Software tool aids cabling design

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 2, 2007

NVT 3.0 allows the user to focus on adjustments rather than having to do the entire design from scratch.

Nexans has launched version 3 of its free software tool - Nexans Visio Template (NVT 3.0).

It works with Microsoft Visio to help system designers, installers and integrators to create professional rack layout drawings and cabling schematics quickly and efficiently, so that they can provide their customers with comprehensive and professional documentation.

The preparation and design phases of a complete new cabling infrastructure are often very time consuming due to the need to prepare rack drawings, as well as calculation and compilation of bill of materials requirements.

Nexans has developed NVT to simplify this procedure and reduce the risk of calculation errors.

NVT 3.0 simplifies the design methodology considerably through new libraries, enhanced intelligent master shapes, a help file describing all the features of the tool and all-round system compatibility with other tools.

Nexans Visio Template 3.0, is downloadable for free from the Nexans website and works with Microsoft Visio.

It offers six new stencils (also referred to as libraries), grouped by product range.

It includes all the products (except for cables and cords) from the current ranges, including versions of both black and white panels when available.

The categories are: Cabinets + Voice + ZD boxes; LANmark Copper; LANmark-OF; essential; LANconnect, and LANsense.

Each of these offers master drawings, enabling the user to simply focus on adjustments, rather than having to do the entire design from scratch.

To minimise the number of shapes, most of the master drawings include a whole product subfamily in which the right product can be easily chosen using a right mouse click menu.

A Product Selector Tool makes the stencils identifiable on screen as diagrams; each with its own selection of product lines, ranges, stencils and part numbers.

The user creates their own design on screen by simply clicking and dropping the required elements in place from a given selection in each shape.

The power of this new version is further enhanced by the provision of hyperlinks to other e-services across the globe.

It allows the user to select components from catalogues on international websites in the UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Spain to suit their particular needs while still in the design stages.

Once downloaded, the user's computer configuration will automatically be updated.

Future NVT revisions will automatically replace any earlier versions and installation will be digitally signed to ensure peace of mind and system security.

It will indicate that the installation file has not been tampered with and that it is not infected by viruses.

NVT 3.0 is compatible with Microsoft's recently launched Visio 2007 as well as the older Visio 2003.

Didier Willems, Nexans' Project Support Department Manager NVT and NED said: "The pressure of new developments in the market place forces the cabling world to innovate constantly".

"In order to stay abreast with new needs and expectations, we work closely with our partners".

"This latest version of Nexans Visio Template has been purpose designed to help them develop professional plans and designs, and to implement them with their customers".