SmartPlant Electrical (SPEL) has emerged as a critical software solution for creating, maintaining, and optimizing electrical designs in complex projects in the evolving landscape of industrial design and electrical engineering. Developed by Hexagon PPM, SPEL supports engineering teams in streamlining electrical design processes while ensuring data integrity, safety compliance, and integration with other engineering disciplines.
This article by Multisoft Systems explores the SPEL (User) online training role—what it entails, what skills are required, how the user interacts with the platform, and its practical impact across industries. Whether you're an aspiring electrical designer or an organization considering SPEL implementation, understanding the user role is fundamental.
What is SmartPlant Electrical (SPEL)?
SmartPlant Electrical is an advanced electrical design and data management tool used for planning, designing, analyzing, and documenting electrical systems in industrial projects. It is a part of Hexagon’s SmartPlant suite and is widely used in industries such as oil & gas, power generation, petrochemicals, mining, and pharmaceuticals.
SPEL helps engineers manage electrical loads, create single-line diagrams, define cable schedules, manage power distribution systems, and integrate seamlessly with other software like SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI) and Smart 3D.
Who is a SPEL (User)?
A SPEL (User) is typically an electrical design engineer or technician who operates within the SmartPlant Electrical environment to create and update project-specific data and designs. While administrators handle the setup and configuration, the SPEL User engages in daily design and documentation tasks, directly influencing the electrical scope of engineering projects.
Core Responsibilities of a SPEL (User)
1. Electrical Design and Documentation
Users are responsible for drafting and editing:
- Single-line diagrams
- Wiring schematics
- Panel and circuit designs
- Terminal and junction box diagrams
SPEL automates many of these drawings by using intelligent data, which reduces manual errors and ensures consistency.
2. Load Management
Users manage the load data, assign loads to equipment, and ensure that circuits are appropriately designed for the electrical demand. This includes:
- Creating and editing load lists
- Load balancing across distribution panels
- Monitoring real-time updates to the electrical system model
3. Cable Routing and Scheduling
SPEL Users generate:
- Cable block diagrams
- Cable schedules
- Cable termination details
These outputs are crucial for on-site installation and testing.
4. Data Entry and Updates
Users input and maintain technical specifications related to equipment, transformers, circuit breakers, cables, and other electrical components. They ensure data is current, accurate, and aligned with engineering standards.
5. Report Generation
Using SPEL’s built-in tools, users generate comprehensive reports, such as:
- Equipment lists
- Cable and wire lists
- Panel schedules
- Load summaries
Key Features Available to SPEL Users
SmartPlant Electrical provides a wide range of user-accessible functionalities designed to simplify and accelerate electrical engineering work:
a) Smart Data Management
- Centralized project data eliminates duplication and improves version control.
- Changes in one part of the project (e.g., load specs) automatically update related documents.
b) Rule-Based Design
- Design rules and validations help ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Users receive real-time warnings about data inconsistencies or capacity overloads.
c) Intelligent Design Objects
- Equipment, panels, and cables are treated as intelligent objects with embedded properties and behavior rules.
- Interconnected items update together when changes are made.
d) Auto-Generation of Drawings
- Based on user inputs and templates, drawings are automatically generated to reduce design time and human error.
e) Cross-Discipline Integration
- SPEL shares data with SPI (SmartPlant Instrumentation), S3D (Smart 3D), and other platforms to enable collaborative design environments.
Skills and Knowledge Required for SPEL (User)
To be effective in this role, a SPEL User should possess both domain knowledge and software proficiency.
Technical Skills:
- Electrical engineering fundamentals (power distribution, circuits, loads, etc.)
- Understanding of design standards (e.g., IEC, NEC, ANSI)
- Reading and creating electrical schematics and loop diagrams
- Cable sizing and routing best practices
- Panel design and equipment layout
Software Skills:
- Proficiency in SmartPlant Electrical interface and modules
- Ability to manage project data and run consistency checks
- Generating and interpreting automated reports and schedules
- Basic understanding of integrated systems like SPI or Smart 3D
Typical Workflow of a SPEL (User)
- Project Setup (by Admin)
- The environment is prepared by the admin, including project templates, user access, and default libraries.
- User Login & Selection
- Users log into the SPEL environment, choose their project, and begin work on designated modules.
- Design Work
- Users input data for loads, equipment, and wiring.
- Diagrams and layouts are auto-generated or manually adjusted.
- Validation
- Users perform error checks and run design validations to ensure accuracy and rule compliance.
- Reporting and Export
- Reports are generated and shared with project leads, field engineers, or other teams.
- Data Sync and Update
- All changes are saved to the central database, ensuring live data updates across departments.
Industry Applications of SPEL (User Role)
The SPEL (User) role finds significant application across various industries where complex electrical systems are integral to operations. In the oil and gas sector, SPEL users design and document electrical systems for hazardous areas, motor control centers, and emergency power supplies, ensuring compliance with safety regulations. In power generation, users develop and maintain detailed electrical layouts, load schedules, and switchgear configurations to support uninterrupted power flow. The petrochemical industry relies on SPEL users to manage extensive cable schedules and panel arrangements that power automated process systems. In pharmaceuticals, where precision and regulatory compliance are paramount, SPEL users design redundant and validated electrical systems for cleanroom operations and sensitive equipment. Manufacturing and FMCG sectors benefit from SPEL users’ ability to create scalable and standardized designs for production lines and packaging units. Across all these sectors, SPEL users training play a vital role in maintaining design accuracy, ensuring data consistency, and enabling cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Challenges Faced by SPEL Users
SPEL users, despite benefiting from the platform’s advanced features, face several challenges during day-to-day operations. One of the primary difficulties is the complex and feature-rich interface, which can overwhelm new users and slow productivity without proper training. Integration issues with other SmartPlant tools like SPI or Smart 3D can also lead to data inconsistency or errors in project synchronization. Users often operate within restricted access limits, making them dependent on administrators for tasks like modifying libraries, adjusting configuration settings, or troubleshooting system-level errors. Additionally, the accuracy of deliverables such as reports and schematics heavily depends on precise data entry—any minor mistake can cascade into major design flaws. Lastly, evolving project requirements and engineering standards demand continuous learning, which may be challenging without regular training or support. Key Challenges Faced by SPEL Users:
- Steep learning curve due to the complex user interface
- Limited system access leading to admin dependency
- Risk of design errors from incorrect or inconsistent data entry
Best Practices for SPEL (Users)
- Always work on the latest revision of the project files.
- Use predefined templates and libraries to maintain consistency.
- Validate designs regularly using built-in error checking tools.
- Collaborate closely with Admins when facing configuration or access-related issues.
- Attend refresher training sessions to stay updated on new features and functionalities.
Importance of Training for SPEL Users
Due to the technical complexity and the high-stakes nature of industrial electrical design, training for SPEL users is vital. Certified training programs help users:
- Navigate the interface confidently
- Avoid common design and data entry errors
- Leverage automation and reporting capabilities effectively
- Integrate SPEL with other software tools
- Adhere to international standards and codes
Such training typically covers:
- SPEL environment and navigation
- Data entry and schematic generation
- Load balancing and panel design
- Report generation and troubleshooting
Future Outlook for SPEL Users
The demand for SmartPlant Electrical users is expected to grow as industries push for greater efficiency and digitization in plant engineering. With increasing reliance on digital twins, intelligent systems, and integrated design environments, SPEL Users will play a crucial role in ensuring data-rich, error-free designs that enable predictive maintenance and faster commissioning.
Moreover, as organizations move toward Industry 4.0 and intelligent asset management, the SPEL user's role will evolve to include responsibilities in data analytics, asset lifecycle planning, and cross-platform collaboration.
Conclusion
The SPEL (User) certification course is the engine that drives project-specific electrical design within SmartPlant Electrical. By mastering the platform, understanding electrical design principles, and ensuring meticulous data entry, users contribute directly to project safety, reliability, and efficiency. While they may not configure the environment like Admins, their operational role is indispensable in bringing projects to life.
Whether in oil rigs, nuclear plants, or smart manufacturing units, the skills and diligence of SPEL Users ensure that power flows where it’s needed—safely, efficiently, and intelligently. Enroll in Multisoft Systems now!