How to Find, Configure and Cross-Reference Parts With ProposalWorks

When it comes to Rockwell Automation, you probably know what parts and features you need, but do you know how to find the part number(s) you need to order? How do you cross-reference materials to find Rockwell equivalents? Do you want to see your configuration options or even check product dimensions before you order? Learn how to use Rockwell’s ProposalWorks tool to do all that—and more—with our video and guide below.

1. GET THE LATEST UPDATES

Before you start using the ProposalWorks app, make sure you have the latest version of the software. Open Rockwell’s Current Program Updater app, and it will load the latest updates for all your Rockwell applications. Once it’s done loading, click get selected updates to finish updating. We recommend updating every two weeks, but doing it more frequently is fine too.

2. SEARCH FOR ROCKWELL AUTOMATION PRODUCTS

On the left side of your screen, you should see keyword filter, catalog filter and Product Library. If you search by keyword filter, you can search for terms like contactor, pushbutton or disconnect and see all possible options for those terms.

If you know the product family or beginning of your part number, you can search by catalog filter. If you know you need a 100-C contactor, you can search 100-C to find the configurator for all 100-C contactors in the product library below.

3. CONFIGURE ROCKWELL AUTOMATION PRODUCT PART NUMBERS

Once you filter and locate the product or family of products you need in the product library, double click to open the product configurator. In the configurator, you can see the entire selection process with all available options for your product.

If you are configuring a pushbutton, for example, you can select the voltage, type of power module, head type, lens color and contact configuration. As you make each selection, your part number will update with the corresponding part number designation for each option. Once you select all options and have your complete part number, click accept to add the part to your bill of materials (BOM) in ProposalWorks.

For some parts, you will have an option between user-assembled or factory-assembled. You can order your configuration as one assembled part, but in some cases, lead times will be better if you choose user-assembled and order by components. If you do choose user-assembled and click accept, ProposalWorks will add the entire breakdown of component part numbers and necessary quantities to your BOM. Sticking with our pushbutton, that would include the button, latch, LED module, auxiliary contacts, etc.

Please note the price ProposalWorks shows on your BOM is Rockwell’s list price. When you get a quote from your Van Meter sales representative, your price will be different depending on the price modifier you have on your project.

4. FIND MORE INFORMATION ON ROCKWELL AUTOMATION PRODUCTS

If you need more information on products in your BOM, click the documents tab at the top of ProposalWorks. Within the product supplements tab, you can find information like a list of repair parts, ratings, technical data sheets, product photos and more. If you wanted to check the SCCR rating of a contactor or find a replacement coil, this is the place to do it.

5. FIND AND REQUEST ROCKWELL AUTOMATION PRODUCT DRAWINGS

Do you want to get a better look at the physical dimensions of your BOM? While in the documents tab, click the tab that says product drawings. Here you will find 2D, 3D and CAD drawings for your BOM. You can double click and download the drawings you need.

If you need a drawing that is not listed, click launch online viewer to see and request additional drawings. This will take you to Rockwell’s online catalog where there is a link to request a drawing that is not currently available. On the drawing request form, fill out your name, company and the specific drawing you need. When you click submit, it will build out an email you can send to Rockwell, and they will reply directly to you.

6. USE CROSSWORKS TO FIND ROCKWELL AUTOMATION CROSS-REFERENCES

If you have a part number from ABB, Siemens or another manufacturer and want to find the Rockwell equivalent, how can you find the Rockwell part number? Click the tools tab at the top of ProposalWorks and select CrossWorks. A window will pop up where you can type in the competitor’s part number and press enter.

If Rockwell has a direct equivalent, you will see a green checkmark, and it will give you the Rockwell part number. If there is no known cross in CrossWorks, you will see a red circle with a line through it and no Rockwell part number. Once you are done cross-referencing parts, click accept and return, and ProposalWorks will add the Rockwell equivalents to your BOM.

Please note that just because something is a verified cross and performs the same function, it might not work with another manufacturer’s product.

7. EXPORT YOUR PROPOSALWORKS BOM TO A DOCUMENT

Once you’re done building your BOM, how do you access and share the information outside of ProposalWorks? In the top, right corner of Proposal Works, click the logos for Microsoft Word and Excel. That will give you options for importing and exporting information. To export, click Word, Excel, CSV or whatever format you want to export to.

ProposalWorks will then ask you what information you want to include. Check the parameters you want to export and click generate. ProposalWorks will open a document according to the format and parameters you selected.

8. GET THE HELP YOU NEED

Configuring and cross-referencing part numbers can be complicated! If you are struggling to find, configure or cross-reference a part, Van Meter’s Automation Support Team can answer questions specific to your application and walk you through configuring the most effective solution. For help on your next project, call 319-368-2888 or email [email protected].

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