Problem Statement

Currently, the "Quick Replace" functionality in OpenPlant Modeler restricts the replacement list to components of the exact same type. If a user wants to replace a component with a different but compatible type, they cannot do so from the initial quick-selection list. This forces the user to click into the "Advanced" options to browse for and select the desired component, which interrupts workflow and increases the number of clicks required to perform a simple action. This process is inefficient and counter-intuitive to the purpose of a "quick replace" feature.

Use Case Example

A common scenario is replacing a flange. If a user right-clicks on a Weld Neck Flange and selects "Quick Replace," the selection list only shows other variants of the Weld Neck Flange. To replace it with a Slip-On Flange or another flange type, the user must:

1. Open the "Advanced" options dialog.

2. Navigate or search through the component library for the desired flange type.

3. Select the new flange and confirm.

This multi-step process should ideally be a single selection from the initial list.

Proposed Enhancement

Modify the "Quick Replace" feature to populate the selection list with all compatible component types, not just variants of the selected component. When a user initiates a "Quick Replace," the tool should display a comprehensive list of all components that can validly replace the selected one, regardless of their specific subtype.

Benefits

• Increased Efficiency: Drastically reduces the time and number of clicks required to replace components with compatible alternatives.

• Improved User Experience: Creates a more intuitive and seamless workflow, aligning the tool's behavior with user expectations for a "quick" feature.