Engineering Base 2004 is a software that is used in electrical engineering design. Below are the features and benefits of the software:

Features	Benefits
Computer Based Engineering	A new approach to electrical engineering. All data is stored in a virtual plant model in a database. Alphanumerical or graphical methods can be used to manipulate data.
Includes Microsoft Visio	Visio is the office diagramming solution from Microsoft. Visio is intuitive and easy to use without the overhead of full featured CAD systems. Users who are familiar with Microsoft Office use Visio with little training. Visio is designed to create diagrams using intelligent shapes and connections - the ideal basis for electrical engineering. Learn more about Microsoft Visio 2003.
Familiar User Interface	The user interface has the familiar look and feel of well known Microsoft Office products. Thus cutting down the time required to become familiar with Engineering Base.
Database Explorer	All data is represented in a Windows Explorer like view. Move, create, copy, and modify data as you would in the Windows Explorer.
Based on Microsoft SQL server	SQL Server is the state of the art relational database management system meeting the highest standards in reliability and security. Engineering Base comes with a pre configured SQL server. Multiple projects are stored in one database and can be accessed at the same time.Learn more about Microsoft SQL Server 2000.
Connect to Database	Users can interactively connect to databases in the entire company network. It’s easy to set up project related work groups.
Database Manager	A tool for easily maintaining the database is included. All important tasks for optimization and backup can be performed without any additional training.
Multiple User Environment	Several users can work with the same database and the same project simultaneously. Projects can be set to read-only mode to avoid unintended manipulation.
Undo	Undo is a safety net for the user. The user can easily try functions without the risking data loss.
Online Automatic Cross Referencing	This function dramatically reduces errors in cross-referencing. All documentation will be free of mismatches. The system allows you to navigate along cross-references throughout the entire project.
Complete IEC / EN Environment	Engineering Base comes with a complete IEC / EN environment including shapes, drawing borders and title blocks for diagramming.
Shape Editor	Create your own shapes and modify existing ones to suit your needs.
Form Editor	Create your own drawing borders and title blocks, modify existing ones, or import DWG files.
Management of Potentials	Electrical potentials are managed by Engineering Base with automatic referencing. Potentials can be used to navigate through documents.
Automatic Item Labeling	Using free configurable add-ins, items are labeled automatically depending on device type, sheet number and position (rung number). Add-ins work in the background reflecting every change instantly.
Automatic node numbers	Node numbers are created by Engineering Base using add-ins. The add-ins can be configured for example to use the rung number of the first pin in a node to build the node number.
Automatic wiring and wire numbers	An add-in creates wires and labels them by configurable rules.
Cable Management	Cables can be defined in the Explorer. Conductors are associated to connections in the diagram via drag & drop.
Wiring Lists	All wiring data (cable, conductor, wire) including from-to information (device, pin) can be shown in lists immediately as you create the diagram. No batch run is required to create this information.
2D Panel Layout	Panel layouts are created by selecting a device in the database and dropping it’s layout shape on the layout diagram. Shapes match the diagram’s scale automatically. There is no need for additional CAD systems for panel layouts.
Online Catalog	Information about material is stored in the database. Information on devices, enclosures and cables is structured along device types providing all necessary properties and suitable shapes for circuit diagrams and panel layouts. The device descriptions in the catalog are used to create or replace devices in the projects.
Import and Export Catalogs	The catalog, parts of the catalog or single device descriptions can be imported and exported to improve cooperation with engineering partners and customers.
DWG Import	Import existing drawings created with popular CAD programs.
DWG Export	Exchange drawings with suppliers and customers.
XLS Import	Import existing XLS format data and use the information on your diagrams.
XLS Export	Export data for use in Microsoft Excel.
Add Attributes	An attribute you need is not available? No problem. Just add your custom attribute.
XML Transport Container	Complete projects can be exchanged using the XML Transport Container. One XML file contains all data for the project.
Online Manual	The Engineering Base online help system is object oriented. For every database object you can open a “What's This?” dialog.
Introduction	When starting up, Engineering Base provides a short introduction to the basic concept. It takes just a few minutes to get familiar with the idea, the benefits and the handling of Computer Based Engineering.
Open Data Model	Engineering Base provides an open data model. Attributes can be added to every object and appear automatically in their edit dialog. An attribute you need is not available in the database? No problem. Just add your custom attribute.
Unicode	Engineering Base supports Unicode characters to meet the needs of international cooperation.
API	Engineering Base includes a strong API (Application Programming Interface). Custom or industry specific solutions can be realized independent of major releases.
VBA	VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) can be used to automate tasks or to interconnect Engineering Base to other applications such as Microsof Office products, PLC programming systems or dimensioning tools.
Three Tier Architecture	Engineering Base is based on a modern three tier client / server architecture. The installation is scalable from small stand alone systems (notebooks, PCs) to complex workgroup environments.