then the program finds the component with highest number of properties and uses this as the number for all tree nodes uniformly.

If this option is set to yes then the number of properties rows for each node is determined by the defined properties of that node, resulting to a nonuniform size of component images in the tree chart.

Chart Direction

If this option is set to “Bottom to top” the chart starts from the lowest level components and ends at the bottom with the factory product. If this option is set to “top to bottom”, then the factory product is places on the first row of the chart and the lowest tree levels appear at the bottom of the chart.

Spacing rows

The number of intermittent rows between tree nodes. By default, it is set to 1.

Freeze pane

This title freezes the title and component info panes.

Demo mode

If this option is set to “yes”, then the excel sheet remains active during creation of chart and the process of drawing the chart can be seen by user in a moderate speed. The chart creation takes a considerably longer time with this option set, and if user clicks in the excel sheet during the progress the chart creation is interrupted.

Chart Title

The desired title of the chart can be written in this input. By default, the chart title is set as the project title.

8.1.3. Drawing Sheet Templates Tab

This page tab provides options for managing drawings sheet templates as shown in Figure ‎8‑3. On top of the page the controls for selection of the drawing’s logo are placed and the tools for managing the sheet templates appear beneath of them.

Figure ‎8‑3 Drawing sheet templates tab

8.1.3.1. Drawing Names Pattern

Whenever a new drawing is being created, a default drawing name is suggested by program in the drawing creation dialog box. This auto-generated drawing name is generated with respect to the pattern defined in the drawing names pattern here.

The name pattern is a short text in which the text parts surrounded by a pair of % sign, are replaced with corresponding information according to the Table ‎8‑1.

Table ‎8‑1 Drawing Name Pattern Place Holders

Place Holder	Replaced by
%CNTR%	A counter number that starts with 1 and is incremented by each new drawing with the same name pattern
%STID%	This place holder is replaced by station ID of the station for which the drawing is created
%CNAME%	This place holder is replaced by component name for which the drawing is created

8.1.3.2. Drawn By

The name of the draftsman that will appear on the drawings can be set in this field. If the value is set as “System User” then the user name of the computer operating system will be used as the name of the drafts person.

8.1.3.3. Drawings Logo

Any image file of types JPEG, PNG, GIF or BMP may be selected for logo of the drawings. The selected image will be used to fill the logo area in the sheet templates. A preview of the image is shown in the rectangle on the upper left side of the sheet temples options tab. Selection of the image or removal or change of the logo image is possible via two buttons of “change image” and “remove image” next to the rectangle of the logo preview.

8.1.3.4. Manage Process Sheet Templates

A list of available drawing templates appears in the manage process sheet templates area. A blank sheet template and several templates with names starting with “Default” are included in the list as out of the box available templates of the program. More templates can be added or removed to the list of the templates by clicking on the buttons add item () or remove item (). A further copy button () in available for copying the selected template in to any desired folder. The copied template can be edited or used as a start point for making new templates.

8.1.3.5. Process Sheet Templates format

A process sheet template is an Excel sheet in which the areas for placement of the drawing details are indicated by writing corresponding tags in the areas. The template sheet should be the first sheet in the Excel file and it is highly recommended that the template sheet be the only sheet in the Excel file of the template.

The areas in the template sheet include “content” area which is the area in which the drawing body is created, “drawing by” area in which the name of the used creating the drawing is written, “drawing date” area in which the date and time of creation of the drawing is written, “station” area in which the ID of the station to which the drawing belongs is written, “Project Name” area in which the name of the project is written and the “logo” area in which the logo image will be inserted.

The available tag definitions are listed in table:

Table ‎8‑2 Tag definitions in the template sheets

Tag	Meaning	Merged Cells
<CONTENT>	Defines the upper left corner cell of the content area	Not Allowed
</CONTENT>	Defines the lower right corner cell of the content area	Not Allowed
<DWGNO>	Drawing number or name	Allowed
<REV>	Revision number of the drawing	Allowed
<PROJNAME>	Defines the area of the project name in which project name will be written	Allowed
<STATION>	Defines the station area in which station ID will be written	Allowed
<DWGBY>	Defines the drawing by area in which the name of user who creates the drawing is written	Allowed
<DWGDATE>	Defines the drawing date area in which the date and time of the creation of the drawing is written	Allowed
<LOGO>	Defines the logo area in which the logo image is inserted	Allowed

If any of the tag definition is missing in the template sheet the program ignores insertion of the corresponding data, except for the content tag which if is missing in the template sheet the template will be considered as a blank sheet.

8.1.4. Process Sheet Options Tab

The options for creation of the process sheet drawings are adjustable in the process sheet options tab shown in Figure ‎8‑4. The items in this page are explained here.

Figure ‎8‑4 Process sheet options tab

8.1.4.1. Default View Point

The default view point selection combo appears on top of the process sheet options page. This combo provides a list of frequently used viewpoints in engineering drafting. A small car image from the corresponding view point is shown for each listed view point. A custom view point option is also given at the end of the list, by choosing of which, the user can create the drawing in any desired view as explained in section ‎6.3.1.6.

The selected view point will be used as the default preselected view point in process sheet creation window.

💡 Note: If the selected view point is changes in the process sheet creation dialogue box, the default view point is set to the view point of the last created process sheet. So, the default view point may also be changed by the selection combo in the process sheet creation dialogue box.

8.1.4.2. Selected Process Table Items

Information of each process is displayed in a row of a table in the drawing with an arrow connecting it to the process position in the drawing. The items displayed in the information can be selected in this control. The information titles are listed with a check box next to each, which when checked the information will appear in the drawings. The selectable titles are listed in the table:

Table ‎8‑3 The available process information to display drawings

Info Title	Description
Process/Spot ID	ID of the process
Process Type	Process type acronym (see ‎6.1.3.7)
Process Type Full Name	Process type description (see ‎6.1.3.7)
Tool ID/Gun No.	Tool ID
Tool/Gun Type	Tool Type
Tool Generic Name	Tool Generic Name
Tool Manufacturer	Tool Manufacturer
Tool Manufacturer Type Code	Tool Manufacturer Type Code
Tool Program	Tool Program ID
Diameter	Diameter of spot or curve thickness of the process
Flags	List of flag definitions of the process

8.1.4.3. Drawing Extent Adjustment

In case a partial drawing (see ‎6.3.2) is being created, two options are available for adjustment of the drawing extents.

In Catia

If checked, the drafting window in Catia is opened with a widget appearing on top, that allows rotating, sizing and adjusting the extent of the drawing inside sheet borders.

In Crop Window

If checked, the drawing is opened inside a window in program with crop tool for selection of the drawing extents.

8.1.4.4. Process Indication Arrows

The option for arrow colors in the drawings is adjustable in this control. If the “Colorize Arrows” option is unchecked the arrows will be drawn black, otherwise the color selection combos are activated allowing selection of arrow colors. Two colors can be selected for arrows which will be alternatingly applied to the arrows in the drawings.

8.1.4.5. Other options

The remaining options of creation of the drawings include:

Use Fast Sorting Method

If this option is checked the program uses a fast-sorting algorithm for ordering the process definition tables in the drawings and the arrows thereof. The table orders may be slightly different from the case this option is unchecked.

Hide Grid Lines

If this option is checked the grid lines in the excel sheet of the drawings will be hidden.

Demo Mode

This option is available in special releases of the program and if checked the program demonstrates the steps of the creation of the drawings including the sorting process of the table orders and arrows.

8.1.5. Process to CAD Options Tab

The options of exporting process to CAD files are adjustable in Process to CAD options page shown in Figure ‎8‑5.

Figure ‎8‑5 Process to CAD options

8.1.5.1. Spot Process Colors

In this area there are three color selection combos which allow to select the color for spot process types for cases of process application on single panel, two panels and three or more panels. The sphere shapes created when applying process to cad files by “Balls and Shapes” method are colored according to this color selections.

8.1.5.2. Curved Process Colors

In this area there are three color selection combos which allow to select the color for curved process types for cases of process application on single panel, two panels and three or more panels. The worm shapes created when applying process to cad files by “Balls and Shapes” method are colored according to this color selections.

8.1.5.3. Process Shape File Type Option

This option allows to select the shapes to be created in a single Catia part file or in a product file. In case of the first choice all the process definitions are created in a CATPart file and a body is created for each process. In the latter choice a separate CATPart file is created for each process definition and a CATProduct file will be created to hold them all.

💡 Note: This option applies only when apply process to CAD by “Balls and Shapes” is executed. In case of apply process to CAD by “BiW Fastening”, this option is ineffective.

8.1.5.4. Insertion of Shape Options

If this option is set to “Only Create the Shape Catia File”, the shape CAD Files (either CATPart or CATProduct) are created but are not inserted to the target station component CAD file. Whereas, is the option is set to “Insert into the Station Product” the created process CAD files are inserted to the station component CAD file.

💡 Note: This option applies only when apply process to CAD by “Balls and Shapes” is executed. In case of apply process to CAD by “BiW Fastening”, this option is ineffective.

8.1.5.5. Insertion of BiW Fastening Options

If the option is set to “Create Only the BiW Fastening Import File”, a BiW Fastening import file in text format is created but will not be imported to the corresponding station component CATProduct. Whereas the “Add BiW Fastening into the Station Product” options, imports the BiW fastenings into the station product CAD file.

8.1.5.6. Other Options

Hide Catia During Job

If this option is checked the Catia application will be hidden during creation and insertion of the process shapes or BiW fastenings.

8.1.6. Process General Options Tab

Process incorporation options which include the options and settings for importing process definitions into the project data and other options like tolerances are available in this page.

8.1.6.1. Process Incorporation Options

Process incorporation options include the options and settings for importing process definitions into the project data and other option. Following options are available:

Prefer resolving ambiguity by address clue

If this option is checked, when the program finds multiple instances of a panel in the station of definition of a process, it first checks if an address clue is given for the panel. If the address clue is given, the program uses the address clues to specify panel addresses.

If this option is unchecked, the program proceeds with finding the relevant panel by checking the distance of panels from the position of the process definition and chooses the closest panel. (See ‎6.1.3.4)

Check Distance of Process and Panels

If this option is checked, the program checks the distance of process positions for all read processes and produces a warning, if the distance exceeds the warning tolerance.

Process Distance Warning Tolerance

This option provides a field in which the user can define the warning tolerance of the distance between process position and the panel. If the measured distance exceeds this tolerance a warning message will be generated in the operation report.

8.1.6.2. Other Options

Include Node Address in Exporting Excel Sheets

If this option is checked, full panel addresses are included in the panel name columns in the process export excel sheets. This panel addresses are especially useful for resolving panel ambiguities by using address clue. (See ‎6.1.3.4)

Drawing Validation Process Displacement Tolerance

This option provides a field for entering a tolerance value for process displacements. If displacement of a process exceeds this tolerance value, the drawing validation procedures mark the related drawings which invalid flag.

8.2. Catia Status Watcher

This item opens a Catia status watcher window as shown in Figure ‎8‑6. This window contains three big dots that indicate the status of the connection to the Catia program. If there is no instance of Catia running, the first dot is red and the other two are gray. As soon as an instance of Catia is started on the computer this first dot turns green and the second dot turns red, which indicates that Catia is not connected yet. When Catia is fully loaded and BIW-AP program succeeds in connecting to it, the second dot turns green too. The last dot on the bottom is green whenever Catia is visible and red if Catia is running in invisible mode.

A Hide/Unhide Button at the bottom of this window allows the user to hide or unhide the Catia program. During the program operations which are done by exploiting Catia, the program hides the Catia. In this case the user can unhide Catia by this bottom in order to observe the operation progress in Catia, however this practice is not recommended because if Catia is visible to user, the user may interfere into the program operation in Catia.

An important use of Hide/Unhide button is for cases the program is crashed or closed during operation while Catia is hidden. In such cases a hidden instance of Catia remains in the computer that can be unhidden by this button.

Figure ‎8‑6 Catia status watcher window

8.3. Unhide Excel

This menu item unhides excel if there are hidden instances of excel program running. The program hides excel during jobs that require exploitation of Excel application, like creation of the drawings in Excel. In such cases if the program is stopped or crashes, it may leave the Excel in hidden mode. This menu item is a useful tool in this case to reveal the hidden Excel application instances.

If there are no hidden Excel instances this menu item does nothing.

9. Viewers

Details of each of comprising elements of a project can be viewed in a corresponding viewer window and if applicable be also edited

9.1. Project Info Viewer

Overall Project information can be seen or edited in the project info window. This window can be accessed through the menu path Project > Project Info. The project info as shown in Figure ‎9‑1, include the project title, project file, project folder and input folder as well as a brief statistics report of the project contents.

Figure ‎9‑1 Project Info Viewer

Project title can be directly edited in this window. If the project is already saved in a file or reopened from a saved project file the project file text box shows the address of the project file.

The project folder and the input folder can be changes by clicking on the pencil icon () on the right side of the input fields. This opens a dialogue box for selecting the folder locations. By changing the input or output folders the program searches for the project components in the new folders and updates the project information accordingly. For example, if the new project folder does not include the project assembly files the component statuses will update to “File no more available”. And the component images and drawings list will be revised according to the images and drawings in the new project folder if available.

9.2. Tree Viewer

The family tree of the factory product or its sub-branches can be viewed in a tree viewer. The main view of the program as explained in section ‎3.2.1, comprises a tree viewer showing the whole family tree of the products in the project. More tree viewers can be opened in order to view the tree structure of product components separately. In a tree viewer, each station in the BiW line comprises a node in the tree which gives a brief overview of the station information in a bubble. On the left side of the bubble a picture of the assembled component in the station is shown if available. More details of each station can be seen by adjusting the setting in the view settings menu. The view settings menu pops up when clicking on the gear sign () on the top right side of the data view area.

Figure ‎9‑2 A Tree Viewer Window

9.2.1. Tree node bubbles

The first line in the bubble indicates the ID of the station and an icon on left side of it which indicates the node type of the station or its assembled component. Node types are explained in section ‎3.2.6. Other information shown in the bubble include status of the component CAD file, component file address and level, which indicate the node level in the tree. In this program the tree leaves are leveled 0 and the level number increases in the branches up to the tree root which takes the highest number.

An alternative node level is also defined as the level from root. In the level from root the root of the tree is set to 0 and the level increases through branches of the tree up to the tree leaves.

On the left side of the bubble a picture of the assembled component in the station is shown if available. If the mouse is hold over the image, a pop-up window will show a larger image of it.

If there are some processes defined for the station, an icon of () appears on bottom left of the bubble. If mouse is hold on this icon a brief repot of the process will appear on the screen. More detailed report of the processes in the station is available through the pop-up menu item “View Process List.”

9.2.2. Tree Nodes Pop Up Menu

Right click on each tree node bubble pops a menu up as shown in Figure ‎9‑3. This menu includes items for showing station and component details, apply process to CAD files, create process drawings etc. which are explained through this help document.

Figure ‎9‑3 Popup Menu Of Family Tree Nodes

9.2.3. Tree View Settings Menu

The view settings menu pops up when clicking on the gear sign () on the top right side of the data view area. The options in this menu include a slider button which toggles the showing of “more details” of stations on or off. A slider which adjusts the expansion level of the tree. And a slider by which the user can adjust the indentation of the tree branches. The tree view settings menu is shown in Figure ‎9‑4.

Figure ‎9‑4 Tree View Settings Menu

9.3. Station Viewer

Station details can be seen in the station viewer window. This window can be opened through menu path Project > Stations or through the same menu item in the context menu by right clicking on tree view node bubbles. An example of a station viewer window is shown in Figure ‎9‑5.

Figure ‎9‑5 A station viewer

On the top left of the station viewer, a station selection combo box indicates the ID of the selected station, and on the right a picture of the station product component is shown if available.

ID of the station product component and list of the child components is also shown in the station viewer as well as the list of the BiW process definitions in the station. Right click on each item in the list of child components or process definitions opens a context menu with a menu item of “View Component Details” or “View Process Details” respectively.

9.4. Component Info Viewer

Details of each component throughout the project family tree can be viewed in component info viewer windows. The component viewer can be opened through the corresponding menu item in the tree viewer nodes context menu. It also can be opened through context menu in the listing items in station viewers or report windows. A sample of component viewer is shown in Figure ‎9‑6.

Figure ‎9‑6 Component info viewer

On the top left of the window a combo box indicates the ID of the selected component. The type of the component is also shown under the ID. On the top right of the window a picture of the component is shown if available.

Component information including the component name, quantity of the component used in the factory products, name of the components CAD file, and the assembly (i.e., The station in which the component is made) and the file status of the component, where used are shown in the component viewer, as well as the property list.

In the where used area, a list of the station in which the component is inserted in the products family tree is shown. A right click on each item of the list opens a pop-up menu with option of locate in tree. A click on this option finds and brings the instance of the component in the main view of the program and selects it in the tree viewer.

In the properties area, the list of the defined properties including the title and value of the property is shown. The color of each row corresponds to the color of the property. A right click on each row opens a pop-up menu with options for adding a new property or editing the selected property. As shown in Figure ‎9‑7.

Figure ‎9‑7 Pop-up menu of the property list in component viewer

9.5. Property Viewer

The property viewer shown in Figure ‎9‑8. This window allows to select a title for the property, add a text for value of the property and choose the text foreground and background colors.

Figure ‎9‑8 Property Viewer/Editor

If a new title is to be defined for the property, the “New Title” option may be selected on the end of the list of predefined titles as shown in

Figure ‎9‑9 New Title Selection for the Ptoperty Title

9.6. Drawing Viewer

The drawing viewer provides convenient tools to view the drawing and its details. The drawing viewer as shown in Figure ‎9‑10 comprises four major view sections.

Figure ‎9‑10 Drawing Viewer

9.6.1. Drawing Info

On the right side the general information of the drawing like drawing name, revision, state, view point, file name etc. are listed in the “drawing info” section.

9.6.2. List of Processes

The processes that are shown in the drawing are listed in the “List of Processes” below the drawing info. Right click on each of listed processes, opens a pop-up menu with an item to open the selected process in a process viewer to view its details. As shown in Figure ‎9‑11.

Figure ‎9‑11 Right Click on a Process in the List

If a process is invalid for the drawing in the list, a warning sign () appears on left side of the process. The reason for invalidation of the process can be acknowledged by holding the mouse over the warning sign. The total number of invalid processes in the drawing is also indicated below the list of processes as shown in Figure ‎9‑12.

Figure ‎9‑12 Invalid process Definotions in a Drawing

9.6.3. Drawing Image View

The drawing image appears on the right side of the drawing viewer window. An image of the drawing appears in this section that can be zoomed in/out and panned by using mouse wheel and gestures on it. A right click of mouse over the image resets the image and fits it onto the image area.

9.6.4. Drawing Management Buttons

Several icon buttons appear below the drawing image as shown in Figure ‎9‑13. These buttons respectively open the original drawing in Excel, open the drawing as PDF, regenerate a new version of the drawing, view the drawing file in file explorer, print and delete the drawing.

Figure ‎9‑13 Drawing Management Buttons

9.6.4.1. Open in Excel

The drawing is originally created in MS-Excel. A click on the open in Excel icon button (), opens the drawing in excel. The drawing info can be manipulated or edited in excel, printed out or saved as a new sheet or on the original by the user.

9.6.4.2. Open in PDF Viewer

A pdf file of the drawing is already created by the BiW-AP program that is opened in the PDF viewer by clicking on the view PDF button ().

9.6.4.3. Regenerate Drawing

The regenerate button (), allows to create a new revision of the drawing with the same name. The same process as the current drawing, are preselected in the drawing creation dialog box that opens by clicking on this icon.

When a drawing is regenerated the new drawing is created with an incremented revision number and the state of the old drawing is set to obsolete. Also an Obsolete stamp is placed on it by the program as shown in Figure ‎9‑14.

Figure ‎9‑14 An Obsolete Drawing

9.6.4.4. Locate File in the Drawings Folder

The locate file button (), opens the file explorer with preselected the Excel fie of the drawing preselected.

9.6.4.5. Print the Drawing

The print button () allows the user to print out the drawing directly from the drawing viewer. The resolution and quality of the drawing prints through this button are depending on the image resolution settings of the program. If higher quality or resolution of the drawing is required, please open the drawing in Excel and print out the drawing from print command in the Excel software.

9.6.4.6. Delete the Drawing

The delete button (), irreversibly deletes the drawing from the project drawings folder. So, please use this button when you deliberately intend to delete a drawing.

9.6.4.7. Editing Drawing In Excel

The drawing files can be edited by the user directly in excel application. If a drawing is modified in excel as soon as the modifications are saved in Excel, a need for update symbol () appears in lower left corner of the drawing image as shown in Figure ‎9‑15. Any modification in Excel is possible, but the care should be taken that the drawing image not be eliminated or even cut/repasted as shown in Figure ‎9‑16.

Figure ‎9‑15 Drawing Modified in Excel

Figure ‎9‑16 Drawing Modified in Excel

9.7. Process Viewer

Process viewer allows to view or edit the detailed properties of process as shown in Figure ‎9‑17. The shown properties include the station ID, process standard and type, tool information, flags and coordinates. In addition the information of the panles on which the process is applied, including the node address of the panel corresponding to the panel address in the tree structure of the station product in Catia, is shown in the procss viewer. The list of the related drawings, i.e. the drawings in which the process is depicted is also given in the process viewer.

Figure ‎9‑17 Process Viewer

9.7.1. Editing Process Info

An Button of „Enable Edit“ at bottom of the process viewer activates the edit mode. The edit mode allowes modificaton on each field in the process viewer window. If the „Apply changes“ button is pressed the changes are saved into the process.

Figure ‎9‑18 Process Edit Mode