> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.auxalia.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.auxalia.com/plant-tools/plantdatamanager.md).

# PlantDataManager

PlantDataManager is an application for editing the data created by using AutoCAD Plant 3D.

The following picture shows the general workflow of PlantDataManager describing the steps of the typical use.

1.Reading project data\
You start PlantDataManager and open the project.\
This reads the data from the P\&ID or 3D database (ProcessPower.dcf or Piping.dcf)

2.Saving changes to drawing objects (Placed Objects)\
After editing the project data in PlantDataManager your changes will be written into the PDMDataCache database.\
The file name is made out of PDMDataCache and your Windows user name (e.g. PDMDataCache\_steve.miller.dcf).

3.Saving changes related to Not-Placed Objects (NPOs) and Relationships\
When creating, deleting, modifying NPOs these changes will be written into the NPO\_\[DWGGuid].xml. The same applies to creating or deleting relationships between objects independent if they are NPOs or Placed Objects.

4.Importing changes from PDMDataCache into PlantDataManager Plugin\
When you open the project or drawing in AutoCAD Plant 3D you will be notified about pending changes.\
You review the changes and import them.

5.Importing changes from NPO\*.xml into the drawings\
When you open the project in AutoCAD Plant 3D you will be notified about pending changes.\
When opening a drawing the changes will be imported automatically.

6.Accepting changes\
After reviewing the changes you accept or reject the changes.\
The accepted changes find their way into the Plant 3D objects (LineGroups, LineSegments and Symbols).\
The changes will be deleted from the PDMDataCache

7.Saving Drawing\
When saving the drawing the accepted changes will be stored in the ProcessPower.dcf or Piping.dcf.

![](/files/HJBjhl9d4GgeiKmRb0mB)

Table of Content:

* [How to use Videos](/plant-tools/plantdatamanager/how-to-use-videos.md)
* [Settings](https://github.com/auxalia-GmbH/ax-end-user-doc/blob/master/docs/Plant-Tools/en/plantdatamanager/pdmandplugin_setup.md)
* [How to use](/plant-tools/plantdatamanager/how-to-use.md)
* [Collaboration Workflows](/plant-tools/plantdatamanager/collaboration-workflows.md)
* [Release Notes](/plant-tools/plantdatamanager/release-notes.md)