AVEVA P&ID (User) vs Administration: Understanding the Key Differences

Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) form a core part of this documentation, providing a visual roadmap of systems, equipment, pipelines, and instrumentation. In the realm of industrial design and process engineering, accurate documentation and process flow representation are essential. In this blog by Multisoft Systems, we will break down the responsibilities, tools, interfaces, and skillsets required for each of these roles, helping professionals and businesses understand who does what and how both roles complement each other in real-world projects.

AVEVA P&ID is one of the most powerful tools used globally for creating and managing these diagrams. However, within the AVEVA P&ID environment, two distinct roles emerge — the P&ID User online training and the P&ID Administrator online training. Both play critical but very different roles in maintaining the integrity and functionality of engineering documentation.

Introduction to AVEVA P&ID

AVEVA P&ID is a part of AVEVA’s engineering and design software suite that supports intelligent schematic diagrams, data-driven design, and seamless integration with 3D modeling platforms such as AVEVA E3D and PDMS. The software offers a collaborative environment where engineers can design and modify complex piping systems while ensuring alignment with industry standards and organizational templates.

While most users interact with the software to create or modify diagrams (User Role), there’s also a crucial back-end role (Administrator) responsible for setting up and maintaining the foundational environment and data consistency across projects.

Who is an AVEVA P&ID (User)?

The AVEVA P&ID (User) is typically a piping designer, process engineer, or instrumentation engineer who utilizes the tool to create and edit P&ID diagrams. This role involves working directly on project deliverables, ensuring that the graphical representation of the process system is accurate, detailed, and up-to-date. Key Responsibilities of a P&ID User certification include:

• Creating piping and instrumentation diagrams using predefined symbols and templates.
• Editing and updating existing diagrams as process designs evolve.
• Cross-verifying diagrams with 3D models and other documents.
• Incorporating feedback from process teams, safety teams, and clients.
• Adding annotations, legends, and symbols that convey the right engineering intent.
• Following project-specific rules, standards, and naming conventions as defined by the administrator.
• Collaborating with other design teams to maintain consistency and accuracy.

Tools & Interface

• User interfaces are focused on drag-and-drop diagramming, symbol selection, and annotation.
• Users interact primarily with the Design Module, using project libraries set up by the Administrator.
• Most actions involve graphical inputs, auto-snapping features, and quick-access toolbars.

Skills Required

• Strong understanding of P&ID conventions and standards (ISA, ANSI, ISO).
• Experience in piping design and instrumentation systems.
• Familiarity with process flow, valves, pumps, and instrumentation devices.
• Moderate software proficiency in AVEVA tools.

Who is an AVEVA P&ID Administrator?

The AVEVA P&ID Administrator plays a behind-the-scenes but foundational role. This person is responsible for setting up and managing the project environment, configuring standards, building custom symbol catalogs, and ensuring data integrity. They support the User’s experience by creating a stable and consistent platform. Key Responsibilities of a P&ID Administrator certification include:

• Setting up the initial project structure, including naming rules, document numbering, and access control.
• Creating and maintaining symbol libraries, catalogs, and project templates.
• Configuring custom properties and attributes for objects and diagrams.
• Managing project databases and ensuring data synchronization with 3D models or other AVEVA products.
• Conducting user training and support for best practices.
• Performing data integrity checks and version control.
• Ensuring compliance with company or client-specific CAD and engineering standards.

Tools & Interface

• Administrators work primarily with the Project Setup and Catalog Manager tools within AVEVA P&ID.
• Access to configuration files, database connections, and schema editing features.
• Administrative modules allow deeper access into metadata and integration pipelines.

Skills Required

• Advanced knowledge of AVEVA software architecture and backend configuration.
• Expertise in database structures and data mapping.
• Understanding of P&ID design logic and its integration with 3D modeling.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with XML or other markup languages is often beneficial.

Comparison Table: AVEVA P&ID (User) vs Administrator

Collaboration Between User and Administrator

The success of a P&ID project depends on effective collaboration between Users and Administrators. The Admin lays the groundwork by configuring libraries, defining workflows, and setting standards, while Users populate the diagrams with engineering intelligence. If a new symbol is required, the User must request it from the Admin. If inconsistencies arise, the Admin troubleshoots database or configuration errors.

This relationship is ongoing — with feedback loops, updates, and audits — to ensure that the system remains responsive, accurate, and aligned with project demands.

Common Challenges

For Users:

• Limited flexibility when required symbols or properties aren’t available.
• Dependency on admins for environment setup or symbol requests.
• Version conflicts or locking issues during collaborative editing.

For Administrators:

• High responsibility for maintaining consistency across large teams.
• Managing symbol requests and balancing customization with standardization.
• Dealing with integration challenges with other AVEVA or legacy tools.

Real-World Use Case: Large Oil & Gas Project

In a large oil & gas EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) project, the P&ID Administrator sets up the project configuration in accordance with client-specific CAD standards and ensures integration with AVEVA E3D. The symbol libraries are tailored for offshore pipeline systems, and access controls are enforced for different disciplines.

The design team (Users) starts building diagrams across various units — from the distillation column to storage tanks. They use the Admin-defined rules and libraries. As the project progresses, feedback loops allow symbol expansion and property fine-tuning. The Administrator monitors data quality and ensures downstream compatibility with procurement and 3D modeling. AVEVA P&ID (User) Training is ideal for engineers and designers looking to enhance their diagram creation skills. It focuses on using the interface, working with projects, and best practices in design. AVEVA P&ID Administrator Training targets experienced users or IT engineers who want to manage backend configurations, templates, libraries, and integrations.

Training both roles ensures better coordination and enhances productivity in complex engineering environments.

Conclusion

Both AVEVA P&ID (User) and AVEVA P&ID Administration are essential roles in any successful engineering project utilizing the AVEVA suite. While the User focuses on the creative and technical aspects of diagram development, the Administrator provides the backbone of configuration, data governance, and tool stability.

Understanding the differences — and more importantly, the synergy — between these roles allows organizations to allocate responsibilities effectively, avoid duplication of effort, and ensure smoother project execution. Whether you're a professional looking to specialize or a company looking to streamline your design workflows, appreciating the distinction between these two roles is the first step towards smarter engineering documentation. Enroll in Multisoft Systems now!