Because SynoptiXL needs graphical objects combined with mathematical equation calculation functionality.

Also, many users already know how to insert and configure Excel/Office shapes into their work.

There have been some experiments over the years to translate the code to Visio and even Openoffice. 

But since most professional users have some kind of Excel version on their computers, Excel remains to date the default host software, even though this means that compatibility with different Windows Excel versions is sometimes an issue.

The developer of SynoptiXL is an electrical engineer who was also involved in substation SCADA programming. He developed this application because he found no similar application on the market, and he has himself used this application to facilitate his primary job as HV/MV substation engineer and SCADA programmer.

SynoptiXL grew out of a few ideas that started many years ago. The development has been sort of a hobby, sometimes taking a few years between subsequent major versions.

Yes, in an experimental Beta version which is currently not released.

SynoptiXL Beta can e.g. check P/Q balancing in an installation, to e.g. determine the working point of backup diesel generators and reactive compensators in the installation. SynoptiXL Beta can also perform approximate loss calculations.

However, SynoptiXL is now and in the future not meant to replace specialized software like PowerFactory.

No.

A demo version can be requested. This demo version will be limited in time, and may have limited functionality.

Even a demo version requires activation by sending an Installation ID and receiving a License Key.

No.

SynoptiXL does not need an internet connection and does not collect nor broadcast any information.

To activate your SynoptiXL license, you'll need to send an Installation ID to licensing@synoptixl.software, after which you'll receive the matching License Key.

Yes and yes. 

Please use our contact form to get in touch about desired features.

These are already on the SynoptiXL to do list:

• More Ribbon buttons
• Options to set simulated states directly in the vicinity of active objects, e.g. SF6 failure 1st/2nd stage.
• Clearer and more precise pop-ups explaining why a certain command is interlocked.
• Take colors of the feeder objects into the snapshots. E.g. between snapshots some feeders could change color to highlight N-1 mode.
• Possibility to simulate protection trips and intertrips.
• Possibility to signal "voltage present" when relevant part of installation is colored in an active color (such signal often used in interlocks).
• Double coloring of shapes fed by 2 sources.
• Basic electrical calculations (see G3 above). Only exist in Beta version now.
• ...

The problem with this to do list is that all work is still a single person's hobby during weekends and vacations, so it may take a while :)

Yes.

The SynoptiXL package consists of regular Excel files (Excel 2007 and higher): .xlam (Excel Add-in), .xlsx (SLD workbooks, Support files)

The only unusual file .xlam needs to be activated as an Add-in in Excel (see Installation instructions). If you simply double-click this file, it will not display any content.

SynoptiXL has been sucessfully tested in Excel (for Windows) versions: 2003, 2010 32-bit, 2010 64-bit, 2016 32-bit, Microsoft® Excel® for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2210 Build 16.0.15726.20070) 64-bit.

All versions mentioned are English versions with English VBA code compilers.

Not yet.

The current SynoptiXL versions use some specific Excel VBA calls based on Windows, and is not compatible with Mac. A future release of SynoptiXL may be compatible with both Windows and Mac.

Yes (but disabled in demo or project specific versions).

With a fully licensed version, you can make as many different SLD workbooks (with their own Settings, Interlocks, Snapshots, Sequences,...) as you like. 

Instead of starting from scratch, it is advisable to start from an already existing SLD workbook. As long as you follow the shape and SLD syntax rules defined in the SLD /Settings/ sheet, the SynoptiXL routines should work fine.

Yes.

The SynoptiXL Control Center uses the settings as defined in the /Settings/ sheet of any SLD workbook. This allows you to e.g. use different shape syntax for different SLD workbooks.

No (see also S2).

The SynoptiXL dynamic coloring routines build up the SLD color starting from so called feeder objects (default prefix "fdr_").

If you e.g. change the color of a certain feeder, then the SLD part connected to that feeder will take over that color after Dynamizing again.

Yes, as of version 23.005.

Do Not Process objects with default prefix dnp_ (user changeable) are ignored by and do not interfere with e.g. SynoptiXL dynamic coloring routines.