SmartPlant Electrical (SPEL) by Hexagon (formerly Intergraph) is a widely adopted solution for electrical design and engineering across sectors like oil & gas, petrochemical, power, and shipbuilding. In the rapidly evolving industrial landscape, managing complex electrical systems in large projects demands precision, standardization, and efficient administration. While SPEL is powerful for electrical engineers, the unsung hero behind its seamless deployment, database configuration, user management, and integration is the SPEL Admin — the administrator responsible for the back-end setup and governance of the system.
This article by Multisoft Systems dives deep into the role, responsibilities, features, and technical aspects of being a SPEL Admin online training, providing a detailed roadmap for professionals aiming to master SmartPlant Electrical administration.
What is SmartPlant Electrical (SPEL)?
SmartPlant Electrical (SPEL) is a comprehensive, rules-based software tool designed for electrical design, engineering, and data management. It allows engineers to plan, design, and analyze electrical networks across the entire project lifecycle. It supports:
- Cable management
- Load calculations
- Panel design
- Intelligent schematics
- Interconnection data
- Integration with SmartPlant Instrumentation, Smart 3D, and other SmartPlant tools
But the successful implementation and configuration of SPEL for project and enterprise use is orchestrated by an Admin — someone who ensures that the tool aligns with project-specific requirements, user roles, and corporate standards.
Who is a SPEL Admin?
A SPEL Admin (SmartPlant Electrical Administrator) is responsible for:
- Setting up and maintaining SPEL environments
- Creating and managing reference projects
- Administering databases and customizing symbols, reports, and templates
- Managing user access and permissions
- Integrating SPEL with other SmartPlant tools and third-party software
- Ensuring compliance with industry and organizational standards
In essence, the Admin ensures that designers and engineers can work smoothly with SPEL without encountering roadblocks or misconfigured systems.
Key Responsibilities of a SPEL Admin
1. Installation and Configuration
- Installing SPEL software and ensuring prerequisites are in place (e.g., SQL Server, .NET, MS Access runtime)
- Configuring the SPEL database and data schema
- Setting up license management and configuration files
2. Reference Project Creation
- Creating and maintaining Reference Projects which act as templates for live projects
- Defining standard objects, wiring styles, report formats, symbols, and document types
- Setting unit systems, voltage levels, and default templates
3. User Management and Security
- Creating user roles (e.g., Designer, Checker, Reviewer, Admin)
- Assigning permissions for accessing and modifying parts of the project
- Implementing security protocols, backups, and audit trails
4. Customization and Symbol Management
- Modifying and creating custom symbols using the Symbol Editor
- Customizing electrical objects (e.g., breakers, cables, panels)
- Managing symbol libraries and ensuring version control
5. Report and Template Configuration
- Customizing report layouts and fields (BOQ, cable schedules, panel load lists)
- Using the Report Template Editor to meet client-specific documentation needs
6. Database Maintenance
- Performing regular database backups and restorations
- Archiving completed projects
- Migrating project databases across environments
7. Integration with Other Tools
- Integrating SPEL with SmartPlant Foundation, SmartPlant Instrumentation, and Smart 3D
- Handling data transfer using XML or custom scripts
- Facilitating CAD interfaces or third-party ERP integrations
Technical Environment and Architecture
The technical environment and architecture of SmartPlant Electrical (SPEL) form the foundation upon which the software operates and supports electrical design workflows. At its core, SPEL is a client-server-based application that relies heavily on a Microsoft SQL Server database to store and manage all project-related electrical data, including cables, panels, load schedules, and connections. The database ensures centralized data access, consistency, and scalability across multi-user environments. The client interface, SmartPlant Electrical, provides engineers and designers with the tools to create and modify electrical schematics, manage cable routing, and generate reports. The administration of symbols and graphical elements is handled through the integrated SmartSketch/Symbol Editor, which allows customization of electrical symbols and graphical libraries. The system also uses Microsoft Access (.mdb) files for storing catalog and symbol information, adding another layer of configuration for administrators. SPEL can be deployed in standalone mode for smaller teams or in an integrated environment alongside SmartPlant Foundation, SmartPlant Instrumentation, or Smart 3D to enable multidiscipline data sharing and coordination.
Additionally, SPEL supports XML-based data exchange and can interface with third-party applications and enterprise systems. For administrators, understanding this architecture is crucial to ensure seamless system performance, data integrity, and efficient troubleshooting across the lifecycle of a project.
SPEL Admin Workflow (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how a typical SPEL Admin operates during the setup and lifecycle of a project:
Step 1: Initial Setup
- Install SQL Server and configure the database
- Install SPEL software and apply license settings
- Create a Reference Project with default electrical configurations
Step 2: User and Access Setup
- Add new users and define access levels
- Create user groups based on project roles
- Ensure that project files and folders are accessible on shared drives
Step 3: Customization
- Configure units, voltage levels, drawing templates, cable types, etc.
- Use Symbol Editor to design or tweak electrical symbols
- Customize reports to align with client deliverables
Step 4: Project Creation
- Clone a new project from the Reference Project
- Verify project settings and assign team roles
- Set up backups and data validation mechanisms
Step 5: Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Monitor project health and database performance
- Troubleshoot user-reported issues (e.g., missing symbols, report errors)
- Coordinate with Hexagon support if advanced issues arise
Key Skills Required for a SPEL Admin
To effectively manage and administer SmartPlant Electrical (SPEL), an administrator must possess a combination of domain expertise, technical proficiency, and problem-solving ability. Below are the essential skill areas:
1. Electrical Engineering Knowledge
Understanding of electrical systems, load calculations, cable schedules, panel board layouts, and voltage classifications is fundamental. This helps in aligning SPEL configurations with actual project requirements.
2. Database Management
Proficiency in Microsoft SQL Server is essential, as SPEL stores all project and configuration data in SQL databases. Skills in database backup, restoration, schema configuration, and query handling are critical.
3. SPEL Configuration and Customization
Ability to create and manage reference projects, define project settings, modify preferences, and configure wiring styles, units, and templates as per organization or client standards.
4. Symbol and Report Customization
Hands-on experience with the SmartSketch Symbol Editor for creating and editing symbols. Knowledge of report template customization using SPEL’s built-in tools or external editors.
5. Software Installation and Troubleshooting
Familiarity with SPEL installation prerequisites, environment setup, license management, and resolving common system or user-level issues.
6. Integration and Scripting
Basic scripting knowledge (e.g., XML, VBA) is valuable for integrating SPEL with other engineering tools like SmartPlant Foundation or third-party ERP/PLM systems.
7. Project and User Management
Skills in setting up new projects from reference templates, managing multi-user access, assigning roles, and maintaining system security.
8. Communication and Documentation
Strong communication skills for coordinating with engineering teams, documenting configurations, creating SOPs, and providing user support or training.
9. Analytical and Troubleshooting Skills
Quick diagnosis and resolution of errors in symbols, wiring, reports, or database access ensures project continuity and system stability.
Together, these skills enable a SPEL Admin to maintain robust project environments, support designers, and ensure that SmartPlant Electrical delivers its full potential across engineering teams.
Challenges Faced by SPEL Admins
SPEL Admins face several challenges that require both technical expertise and proactive management. One common issue is maintaining data integrity during project migrations or database upgrades, which can lead to symbol mismatches or corrupted configurations. Customizing reports and templates to meet diverse client standards can also be time-consuming and error-prone. Integration with other tools like SmartPlant Foundation or third-party systems often presents compatibility issues. Additionally, managing user access, providing support, and ensuring team adherence to standardized workflows can be demanding in multi-user environments. Regular troubleshooting, staying updated with software patches, and maintaining backups are essential to mitigate these recurring challenges.
Industry Relevance of SPEL Admin Role
As global infrastructure and industrial projects become more digitized, the need for robust electrical data management tools is rising. The role of a SPEL Admin certification becomes increasingly strategic — enabling organizations to:
- Maintain compliance with electrical codes (NEC, IEC)
- Reduce rework through intelligent data reuse
- Improve project quality through template-driven standardization
- Collaborate across disciplines by integrating with Smart 3D, SPI, and SP Foundation
Industries currently relying heavily on SPEL Admins include:
- Oil & Gas (Offshore and Onshore)
- Power Generation (Thermal, Nuclear, Renewable)
- Petrochemical and Refineries
- Infrastructure & Utilities
- Marine and Shipbuilding
Conclusion
The SPEL Admin training is more than just a technical support function — it's a strategic enabler of project quality, standardization, and cross-discipline collaboration in electrical design. With rising complexity in modern infrastructure and energy projects, having a skilled SPEL Admin ensures that electrical engineering data remains organized, compliant, and easily accessible.
Professionals aiming to become SmartPlant Electrical Administrators should focus on deepening their knowledge in database management, project templates, symbol customization, and system integration. As the industry moves toward greater automation and digital twins, SPEL Admins will continue to play a pivotal role in driving efficient, error-free electrical design and documentation workflows. Enroll in Multisoft Systems now!