Introduced at the Hannover Messe – and now available: Eplan Smart Wiring software opens up new potential for wiring switchgear systems. This system is easy to use since the technical switchgear knowledge is anchored within the system. It also enables better weathering of personnel shortages. Solutions provider Eplan is forging new technical pathways with this software, which can also be used on mobile devices: the system is being made available free of charge for up to four months.

High-quality data has become essential for engineering, and a new Eplan Data Portal record proves it: in June 2016, users downloaded around 1,000,000 device and component data, with the trend continuing upward. This clearly demonstrates that there is a great need for manufacturers’ data and that without data integration, everyday life and engineering in particular come to a grinding halt.

It’s quite the example of an ‘out of the box’ culture of innovation. With the new Eplan Platform version 2.6, users benefit from substantial engineering features that can easily be integrated into everyday work processes, including new functions for terminal design and project data management, the representa-tion of piping in fluid power engineering, and optimised IT integration. Another highlight: Eplan Platform is now also available in Turkish and thus offered in a total of eighteen languages.

Solutions provider Eplan is increasing the Eplan Data Portal’s circle of users and further strengthen-ing its position as a global supplier of digital device data. To date, access to around 600,000 device data and more than 1.2 million configuration variants have been reserved for Eplan’s own users. At the Hanno-ver Messe, the company is introducing an expansion of output formats for the Data Portal. Eplan will now allow all users access to data in .dxf formats. Eplan is therefore becoming accessible to a substantial group of AutoCAD users, particularly in North America and Asia. Device manufacturers represented in the Eplan Data Portal will thus be able to expand their reach. Another new feature: robust commercial data is being made available to ERP, PDM and PLM users – as individual downloads or complete data packages. Starting in mid-May, all interested parties can register online free of charge.

Wiring a control cabinet requires a lot of time and expertise, however Eplan is making the process much easier: the Smart Wiring Application will be presented at the Hannover Messe. The software visualises the wiring and provides the necessary production data 100 per cent digitally. The ad-vantage: knowledge of the control technology is plugged into the system in the future. Users benefit from substantial timesavings for last-minute changes because the software also handles the often complex task of project comparison.

At the 2015 SPS IPC Drives, Eplan, Phoenix Contact and Rittal are presenting “Thermal Design Integra-tion” – new possibilities for the standardised design of energy-efficent control cabinets with climate control systems. This integrated virtual engineering means companies can avoid design errors with the climate control systems and prevent unnecessary downtimes and service calls, thereby reducing costs while increasing process quality.

A parts data wizard has made the integration of product data into the Eplan Data Portal much easier. This benefits both the manufacturer and the user. For the first time, more than 100 manufacturers will be represented in the portal when SPS IPC Drives in November starts. With comprehensive device data, the more than 90,000 portal users worldwide will be able to simplify and accelerate their engineering processes. The necessary macros, component data and 3D data for the construction of a virtual control cabinet can be easily and directly integrated into the CAE design.

Version 2.5 of Eplan Harness proD is in the start blocks. In combination with Eplan Platform's central parts management system, users benefit from continuous and optimised workflows. A wide range of enhancements for nail board design, cable routing and project management guarantee effective wire harness engineering.

How EPLAN streamlined order fulfillment Manufacturers upgrading to an advanced, database-centric electrical CAE like EPLAN can reap important strategic benefits over and above making their engineers more productive.

Companies that are global players often work around the clock. There are tight schedules for customer projects and the development of new products. Eplan supports these companies in achieving their goals with its new High Value Support. Companies can benefit from expanded support services, including worldwide 24-hour English-language support via telephone, responses in less than 2 hours, problem analysis via Remote Tool and personal customer care with a Technical Support Manager.