Glossary

4 Glasses Model

A conceptual framework for understanding how AseptSoft resolves TAGs, described in the First Time Setup. Four levels of increasing specificity: Glass 1 (General Tag Rule — environment-level), Glass 2 (PID Snapshot — per-PID copy of Glass 1), Glass 3 (Dynamic TAG Info — per-object translation), Glass 4 (Actual TAG — the resolved TAG value like "XM-4091"). Glass 1 is what you configure during setup; Glasses 2-4 are computed automatically each time AseptSoft opens a PID

Acquisition Source

The configuration section in the Classification Window where TAG segments are defined. Each segment specifies a content source (manually written text, block property acquisition, advanced block property acquisition, regex text retrieval, or special properties) that together build the complete TAG

Advanced Block Property Acquisition

A TAG segment content source that reads a property value from a nearby block rather than from the classified block itself. You specify the block type (e.g., "TAG") and the property name (e.g., "SEG1"). Commonly used for valves whose TAGs are separate blocks on the P&ID. See First Time Setup

Aggregation

In the Algorithm (Conditions) Export, columns that automatically extract and summarize all references (instruments, parameters, variables, dialogs, controls) used within a condition — providing a quick overview of what each condition depends on

Algorithm

A sequence of Conditions attached to a Step, defining the transition logic — when and how the process moves from one step to the next. See Algorithm Design

Algorithm Frame

A P&ID component that displays the details of the currently active condition (type, description, condition expression, transitions) directly on the drawing. Inserted via Data → Headers and Notes → Algorithm Frame in the Module Ribbon. See Algorithm Design

Algorithm Tracker

A read-only P&ID text component that tracks and displays a single condition field value from the active condition. See Algorithm Tracker

Allow

A Fluid Response where fluid passes through an Engineering Item unchanged

Always Block

A Fluid Behaviour where the block always blocks fluid propagation regardless of its state. Even if a valve is set to "open", fluid stops here. See P&ID Components Classification

Area Marker

A classification behaviour that defines area zones on the PID. Each Area Marker instance marks a region, and components within that region inherit the area designation. Areas can be referenced in TAG segments using the special property token $$area(g)$$. See P&ID Components Classification

Attachment Point

A location defined in the Symbol Editor's Internal Fluid Map where a symbol connects to external pipes. AseptSoft auto-detects these as grey dots based on pipeline connections; additional points can be added manually. Used by the Symbol Attachment Points mapper

Auto-Explode

A classification behaviour that automatically explodes all block references of a class into individual unconnected lines every time AseptSoft opens. Used for nested blocks that need to expose their internal geometry for correct mapping. See P&ID Components Classification

Auto-Group

A classification behaviour that automatically groups block references using token-matched values. Grouped objects share fluid flow — commonly used for teleport flags when fluid should "jump" between locations on the PID. See P&ID Components Classification

Auto-TAG Generation

The automatic creation of default TAG values when AseptSoft cannot find a TAG using the configured rules. Supports fixed values or auto-incremented patterns (e.g., R00100, R00101, R00102...) with configurable prefix, minimum digits, regex constraints, and "must be higher than all existing tags" option. See First Time Setup

AutoSave

AseptSoft's automatic save feature that periodically saves your work. See AutoSave

Block Property Acquisition

A TAG segment content source that reads a property (attribute) from inside the classified block itself. Commonly used for instruments where the TAG is stored as an internal block attribute. See First Time Setup

Block Reference

An AutoCAD entity that is an instance of a block definition — a reusable collection of geometry (lines, arcs, etc.). Valves, instruments, and other P&ID symbols must be block references for AseptSoft to classify them. If objects are just independent lines, use IntelliBlocks to convert them

Block Valve

A complex Engineering Item composed of multiple control modules connected by an internal flow graph. Configured in the Symbol Editor where each internal valve becomes independently controllable. See Block Valve

Branch

In Version Control, an independent line of development that can be merged back

Bypass (Edge)

A property on an edge in the Symbol Editor's Internal Fluid Map. When enabled, fluid flows through the edge even when the object's state is "Closed" — used for bypass circuits within a symbol

CIP (Clean-In-Place)

A method of cleaning the interior surfaces of pipes, vessels, and equipment without disassembly. A key validation target in pharmaceutical manufacturing

Classification

The process of teaching AseptSoft which block definitions represent which types of components in your P&ID drawings. Performed during First Time Setup and configured through the Classification Window. See P&ID Components Classification

Classification Window

The main user interface for defining and editing class definitions. Shows block definition names found in the current environment with dropdowns for class selection, included classes, behaviour, and fluid modes, plus TAG Localisation configuration. Also called the "Unified Classification Window". See P&ID Components Classification

Class Grouping

The mechanism for organizing multiple block definition names under a single classification rule. Manually included classes appear red, regex-included classes appear orange. Managed through the Classification Window's Included Classes dropdown or the dedicated Class Grouping window. See First Time Setup

Clamp

See Sticky — a Fluid Behaviour where a P&ID symbol connects to everything that physically touches it. The UI label is "Sticky"

Clear Cache

A ribbon command that rebuilds the Fluidstream connectivity graph from scratch

Commit

In Version Control, a saved snapshot of your project changes. See Commits and Branches

Condition

An atomic decision point within an Algorithm. Defines what must be true (or what action to perform) at a given point in a step. Each condition has a Type, Description, and other fields depending on the type. See Algorithm Design

Condition Builder

A guided, click-based interface for constructing formal condition expressions (e.g., PIT_01 >= MaxPressure) without manually typing formulas. See Build Condition Field

Condition Type

The classification of a condition that determines its behavior. AseptSoft supports 7 types based on IEC 61131-3: Transition, Continuous Action, Cont. Action + Condition, Stored on Activation, Stored on Deactivation, Stored on Event, and Custom. See Algorithm Design

Connection Point

A specific location on a P&ID symbol where fluid can enter or exit. Can be original (blue), custom (green), or removed (red) when using the AseptSoft Connector command

Connector

A child element of an Engineering Item that routes fluid through specific paths using Output Pairs. See Connectors

Connectivity Graph

The internal data structure that AseptSoft builds to represent which P&ID entities are connected. Built by the Mapping Strategies

Continuous Action

A Condition Type where an action executes continuously while the step is active — every scan cycle for the duration of the step

Control Module

(ISA-88) A collection of sensors, actuators, and other control equipment that carries out basic control actions. In AseptSoft, individual controllable sub-components within a Block Valve or complex symbol, configured in the Symbol Editor. Each control module can have effects, CAD associations, and TAG patterns

Cover Pages

In the PDF export, optional PDF files that can be prepended (prefix) or appended (suffix) to the exported output — useful for title pages, tables of contents, or signature pages

Cumulative Export

The default export behavior where re-exporting to an existing file updates only the data while preserving custom formatting, notes, charts, and other user modifications. See Export / Import

Dangling Condition

A condition in the SFC Editor that has no transition target assigned yet. Displayed as a list on the parent step node to indicate incomplete configuration

Deny

A Fluid Response where fluid is completely blocked at an Engineering Item

Dialog

A user-configurable operator interaction template that prompts for input — confirmations, numeric entries, button selections, etc. Used in the Prompt field of Conditions. See Dialog

Dialog Editor

A visual editor for designing Dialog layouts with a live preview. Supports Button, CheckBox, RadioButton, TextInput, NumericInput, and FloatInput controls

Dominant Column

In the Excel Tabular Export engine, the special column whose values uniquely identify each row (e.g., "Tag" or "Name"). Used for row matching during cumulative updates

Dynamic Block

An AutoCAD block with parameterized geometry — parts that can be moved, rotated, or stretched via grip points without changing the block type. The Symbol Editor supports dynamic blocks via the "Chase Dynamic CAD Part" feature, which links nodes to dynamic parts so they follow the geometry's movement

Effect (Symbol Editor)

A trigger-condition-action chain defined on a Control Module in the Symbol Editor. Used to automate behavior such as mutual exclusivity in divert valves (e.g., opening one valve automatically closes another)

Engineering Item

A P&ID component (valve, pump, instrument, tank, etc.) that interacts with fluid flow. See Engineering Item

Environment

The collection of settings, classifications, and rules that define how AseptSoft processes your P&IDs. Corresponds to Glass 1 in the 4 Glasses Model. Stored as a portable .aseptenv file. Includes mapper tolerances, layer settings, and object classifications

Equipment Module

(ISA-88) A functional group of control modules and/or other equipment that carries out a finite number of specific minor processing activities. In AseptSoft, see Equipment Module

FAT (Factory Acceptance Test)

A formal test procedure conducted at the equipment manufacturer's site to verify that a system meets design specifications before shipment. The Tabular export valve status matrix is commonly used as FAT documentation

FDS (Functional Design Specification)

A document describing the functional requirements and design of an automated system. AseptSoft can export your entire FDS to Excel or PDF with a single click. See Export / Import

First Time Setup

The initial configuration process where P&ID objects are classified and TAG recognition rules are established. Focuses on the 4 Glasses Model and the Classification Window. See First Time Setup

Fluid

A substance type defined in AseptSoft with a name and display color. Assigned to Sources and used for visual overlay in simulations. See Fluid

Fluid Behaviour

A classification setting that controls how a block interacts with the fluidstream simulation. Options include: Sticky, Refuses Sticky Connection, Fully Ignored, Always Block, Pointed at from Far, Tank-like, Very Reactive, Immune to Reactive Blocks, and others. See P&ID Components Classification

Fluid Coloring

The visual coloring of P&ID symbols when fluid passes through them. Configurable globally via the AseptSoft Settings Fluid Color Blocks command and per-symbol in the Symbol Editor with a three-state override (force colored, force uncolored, or use default)

Fluid Map

See Neighbours Map

Fluid Response

The behaviour of an Engineering Item when fluid arrives — Allow, Deny, Unknown, Change Into, or Generate. Determined by the active State

Fluid Response Symbols

In the Tabular export, customizable shorthand symbols replacing full state names: x (open/allow), - (closed/deny), 0 (generate), 1 (transform), ? (unknown)

Fluid Stream / Fluidstream

AseptSoft's simulation that visualizes fluid flow paths on P&ID drawings. See Fluidstream Simulations

Forbidden Layer

An AutoCAD layer excluded from the Fluidstream mapping — entities on this layer do not participate in fluid simulation

Fully Ignored

A Fluid Behaviour where AseptSoft completely ignores the block for fluid flow. Fluid passes through as if it were not there, even when the block has states like "closed". See P&ID Components Classification

GAMP 5

Good Automated Manufacturing Practice, 5th edition. An industry guideline for validation of computerized systems in pharmaceutical manufacturing

Gap

A block classification for P&ID symbols that represent visual breaks in pipe lines. Gap blocks allow the Line Gap Bridging mapper to bridge across them

Generate

A Fluid Response where an Engineering Item becomes a fluid source, outputting a specified fluid in all directions. Typically used for filled tanks

GRAFCET

Graphe Fonctionnel de Commande, Etapes/Transitions — a graphical language for modeling sequential control systems, standardized in IEC 61131-3. In AseptSoft, the SFC Editor uses the GRAFCET visual notation to represent process step sequences and transitions

Groups & Rules

A feature in the Symbol Editor for defining fluid type filtering on nodes — e.g., allowing only gas through specific paths, or restricting flow direction. Uses a condition language with operators like IsGas, ToInside, ToOutside

Highlighter

In the Standard export, color-coding options applied to exported engineering items: Open (green for open/flowing valves), Changing (orange for state changes between steps), or Active State (colors matching the P&ID appearance). See Export Processes to Excel - Standard

Highly Reactive

See Very Reactive — a Fluid Behaviour where a P&ID symbol uses a padded bounding box to aggressively connect to any nearby entity

Hungarian Algorithm

An optimization algorithm used by AseptSoft during TAG resolution to find the optimal assignment of text entities to TAG segments when multiple blocks compete for the same text. Minimizes total distance while respecting layer filters and distance constraints. See P&ID Components Classification

IEC 61131-3

International standard for programmable controller programming languages. Defines the Sequential Function Chart (SFC) notation used in the SFC Editor (GRAFCET) for modeling sequential control logic

Immune to Reactive Blocks

A Fluid Behaviour that prevents a block from being captured by Very Reactive blocks

IntelliBlocks

An AseptSoft-integrated tool that scans all P&ID drawings and automatically creates block references from line-based geometry. Required when P&ID objects are drawn as independent lines rather than blocks. Processes all PIDs at once. See First Time Setup

Internal Fluid Map

A graph of nodes and edges defined inside a symbol via the Symbol Editor. Defines how fluid flows within a complex symbol. Edges can be bidirectional or one-way, and can be marked as bypass

Internal Hub Point

A node type in the Symbol Editor that acts as an internal routing junction where fluid paths can split, merge, or be filtered by rules (e.g., allowing WFI but refusing Nitrogen). Not connectable from outside the symbol

IQ/OQ (Installation/Operational Qualification)

Formal verification procedures in pharmaceutical manufacturing. IQ verifies equipment is installed correctly; OQ verifies it operates according to specifications. The PDF export is commonly used for IQ/OQ annex documentation

ISA-88

International standard for batch control in manufacturing. Defines a hierarchical model: Enterprise → Site → Area → Process Cell → Unit → Equipment Module → Control Module

ISA-95

International standard for integration of enterprise and control systems. Defines models for information exchange between business and manufacturing systems

Jump

In the SFC Editor, a visual shortcut (also called Teleport or Link) that connects distant steps without drawing a continuous line. Consists of a matched pair of entry and exit nodes with a shared identifier. See also Teleport

Layer

An AutoCAD concept — a virtual space on which shapes and pipes are placed. The Fluidstream simulation is layer-sensitive; layers can be set to Forbidden, Uncoloured, or Closed

Layout Persistence

The export behavior where AseptSoft preserves custom table formatting (colors, column widths, cell styles) across re-exports. Customize the layout once and it is reused for all subsequent exports. See Export / Import

Line Gap Bridging

A mapping strategy that reconnects co-linear pipe segments separated by visual gaps

Mapper

A geometric rule that AseptSoft uses to discover connections between P&ID entities. AseptSoft has 11 mappers. See Fluidstream Mapping Strategies

Module

An AseptSoft project unit that contains all data for a set of related P&IDs — processes, steps, parameters, variables, equipment modules, and more. See P&IDs and Modules

Neighbours Map

A diagnostic visualization (also called Fluid Map) that shows all discovered connections between P&ID entities. Displays blue connection lines, green/yellow mapper labels, and red endpoint labels. Accessed via Show Neighbours Map on the Module Ribbon

No-Connect Area

A region defined in the Symbol Editor that explicitly prevents connections at nodes within its boundary. Attachment points in the No-Connect Area override rectangles — even if a rectangle covers the point, fluid is blocked

Non-Touching

A Fluid Behaviour for P&ID symbols (like certain instruments) that sit in a gap between pipe segments without physically touching them. Connects through the Line Breaker mapper with a configurable maximum distance

Output Pairs

A configuration on Connectors that defines which other Connectors on the same Engineering Item can receive forwarded fluid

P&ID

Piping and Instrumentation Diagram — a detailed drawing showing piping, equipment, instrumentation, and control devices in a process system

Parallel Fork

In the SFC Editor, a pattern where a single condition branches to multiple target steps that activate simultaneously. Displayed as a diamond/junction vertex

Parallel Merge

In the SFC Editor, a pattern where multiple transitions from different source steps converge on the same target step. The target activates only when all incoming conditions are satisfied

Parameter

A named data value associated with a module. See Parameter

Phenomenon Acquisition

The classification configuration that tells AseptSoft how to identify an Instrument's measurement type (Pressure, Temperature, Flow, Level, etc.). Configured in the Classification Window using the same content sources as TAG segments. See First Time Setup

Pipe Crossing Break

A Fluid Behaviour for symbols representing two pipes crossing over each other without connecting. The Line Gap Bridging mapper handles these specially

Pointed at from Far

A Fluid Behaviour where, if the open end of a pipe line points towards the block from a distance (without physically touching), AseptSoft creates a connection. Used for sources or objects drawn disconnected from the pipe network. See P&ID Components Classification

Print Tokens Matches

A verification command that draws small blue lines between each classified object and its matched TAG on the P&ID. Used after classification setup to visually confirm that objects are correctly connected to their TAGs. See First Time Setup

Process

A sequence of Steps that defines a manufacturing procedure. Also referred to as a "Recipe" in ISA-88 terminology. See Process Design

Prompt

A field in a Condition that displays information or collects input from the operator during production. Can contain plain text or reference a Dialog

Q-Select (Quick Select)

An AutoCAD command that selects entities by property (layer, type, color, etc.). Useful for checking which entities are on a given layer before disabling it

Reactive Distance

The configurable padding distance for Very Reactive blocks. Determines how far beyond the block's bounding box connections are detected

Reimport

The ability to import a previously exported Excel file back into AseptSoft to update P&ID data. Supported by Tabular, Algorithm, Equipment Module, and Parameter/Variable exports. Shows a preview window before applying changes

Review Session

A collaborative review workflow for validating module data. See Review Sessions

SFC (Sequential Function Chart)

A graphical programming language defined in IEC 61131-3 for modeling sequential control logic. In AseptSoft, the SFC Editor (GRAFCET) provides a visual representation of steps and transitions. See also GRAFCET

SIP (Steam-In-Place)

A method of sterilizing process equipment using steam without disassembly. Similar to CIP but for sterilization rather than cleaning

Source

A P&ID component that originates fluid flow. Classified as Fluid Source (static, always generating one substance) or as a Control element with the Source control type (dynamic, can switch fluids). See Sources

State

A named condition of an Engineering Item (e.g., Open, Closed, Generating) that determines its Fluid Response. See State

Static Geometry Group

A node type in the Symbol Editor that groups CAD entities as a visual unit. When fluid passes through a static geometry group, the associated lines are colored to show the flow path. Unlike Control Modules, these have no controllable behavior — they are purely for visual fluid flow feedback

Step

A discrete phase within a Process where specific valve states and equipment configurations are active. Also referred to as a "Phase" in ISA-88 terminology. Each step has an Algorithm that defines transition logic

Sticky

A Fluid Behaviour where the block connects to everything that physically touches it — like a fly trap. Any line or object in contact will connect and allow fluid flow. Also historically called "Clamp" in some contexts. In the Symbol Editor, individual CAD parts can be made sticky via "Modify CAD Shapes Behaviour". See P&ID Components Classification

Stored on Activation

A Condition Type that fires once when the step first becomes active. Used for one-shot initialization tasks

Stored on Deactivation

A Condition Type that fires once right before the step becomes inactive. Used for cleanup or finalization tasks

Stored on Event

A Condition Type that fires when a specific event (condition becomes true) occurs during the step

Success Transition

A field in a Transition condition that specifies which step to go to when the condition is met

Symbol Editor

AseptSoft's graph-based visual tool for defining how block symbols are interpreted — mapping attachment points, fluid flow paths, control modules, and off-page connectors. The last step of the First Time Setup. See Symbol Editor

Symbol Geometry

A matched CAD block definition in the Symbol Editor. When a style applies to multiple symbol names, each matched block appears as a separate geometry that can be previewed and configured. Listed under "Geometries used in symbol preview"

Symbol Style

A reusable definition of a symbol's fluid flow topology, created in the Symbol Editor. Contains nodes, edges, groups, rules, and CAD matching settings. Each style can apply to one or more symbol names or class groups

Tabular Export

An Excel export type that produces a valve status matrix with engineering items as rows and steps as columns. Supports four export modes and is reimportable. See Export Processes to Excel - Tabular

TAG Localisation

The set of rules that control how AseptSoft finds the TAG for each classified object. Includes TAG segments (what the TAG looks like), content sources (where to get each segment's value), and localisation options (Priority Chain, Mandatory Chain, Maximum Distance, Distance Calculation Method, Acquisition Layers, Stop at First Match). See First Time Setup and P&ID Components Classification

TAG Segment

One building block of a TAG. A TAG like "XM-4091" consists of three segments: "XM" (from a block property), "-" (fixed text), and "4091" (from another block property). Each segment is configured with a content source in the Classification Window. See First Time Setup

Teleport

In the SFC Editor, a visual shortcut (also called Jump or Link) that connects distant steps without a continuous line. Created using the Link action on an edge, it produces a matched pair of entry and exit nodes. See also Jump

Template

In the Standard export, an Excel file containing keyword placeholders that define the layout and content of the export. Templates are customizable and reusable across exports

Tolerance Distance

The primary proximity threshold used by multiple mappers to determine when two endpoints are close enough to be connected

Tracker

A P&ID text component that displays dynamic data on the drawing. See Trackers

Transition

A Condition Type that transitions the process to another step when the condition expression evaluates to true. The most common condition type. In the SFC Editor, transitions are shown as labeled edges connecting steps

Unit

(ISA-88) A collection of associated control equipment and equipment modules in which one or more major processing activities can be conducted

Unknown

A Fluid Response that behaves like Allow but generates warnings. Used when an Engineering Item has no active State

Valve Status Matrix

A tabular overview showing the state of every valve at every step — commonly exported using the Tabular export for FAT or qualification reviews

Variable

A named data value within a module that can change during process execution. See Variable

Very Reactive

A Fluid Behaviour where the block connects to anything within a padded bounding box (configurable distance). Imagine an invisible rectangle around the object — anything crossing that rectangle connects. Used for tank nozzles and large fittings. Also called "Highly Reactive" in some contexts

WFI (Water for Injection)

Highly purified water used in pharmaceutical manufacturing. A common fluid type in AseptSoft process designs

Zero Fluid Response

The Fluid Response that applies when an Engineering Item's percentage-based State is at 0%