Improved usability for Faceplate
Faceplate new UI
One of the strong functions in IGSS is the Faceplate functionality. It allows system integrators to design a master diagram (Master Faceplate) and use object placeholders ($$Objects) to create a template. This template can be used as a scheme the system integrator can create numerous instances (Faceplates) from, and later add the desired IGSS objects within the placeholders.
Faceplate functionality and use in the IGSS Definition module has now been greatly improved for V16. The aim has been to improve findability by adding a separate “Faceplate” menu.
To further enhance the workflow and productivity of the system integrator All operations for faceplate masters and faceplates are directly available from this menu.
To minimize confusion the Faceplate Master Properties is now a separate dialog form the standard diagram and opens up when clicking on Create Master.
The Faceplate Master properties dialog is identical to the Diagram properties dialog, with one exception. A new tab for Faceplates is added to the. The layout is made to improve scanning and readability of all information related to the created faceplates .
Faceplate names are found to the left in a list format. Description for each faceplate is placed to the right above the Objects list. The list gives an overview of used object for each faceplate, and the placeholders ($$Objects) used.
Faceplate instances
The Object browser dialog for selecting faceplates and selecting objects for a faceplate have been revised and made easier to quickly and easier create faceplate instances.
The IGSS object browser has been enhanced with a separate “Faceplate” category where it is easy to view and find all available faceplate masters as well as see which faceplates have been created using a given faceplate master template.
In the object browser, the special $-objects are now only visible when working on a faceplate master making the browser object list less cluttered.
As for the Faceplate instances, we made the information about faceplate name, objects used etc. available in the instance when opened and viewed in Definition.
Combined with an image that indicates it is a placeholder, we organize the information to help system integrators better understand that this is a faceplate instance with the following information.
Creating Faceplate instances has also become much easier. System integrators have the possibility of either use existing objects and find them in the object browser . Or as a new functionality auto create the objects based on the naming convention from the $$Objects.
In this case the system integrator can via dropdown within new faceplate properties to choose which objects need to be auto created. This will increase productivity time when working faceplates and help system integrators to be more efficient.
