BARTEC is a global leader in safety solutions for hazardous areas, delivering a comprehensive range of explosion-proof equipment and systems. Within its Electrical Heat Tracing (EHT) business unit, engineers work with complex piping information from EPC clients across industries. The team regularly receives piping component files (PCF) and must transform them into precise drawings and material lists for trace heating design.
“Our customers are EPC companies who provide us with PCF files for plant piping. We use that data to design heat tracing systems and select components,” explains Pavel Shynkevich, Lead Engineer at BARTEC’s EHT business unit. The data includes pipe lengths, inline components and connection points.
Previously, this work involved manual estimation from static drawings, such as PDFs or DWG files. That method was time-consuming, errorprone and incompatible with customers’ growing use of automated file formats. As clients and suppliers began working directly with PCF inputs, BARTEC saw both an opportunity and a need to adapt.
Identifying goals
After exploring other solutions, the team found that Forte Isometrics was the right fit for their requirements. “It gives us the essentials: generating accurate isometric drawings and extracting the right data from PCF1 and IDF2 files, such as the quantity of components, total pipe length, number of valves and other related information,” Pavel Shynkevich says.
The team was also drawn to Forte Isometrics’ flexibility in configuration, which includes the embedded Isogen engine for producing accurate, industry-standard piping isometrics with broad market recognition. Isogen’s I-Configure tool enables users to customize drawing templates, while the reporting function facilitates the clear extraction of key metrics, such as pipe lengths and component counts.
Realizing results
Although other reporting tools are still used in parallel, Forte Isometrics has become the mainstay for drawing production: “It’s simple, reliable and flexible, which is what we need,” Pavel Shynkevich notes.
Today, BARTEC runs Forte Isometrics across three locations: Germany, India and the US. The tool helps different teams handle client files more consistently and respond faster to changes. “With its automation capabilities, we can regenerate a drawing easily if there are revisions, which saves us time.”
The team also appreciates the value of Octave’s support services. During training and regular maintenance interactions, Octave has provided scripts, file preprocessing help and practical guidance. “They take time to explain the issue and suggest solutions. I’m satisfied with their support.”
Moving forward
Today, BARTEC is considering equipping additional engineers with Forte Isometric licenses over time, depending on customer demand and project size.
In major tenders, BARTEC now highlights its ability to process PCF data using trusted Octave tools, a capability that enhances its credibility and competitiveness. With solid training, dependable maintenance support and a clear fit for real project needs, Forte Isometrics has helped BARTEC modernize how it works with client data, without overcomplicating the task.
