Glossary#

This glossary explains technical terms, specialist vocabulary from live event technology, and product-specific names used in the Production Assist documentation. It is intended for all users, from beginners to experienced users, and helps them quickly look up terms when they encounter them for the first time.

The entries are sorted alphabetically. In addition to German terms, the glossary also contains English technical terms that are either named that way in the user interface or are commonly used in the industry.

In the rest of the documentation, we use the terms exactly in this spelling. This applies in particular to Resource Manager, Scene Tree, Object Properties, Power Patch, Chain Adjustment, and Rope Shortening.

Tip: Use your browser's search function (Ctrl + F or Cmd + F) to quickly find a specific term.

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A#

Name	Description
Array Modifier	The Array Modifier allows you to define any desired number of fixtures and enter the offset, i.e. the distance between the objects in the X, Y, and Z directions. This makes it possible to duplicate objects in a line, a circle, or a grid.
Assembly Group	A freely definable assembly group that logically combines several related objects. In the Scene Tree (hierarchical tree structure), Assembly Groups are created and their contained objects are arranged hierarchically.
Assembly Sheet	A worksheet for a specific assembly group or a defined subsection of the drawing. It displays the relevant information in tabular form for planning, setup, or documentation.
"Audio" Elements	Elements within a symbol definition that mark specific resources or parts as audio objects. They identify content that can be handled or exported as audio in the application.
API	= "Application Programming Interface". A standardized interface through which Production Assist provides functions and data for other programs.
Attribute Overlay	An overlay in Production Assist that shows additional object or calculation values directly in the view. In plugins such as SketchUp, such overlays can be used to make properties directly visible in the model.
Slinging Equipment	Devices and tools such as chains, ropes, shackles, or connecting elements used to attach loads to load-bearing equipment. In practice, this also includes sling assemblies and, where applicable, powered lifting devices such as chain hoists.
Attachment Point	The fastening point on a truss, structure, or load where a piece of slinging equipment such as a rope or chain is attached.
Check Out	The process of opening a project from the server or cloud for editing; the project is loaded locally and, if necessary, reserved for editing.
Support Point	A bearing or support point through which a structure such as a truss is statically supported or suspended. In Production Assist, a support point corresponds to a motor or ground-support attachment that carries the truss load.
Utilization	The percentage of the actual load relative to the permitted maximum value of a component or system. 100% means fully utilized; values above that indicate overload.
Auspipung	In live event technology, this describes attaching trusses or pipes to a cross tube or a structure, usually at the side or at right angles, in order to hang spotlights or other devices in a specific position.

B#

Name	Description
Beam	The light output of a spotlight. If spotlights with a GDTF file are in the plan, the beam can be switched on and off in the menu under Settings.
Bending Moment	Describes how strongly a component or a truss is subjected to bending. In trusses, a bending moment leads to tensile and compressive forces in the chords and is often an important value for static assessment.
Boxcorner	A special connecting element for trusses that enables right-angle connections. Boxcorner connections are generally stiffer and structurally more favorable than simple truss connections and are used when increased stability and load capacity are required.
Bracing	The diagonal bracing members in a truss that connect the chords and stiffen the truss against lateral forces and torsion.
Bridle	A sling assembly with two or more legs by which a load is attached to multiple structural points. Bridles distribute the load and increase the stability of the suspension.
User Rights	This controls the access of users and user groups to the respective project.
Branch	A separate working state of a project in which changes are edited independently from the master. Changes in a branch are initially visible only there and are transferred into the shared project state only through a Change Request or a merge.

C#

Name	Description
Change Request	= "Change request". This is used to compare changes from a branch with the master. The differences and change history can be reviewed, commented on, and approved; after approval, the changes are transferred to the shared project state.
Child	In some commands, the child objects of an Assembly Group are also referred to as Child.
CIE Chromaticity System	The program works with CIE color space coordinates.
Case	A transport case in which devices or objects are packed for transport. In Production Assist, cases are created in the Navigation area and assigned to objects in the Inventory panel.
Chain Shorten	The name of the Production Assist function used to move the position of individual chain hoists (supports) by a defined millimeter value in order to analyze effects on load distribution. The term comes from English; the German equivalent is Kettenkürzung.
Classes	= "Classes". They form the substructure of levels/layers. Different product or object types can be distinguished here, for example. All drawn or inserted objects are assigned to classes. Their visibility is controlled in the Navigation palette.
Cmd/Ctrl Key	The Command or Apple key on macOS, or the Control key on Windows.
Color Code	= "Color code". Used, for example, in touring to mark assembly parts that belong together.
Command Line	= "Command line". A text-based area or invocation mechanism through which commands can be entered and executed directly.
Commit to Project	Transfer changes from the branch to the master or create a new project in the app.
Connector	Refers to the connection type or plug connector of an electrical or data-based input or output.
Consumer	An electrical device in the plan that consumes power, e.g. a spotlight or projector. Consumers are connected manually or automatically to distributors via Power Patch.

D#

Name	Description
Current Drawing	When importing or inserting new symbols, GDTFs, and meshes, various sources are available. "Current Drawing" shows the objects that are already in the current drawing.
Department	A trade or responsibility group (e.g. lighting, sound, video) to which objects in the drawing can be assigned. Departments are managed in Navigation and appear in paperwork.
Data Patch	The automatic or manual assignment of data or DMX addresses to fixtures or selected objects, for example during patching or through matching commands in the context menu.
DMX	= "Digital Multiplex". A standard protocol for controlling lighting and effects devices and for transmitting their control data.
DMX Universe	An address range within a DMX system in which up to 512 channels are managed to control devices.
DMG File for macOS	= Disk Image. Installation file of Production Assist on macOS.
Diff	= "Difference". Describes the differences between two states, for example between a local and a server state, so that changes can be reviewed and applied.
Distributor	= "Distributor". A device that distributes power and, depending on the version, also data signals to multiple connections or devices. Electrical distributors usually include protective devices such as fuses or circuit breakers and thereby allow individual circuits to be protected. In contrast, a plugbox usually only splits connections and normally does not provide integrated protection.
Drag & Drop	The process of moving or inserting objects by clicking them with the mouse, dragging them, and dropping them elsewhere.
Dropdown Menu	An expandable selection list from which a value or command can be chosen.

E#

Name	Description
Deflection	Describes the calculated displacement of a component or system under load, for example in a truss. It is an important value for serviceability and structural assessment.
Edit Mode	A special editing mode in which geometries, label templates, or object-specific content can be adjusted directly. It is usually opened via the pencil icon or directly in the renderer.
Level	= "Layer". Levels divide the drawing into higher-level areas. All objects are located on levels whose visibility is controlled in Navigation.
Property	An individual value or characteristic of an object, such as name, position, weight, or material. Properties are displayed and edited in the Object Properties.
Dead Weight	The weight caused by the mass of a component or object, which is taken into account as a permanent load in structural calculations.
"Electrical" Elements	Elements used to add connections (connection cables) to symbol definitions.
Electric & Data	A section in the Object Properties in which the power and data connections of an object are managed.

F#

Name	Description
Elements	When creating or editing a symbol, various elements can be inserted, e.g. "Assembly Group", "Mesh", "Magnet", "Electrical", "Inventory", "Structure", "Support", "Audio", "Origin".
Window	= "Window". An independent workspace of the user interface, e.g. for worksheets, the Resource Manager, or wiring.
FEM	= "Finite Element Method". A computer-aided method for calculating forces and deformations in structures.
Area Load	A load distributed across an area, e.g. wind load on a stage roof. It is specified as force per area (e.g. kN/m²).
Fixture	A technical device in the plan, usually a spotlight or other connected object, that has properties, patch information, and connections.

G#

Name	Description
Fixture Data	A section in the Object Properties where DMX, address, and other data parameters of a fixture are managed.
GDTF	= General Device Type Format. A comprehensive format containing all information required to describe a luminaire or another device.
Eurocode	A European set of standards (EN 1990 ff.) for the design of structures. In live event technology, it forms the basis for structural verification of trusses, suspension points, and related constructions.
Generator	An energy source, e.g. a gasoline or diesel generator, a mains connection (building supply), or a mobile feed-in point from which electrical consumers can be supplied in the planning.

H#

Name	Description
Helper	Schematic light output for spotlights that can be activated in the menu under Settings.
Ground Support	Ground support systems in live event technology in which truss structures are carried by vertical supports rather than being suspended.
Chord	Refers to the upper and lower longitudinal tubes (chords) of a truss, which absorb the main tensile and compressive forces under bending load.
Hoist	A motor or chain hoist used to lift, lower, or hold loads in a rigging structure.

I#

Name	Description
Import	The reading in or adding of external files, resources, or data into a project or into the current drawing.
Hook Force	The force acting on the motor (chain hoist) without its own weight. It is shown in the Object Properties after the structural calculation.
Suspension Point	A fastening point on the venue structure or roof where chain hoists or slinging equipment are attached in order to hold truss structures or loads.
Information Line	The information bar at the bottom edge of the user interface in which status displays, notes, and quick toggles for functions appear.

J#

Name	Description
"Inventory" Elements	Define accessory parts within a symbol that are later also shown in the inventory list.

K#

Name	Description
Influence Lines	Graphic representations of section reactions (e.g. bending moment, shear force, deformation) along structural elements in the renderer. They allow targeted analysis of load distribution.
JSON	= "JavaScript Object Notation". A text-based data format for storing and exchanging structured information, for example in imports, exports, or API responses.

L#

Name	Description
Cartesian Coordinate System	The Cartesian coordinate system is an orthogonal coordinate system named after the mathematician René Descartes. It is the most commonly used coordinate system and its axes are denoted as x, y, and z.
Layer	= "Level". It helps structure the drawing into different areas. All drawn or inserted objects are located on layers. Their visibility is controlled in the Navigation palette.
Load Combination	= "Load combination". Defines different load cases and which load groups should be included with which safety factor.
Leveling	Aligning and leveling a truss structure by adjusting chain-hoist lengths so that all suspension points are at the correct height and the system is loaded evenly.
Load Group	= "Load group". Defines a group of loads that should later receive the same safety factor in the calculation.
Local Resources	When importing new symbols, GDTFs, and meshes, various sources are available. "Local Resources" are the objects that are stored individually on the user's computer and are therefore also available offline.
Load Cell	= "Load cell". A sensor for measuring tensile or compressive forces, e.g. at attachment points or lifting devices such as chain hoists.
"Magnet" Elements	Insertion points that allow objects to snap together like magnets while drawing. This makes it possible to assemble a truss line or a more complex structure relatively quickly.
Support Reaction	The reaction force at a support or suspension point in response to the applied loads. It is a central result of the structural calculation.

M#

Name	Description
Label	A label or marking that can be shown or printed on objects, lists, or plans.
Chain Adjustment	The deliberate shortening or lengthening of an individual chain hoist in order to analyze the effects on load distribution in statically indeterminate systems. Corresponds to the English function Chain Shorten in Production Assist.
Master	The Master branch serves as the "Single Source of Truth" and represents the planning status accepted by all project participants.
Master Plan	The approved or shared planning status of a project to which all participants refer.
Load-Bearing Accessory	Devices and constructions used to take up loads in a rigging system, e.g. trusses or truss connectors.
Merge Changes into Master	Button used to add a Change Request to the master.
Menu	A collection of commands and functions that can be accessed in the menu bar or in dropdown menus.
Menubar	The application's menu bar. It contains the main menus with central commands and functions.
Mesh	Elements without additional properties that simply represent the surface of a three-dimensional object.
Modal	= "Modal window". A dialog that appears above the user interface and first requires input or confirmation before work can continue.
Motor	A powered device for moving, lifting, or lowering trusses and loads. In Production Assist, motors are used as supports in structural calculations.

N#

Name	Description
Multi-Selection	Selecting multiple objects at the same time.
MVR	= My Virtual Rig. MVR is an open file format used for bidirectional exchange between CAD programs, visualizers, and lighting consoles. It contains complete 3D models as well as all data from GDTF fixtures and much data from other objects in the plan.
Navigation	Contains the plan structure. Classes, layers, selection groups, presets, timelines, users, worksheets, saved views, color codes, departments, trucks, cases, racks, load groups, and load combinations can be managed here.
Network	Describes the connection of several devices or applications for the transfer of data, control information, or collaboration within the same system.
New Object	A function for inserting new objects, elements, or resources into the drawing, usually accessed via the New Object toolbar button.

O#

Name	Description
Payload	A variable load applied to a structure from the outside, e.g. the weight of spotlights on a truss. It is different from permanent load (dead weight).
Normal Force	A force acting along the longitudinal axis of a component and producing tensile or compressive stress there.
Object ID	The unique identifier of an object in the plan. It helps in locating, assigning, and checking objects and is visible, among other places, in the Object Properties and the Scene Tree.
Orbit	Rotates the plan in the renderer around the center of the drawing or around an invisible axis of the world coordinate system.
Overlay	An additional overlay in the drawing or model area that displays information directly on top of the view.

P#

Name	Description
Origin	The insertion point of a symbol or an Assembly Group. It is defined within a symbol or Assembly Group and the position coordinates of the object refer to it.
PA Cloud	Refers to the cloud functions of Production Assist for online storage, collaborative editing, and tracking changes. The Production Assist Library, on the other hand, provides central resources.
PA-NET	Network protocol of Production Assist. It can be used to connect PA applications that are in the same network. A connection can also be established on the same PC.
Parameter	An adjustable value that determines the behavior, display, or calculation of an object, command, or system.
Patch	The assignment of devices to power, data, or control connections, including the addresses and connections assigned in the process.
Paperwork	A collection of various documents required for the setup or operation of technical systems.
Parent	In some commands, the subobjects of an Assembly Group are also referred to as Child. The superior group is also called Parent.
Part Number	The associated article number in the material management system of the user, supplier, or manufacturer.
Polygon	A shape built from multiple points and lines that can be used as a 2D surface or as the basis for further geometry.
Plug-in	Software extension for existing platforms such as Vectorworks and grandMA3.
PosiStageNet	= PSN. A network protocol for transmitting position data from motors and moving objects in real time, e.g. between Production Assist and a lighting console.
Print Labels	The area in the Resource Manager or the export function for creating, managing, and printing labels.
Preset	A stored state of parameters of various objects, for example positions of structural elements such as trusses or brightness and color values of spotlights.
Power Patch	An automatic function that connects fixtures and other consumers automatically to the nearest or a selected distributor.
Preview	= "Preview". A view in which an object, resource, or document is shown before import, printing, or saving.

Q#

Name	Description
Object Properties	= "Object properties". All properties of the active object can be defined or viewed here.
Production Assist Library	The official name of the central library of Production Assist with symbols, resources, and other reusable content. It is used, for example, when importing or replacing resources.
Property Fields	Defined property fields in which additional information about objects can be stored and evaluated.

R#

Name	Description
Cross Section	Describes the shape and material of a component, e.g. a truss, which determine its load-bearing capacity, utilization, and deformation.
QR Code	= "Quick Response Code". In Production Assist, it is used for forwarding to the project website, where current or updated plans, worksheets, or object properties can be retrieved depending on the QR code. QR codes can be printed on labels, lists, and plans.
Rack	A standardized installation housing (e.g. 19-inch) for technical devices. In Production Assist, racks are created in Navigation and assigned to objects via Inventory.
Shear Force	The structural engineering term for a force acting transverse to the longitudinal axis of a component. It is a calculated result of FEM analysis and together with the bending moment influences the load-bearing capacity. Querkraft is the precise technical term in statics, while Scherkraft is the more colloquial term for the same effect.
Resource Manager	A window or area for managing symbols, labels, templates, and other resources.
Renderer	= 2D/3D display. It visualizes the objects that exist in a drawing. Their visibility can additionally be controlled in Navigation.
Rendering	= "Graphical rendering". Refers to the visual calculation and display of 2D or 3D content in the renderer.
Rain Cover	A rain cover for a fixture or device. In Production Assist, it can be specified per device whether a rain cover is required; this information appears in the inventory list.
Rigging	In live event technology, the overall field of suspending and securing loads, trusses, and constructions, including planning, calculation, and installation.

S#

Name	Description
Review Template	Defines which project participants must approve changes before they can be transferred from a working plan to the master.
Rotation	Describes the rotation of an object around one or more axes.
Saved View	Shows saved views of the drawing. Both visibility settings and viewing angles can be stored.
Roof Force	The force at a suspension point (roof point), including the self-weight of the chain hoist above it. It is displayed in the Object Properties after the structural calculation.
Shear	The colloquial term for a force acting transverse to the longitudinal axis of a component and loading it sideways. The precise structural term is Querkraft.
Scene Tree	Lists all objects existing in the drawing. It also shows the relationship between different objects within a shared assembly group.
Selection Group	A freely defined grouping of objects.
Safety	A safety device, e.g. a steel cable or loop, that secures spotlights or devices against falling. In Production Assist, the required number of safeties can be specified per device.
Spotlight	A light-emitting device (fixture) in the plan. Spotlights can be imported as GDTF objects and assigned DMX addresses in order to plan lighting and data patching.
Server Resources	When importing new symbols, GDTFs, and meshes, various sources are available. "Server Resources" are objects stored globally on the Production Assist server and therefore only available online.
Settings	The settings of the application or an area in which behavior, display, and options can be adjusted. They are usually accessible via menu items such as File > Settings.
Single Source of Truth	= "Single source of truth". An organizational concept that ensures that everyone works with the same information.
Scaling	Describes the change in size of an object along one or more axes without changing its basic shape.
Symbol Map	A mapping table used to assign external symbols or blocks to matching Production Assist symbols.
Rope Shortening	Refers to a simulated displacement of an individual suspension point (in mm) in the structural calculation in order to analyze the effect of real length differences or compliances on load distribution. It is a calculation parameter, not a physical adjustment of a real rope. Unlike Kettenkürzung (chain hoist adjustment), a geometric support displacement is simulated.
"Structure" Elements	Elements with which calculation data such as cross sections can be added to a symbol definition. The calculation data is necessary for structural calculations.
Line Load	A load distributed along a length, e.g. the dead weight of a truss. It is specified as force per length (e.g. N/m) and is taken into account in structural calculation.

T#

Name	Description
"Support" Elements	Elements with which motor characteristics such as chain cross section and load capacity can be added to a symbol definition. This data is necessary for structural calculations.
Structural Element	A component in the plan to which cross-section data and material properties have been assigned so that it is considered as a load-bearing structure in the structural calculation (e.g. a truss).
Symbol	A type of container that can contain a wide variety of objects, such as structural or electrical elements. Symbols inserted in the drawing are representations of the same source. If you change the source symbol ("Resource"), you change all symbols in your drawing.
Tab	= "Tab". A subsection within a window or dialog that organizes related content and settings.
Timelines	= "Timelines". A timeline consists of at least one "Step". The "Steps" are defined sequence points along the timeline.
Toolbar	The toolbar with buttons for frequently used commands and tools.
Torsion	The twisting of a component as a result of an acting torque.
Touring	In live event technology, the operation of productions that are used at several venues on tour. Production Assist supports touring productions, for example through color codes and truck planning.

V#

Name	Description
Load-Bearing Equipment	Devices or constructions that carry suspended loads, e.g. chain hoists. In live event technology, load-bearing equipment is part of the machinery installation and is subject to special safety requirements.

W#

Name	Description
Deformation	Describes the general change in position or shape of a component or system under load. It is a central result of structural calculations.
Truck	A truck or transport vehicle to which objects and cases are assigned for transport. In Production Assist, trucks are created in Navigation.
Truck Planning	The planning and organization of transporting objects and cases on trucks. Production Assist supports truck planning by allowing objects, cases, and racks to be assigned to trucks.
World Coordinate System	The world coordinate system is described by orthogonal ("right-angled") axes and represented by a Cartesian coordinate system.
Worksheet	Worksheet or tabular overview used to create different overviews or lists for all or specific object groups and then make them available to others online via server or as a PDF.

X#

Name	Description
Wind Load	A load acting on a structure due to wind. In Production Assist, wind load can be taken into account as a variable action in structural calculation.

Z#

Name	Description
Workload	The English term used in Production Assist for the utilization of load-bearing equipment or a cross section in percent. It is used in calculation overviews, AutoCAD exports, and the Production Assist API.
Worksheet Window	The separate window in which worksheets and related table views are opened and edited.
XML	= "Extensible Markup Language". A text-based format for the structured exchange of data between different programs and systems.
ZIP File	A compressed archive format that contains multiple files bundled together in a space-saving way.