Computer Aided Engineering

Computer aided engineering, shortened to CAE, refers to the use of computer programs for the planning and execution of plant building projects. Among other things, the programs allow the creation of process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, and functional design specifications. The visual representation of the components is commonly linked to a database in which properties and requirements are defined, such as material data and design pressures and temperatures.

CAE‑programs are an indispensable tool for the interaction between process engineering and electrical engineering not only to define the electrical requirements of the single components but also the complex interconnection of the components with each other and with the process control system via signal exchange.

The central storage within a database allows for efficient and secure processing of the data and the specific use of that data for further steps of the project execution, such as the procurement of components.

Functionalities to do process simulations and three‑dimensional modelling of the plant are usually not part of CAE‑programs.