EDMdeveloperSeat™

EDMdeveloperSeat' includes a database designed specifically for storing and manipulating data modeled and described in EXPRESS. Express Data Manager''s own interface to the database (EDMI) fully supports and significantly expands the scope of the Standard Data Access Interface (SDAI) for ISO 10303-Part 22.

Among other things, the EDMI includes powerful functions for database supervision and management, data queries, and user convenience. It also enables multi-user access for data sharing, allowing several processes or applications to have controlled access to the same data at the same time.

It is this unique combination of functionality, data access and data handling that enables you to harness the power of EDMdeveloperSeat' to meet your needs and suit your system.

• The EDMI can be used as a linkable library providing access to the express Data Manager database and all EDMdeveloperSeat' functions except those specific to EDM's own graphical interface (for example, the command language and history mechanism).
• A late binding concept for C, C++, VisualBasic and Java makes it possible for applications to handle all EXPRESS schemata and application data in the same way. Bindings are very flexible for making interfaces. (Other bindings are available upon request.)
• The SDAI repository (STEP level 3) can be implemented as a persistent database or made available in a volatile implementation so that the repository and data exist in memory for a limited time only. Either implementation enables you to read and write Part 21 files.
• Application data can be isolated from the application for long-term archiving.
• EDM's EXPRESS compiler makes it possible to validate any EXPRESS schema with respect to syntax and consistency, regardless of the source or system. It is also possible to store the results as a dictionary model in the SDAI without any loss of information and begin populating it immediately.
• While the EDMI enhances the functionality of the SDAI, it is totally compatible with the standard. This means an SDAI application can be run toward the EDM database without changing the source.
• An EXPRESS schema and data can be presented in HTML format, automatically creating links that make it easy to examine the source in a Web browser and correct errors (which can also be displayed in HTML format).
• EDM's in-depth help system includes complete, clear documentation of ISO 10303 and can easily be linked to your own development or application environment.

The Express Data Manager working environment

EDM's graphical interface is a shell for executable functions in the EDMdeveloperSeat'. In addition to serving as a supervisory tool for maintaining the EDM database, it provides quick and easy access to the EXPRESS compiler, the STEP handler for processing STEP physical files (containing data), and EDM options.

screen The graphical interface supports a command language which can be used to build and run scripts and a logging facility which automatically generates a script based on your actions. It also supports a history mechanism which is especially useful for debugging or troubleshooting.

When accessing the EXPRESS compiler from the EDM graphical interface, you can quickly toggle compilation options and conditions on or off according to your needs. In some cases, selecting one option automatically limits the other options available.

Whether you work in EDM's on-screen environment or your own, EDMdeveloperSeat' enables you to create a database or open an existing one, define an EXPRESS schema, create a model according to this schema, and populate it with data. The model data (or parts of it) can be transferred from one schema to another by going through an EXPRESS-X mapping schema which is part of the EDMmodelConverter' (available as an option).

In accordance with ISO 10303-Part 21, data can be imported to or exported from the EDM database in STEP physical-file format. The EDM EXPRESS compiler can be used to check any EXPRESS schema for correctness (with respect to rules, entity types, etc.) and produce a database schema in EDM so it can be populated with data. The EXPRESS compiler handles "short" form data models (one model may consist of several EXPRESS schemata) or "long" form which puts individual models together, even when the models are located on a number of files.

The EDMmodelChecker' (available as an option) validates a data set against the rules and constraints defined in the EXPRESS schema. This significantly improves the quality of the data that is exchanged and shared.

screen EDMdeveloperSeat' features a powerful mechanism for displaying an EXPRESS schema or Part 21 file in HTML format. This automatically represents the structure in a way that is easy to read. It also establishes links between objects and related objects (subtypes, attributes, functions, etc.) which make it easy to navigate through the source.

The EDM compiler produces error reports in HTML for easy review in a Web browser.

The HTML version of any EXPRESS information can be published on the World Wide Web.

EDM's extensive, user-friendly help system includes complete, clear documentation of ISO 10303. The help files can easily be linked to your own development or application environment. Options

The EDMdeveloperSeat is available as an executable application or as a linkable library and as a single-user or multi-user system. The multi-user version requires the EDMserver'.

EDMserver' is a client/server system supporting EDM's database and manipulation of EXPRESS schemata and product data. It complements, not replaces, your existing database, whether it resides on a main frame, UNIX or PC-based system. When the EDMserver' is part of your network, product data in the EDM database is universally available via the Internet.

The EDMserver' includes management functions for providing controlled, shared and concurrent access to the data. It enables the database administrator to protect both the database and data against unauthorized access. The standard granularity of protection is a data model but it is also possible to protect each object type and individual instances.

EDMvisualExpress' - a complete tool for creating and visualizing data models based on the EXPRESS graphical notation EXPRESS-G.

EDMmodelConverter' - uses EXPRESS-X to convert data from one EXPRESS schema to another. Includes an EXPRESS-X compiler.

EDMmodelChecker' - ensures that a data set conforms to all rules and constraints defined in the relevant EXPRESS and rules schemata.

Technical requirements

EDMdeveloperSeat' can currently be installed on any system supporting: Microsoft Windows and UNIX -  on request.

For more information contact EPM Technology.

EXPRESS Data Manager' products and functions