Are there any good methods for statistical materials in the instrumentation field?
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I work at a design institute, and I find that compiling statistical data related to instrumentation to be a very tedious task; moreover, the data collected isn’t accurate. Does anyone have any tips for quickly gathering such statistical information?
It’s difficult to keep track of, as there are various connector specifications; the connectors of the instruments can only be standardized when selecting the instruments. For example, when making this selection, I use the same metric M27×2 connections throughout, as well as consistent standards for 1/2 and 3/4 sizes; the fewer specifications there are, the more convenient it is.
It’s indeed difficult to keep track of. I use the same method as the person above: first, I standardize the dimensions of the connectors to make it easier to conduct statistics. Tracking the materials used for instruments is a complicated process, but it cannot be ignored; one must be careful to avoid waste.
Hehe, maybe intools can solve it!
Statistical analysis of the materials used for instrument installation is indeed a very tedious task, but it isn’t that complicated once proper planning is done during the instrument design phase. First of all, the installation methods for instruments of the same type should be kept as consistent as possible; the different types of instruments need to be clearly distinguished, and for instruments with similar interface formats, it’s advisable to choose the same type of interface as well. This makes it easier to conduct such statistical analyses. However, since there are many types of installation materials involved with instruments, care and patience are also very important.
It’s normal for those who are involved in construction to be more familiar with the work than those who are only responsible for design; one should go to the site more often, get familiar with previous projects, and learn about new ones； I usually create two CAD template files, one for the preliminary design phase and another for the construction drawing phase; these files include as many details about various materials (including their specifications) as possible, which are then removed or slightly modified on a case-by-case basis depending on the specific project.
Microsoft Visio and Excel are sufficient for this purpose; Visio is used to create dashboards, while Excel is used for compiling statistics on various materials.
First, confirm the installation method of the instruments, draw an installation diagram for them, and then conduct a classification and statistics – that should work fine.
Once you are familiar with it and understand the patterns, it becomes simple – for example, by categorizing data by material type or by instrument type, etc. The key is to identify those patterns; of course, this is only possible if you are extremely familiar with the subject. There’s no room for deception in scientific matters.
Intools can only count the materials listed in the installation diagram, but it cannot calculate the cable length.
I’ve been thinking about whether it would be possible to add a direct link feature to each installation diagram; by entering the corresponding instrument, it could automatically summarize the materials needed. However, there is still no good way to calculate the length of cables on site; I hope everyone will actively discuss ways to improve work efficiency!
This is also something I wanted to know. Reading the replies from some friends above was quite enlightening; thank you
Based on personal experience, first calculate the materials required for each type of instrument, then multiply the quantity of each type together and sum the results; finally, account for the cables needed for the instruments. An Excel spreadsheet can be used to keep track of this. In short, it’s a tedious task that requires carefulness and patience.
In automatic control design and electrical design, the most troublesome aspect is the calculation of cable materials. I am now planning to explore a new approach, which involves using EagleView’s pipeline design software, PDS – this software can be used to calculate pipeline materials. Our electrical and instrumentation specialists can also take cable piping into account when using it, but they need to know how to operate this software