The new version of Smap3D Plant Design 2026 makes everyday engineering work noticeably easier: for the first time, process steps can be managed directly in the P&ID, piping data flows automatically into production, and proven tools such as the pipe spec editor have been further developed in a targeted manner.
P&ID
Smap3D Plant Design 2026 adds a new function for managing process steps (diagram stages) to Smap3D P&ID. This allows process steps to be defined and displayed directly within an existing P&ID drawing sheet. The big advantage is that process steps can be maintained consistently and centrally. If the process changes, newly added components are automatically assigned to all defined steps. This ensures that the overall process remains traceable and consistent at all times.
This function opens up new possibilities, especially for non-continuous processes. For example, flow studies for CIP (cleaning in place) processes can be mapped directly in Smap3D P&ID. This is much more convenient than creating multiple copies of a flow chart, manually adjusting them, or coloring them in, as was previously the case.
Smap3D PIPEFAB Connect
- New output option PIPEFAB server: A new feature is the direct output of piping data to the Smap3D PIPEFAB server via a REST API. This means that data can now be transferred fully automatically to the Smap3D PIPEFAB MES system – without the previous intermediate step via the file system. This completely eliminates the need for manual creation and transfer of PCF files. It ensures a continuous, automated data flow from planning to fabrication.
- New product “Smap3D PCF to PIPEFAB Connect Converter”: This paid add-on module is aimed at users who do not use a 3D CAD system supported by Smap3D Plant Design with Smap3D Piping, but still want to automatically transfer their piping manufacturing data to Smap3D PIPEFAB. The new module allows PCF files from other authoring systems to be imported, format deviations to be corrected, and thus the import quality in Smap3D PIPEFAB to be significantly improved.
Pipe Specification Editor
The Pipe Specification Editor, newly introduced in the last version, has been further optimized in Smap3D Plant Design 2026. The most important improvements include:
- Undo/redo functions that enable significantly more flexible working
- An enhanced preview that now also displays non-generated components
- User-specific content columns that are saved directly in the pipe spec file
Modern user interface
The redesign of the pipe spec editor began with version 2025 through the use of modern user interface controls. This approach was consistently continued in Smap3D Plant Design 2026 by modernizing the user interface of other applications.
For users, these changes are mainly visible in dialogs that have been graphically updated. Predefined color schemes and designs can now be customized for each user via the corresponding menus or buttons in these applications.
Find out more details about all the new functions of Smap3D Plant Design 2026 here.
If you have an active maintenance contract for Smap3D Plant Design, you will receive an email with a link to download the new version. Are you not yet a Smap3D customer? Then feel free to contact our Sales Managers and experience firsthand the advantages of Smap3D Plant Design!