SPPID vs SPI: Tools for Process & Instrumentation

The Intergraph SmartPlant suite—developed by Hexagon—is a cornerstone in the engineering world, offering a powerful set of tools to help engineers design, maintain, and manage complex process systems. In modern industrial projects, precision, accuracy, and consistency in design and documentation are crucial for successful engineering execution. Two of the most commonly used tools within this suite are SmartPlant P&ID (SPPID) and SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI), formerly known as Intools.

Both tools play critical but distinct roles in the lifecycle of a process plant. While they belong to the same SmartPlant ecosystem, their functionalities, applications, and outputs differ significantly. This article explores the key differences, use cases, and complementary aspects of SPPID training vs SPI training, helping professionals understand when and how to use each tool effectively.

Overview of SmartPlant P&ID (SPPID)

SmartPlant P&ID (SPPID) is a rule-driven, data-centric solution used for creating intelligent Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs). It allows engineers and designers to create, modify, and manage schematic representations of process systems. These diagrams serve as a graphical representation of the physical sequence of equipment, piping, instrumentation, and control interlocks. Key Features of SPPID training:

• Intelligent Diagrams: Every object in SPPID—from pumps and valves to pipelines and instrumentation—is a data-rich entity. The tool allows for automatic tagging, metadata assignment, and real-time validation.
• Rule-Driven Design: Engineering rules ensure consistency and compliance with industry standards and project specifications.
• Data Connectivity: SPPID can be integrated with other SmartPlant applications, ensuring seamless data exchange across disciplines.
• Revision Control: Tracks and manages changes to ensure design integrity and alignment with project versions.
• Validation Tools: Built-in design validation tools check for errors such as duplicate tags, unconnected items, or incorrect line routing.

SPPID is especially useful during the front-end engineering design (FEED) phase and supports the early lifecycle development of process facilities.

Overview of SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI/Intools)

SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI), also known by its former name Intools, is a comprehensive solution for designing, documenting, and managing instrumentation systems. It focuses on the detailed engineering, specification, calibration, and lifecycle management of field instruments, control devices, and loops. Key Features of SPI training:

• Instrument Indexing: Allows engineers to create and manage an index of all instruments in the plant, along with detailed specifications.
• Loop Diagrams: Automatically generates detailed loop diagrams with wiring, terminals, and I/O assignments.
• Spec Sheets: Enables preparation of specification sheets for various instrument types, including transmitters, control valves, analyzers, and more.
• Calibration Management: SPI supports planning and documentation of calibration tasks for maintenance teams.
• Wiring and Cabling: Manages wiring details, connection points, marshaling, and cabinet layouts.
• Integration: Can integrate with control system vendors and databases for real-time synchronization.

SPI is primarily used during the detailed engineering, construction, and operational phases of a project.

Core Functional Differences Between SPPID and SPI

1. Scope of Use

• SPPID is used for schematic process design. It shows how equipment and piping are arranged and how control systems are integrated at a high level. It supports the design development and system layout.
• SPI deals with the detailed instrument design, wiring, and documentation required for implementation and maintenance of instrumentation systems.

2. Engineering Discipline Focus

• SPPID is more focused on process and piping engineers, providing a platform for developing P&IDs with intelligent tagging and relationships.
• SPI is used by instrumentation and control engineers, focusing on field device selection, loop design, cabling, and integration with control systems.

3. Level of Detail

• SPPID provides a macro-level representation of the process, showing key equipment, lines, and instruments, but not wiring or detailed device parameters.
• SPI dives deep into micro-level detail—instrument datasheets, wiring schematics, I/O channel mapping, and maintenance history.

4. Outputs and Deliverables

• SPPID Deliverables:
  • P&ID Drawings
  • Equipment and line lists
  • Instrument tags (for preliminary design)
  • Control logic representation (at a high level)
• SPI Deliverables:
  • Instrument Index
  • Loop Diagrams
  • Instrument Datasheets
  • Wiring and Terminal Strip Diagrams
  • Cable Schedules

5. Integration and Data Exchange

Both tools can be integrated into the broader SmartPlant Enterprise ecosystem. Typically, instrument tags created in SPPID can be transferred to SPI for further detailing. This interoperability ensures consistency across disciplines and prevents rework or data entry duplication.

Complementary Use: How SPPID and SPI Work Together

Though SPPID and SPI are fundamentally different tools, they work best when used in a coordinated and integrated manner.

• In the early design phase, the process engineering team uses SPPID to define the basic layout, process connections, and control points. Instruments are placed on the P&ID with preliminary tags and functions.
• As the project progresses to the detailed engineering phase, these instrument tags are exported to SPI. Instrumentation engineers then define detailed specifications, assign cables and terminals, and develop loop diagrams and calibration requirements.

This seamless workflow eliminates redundancy, increases data integrity, and enables concurrent engineering across teams.

Typical Workflow Scenario in a Project Environment

1. Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) Stage

• SPPID is used to create intelligent P&IDs.
• Equipment is identified, and control strategies are visually represented.
• Initial instrument tags are created for monitoring and control points.

2. Detailed Design Stage

• SPI takes over for instrument engineering.
• Tags from SPPID are imported into SPI.
• Engineers develop loop diagrams, assign wiring, and prepare spec sheets.

3. Procurement & Construction

• SPI data is used to generate procurement documentation.
• Device specifications are shared with vendors.
• Wiring and cabinet diagrams are issued to construction contractors.

4. Commissioning & Handover

• Calibration data is entered into SPI.
• SPI continues to manage as-built documentation and supports commissioning.
• SPPID may be used for walkthroughs and system verifications.

5. Operations & Maintenance

• SPI acts as a reference tool for calibrations, maintenance planning, and regulatory compliance.
• SPPID provides system overviews for plant operations and troubleshooting.

Benefits of Using SPPID and SPI Together

• Seamless flow of instrument data from conceptual to detailed design.
• Clear role definition between disciplines with shared data sources.
• Elimination of manual re-entry and mismatch between P&IDs and loop drawings.
• Automated deliverables and pre-defined templates speed up documentation processes.
• Both tools help maintain traceability, audit logs, and document control.

Comparison Table: SPPID vs SPI

Feature	SmartPlant P&ID (SPPID)	SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI/Intools)
Focus Area	Process design and schematic diagrams	Instrument design, specification, and wiring
User Profile	Process and piping engineers	Instrumentation and control engineers
Primary Output	P&ID drawings, equipment & line lists	Loop diagrams, datasheets, instrument index
Detail Level	High-level (functional and schematic)	Detailed (specs, wiring, calibration)
Data Handling	Tags, properties, relationships	Device specs, calibration data, I/O mapping
Integration	Upstream tool in design chain	Downstream tool, often using SPPID inputs
Use Phase	FEED and early design	Detailed design, procurement, and maintenance
Document Types	P&IDs, data sheets (initial)	Loop drawings, wiring diagrams, cable schedules
Lifecycle Usage	Early-stage conceptualization	Construction, operations, and maintenance

Training and Skillset Requirements

Professionals who work with either tool require specialized training. For SPPID certification, users should have a background in P&ID development, process design, and familiarity with plant operations. For SPI certification, a good understanding of instrumentation principles, loop design, and control systems is essential.

Training programs typically include:

• Navigation and interface overview
• Tagging and data properties
• Creating and editing diagrams
• Generating reports and outputs
• Integration workflows between SPPID and SPI
• Best practices for database management

Conclusion

While SmartPlant P&ID (SPPID) and SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI) serve different purposes in the plant lifecycle, they are both vital to the success of engineering and operations. SPPID enables early-stage process and piping visualization, while SPI supports detailed instrumentation and control systems engineering. Understanding the distinction—and how the two tools complement each other—is crucial for project managers, design engineers, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) professionals. When integrated effectively, SPPID and SPI not only improve design accuracy but also streamline the workflow, reduce rework, and ensure better project outcomes.

For organizations looking to scale engineering efficiency, investing in both tools—and training their teams accordingly—can significantly enhance productivity, data integrity, and long-term maintenance support. Enroll in Multisoft Systems now!