A way of starting a model is to use the existing diagrams (such as P&ID's) as background images and then overlay objects.

For example, you can put a P&ID into the background of a diagram (using Paste Special) and then place objects on the diagram. This has the advantage that you do not have to connect the objects

This is a mixed blessing however since the connections between objects can be used to add value to the model and for simulation.

Typically, the P&ID is used temporarily and subsequently the symbols are moved into other diagrams with a better structure that the P&ID has - as P&ID's are flat and rarely S88 based for example with one for each Unit

Once it has served it's purpose the P&ID background can be deleted. Tip if you want to keep your orgiginal P&ID based diagram but have the objects shown in a different structure (for example a page for each Equipment Module) you can use clones of the symbols on the P&ID overlay. (Copy and Paste Special as Clones) You can then make those in other page the masters (Right Click Make this clone the Master so then P&ID overlay has the clones. This can provide a graphical cross reference from the P&ID to the System Modules.

Linking to P&ID data

You may also find that the tag naming on the P&ID non hierarchical methods.

ControlDraw provides a variety of methods to generate an External Tag that matches the P&ID tags

If you have a Tag Database such as an Instrument List or IO List you can use this tag to link between a CD Model and Tag Database.

An Import Export tool is available to owners of 5 or more licenses.