AVEVA Electrical User vs Admin: Understanding the Key Differences

As industrial plants and infrastructure projects grow in complexity, the need for robust electrical design and data management systems becomes more critical than ever. AVEVA Electrical, a powerful engineering software from AVEVA, empowers engineering teams to efficiently design, document, and manage electrical systems in process plants, power facilities, and large-scale manufacturing environments.

However, within the AVEVA Electrical ecosystem, there are distinct roles: the User and the Admin. Understanding the responsibilities, capabilities, and skill sets required for these roles is essential for effective project execution, smooth collaboration, and system integrity. In this blog by Multisoft Systems, we’ll explore the detailed differences between AVEVA Electrical (User) online training and AVEVA Electrical Admin online training, including their roles, tools, use cases, challenges, and industry significance.

Introduction to AVEVA Electrical

AVEVA Electrical is an integrated engineering and design application used for electrical system design, equipment modeling, schematic generation, and data-driven project management. It ensures consistency and reduces errors by centralizing all electrical data in a single, synchronized environment. Key features include:

• Intelligent single-line diagrams
• Cable routing and schedules
• Load lists and load balancing
• Panel and cabinet design
• Integration with AVEVA E3D and other engineering platforms

AVEVA Electrical supports the full electrical project lifecycle from concept to commissioning and maintenance.

Role of AVEVA Electrical (User)

1. Purpose and Functionality

An AVEVA Electrical User certification is primarily responsible for using the software to design, document, and maintain electrical systems based on project requirements. This role is mostly focused on day-to-day operations, such as schematic development, data entry, report generation, and modifications.

2. Key Responsibilities

• Creating and editing electrical diagrams (single-line, wiring)
• Managing circuit schematics and connection details
• Generating cable schedules, terminal plans, and equipment lists
• Updating layouts and tagging instruments
• Ensuring compliance with engineering standards
• Collaborating with piping and instrumentation teams

3. Tools and Access

Users typically operate within a restricted environment that allows design tasks but limits changes to global settings or databases. They access the project database to input or update data but cannot change configuration settings or user roles.

4. Required Skill Set

• Basic to intermediate understanding of electrical systems
• Knowledge of IEC/NEMA standards
• Proficiency in schematic design and interpretation
• Hands-on experience with CAD and plant design tools
• Ability to work with electrical datasheets and loop diagrams

Role of AVEVA Electrical Admin

1. Purpose and Functionality

An AVEVA Electrical Admin certification plays a more strategic and technical role. This person is responsible for setting up, configuring, and managing the AVEVA Electrical environment to ensure optimal performance, data integrity, and user access control.

2. Key Responsibilities

• Configuring project settings, user permissions, and workflows
• Defining templates, attributes, and design standards
• Managing central database and backups
• Troubleshooting and resolving system errors
• Integrating AVEVA Electrical with AVEVA E3D and other platforms
• Supporting users with onboarding and technical issues

3. Tools and Access

Admins have full access to the software’s backend, allowing them to customize the application, control access rights, manage libraries, and implement updates. They can alter schema, create automation scripts, and enforce project governance.

4. Required Skill Set

• Advanced understanding of electrical engineering principles
• Deep knowledge of AVEVA Electrical architecture
• Familiarity with database management (SQL)
• Expertise in user management and software configuration
• Ability to integrate with AVEVA NET, E3D, or SPEL

Comparison Table: AVEVA Electrical User vs Admin

Collaboration Between User and Admin Roles

Successful electrical project execution depends on smooth collaboration between users and admins. Admins create a reliable, standardized, and secure environment where users can execute their tasks with precision and consistency. Key points of collaboration include:

• Project Setup: Admins define parameters like naming conventions and templates that users adhere to while designing.
• Support and Training: Admins provide ongoing guidance and solve operational issues for users.
• Feedback Loop: Users report on usability challenges and inconsistencies, helping admins improve configurations.
• Data Integrity: Admins ensure that the data entered by users is stored correctly, backed up, and complies with regulatory standards.

Industry Use Cases

1. Oil & Gas

In upstream and downstream operations, AVEVA Electrical is used to design and document electrical layouts in hazardous environments. Users draft detailed electrical drawings for offshore platforms, while admins ensure safety standards and library compliance are enforced.

2. Power Plants

For conventional and renewable power plants, users design generator connections, cable trays, and switchgear layouts, whereas admins manage grid synchronization standards and integrate with SCADA and other control systems.

3. Manufacturing & FMCG

In large industrial plants, AVEVA Electrical users model production line electricals and panel boards, while admins configure automation libraries and handle large-scale change management.

4. Chemical & Process Industries

Users generate loop diagrams and junction box layouts; admins coordinate data sharing with instrumentation tools like AVEVA Instrumentation or SPI (SmartPlant Instrumentation).

Challenges Faced by Each Role

For Users:

• Software Complexity: AVEVA Electrical has a steep learning curve.
• Limited Access: Users often need admin intervention to fix minor configuration issues.
• Error Reporting: Without backend visibility, users might struggle to identify root causes of errors.

For Admins:

• Data Governance: Ensuring the accuracy and consistency of user-entered data is a continuous challenge.
• User Management: Balancing access privileges without compromising system integrity.
• System Upgrades: Coordinating software updates without disrupting ongoing design work.

Best Practices for Users and Admins

For Users:

• Regularly sync and save work to prevent data loss
• Follow standard naming conventions and design templates
• Communicate early when facing technical difficulties
• Participate in training sessions and stay updated on version changes

For Admins:

• Establish a clearly documented setup process for new projects
• Implement regular system audits and backups
• Provide help guides and FAQs for common user issues
• Create controlled environments for testing changes before live deployment

Training Recommendations

AVEVA Electrical User Training Covers:

• Introduction to AVEVA Electrical interface
• Creating electrical drawings and reports
• Working with cable schedules and wiring layouts
• Best practices in electrical design and tagging

AVEVA Electrical Admin Training Covers:

• Project database setup and configuration
• Managing roles, templates, and symbols
• Integration with external systems like AVEVA E3D
• Troubleshooting, upgrades, and support tasks

Both roles benefit from regular updates and advanced modules offered in structured training programs—whether through on-site corporate training or online certification platforms.

Conclusion

AVEVA Electrical User and Admin roles are both indispensable to the electrical design ecosystem. Users are the frontline executors of design and documentation, whereas Admins are the backbone, ensuring system stability, compliance, and customization. Their synergy ensures not only accurate engineering output but also the overall health of the design environment.

Whether you're a professional looking to specialize as an electrical designer or a systems administrator aiming to master engineering software environments, understanding both these roles is essential. Investing in appropriate training and fostering collaboration between these roles can dramatically increase efficiency, data integrity, and project success in electrical engineering workflows. Enroll in Multisoft Systems now!