Before publishing, you need to test and validate your data. This is to ensure that the data in your Library is valid, complete and easy to use. Testing and validating catalog data is a crucial part of the Library development process, ensuring accuracy, functionality, and a strong end-user experience. This phase is rarely a one-time step, it is a cycle of review, feedback, and refinement that may take several iterations before the data is ready for publication. During testing, it's important to thoroughly evaluate the catalog for errors such as incorrect pricing, broken configurations, missing materials, or symbol behavior issues. Catching and correcting these issues early helps prevent user frustration and support escalations post-launch. In addition, hands-on testing allows you to gain familiarity with how your Library will function in CET and/or Spec, which empowers you to confidently guide users, provide effective support, and troubleshoot when questions arise. Ultimately, well-tested, high-quality data leads to a better-performing Library and a more intuitive, seamless experience for designers and engineers using the software. If you have not done so already, you will need to install the following software:

Commercial Interiors:

• CET
• Spec
• Commercial Interiors Library

Material Handling:

• CET
• Material Handling Library

Viewing your Catalogs (Commercial Interiors)

You can view your catalogs in both Spec and the Commercial Interiors Library Extension in CET. To see your testing catalogs in CET, you will need to do the following:

1. Download your catalog from Notify:

2. Open your Catalog in Spec:

3. With Spec open, Start CET:

4. Open your catalog in the Commercial Interiors Library Extension in CET

• Notes: You will not be able to see your catalogs in the CIL extension if you have not opened them in Spec first. This only needs to be done the first time you open a test catalog. Also note that opening Catalogue Manager in CET will remove the test catalogue from CIL. To access the test catalogue again, follow steps 1-4.

Testing your Catalog

We have some recommendations when it comes to testing your catalogs.

1. Test your folder structure, make sure it is easy to navigate and makes sense for the user.
2. Check your model sizes, they should be accurate representations of your products:

Example of a model being the incorrect size.

If you are running into any issues with the models, refer to our help page here: Getting Started: 2D/3D DWG Files – Configura Help Center

3. Check your materials, they should all apply to the correct layers:

Note: The Commercial Interiors Library is limited on the orientation of materials. There are workarounds, but it can be a complex process if wood grains go in multiple directions.

If you are running into material mapping issues, refer to our help page here: Getting Started: Material Mapping – Configura Help Center

4. Check your multigraphics, they should be applying in the correct place when selected:

If you are running into any issues with Multigraphics, refer to our help page here: Multigraphics – Configura Help Center

5. Check your Snapping, Make sure the nodes are in the correct location and they snap to other objects:

6. Check your pricing, we recommend using Spec to check your pricing (this can also be done in Calculation view in CET). You will want to make sure the pricing on the products and options all comes through accurately. If you do not want to show pricing, make sure it is set to $0.
7. Optional: Check rendering. You can render your products in CET to see how they look.
8. Optional: Reach out to trusted users to help you with the testing process

Next Steps

If you run into any issues while testing your catalogs, we recommend checking out our Help Pages and Help Videos for solutions. We also have Service and Development partners who can help with any part of the building process. Ask your Account Executive for recommendations.