The Spec Driven P&ID feature allows the P&ID to lookup/reference the Plant 3D Spec files so that a P&ID drafter knows if objects in their P&ID are "in spec" (found in the pipe spec) or "out of spec" (aka "off spec" - not found in the pipe spec).
Due to the fact that a lot of work happens concurrently in Plant projects, pipe specs are commonly in progress (or just getting started) while P&IDs are drafted so the approach with this feature is more inline with informing you as opposed to restricting you. Ultimately, you need to finish your P&ID drawing, and can't wait until every pipe spec is complete to do so.
Free entry and '?' unassigned values to size and spec are allowed, but on Spec Driven projects, specs are listed from the spec file directory and sizes found in them when a project spec file is selected.
"In Spec" basically means that a piping part (eg. valve) or line has been validated to be available in a certain pipe spec at an explicit size.
Out of spec line groups allow free text entry for sizes and specs, and line segments can either inherit/acquire those values from the group or using override can enter free text for the size and spec.
In addition to the free text entry, there is also a supply a list of validated specs (listed from the project folder) and validated sizes (valid sizes for a selected spec).
Visual: Using P&ID Painter, the P&IDs can be coloured to show piping that is in spec, as well as piping that is off spec while you draft.
For drop down fields like size and spec mentioned in the Ribbon and Properties Palette, off spec values are identified with some hatching and tooltips so that you do not have to access the drop down menu to identify if the current value is in spec or not. For the Tool Palette and Substitution Menus, there is a similar highlighting for off spec items.
Reporting: Any view in Data Manager can be filtered to only show in spec or off spec piping using the new Data Manager search bar.
P&ID "Lines": Since P&ID lines are schematic and can be comprised of pipe, elbows, tees and more in the real world, the P&ID lines are validated against only the pipe component in a pipe spec as that is the basis for any piping of that size. For example, if there is no 8" pipe in spec CS300, then an 8" CS300 line in a P&ID will be considered "off spec".
P&ID Components: P&ID components are validated against the same object in the spec. A gate valve is validated against a gate valve in the spec and not a globe valve.
Non Spec Items (Instruments): P&IDs also show objects that are not normally contained in pipe specs. Instrumentation including control valves is an example of this.