software efficiency - CIDEON · of EPLAN and CIDEON software efficiency 4 E N C EER SOMETHING NEw fROM THE THINK TANK Rittal Configuration System networks smart data, special tools

Right On Track!Industrial manufacturing is full of fascinating possibilities – an era of change is upon us once again.

Issue 01 | 2017

The EngineeringMagazine of EPLAN and CIDEON

softwareefficiency

4

EPLAN COGINEER

Making automation and configuration

child’s play.

SOMETHING NEw fROM THE THINK TANK

Rittal Configuration System networks smart data, special tools and dynamic procedures.

CONNECTING wORLDS

Seamless data exchange between Dassault Systèmes and SAP.

2 software4efficiency 1|17

EDIToRIAL

6 FoCuS

Set Sail!Centuries ago, brave explorers such as James Cook and Christopher Columbus set out to discov-er new worlds. A new era is dawning once again. Let’s take a look together at the fascinating oppor-tunities that industrial manufacturing has to offer.

SoLuTIonS

12 Easy as 1, 2, 3 …Eplan Cogineer makes automating schematic configuration child’s play.

15 The BreakthroughCideon has created a stable bridge for seamless data exchange with the 3DX xPDM–SAP interface.

18 Ideally IntegratedEplan Platform version 2.6 consistently imple-ments the concept of a team-oriented working environment.

20 first Place for AutomationChanging from traditional to automated working methods holds significant potential for savings.

22 Something New from the Think TankThe new Rittal Configuration System networks smart data from various sources.

25 Smarter wiringProfessional wiring is considerably faster and easier with Eplan Smart Wiring.

The software4efficiency magazine is also available as an app and a PDF. Simply scan the QR code.

CONTACT

ThE EDIToRIAL

DEPARTMEnT

Please e-mail your thoughts,

suggestions or critiques to:

[email protected]

[email protected] readers,

When was the last time you took a chance – got out of your comfort zone and head-ed into unchartered territory? nothing is more challenging to us as human beings than the unknown, the new. Whether we are achieving a personal best or chang-ing working methods towards standard-isation and automation, every journey starts with a first step. And usually, in real life, it ends up being much easier than we thought – if we dare to do so.

In this issue, we present solutions for the journey to increasing efficiency in design and manufacturing. our new Eplan Cogineer is a minor revolution in the area of configuration: moving forward, draw-ing up schematics is automated and becomes child’s play. Another important topic is the 3DX xPDM–SAP interface developed by Cideon, which connects ERP with the PLM universe for effortless data exchange. And we also have a new solution for control cabinet manufactur-ing: Eplan Smart Wiring makes wiring control cabinets faster, easier and even more technically flawless.

As you can see, we at Eplan and Cideon have the solutions for your depar-ture to efficient engineering. Be confi-dent – we’re happy to support you.

Maximilian BrandlChairman of the Management BoardEplan and Cideon

mailto:[email protected]






3software4efficiency 1|17

26 Peak PerformerEplan Data Portal is growing – just like the number of ski aficionados around the world. Comparing data and facts.

InDuSTRy28 Pressure with One Click

Pump manufacturer Grundfos prepares its electri-cal design with Eplan Engineering Configuration.

32 Trailblazer for Automotive Comfort3Con is now designing at turbo speeds with Eplan and a uniform database.

34 Turned Upside-DownThe Russian protection cabinet manufacturer EKRA made the change from using the drawing board to ECAD.

SERvICES

36 Showdown in Sinsheim The leading topic for the 2016 Cideon Manage-ment Conference: Challenge for the Future. A conference is planned for this year as well.

38 Dresden RoundtablesEngineering 4.0 was the theme at the Cideon Software Solution Days in September 2016.

40 fluid Transitionhow changing over to new standards and pro-cesses can succeed: ten questions and answers.

42 fAQs44 Brilliant Minds

Twenty-five Eplan Certified Engineers convened at the first ECE user Meeting.

STAnDARDS

4 News43 Publication Details46 Cast Off!

Dare to begin the voyage to efficient engineering, with solutions from Eplan and Cideon.

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32

20

news

In Demand

Dr Karl-ulrich Köhler has been the Rittal CEo since 1 July 2016. he took a few moments to talk about his hopes for the future for the associated affiliate companies Eplan and Cideon.

Dr Köhler, you’ve been the CEO of Rittal for just over half a year. what are your impres-sions so far? Dr Karl-Ulrich Köhler: I’ve known Rittal for many years – I was a member of the advisory board un-til July 2016. now I’m very pleased to have the privilege of steering this splendid family-owned company myself. It’s impressive how innovative, capable and efficient Rittal is.

what direction will Rittal be taking in the future?Köhler: very clearly the direction of growth. That may sound generic, but it is solidly informed by strategies that are bearing fruit in specific mar-kets. We have enormous potential in the united States and China in particular. We want to be sec-ond to none with our solutions and to demon-strate this internationally as well.

what roles do Eplan and Cideon play?Köhler: Eplan and Cideon are a great example of goal-oriented teamwork across all levels within the companies, from the management boards to the various departments. Both companies de-velop joint solutions for the best possible results for customers. This must be the launching point for the entire group of companies; they need to begin from the customer’s perspective even more than they do now.

what is in store for Eplan and Cideon, moving forward?Köhler: There are three priorities. We want to grow internationally with both companies, and for in-stance be setting the standards with Eplan in the united States, China and Japan. The future lies in the cloud, which is why we’re increasing our focus on it in the future. And, last but not least, we want to remain innovative and work on a “digital value chain” and advance topics including mechatronics and data. Eplan and Cideon are making very good progress in these areas.

One final question: what trends do you see in your industry?Köhler: Industry 4.0 points the way to digitised working methods. Any delay could be the deciding factor in whether I remain competitive or backslide in the market. ultimately, it’s all a question of the right interplay of priorities and clear strategy.

Thank you for your time!


software4efficiency 1|17 5

news

The second international Eplan & Cideon virtual Fair is taking place on 21 March 2017. Anyone in the world who is interest-ed in attending will be able to register on-line for the virtual Fair from 21 February. Registration also allows participants to view the recorded presentations for an additional thirty days after the fair on the virtual online platform.

Personell Tetsuzo Igata is the new Man-aging Director of Eplan Japan, starting in September 2016. “The goal of our activi-ties is to position Eplan as the preferred CAx solution on the Japanese market.” Tetsuzo Igata has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry in the area of CAD and CAE.

SnAPShoTS

virtual Fair

Eplan in Japan

Eplan Pro.File Connector by Cideon

1,039institutions* worldwide are utilising Eplan licenses as part of the complimentary Eplan Education training concept. * As of 14 November 2016www.cideon.com/eplan-

pro_file-connector

Seamless The Eplan Pro.File Connector by Cideon now offers companies an integra-tion solution for the Procad PDM system. Implemented by Cideon, it considerably simplifies maintaining consistent data across the entire product lifecycle for users moving forward. The upshot: seamless workflows for managing parts and bills of materials as well as the ongoing manage-ment of product data. www.eplan.education/en

Synchronisation: Jim Brown’s Blog

Cideon America Inc. Keeps Growing

Find out more about Cideon America at www.cideon.us www.cideon.eu/3dx/

Guest Commentary Jim Brown, an expert in the areas of PLM and ERP, explains in the Cideon guest blog how manufacturers can meet the demand for innovation with the use of networked processes and systems. using the example of 3DExperience – SAP integra-tion – Cideon core skills – Brown demon-strates the necessity and potential of smooth synchronisation between PLM and ERP.

Expansion Cideon America was able to expand its customer base and also increase its prominence on the market during 2016. In order to handle the growth, Cideon Amer-ica made numerous new hires in the areas of sales, consulting and administration. These additions helped round off Cideon’s exper-tise and made it possible to continue devel-oping this growing market.

Register at:www.eplan.de/virtual-fair or www.cideon.com/virtual-fair

Ka-RaceIng Wins Formula StudentCompetition From erstwhile newcomer to winner – the Ka-RaceIng team from Karlsruhe made it, winning first place at the 2016 Formula Student Germany in the category “Electric”. With support from Eplan: the students were able to use Eplan soft-ware for free during the run of the compe-

tition, just like an additional 24 student teams* at the moment. Formula Student, an international competition, has mean-while established itself as a staple event in auto racing. The next race is taking place from 8 to 13 August in hockenheim, Ger-many. * As of November 2016

Phot

o: Y

uko

Min

aki

http://www.eplan.education/en

www.cideon.com/eplan-pro_file-connector

http://www.cideon.eu/3dx/

http://www.cideon.us

http://www.eplan.de/virtual-fair

http://www.cideon.com/virtual-fair


Rubrik | Unternehmen

The stories of the adventures of the great inventors and explorers exert a tremendous fascination. But what distin-guishes an Edison, a da Gama or a Benz from the rest of the world? Above all, it is the courage to actually dare to do something new. A look at the twenty-first century shows that this is another time of new beginnings.

Set Sail!


new Beginnings | In Focus

for thousands of years, sailing ships were the pride of the seas. But at the end of the eighteenth century, the first steamships made their way down the rivers.

A century later, they took to the oceans as well. “Full steam ahead” in place of “smooth sailing”? In fact, this is what is called dis-ruptive innovation: it completely replaces an existing technology, product or process. By the time your children have children, I predict that you will have to explain phone boxes, floppy disks, compasses, fax machines, 35mm black-and-white film and light bulbs to them – the predecessors, of course, of mobile phones, .mp3 files, GPS, e-mail traffic, digital photography and LEDs.

Land Ho!With regard to industrial production, the pos-sibilities that emerge are no less fascinating. The best thing about the megatrends of mechatronics and Industry 4.0 is that ready-made solutions are already on the table wait-ing to be implemented. In our company alone, over 1,100 software and engineering specialists are working on highly innovative products and processes, some of them dis-ruptive, along the industrial value and pro-cess chains. There are enormous prospects for networking hardware and software as well as for production and information tech-nology as the core of the new digitised pro-duction world. Projections suggest that Indus-try 4.0 will stimulate productivity increases in the double-digit percentage range. Con-versely, this amount of efficiency gain pro-vides latitude for something that has always made strong companies stronger: innova-tion in products and services.

Admittedly, the media is currently being flooded with the topic of Industry 4.0 to the point of oversaturation. But what do you think was said and written about the steam engine and the light bulb, the combustion engine and the conveyor belt, the transistor and the microprocessor in their day? And with good reason, since each innovation in its own right signifies a leap in productivity previously considered impossible. Moreover, this repu-diates those who are always talking about the limits of what is technically feasible


In Focus | new Beginnings

or who consider contemporary technology to be the culmination of intellectual progress.

Passion for ExplorationIs it all a matter of perspective? undoubt-edly. To ensure that the breath of fresh air provided by the new 4.0 production sce-narios does not dwindle to a storm in a tea-cup, it is advisable to consult an outside expert. An outsider will not share a com-pany’s uncritical view of its implicit truths. henry Ford himself preferred to get out of his comfort zone and turn the whole thing inside out: “Get me engineers who have yet to learn what isn’t possible!”

Jettisoning Dead weightEplan and Cideon have a proven portfolio of procedures, concepts and tools to boost the performance of your processes and IT sig-nificantly, whether the goal is disruptive or gradual innovation. We turn cumbersome

Maximilian Brandl, Chairman of the

Management Board Eplan und Cideon

“We cannot discover new oceans by staying close to the shore.”

ferdinand Magellan, 1480–1521

container ships into agile speedboats of prod-uct development, giving you the opportunity to pull out all the stops and achieve more profitability in engineering and mechanics. This will enable you to stand up to interna-tional competition and the loss of markets better than embarking on yet another ration-alisation strategy or acquisition scheme. This is an open invitation to start a conversation with us. Get ready for the beginning of the most productive future ever!

Maximilian Brandl, Chairman of the Management Board Eplan und Cideon



ood news: talk of innovation is making a comeback. As a matter of fact, the need for change is the one thing that everyone is quick to agree

on right now. What’s more, there is a resur-gence of promising entrepreneurs and con-trarians who are artfully getting their com-panies into competitive shape while staffing up and creating remarkable success stor-ies. Take Marco Gebhardt, CEo of Geb-hardt Fördertechnik Gmbh in Sinsheim, Germany, for example. In order to gather completely new ideas, he launched a cre-ative product development agency that he deliberately situated away from his factory.

Innovation? Growth!What drives entrepreneurs like Marco Geb-hardt? First of all, a simple insight: only through innovation can independent growth be achieved. The question arises as to how resources – specifically time, money and personnel – can be freed up to develop innovative products and processes. We, the engineering experts at Eplan and Cideon, focus on the company’s in-house value. We increase our customers’ profitability by push-ing their digital product development to a new level of efficiency. The primary tools for this are standardised procedures, automated processes and continuous workflows. our credo: bringing innovative, high- quality products to the marketplace quickly and cheaply requires just as much innova-tion at the start of things – the product devel-opment stage.

Data Must flowThrough application software, process con-sulting and interface development, we are not only improving the individual engineer-ing disciplines, but also providing the fuel for the entire product life cycle: data. Reduc-ing process and product costs is impossi-ble without consistent data streams: from conception, through the design and pro-duction stages, to sales and operation. This may sound ambitious, but it can be achieved sustainably through tight interface man-agement: from CAD/CAE, through PDM/PLM, to ERP, and all the way to integrated solutions.

Companies desire integrated concepts – not only throughout the product life cycle, but also in cooperation with solution providers like Eplan. Specifically, they want to use a single engineering solution at all their loca-tions worldwide, with corresponding support services. The new standardisation megatrend is the driver of our own growth strategy. With ninety locations in over fifty countries, we can provide our customers more innovation, prof-it, and growth and deliver on our promise of worldwide engineering expertise twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Haluk Menderes, Eplan’s Managing Director

Haluk Menderes, Eplan’s Managing Director

“The wind and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.”

Edward Gibbon, 1737–1794

G

In engineering and sailing alike, the most successful teams are the ones that rely on automated processes even under adverse conditions.


In Focus | new Beginnings

ow do operational champions manage to deliver excellence in innovation time and time again? There is certainly no single path to maximum effi-

ciency, optimum quality and absolute cus-tomer focus. however, in light of the same challenges (low prices, short response times, a high level of product individuality), two striking best practice approaches are emerg-ing, both of which focus on engineering pro-cesses: configuration and mechatronics.

Configuration is essentially rule-based design. “once developed, always availa-ble” is the guiding principle. Those who uti-lise high-performance mechanisms for auto-matic reuse of common parts, even in the case of custom products, can boost the enormous efficiency potential in engineer-ing. This applies as much to a five-person design office as to an international corpo-ration with development sites spread across the globe. Standardisation and modularisa-tion inevitably lead to less variance and complexity.

People Create ProcessesMethodology versus margin pressure? Cideon’s expertise in mechatronic workflows is also generating enormous productivity benefits. In concrete terms, we are talking about nothing less than creating an optimal relationship between production factors and production output. If we resolutely push ahead with an interdisciplinary cooperation between mechanics, control technology and software, one plus one plus one will equal not three but one: a joint collaboration with significantly higher output. In all our efforts to increase productivity, we keep the merg-ing of physical and digital workflows in con-stant focus, because in the future work will still require both people and machines. In other words, however much processes change in the digitised production environ-ment, human beings will continue to be the process creators.

one thing is clear: the transition will not happen without blood, sweat and tears. The introduction of a fundamentally new proce-dure, technology or process is like planting a tree: it only bears fruit when someone with

skill and foresight puts it into the soil, foster-ing its further development through hard work and discipline until it grows and thrives on its own. My personal recommendation: grab a spade and a hoe and get that seedling in the ground before the end of the day. The saying “one today is worth two tomorrows” applies here as well.

Clemens Voegele, Cideon’s Managing Director

Clemens Voegele, Cideon’s Managing

Director H

In interdisciplinary collaboration,

it is particularly easy to lose one’s

bearings. Focused cooperation will lead to a notice-able increase in the chances of

success.

“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”

Aristoteles, 384 – 322 BCE



“ One can sometimes reach a destination more quickly by tacking upwind than by sailing with the wind.”Hermann Lahm, *1948

N ever stand still; never just watch or relax. To be successful, one must occupy specific positions and

always have one foot on the accelerator. otherwise the entrepreneurial risk increas-es significantly. Stay innovative and keep opening up new markets; only then will there be a chance for your better product to continue guaranteeing your success.

Marco Gebhardt, CEO of Gebhardt fördertechnik GmbH in Sinsheim

Marco Gebhardt, CEO of Gebhardt Fördertechnik GmbH in Sinsheim

To Remarks

Solutions | Eplan Cogineer

software4efficiency 1|1712

Automatically creating schematics will soon be child’s play. With Eplan Cogineer, there is now a solution for simple configuration. With just a few clicks, it will get you up to speed as well as provide impressive results.

Easy as 1, 2, 3 …


To Remarks


ADvAnTAGES

Eplan Cogineer

• Efficiency: Productivity right after installation

• user Interface: Created automatically without programming

• Enjoyment Factor: Simple handling and easy learnability

• usability: For every design methodology and project structure

• Complete Integration: With Eplan Platform

• Know-how Protection: Secure use of company-specific standards

• As-Built Documentation: Generated with just a click

utomated configuration can be so simple.” This sentence would probably make most experienced engineers smirk. But starting now, there is a

better solution that makes this statement a reality. With Eplan Cogineer, design engi-neers can realise their projects very quick-ly. unlike other configuration-based auto-mation solutions, this one doesn’t require weeks of development work. In fact, users can start developing sets of rules right away, using established Eplan macros. Eplan Cogineer offers absolute data continuity from product structuring through to the spe-cific project implementation and supports compliance with norms and standards. This has a twofold effect: the greatest possible precision and maximum efficiency. yet using this solution is so easy that even inexperi-enced users can quickly achieve profes-sional results. Eplan head of Product Man-agement Thomas Michels explains: “We wanted to create a solution that was as easy as possible to use with respect to its func-tionality, but also very innovative.” The results speak for themselves: a solution for every-one that is enjoyable to use and saves both time and money.

The first steps with Eplan Cogineer are incredibly easy. The first project can be gen-erated within just a short period of time thanks in part to the intuitive user interface.

A

fIND OUT MORE ABOUT EPLAN COGINEERAt the Eplan & Cideon Virtual

fair on 21 March 2017

www.eplan.de/virtual-fair








“Learning by doing” is the maxim for users, and they can quickly master the learning curve. Eplan Cogineer is designed to be an easily deployable tool for occasional users and power users alike, allowing them to con-figure projects and generate schematics in Eplan Electric P8 or Eplan Fluid with just a few clicks. It doesn’t matter whether machines or plants have already been structured according to functional aspects or to a system-specific perspective. The new solu-tion takes a scalable configuration approach to the chosen working methods, too: a mix of traditional working methods and configu-rations – for instance with manual and con-figurable subprojects – can be combined as needed. In this way, Cogineer meets every user exactly wherever he or she is right now and paves the way for the entry to more efficient engineering.

The foundation for this new configura-tion solution is Eplan macros. The advan-tage: every user of Eplan Electric P8 and Eplan Fluid can work directly with Eplan Cogineer. Completely integrated into Eplan Platform, the solutions offer maximum ease of use and optimal usability for everyday engineering. Specialised expert knowledge, such as mastery of Excel or visual Basic, is not required.

A Plus for working in TandemThe integrated process steps in Eplan Cogineer guarantee an enormous increase in efficiency, with 30 to 50 per cent time sav-ings for creating schematics. Two perfectly synchronised functional areas – Designer and Project Builder – offer maximum config-uration comfort. The rules set for Eplan Cogi-neer are stored in Designer, which includes for instance Eplan macros, superordinate structural orders (so-called typicals), pre-defined and storable configurations and options based on variables, and logical oper-ators (formulas). This means that Designer functions as a knowledge database and at the same time ensures adherence with company-specific standards.

Project Builder’s role is to assemble the individual projects. What’s special about it is that the Project Builder user interface gen-erates itself automatically, pursuant to the

defined rules and options in Designer. Michels: “one hundred per cent data con-tinuity from design to construction allows Eplan Cogineer to precisely process cus-tomer projects in this area without delay. And it does this completely independently of the people involved in the process. Eve-rything is centrally stored and can be called up at any time – both in Designer and in Project Builder.” Eplan Cogineer can gen-erate complete electrotechnical documen-tation with just one click. This results in two crucial advantages. First, it ensures the error-free implementation of the defined rules and structures, thus guaranteeing high quality for the configuration results. Second, with the copying and pasting of pages and mac-ros a thing of the past, substantially more projects can be developed in the same amount of time. As Managing Director Eplan Switzerland Dagmar Weber explains: “Eplan Cogineer will considerably simplify the work for design engineers worldwide. And it does so without long lead times: quite a lot of time can be saved after just a brief period of use – time that companies can invest in new projects.”

The Project Builders interface is self-

generated according to the rules and options

stored in Designer. The schematics are

automatically generated from the data input

into Project Builder.

Simple Configuration “ Eplan Cogineer will con-siderably simplify the work for design engineers worldwide. Quite a lot of time can be saved very quickly.”Dagmar Weber, Managing Director Eplan Switzerland


Unternehmen | Rubrik

The BreakthroughAt the digital juncture of design and production, there’s a decision to be made: traffic jam or traffic haven? Cideon’s 3DX xPDM–SAP Interface is a stable bridge enabling smooth, reciprocal data exchange between the CAD/PDM world and the ERP landscape.


Solutions | Cideon 3DX xPDM–SAP Interface

n the old days, to travel directly from the Swiss Central Alps to the Mediter-ranean atmosphere in Ticino, one had no choice but to struggle through the St Gotthard Pass at an altitude of 2,100

metres. Even now, this lengthy, dangerous route remains impassable in places during the winter. The Gotthard Tunnel represent-ed a breakthrough – with millions of trips in both directions to date, it answered a very simple question: how can I get from point A to point B and back quickly and easily – and in one piece?

Stable System and Good PerformanceCideon has come up with its own direct route between two “landscapes”: the 3DExperi-ence (3DX)–SAP Interface. At a time when isolated solutions seem like a relic of the eighties and nineties, the server-based solu-tion by Cideon, Dassault Systèmes software partner, provides fully automated data and process synchronisation between 3DX and SAP. Consistent, fast data exchange ensures accelerated development and provides sub-sequent parts of the process chain with all necessary information.

CAD drawings and models are synchro-nised to this end as are engineering parts with the SAP material master, and engineer-ing bills of material (EBoM) with the SAP material BoM (MBoM). Since the synchro-nisation is also based on individual attribu-tes and not exclusively at the object level, there is lower system load and high perfor-mance with reduced utilisation of IT resourc-es. The asynchronous data exchange, which happens in the background automatically, lets users continue to work without waiting. Another plus: there is always data consist-ency – in the event of a fault, a repair mech-anism is automatically activated.

nitin Tawari, Senior Business Develop-ment and Sales Executive at Cideon, offers a behind-the-scenes look at corporate prac-tice: “Every day, our customers use the inter-face for thousands of transactions. Based on the out-of-the-box principle, the software is quickly implemented and flexibly exten-sible. of course, the positive impression of the pilot phase is confirmed in the produc-tive system: even at a high volume of data,

the software runs safely and reliably.” The linchpin of the application allows unrestrict-ed data consistency and significant labour savings to go hand in hand: “The Cideon Synchronisation Server (CSS) is like a fully

I

automatic water heater,” says Dr Martin Stahr, head of Development at Cideon. “It collects process data and metadata and ensures a clean data exchange between both systems.” Rule sets coordinating bidi-rectional data mapping between 3DX and SAP objects are configured in the CSS. As a result, the mapped data in the partner sys-tem also controls the underlying processes.

Cideon provides a graphical mapping editor for this purpose. “Mapping enables users to react quickly to new requirements,” explains Dr Stahr, “whether something chang-es in the SAP or 3DX system or not.”

Both object attributes and lifecycle sta-tus can be used to control the synchronisa-tion. “The flow of information is not deter-mined by the software, but by the company’s process,” says Dr Stahr. “you have flexibil-ity in configuring the point at which the infor-mation from 3DExperience is transferred or synchronised to SAP, via filtering that is rules-based or dependent on maturity level and

ADvAnTAGES

Cideon 3DX xPDM–SAP Interface

• Complete, error-free and consistent data across all systems used (CAD, 3DX and SAP)

• Accelerated communication through asynchro-nous and rule-based data synchronisation

• Excellent performance even at high volumes of data

• Status updates on data exchange and process map via graphical user interfaces at any time

In both directions: Drawings and models, photos/videos Requirements /

needs and deadlines, Work plans and NC, Quality information, Testing

and inspection information, Geometry and design, Production information,

Parts and BOMs, Standards and specifications.


Cideon 3DX xPDM–SAP Interface | Solutions

status.” And in the opposite direction? “you can also set a rules-based transfer of data from SAP back to 3DExperience.”

Flexibility is one thing, but what about investment security? Cideon’s design for the CSS is based on service-oriented architec-ture (SoA), allowing the system to adapt to volatile business processes quickly. Speak-ing of volatility, even if individual systems or system components sporadically fail, no data is lost, as restart is automatic. In addi-tion, a graphical monitoring tool for system administrators ensures transparency of data transfer. Its practical reporting functions pro-vide information on transferred data.

In Actual PracticeDr Martin Stahr outlines a sample applica-tion: “When a developer has finished work, a background process is automatically trig-gered. For example, a design drawing is cre-ated in SAP and linked to an SAP material master. If desired, information from SAP can

“ Mapping enables users to react quickly to new re-quirements, whether some-thing changes in the SAP or 3DX system or not.”Dr Martin Stahr, Head of Development at Cideon

In A nuTShELL

Dassault Systèmes and Cideon

As a software partner, Cideon works in close coordination with Dassault Systèmes. The dialogue with Dassault and Cideon’s years of experience in 3DX and SAP environments are the basis for seamlessly linking the SAP world to the Dassault 3DExperience system landscape.

SOFTWAREPARTNERV6 Partner

then be passed on to 3DX. Already busy with new tasks, the developer does not have to deal with the SAP system.”


Solutions | Eplan Platform 2.6

plan Platform 2.6 implements workflow-oriented improvements for more efficient engineering throughout integrated process chains and includes substan-

tial, innovative features for industry-specific solutions. For instance, Eplan harness proD now allows the automatic creation of profes-sional cable diagrams in the studio version. Indispensable for production documents, they contain the necessary information for cable processing and are automatically derived from the constructed 2D/3D cable assembly. With the display configuration – including automatic dimensioning – the pro-duction drawings can easily be customised to your standards.

The new version of Eplan Preplanning for the preliminary technical design of machines and plants keeps a view of the big picture in engineering. And there’s a new slant on the prefix “pre”: Eplan Preplanning now also supports basic engineering – the project phase upstream from detail engineering. With the early acquisition of even rudimen-tary project information and with graphic and database-oriented design on equal foot-ing, the new Eplan Preplanning achieves the all-important “we effect”: a wide variety of project data can be incorporated into Eplan Platform and from there can be enhanced, managed and processed along the entire design engineering process.

Clean RoutingEplan Fluid Professional, including Eplan Pro Panel, now offers the possibility of dis-playing piping and hydraulic hose lines directly in 3D with complete layout function-ality. The design engineer can therefore review hose layouts and lengths. An export function is also provided, in order to trans-mit the pipe geometries to external manu-

The concept of a design-engineering environment that is team oriented has lost none of its appeal, even ten years after the rollout of the Eplan Platform. Quite the contrary: version 2.6, launched in fall 2016, continues to propel departments, projects and even individual disciplines to top performances.

Ideally Integrated

can be filed in a freely definable manner, and name allocation has been made more flexible. In project structure management, certain structures can be searched for, found, and altered throughout the entire project. The definition of the sequence of pages for print or PDF output has been considerably improved – users benefit here from faster results. user management has also been simplified: existing users can simply be imported into an IT infrastructure instead of having to be recreated. Eplan rights man-agement has been expanded for this, with a link to the Active Directory. There is also a more effective design for the use of SQL databases, with a drop-down list in order to select the right SQL database.

E“ My special highlight in this version of the platform: Eplan Preplanning now supports basic engineering. All the information can be collected early on and used and enhanced throughout the entire design engineering process.” Thomas Michels, Head of Product Management at Eplan

Eplan Cogineer

Find out more about this topic on pages 12 to 14.

facturing software for pipe bending. The new Thermal Design Integration in Eplan Pro Panel also has a practice-oriented design for the thermal dimensioning of energy- efficient switchgear systems.

Terminal strip management in Eplan Elec-tric P8 now permits the simple display of the accessories utilised. Both automatically and manually defined jumpers can easily be identified. The current terminal status can still be displayed as it is represented in the navigator. Moreover, a new, connection-oriented perspective provides a clear and fast overview of which terminal connections are still open and thus available.

Superbly OrganisedThe Quick Input Filter in project manage-ment now makes it even easier to adminis-ter projects and project data. Sub-projects

ADvAnTAGES

Eplan Platform version 2.6

• Data bridge from basic to detail engineering with Eplan Preplanning

• Automatic creation of professional wiring drawings/schematics in Eplan harness proD

• Planning/Designing fluid-power connections in 3D with Eplan Fluid

• Thermal dimensioning of energy-efficient switchgear systems with Thermal Design Integration in Eplan

• Improved terminal strips editor as central management position in Eplan Electric P8

Eight Delicacieswhat would you think of a menu that has something that appeals to everyone, but with individual dishes that can be combined for a delicious meal of several courses? Eplan Experience is conceived in exactly this manner. The formula for use is a “best of” collection from users who are “in the kitchen” themselves every day.

IT INfRASTRUCTURE

Eplan Platform• The simple transfer of users and user groups

into Eplan rights management via Windows Active

Directory

PLATfORM SETUP

Eplan Electric P8• Improvements to the terminal strip editor for more central administration

• Generation of more informative evaluations in the areas of cables and wires

Eplan fluid• Routing hose lines and piping

in the assembly space• Exporting of pipes to external

systems to determine bending information

• Verification of technical connection measurements

in fluid power design

CODES & STANDARDS

Eplan Harness proD• High-quality production documents,

expanded by cable drawings• Time savings and quality improvement

through the automatic generation of professional cable drawings

Eplan Data Portal• Synchronisation and enhancement

of parts data with just a click • Digital device data now also in

DXF format• Automatic creation of bills

of materials during device selection

PRODUCT STRUCTURE

Eplan Platform• Easier project management in

the project management database

• Automated processing of several projects via

multiple selection

DESIGN METHODS

Eplan Pro Panel – Thermal Design Integration

• Visualisation of the heat load density, prevention of hotspots

• Representation of the optimal climate- controlled area for each

cooling unit

Eplan Harness proD• Assignment of elements such as wires,

surface coatings, and plugs to complex cabling units

• Automatic creation of cable drawings from the cable

assemblies

wORKfLOw

Eplan Preplanning• Individual reconciliation

for more data consistency and continuity between

basic and detail engineering

PROCESS INTEGRATION

Eplan Pro Panel – Eplan Smart wiring

• Wiring without schematics• Step-by-step instructions for

the wirer• Automatic project comparison,

even for last-minute changes• Processing of wiring lists

in Excel format

Eplan Platform 2.6 | Solutions



Lösungen | Savingspotenziale

Changing from traditional to automated work-ing processes can reduce the time previously required for engineering by up to two thirds.

Automation is a trend, whereby time-consuming activities fall by the wayside. Significant potential savings lie hidden within the process of moving from traditional to standardised to automated working methods. It’s time to take a detailed look.

first Place for Automation


Efficiency Potential | Solutions

ow long does it take to create schematics and manufactur-ing documents? What is the industry norm? Where is the individual potential for sav-

ings in engineering? uwe harder, head of Consulting at Eplan, is familiar with the issues that increasing competitive pres-sures can present for companies: “Can I keep using my normal working methods, or should I take the plunge and make a change? Everything really depends on this fundamental question.”

Where is the best place to start? It’s best to dive into the details by taking a closer look at the typical working steps in engi-neering. First, at the start of every project, the general framework and delivery speci-fications must be clarified. uwe harder: “Exceedingly few customers know that switching to automated processes in this area allows projects to be accomplished in about half the time.” The basis for more efficiency in this process is clearly struc-tured data – neatly indexed and stored, it can be retrieved and used over and over again.

The truly relevant efficiency potentials lie in the areas that normally account for the lion’s share of engineering: project planning and/or dimensioning, and the actual design. Both of these areas each normally consume more than 30 per cent of the total time spent on a project. uwe harder knows from expe-rience that this can happen much faster: “Every step along the path from traditional to standardised to automated working pro-cesses can reduce the original amount of time needed by a good third. Achieving the same results while putting in only about 35 per cent of the time shows that a change in engineering approach pays off quickly.”

Clearly, every change has related pre-paratory work (more about this can be found in the article about standards and process-es on pages 40 and 41). The famous first step is difficult to take when each individ-ual’s gains in efficiency seem unclear. With Eplan Cogineer (pages 12 to 14) Eplan offers its customers a new solution in the field of automated schematic creation. Apart from that, Eplan developed the Eplan Experience

Hconcept that from the start is designed to support companies moving forward.

Ken Christie, uK Country Director, says: “Eplan has supported customers in their move to automation over the last thirty years. of those who have progressed with auto-mation, all will agree that the move was worthwhile. The creation of standards and their use within design have a much great-er impact on productivity than the tradition-al copy and paste technique.”

Potential Savings in All Areasone example is the move from the tradition-al manufacturing-oriented documentation of a schematic diagram to one that is func-tionally oriented. This type of change is by no means trivial: after all, it completely shifts the focus away from manufacturing and towards assembly. yet this change of per-spective can deliver even more potential savings. “More than a third of the entire engi-neering design time can be saved in docu-mentation,” harder explains. The use of standard company templates is also worth-while here and is best combined with an internal company library. The stored data is used and reused so that even rushed jobs can be completed in a timely manner. The efforts for testing and verification, finalisa-tion and the subsequent documentation in this process are negligible.

A comprehensive evaluation of engineer-ing processes shows that every area holds opportunities for savings. And overall? “There’s a rule of thumb that remains valid across all industries and companies: if a company invests around 10 per cent of its time and workforce in contract-independent standardisation, it ends up reducing the time for its overall processes by more than a third,” harder says. “In the end you receive much more than you invested at the begin-ning – the change is worth it.”

“ Eplan has supported customers in their move to automation over the last thirty years. Of those who have progressed with auto-mation, all will agree that the move was worthwhile.” Ken Christie, UK Country Director

The time originally required for engi-neering can be reduced by two thirds by changing to automated working processes.

Project planning and the actual design each normally consume 30 per cent of the time on a project.

30% www.eplanexperience.com

http://www.eplanexperience.com

Lösungen | Rittal Configuration System

9

7

8


Solutions | Rittal Configuration System

roduct configuration as a buz-zword – Rittal offers a turnkey invitation to balance standard-isation and individualisation successfully. Since mid-2016,

the company has been offering on its web-site the possibility to assemble a custom-ised, off-the-shelf enclosure in just a few minutes. Customers can simply select and place matching components, including cool-ing units, and prepare them for mechanical processing. “Modular product structures reduce complexity, both for our clients as well as for us as a control-cabinet systems provider,” says Dr Thomas Steffen, Manag-ing Director Research and Development at Rittal.

Simple Data – Smart DataRittal’s affiliate, Eplan, uses industry-tested software solutions and data pools to main-tain consistency and integration of the infor-mation streams in the application and beyond. Eplan Data Portal, a web-based data platform to supply current device data from leading component manufacturers, delivers precisely maintained data to the Rittal Configuration System. Manufacturers submit device data, which Eplan collects and makes available for system users. When accessed, however, the Configuration

The new Rittal Configuration System isn’t just perfect for everyday engineering, it also makes the online configuration of compact control cabinets and enclosures with customised system components exciting – thanks to the networking of smart data, special tools and dynamic methods.

Something New from the Think Tank

System doesn’t just use simple data retrieved in real time from the Eplan Data Portal and relay it to Rittal – instead, Rittal customers work with smart data in the Rittal Configu-ration System. The key element of the trans-formation from simple to smart data is the mechatronic solution Eplan Engineering Configuration (EEC): it supplements the Rittal Configuration System data stored in Eplan Data Portal with predefined rules for how such data can be utilised.

A System That Thinks AheadCustomers benefit from the system in sev-eral ways: when selecting accessories, the system only shows those parts that are compatible with the previously selected product. The construction kit thinks ahead, while the customer remains the configura-tion designer. With the use of a 3D model, users can immediately place selected accessories in appropriate locations. The position is then reserved and cannot erro-neously be used for other parts. Custom-ers can directly install optional components such as fan-and-filter units and connection points right into any free spaces in the control cabinet. This simplifies the time- consuming search for openings and saves both time and money.

During configuration, the cut-outs and drilling holes required for the accessories are also taken into consideration because the Rittal Configuration System also incor-porates mechanical processing, which can be shown on the 3D model. “Eplan Engi-neering Configurator automates Rittal pro-cesses as a matter of course, all the way to the cut-outs in the control cabinet,” says Maximilian Brandl, Chairman of the Man-agement Board at Eplan and Cideon.

PMoving Toward MechatronicsSmart data, a 3D model that thinks ahead, building the bridge from design to manu-facturing – Rittal is handing over to its cus-tomers the broader view of engineering that is typical of mechatronic concepts. After selection, placement, and processing, cus-tomers order the control cabinet and/or nec-essary parts through Rittal’s online shop. If only components are being sent, the con-figurator also makes available the associ-ated CAD data, nC data, and assembly and installation instructions. Since the release last fall, data from the Rittal Configuration System can be directly transferred into Eplan Pro Panel in the native Eplan format. It con-tains the basis for the 3D electromechani-cal design of the control cabinet and pro-vides the integrated manufacturing documentation for the workshop.

ADvAnTAGES

Rittal Configuration System

• Modular product structures reduce complexity for creating control cabinets

• Partnership with Eplan Data Portal: product data that is consistent and up to date

• Partnership with Eplan Engineering Configura-tion (EEC): data stored in Rittal Configuration System supplemented with rule sets

• Direct transfer of Rittal Configuration System data to Eplan Pro Panel is possible

how the Rittal Configuration System works

PIM: Product Information ManagementR&D: Research & Development


Solutions | Rittal Configuration System

In what sense is the Rittal Configura-tion System a key component of Rittal’s Industry 4.0 strategy for control-cabinet engineering?Thomas Steffen: It represents the core of the Industry 4.0 idea in the here and now. We’re interlinking the industrial production of control cabinets and small enclosures with state-of-the-art information and com-munication technology.

who benefits from this?Steffen: Rittal Configuration System cre-ates a win-win situation for both our cus-tomers and us. our customers are simply, quickly, and correctly guided through well-thought-out variants and options, to realise their individual applications based on series-produced items. not only do they receive very descriptive 3D representations of all the Rittal components ordered, including the individual accessories virtually installed in the correct locations, but they also get nC programs to have cut-outs made auto-matically by Rittal machines. In return, we at Rittal can react faster and more cost-effectively while delivering even higher-quality products.

with the Rittal Configuration System, Rittal is achieving nothing less than the provision of future-oriented engineer-ing solution in combination with auto-mated order processing through to pro-duction and logistics. I assume the close cooperation with affiliate Eplan was real-ly the only logical approach?Steffen: It’s also a reflection of the corpo-rate culture in the Friedhelm Loh Group. Innovation is never a topic that is clustered in just one area. Instead, it must flow throughout the entire company. Eplan has a wide range of intelligent and state-of-the-art software tools, methods, and concepts that we naturally are pleased to be able to take advantage of.

Mr Brandl, why are smart data and smart procedures required for an application such as Rittal Configuration System?Maximilian Brandl: Put simply: to reduce complexity. Dealing with complexity has become one of the central questions for industries in the twenty-first century because the demand for products is mov-ing towards increasing customisation. Prod-uct development processes must keep

pace with these developments, including in terms of efficiency.

If a system contains many parts, some of which interact, it is considered complex and thus prone to breaking down. Is this not exactly the right profile of require-ments for a rule-based tool such as Eplan Engineering Configuration (EEC)?Brandl: EEC is predestined for this. It mod-els primary modules, including all the rules, and can be used to design and utilise con-figuration interfaces. however, alongside data continuity with its definable rule sets, an imperative in the Industry 4.0 era, EEC first and foremost lays the foundations for a qualitatively sound configuration application in which all of the processes run automat-ically, from ordering to the controlling of machines for processing.

Dr. Thomas Steffen, Managing Director Research and Development at Rittal

Rittal’s Managing Director Research and Develop-ment, Dr Thomas Steffen, and Eplan and Cideon’s Chairman of the Manage-ment Board, Maximilian Brandl, talk about the chal-lenges and opportunities of product development in an Industry 4.0 context.

“win-win Situation for Our Customers”

Maximilian Brandl, Chairman of the Management Board at Eplan and Cideon


Eplan Smart Wiring | Solutions

roper wiring of a control cabinet is actually a matter of some com-plexity. highly skilled specialists with expert knowledge are in demand when it comes to inter-

preting a schematic, fabricating and instal-ling wires, and keeping track of the finished wires in the schematic. up to 40 per cent of the production time for a control cabinet goes into wiring the components correctly. Eplan Smart Wiring now makes this compli-cated process significantly easier. With its touch-optimised user interface, this solution can also be used on mobile Windows devic-es and right in the control cabinet. This puts an end to the use of schematics as the basis for the wiring. The best part is that this new solution can even be used by less skilled employees to execute the complicated wir-ing process, which increases flexibility, including at peak order times.

Clear and PreciseEplan Smart Wiring is intuitive to use. The software offers the operator a step-by-step guide through wiring. Based on data from Eplan Pro Panel, wiring paths are displayed in a 3D model of the control cabinet. In addi-tion, wiring is also possible based on Excel lists, which are made available from such sources as other ECAD systems. Each con-nection has its own status, such as “not installed” or “partially installed.” once a wire is completely installed, it is set to green, according to the traffic-light principle. Last-minute changes are calculated automati-cally. newly added connections are displayed in the same manner as those to be deleted or uninstalled. This also makes each step of the process transparent and clearly comprehensible.

If a connection cannot be made because of missing wires or incor-rect cross sections, for example,

P

Say goodbye to complicated control cabinet wiring. Eplan Smart Wiring is the newly available solution for faster, easier, more professional wiring.

Smarter wiring

it is blocked and the designer is notified via e-mail. This enables direct intervention and correction without time losses. Ideally, the ability to store project statuses and pass them on to later production stations also supports continuous flow production.

The proper design methodology is a prerequisite for the standard-ised provision of wiring data. The

Eplan Experience concept demonstrates what is required to provide workflow-optimised and process-safe data for production.

ADvAnTAGES

Eplan Smart wiring

• Touch-optimised, easy-to-use user interface

• Data processing in Eplan and Excel format

• Wiring without schematics

• Detailed fabrication information

• visual support with 3D graphics

• Traffic-light principle to display the installation status of each connection

• Reduction of error sources and error rates

• Better scalability of manufacturing workloads

Information about Eplan Experience can be found at www.eplanexperience.com


30 software4efficiency 1|1726 software4efficiency 1|17

690,000users of Eplan Data Portal can access 690,000 data sets at the moment. That’s 26 times more than the number of lift facilities available to winter sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Peak PerformanceDid you know that Eplan Data Portal is continually growing? The number of winter sports fans and mountain lovers is steadily rising as well. here you can find some interesting comparison data and facts at a glance. Can you hear it? The mountains are calling!

7.6 millionThe total number of downloads from Eplan Data Portal in 2016 is 19 times the daily carrying capacity of all the lifts in Aspen, Colorado.

Solutions | Eplan Data Portal

31software4efficiency 1|17 27software4efficiency 1|17

2,600Eplan Data Portal registers 2,600 new users every month. Assuming an average height of 1.7 metres, stacked on top of each other they would be as tall as the European union’s tallest mountain, Mont Blanc, which measures 4,808 metres.

119,600The number of registered Eplan Data Portal users could fill the Ski Dubai ski hall, the world’s largest at 22,500 square metres, almost eighty times over.

171Devices from 171 manufacturers can be found in Eplan Data Portal. This number in centimetres is the length of one regular downhill ski. A rule of thumb: for beginners, the ski, stood on its end, should reach to between the chin and nose, and for pro athletes it should reach to between the nose and forehead.

Eplan Data Portal | Solutions

Branchen | Grundfos Dänemark

Grundfos pumps provide water to some 600 million people around the world. They now work with one-click electrical design, using Eplan Engineering Configuration (EEC) and ERP system connectivity.

Pressure with One Click


29

Grundfos (Denmark) | Industry


Pressure with One Click

eating, cooling and ventilation, water supply, fire-suppression systems, dewatering and wastewater transport – the range of products and servic-

es at Grundfos is enormous. As one of the world’s largest pump manufacturers, the company produces around 16 million pumps a year for a variety of purposes. Pressure booster pumps for supplying potable water are also part of the company’s repertoire. one of its classic products in this field is the hydro MPC series of systems. The Con-trol MPC includes between two and six pumps, as well as one control panel. An integrated controller ensures that the nec-essary number of pumps is always running to supply the effective flow and keep the pressure constant in the in-house drinking water system – despite pressure changes within the network and fluctuating extrac-tion volumes.

When configuring these systems, users can select from various performance cat-egories and options. These can include variable-speed drivers, switch disconnec-tors, and the sounding of an acoustic alarm in the case of errors. Country-specific direc-tives and standards (Eu, uL, etc.) and communication interfaces must also be taken into account.

The combination of pump type and num-ber of pumps, standards and options results in a high but finite number of varieties for pressure booster systems. To simplify man-aging these systems, Grundfos worked in tandem with Eplan to develop its own con-figuration system. Eplan Engineering Con-figuration’s mechatronic solution formed the basis for the project. If electrical design engineers are planning a control panel for a customer-specific pressure boosting sys-tem, a web-based menu leads them through the selection of individual variations. Start: the desired country standards, the num-ber of pumps and each pump’s perfor-mance parameters. The options are col-lected in functional groups, including safety and communication as examples, and only need to be clicked to be select-ed. The project data for sales and market-ing have already been compiled.

H

DECIDE fOR EEC Configuration system

simplifies variant management


Industry | Grundfos (Denmark)

“ As a next step, the system will be implemented glob-ally, starting with China.”

Grundfos offers 750 basic control panel configurations

150

750

Grundfos defined more than 150 macros

Grundfos produces 16 million pumps annually

16 m

The result: after just a few clicks, the design-er has configured the system and thus the complete electrotechnical documentation in the background at the same time – includ-ing the wiring diagrams, parts lists and clas-sification data. The documentation is now available in a total of 27 languages. The data sets for control-panel production and cable assembly are already specified and can be read in by the respective systems, which for instance can take over the sheet metal forming (boring, milling) of the con-trol cabinets fully automatically.

Preparing for Deep IntegrationWhat functions effortlessly requires elabo-rate background processes. Grundfos Sen-ior Technical Lead Bjarne Lønvig uses an example to explain: “When the designer checks the option ‘ampere meter’ within the configuration system, it must be taken into account in both the schematics and the mechanical design of the control cabinet, since an opening for the display must be cut into the door.”

EEC supplies the technical foundation for integration. As a mechatronic configu-ration solution, it interacts with Eplan Plat-form and the authoring systems involved, Eplan Electric P8 (electrical design) and Eplan Pro Panel (3D control cabinet assem-bly). The functional “building blocks” of the system being planned are stored in EEC and are then selected and automatically connected according to mechatronic design principles. This applies to both the mechan-ical and the electrotechnical parts of the engineering design process.

Control cabinet and 3D cabinet data are output as Eplan data sets in a neutral PDF format. In order to achieve this major simpli-fication, the functional rulebook for the con-struction of the respective Grundfos series of products was initially created as mechatron-ic building blocks within EEC. Lønvig: “There are more than 750 basis configurations for control panels, all of which must match. To achieve this we defined more than 150 mac-ros and 25 options.” Grundfos Senior Con-figuration Engineer Alexander Grenda, who shared responsibility with Lønvig for rolling out the configuration system, adds: “The

programming of the high variance of com-binations required was especially challeng-ing. But connectivity to our ERP for maximum integration was very important to us.”

Connection to ECAD and SAPThe efforts paid off: today the automatically generated design data from EEC is trans-mitted to the Grundfos ERP system (SAP) and processed by all the commercial depart-ments such as purchasing and stock man-agement. The integration of Eplan Pro Pan-el is also beneficial. EEC Configuration Engineer Mirco Wünsch: “The control pan-el design takes place in 3D so that the ‘pack-aging’ of the components is optimised auto-matically. What often happens in practice as a result is that we can select a smaller cabinet – which customers are glad about because installation space is often limited.” And because electrotechnology is getting increasing complex in an era of more regu-lated, energy-efficient pump drives, this automatic optimisation of the components

Bjarne Lønvig, Senior Technical Lead at Grundfos


Grundfos Dänemark | Branchen

31

is also beneficial. The Rittal enclosures that Grundfos uses as their standard are up to 4.8 metres wide. Since EEC also calculates the heat loads, the dimensioning and selec-tion of the appropriate filter fan also occurs automatically. The same applies to the cre-ation of drilling patterns, etc. for control pan-el manufacturing, in which Perforex machines from the new Rittal Automation Systems business unit are used.

Global RolloutThe collaboration between Eplan and Grundfos for the purpose of developing a configurator began in 2012, when the com-pany decided in favour of EEC. Lønvig: “our modelling of the system started in 2013, pilot systems have been running since mid-2014, and we’ve since installed the config-uration system at an initial location – in Wahl-stedt, Germany. This is where control panels are manufactured for many parts of Europe. As a next step, the system will be imple-mented in the company’s other global loca-

tions, starting with China.” Since the con-figuration system runs on a web server on the Grundfos intranet, it can be used any-where in the world, and users are always supplied with the most current version.

CoMPAny

Grundfos This Danish company is one of the world’s leading pump manufacturers. Its three main product groups are circulator pumps, submersible pumps, and displacement pumps. Alongside pumps, Grundfos also builds electric motors and electron-ic control systems for pumps.

Headquarters Bjerringbro/Denmark

Employees About 19,500 worldwide

founded in 1945

Pumps More than 16 million annuallyAs of: 19 october 2016

Grundfos pumps deliver the necessary pressure to provide water to some 600 million people internationally.

For Grundfos there’s no question that the preparation work – which especially consis-ted of “feeding” EEC the design and com-ponent data – paid off quickly. Lønvig: “We map the entire process chain of electrical and control panel design engineering, auto-mate the construction, and also integrate the design, production and commercial pro-cesses through the connection to ERP. This seriously simplifies the work for us, standar-dises design of control panels and also improves their construction.”

For the interface between Solidworks and SAP PLM, Grundfos relied on Cideon’s expertise. now, courtesy of Cideon’s inte-gration, the company is reaping the ben-efits of seamless processes as both sys-tems work together.

www.grundfos.com

http://www.grundfos.com


Industry | 3Con

hic leather seats, lustrous fittings and precisely manu-factured materials – for auto-mobile interiors, the highest quality is standard. To adhere

to this standard, there is a demand for inno-vative tools and assembly lines tailored to customer requirements. 3Con Anlagenbau Gmbh, founded in oberaudorf, Germany, in 1998, continues to deliver both to this day. The company’s products pave the way for customers to professionally execute high-precision craftsmanship, including hot-air cutting, press and vacuum lamination, and edge wrapping (placing decorative materi-als such as plastics and textiles).

In 2011, the company expanded its prod-uct range to include the manufacturing of complete plant systems. The ECAD soft-ware they were using at the time was quick-ly stretched to its limits. Thomas neu-schwedter, an electrical engineer at 3Con, explains: “Because some of our customers requested the planning documents in Eplan format for further use, I was already aware of the convenience this software offered. That and the better coverage of the expand-ed tasks for plant engineering and con-struction were decisive factors in our deci-sion to go with Eplan.”

The know-how and expertise in the 3Con plant systems is embedded in a variety of processes: from the electrical and pneumat-ic drive and positioning technology, includ-

3Con specialises in manufacturing customised automated machinery for the production of high-grade automobile interior systems. With Eplan and a uniform database, the company is now designing at turbo speeds – in maximum comfort.

Trailblazer for Automotive Comfort

ing robotics, to the design and control of the heating elements to activate the adhe-sives used in the fusion and laminating pro-cesses. “Some of the plant systems have well over five hundred [digital/analogue] PLC inputs and outputs,” neuschwedter says, describing the complexity of these systems. “The electrical diagrams of an average system can quickly fill up three binders. That’s about fifteen hundred pag-es of schematics. Processing them with the software we used to use was extremely time-consuming.”

Near-Effortless Configuration A partial solution was out of the question for 3Con’s new electrical design software. In order to cover all the subtasks within the machinery without any system discontinu-

Cities, the company acquired Eplan Electric P8 for electrical design engineering, Eplan Fluid for the pneumatic and/or hydraulic plant parts and Eplan Pro Panel for control cabinet engineering in 3D.

Furthermore, 3Con did the groundwork required for a successful changeover. As neuschwedter reports: “We put every con-ceivable option into our plans for the first plant configured in Eplan. This is how a vir-tual, 150-percent system emerged that can be configured by simply deselecting all the unimplemented components.” Since every Eplan product consistently uses a common database, the continuity of all data integra-tion is always preserved across each and every part of a complete system. Thus add-ing or removing an option – in the sche-matics for instance – automatically affects all the other sub-plans, for example the ter-minal diagram or the control cabinet lay-out. Electrical engineers can fully rely on the Eplan solution, and sub-plan verifica-tion is no longer required.

The acceleration this achieves in the sub-sequent evaluation testing significantly decreases the workload. “A project that would have taken a week of work with the previous software is something we can now complete in just two to three days,” neuschwedter says. “now we can more quickly react to individ-ual customer requirements than we could have in the past – it’s a valuable contribution to our competitive capabilities.”

3Con achieved a speed-up in electrical engineering of 60 per cent with Eplan.

60 %

software4efficiency 1|17 33

3Con | Industry

www.3con.com

CoMPAny

3CON

Founded in oberaudorf, Germany, in 1998, 3Con develops and produces innovative tools and plant systems for the manufacturing of automotive interiors in Ebbs, Austria. 3Con has around 220 employees at 5 facilities and is one of the global leaders in special machine construction for the global automotive industry and its suppliers.

The company manufactures very complex cus-tomised systems for vacuum lamination, edge wrapping (for placing decorative materials), punching, cutting and joining of interior parts, and applying sound-insulating lacquers and mounting clips.

http://www.3con.com

Industry | EKRA

Russian protection cabinet manufacturer EKRA completely migrated from the drawing board to ECAD. After focusing on two systems and fifteen months of testing, EKRA is now achieving savings of up to 40 per cent: with Eplan.

Turned Upside-Down

E-CAD instead of the drawing board: the Russian company EKRA ventured this changeover in 2012 – with fantastic time savings.



EKRA | Industry

round six hundred kilometres east of Moscow, the order books are full. EKRA Research and Production Enterprise Ltd, located in Chuvashia on the

volga River, has recorded rapid growth since the year 2000. Production volume for micro-processor-controlled surge protection cabi-nets for substations has increased by a fac-tor of 140 over a comparably short timeframe. The global trend towards customer-specific products is striking, even for predominantly domestic customers from the broad field of energy. In just over fifteen years, the propor-tion of non-standardised cabinets has increased from 5 to 90 per cent of the com-pany’s overall production volume.

Going with the Market LeaderIn 2012, the decision was made to replace the drawing board with electrical computer-aided design (ECAD). The primary goal in implementing ECAD was to reduce produc-tion time without losses in quality. however, the Russian company’s list of objectives also included an increase in batch production, as well as an improvement in the quality of technical documentation. The choice was between two systems: Eplan and one of its global competitors. Within the framework of a fifteen-month pilot phase, EKRA tested both providers – in the case of Eplan, using Eplan Electric P8 and Eplan Pro Panel in particular – against criteria such as user-friendly interface, standardisation of devel-opment steps and integration into the exist-ing IT infrastructure for production control. The pilot project was the design of an EKRA classic: the SE2607 series surge protection cabinet.

In the pilot phase, EKRA was able to achieve many of the goals it set itself. The layout of the wiring diagram has now been formalised. In addition, a system database is available, including necessary documen-tation and integration into the enterprise resource planning system. Eplan is connec-ted to the metal construction and assembly departments, as well as to the departments responsible for final assembly. The compa-ny has also implemented automated assem-bly inspection.

The numbers were compelling from the start. With time savings of 30 per cent in design and layout, 25 per cent in metal construc-tion preparation and 25 per cent in assem-bly inspection, Eplan improved EKRA’s per-formance in all areas. Dmitriy Gennadyevich Schoglev, head of the CAD Group in the R&D department says: “According to time-keeping records, the time spent on design has also fallen by 40 per cent. This is due to excellent preparation, such as the crea-tion of assembly drawings and wiring dia-grams, which saves us a lot of time overall.” It is no surprise that in 2014, EKRA comple-tely shifted its batch production to Eplan within one year.

Clever OrganisationEven during the test phase, EKRA was estab-lishing several organisational changes for optimal ECAD implementation. A newly formed CAD group created basic system data for the enterprise resource planning system, handled the automation of the assem-bly testing and examined the economic indi-cators of the implementation. Another impor-tant step was the creation of a well-maintained parts database. EKRA provided complete information on each component, e.g., wir-ing diagram components, as macros. 3D models enable the creation of full-scale tem-plates of surge protection cabinets.

A“ According to timekeeping records, the time spent on design has also fallen by 40 per cent. This is due to excellent preparation, such as the creation of assembly drawings and wiring dia-grams, which saves us a lot of time overall.”Dmitriy Gennadyevich Shoglev, Head of the CAD Group in the R&D Department at EKRA Research and Production Enterprise Ltd

Time savings in design/layout through automated creation of terminal diagrams/configuration drawings and data transfer to the enterprise resource planning system

30 %

Time savings in assembly inspections through automated creation of test files

25 %


Services | Management Conference

he Cideon Management Con-ference in summer 2016 marked a premiere. The guiding theme, “Challenge for the Future – The Revolution of Product Develop-

ment”, struck a chord among the guests. Quite a number of managers promised to attend the second edition of the Cideon Management Conference on 29th of June 2017 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The talks, discussions and presentations were held in the Auto & Technik Museum Sinsheim (Car and Technology Museum Sinsheim) just off the A6 Autobahn. In essence, the conference addressed how new technologies, global networks, innova-tive materials and accelerated competition influence the business models for small and medium-sized companies. Concrete solu-tions for this critical point in the value chain, like the ones that Cideon offers with its inno-vative products and services for integrated product development processes, are in tre-mendous demand. Seldom is the world of product development in as much flux as it is today. This is a necessary phase, since the fifteen years of product development required for the Concorde – the crown jewel of the Auto & Technik Museum Sinsheim – would be inconceivable today.

Top-Notch Guest SpeakersAfter the greeting by Eplan and Cideon Chair-man of the Management Board Maximilian Brandl, Cideon Managing Director Sebastian Seitz dove right in, speaking about how addi-tive manufacturing, cloud CAD, Lefdal and newer methodologies such as generative design and agile development open com-pletely new perspectives. Karl osti and Markus Speiser from Autodesk outlined the potential of innovative design and engineering tech-nologies in Autodesk-based engineering processes. André häusling, Managing Direc-

on one side: the managers. on the other: the engineers. high noon in Sinsheim? hardly! At the end of the 2016 Cideon Management Conference, there were no differences in position between the Cideon managers and the engineering experts – for good reason.

Showdown in Sinsheim

tor of hR Pioneers, a specialist for personnel and organisational development, then gave a talk about the critical influence that people have on the quality of product development.

Cideon head of Product Management Gerhard Wulff also focused on collaboration and communication. his credo: mechatron-ic engineering makes product development more efficient than ever. “If design and devel-opment processes in mechanical engineer-ing, control engineering and PLC software take place in parallel instead of consecutive-ly, this considerably accelerates the time to market.” This is as logical as the fact that the fuel for mechatronic processes – name-ly data – must be able to flow freely between the various disciplines.

Gaining a Competitive EdgeThis is exactly why Cideon and Eplan devel-oped Syngineer: the hub for cooperation and exchanging information in real time. Gerhard Wulff inspired his audience with his descrip-tion of the time savings and gains in effic-iency to be had through the integration of varying development processes.

Guests also got a close-up look at a hot-spot for the ultra-efficient networking of machinery, hardware and software when logistics entrepreneur Marco Gebhardt invit-ed participants on a factory tour at Gebhardt Fördertechnik Gmbh. A producer of mate-rial flow systems, the company has produc-tion and manufacturing plants that function as efficiently for innovation as Marco Geb-hardt’s streamlining of his 420-employee company. It was less a tactical move than a strategic guiding principle for a company that is already executing the “Future of Mak-ing Things” in the engineering sector. Accord-ing to Gebhardt, new developments are two-fold: a factor for survival and an opportunity for growth in globalised markets.

T“ If design and development processes in mechanical engineering, control engi-neering and PLC software take place in parallel instead of consecutively, this considerably acceler-ates the time to market.”Gerhard Wulff,

Head of Product Management at Cideon


Managementkonferenz | Services

1

2 3

41 The 2016 Cideon Management Conference took place in the Auto & Technik Museum Sinsheim, near Stuttgart.

2 Conference participants learned about how new technologies influence small and medium-sized companies.

3 operational overview: the factory tour at Gebhardt Fördertechnik Gmbh showed how production and manufacturing plants can be streamlined for efficiency thanks to networked processes and systems.

4 Fascinating talks and top-notch guest speakers revealed new perspectives.


Rubrik | Unternehmen

Location: Dresden. Topic: Engineering 4.0 and solutions for SAP users. At Cideon Software Solution Days in September 2016, the manufacturing industry’s develop-ment potential took its place at the table with Cideon customers, partners and other interested parties.

Dresden Roundtables


Cideon Solution Days | Services

t’s always exciting when Cideon Soft-ware announces its Solution Days, a time for review, new insights and pro-posals for action. Participants at the 2016 event were offered sound, big-

picture thinking from an entrepreneurial per-spective and concrete approaches to meet-ing individual requirements.

At specialist presentations, live demon-strations and informal sessions, experts examined how to achieve productive syn-thesis in the context of integrated product development processes with SAP: stand-ardised software technologies and hetero-geneous processes in industrial companies! Faster innovation cycles and maximum data continuity! And combining tight time win-dows with streamlined project budgets and increasing customer-product complexity.

Engineering 4.0 – SAP PLMThe keynote speeches were the perfect start to the event: Maximilian Brandl, Chairman of the Management Board of Eplan and Cide-on, and Reno Staschinski, Cideon Software’s Managing Director, discussed Engineering 4.0; SAP PLM was covered by Dr Jürgen Weiner, Senior vice President S/4hAnA – LoB R&D/Engineering – SAP SE. These major challenges can also provide savvy compa-nies with significant opportunities for growth in the marketplace.

Maximilian Brandl outlined Cideon’s future orientation against the backdrop of Engineer-ing 4.0: integrated value chain management that will create a consistent, automated pro-cess from the first product idea, through engi-neering, and all the way to production and downstream processes. Brandl spotlighted Syngineer, a new, future-oriented develop-ment from Eplan and Cideon. This mechatron-ic communication and collaboration platform optimally supports the merging of various development methodologies and the rapid availability of real-time data. Guest speaker Dr Jürgen Weiner (SAP SE) summed up the future of SAP PLM as an innovative platform and its value in product development. Mean-while, Reno Staschinski’s speech also made it clear that the integration of CAD data and processes into ERP business applications will remain Cideon’s core area of expertise.

Together with Cideon’s Autocad, Inventor, Solidworks, Solid Edge and Eplan Electric P8 systems, a selection of leading MCAD systems and a market leader in ECAD (as well as their connection to SAP PLM) were on hand as a point of reference. Product owner and long-time strategy partner SAP SE discussed SAP ECTR with guests and answered their questions.

In the end, a guest hit the nail on the head: “This was my first time at Cideon Solution Days, and it whetted my appetite for more. I’m already looking forward to next year.”

IPerfect ConnectionsThere were plenty of opportunities to delve deeper into the topic of standardised inter-faces between leading CAD systems and SAP Engineering Control Center (SAP ECTR) or SAP Product Lifecycle Management dur-ing practice-oriented presentations, mod-erated PLM discussion groups, solution-specific demonstrations and direct dialogue. numerous discussions about individual solutions were sparked by the presence of the contributing developers and interac-tion with the experienced Cideon project team. The face-to-face concept really paid off during the SAP PLM roundtable discus-sions. Moderated by Cideon in tandem with reference customers such as the neuman & Esser Group, the new yet traditional dia-logue platform provided plenty of scope for exciting discussions.

Appetite whettedThe conference programme was comple-mented by demonstrations from CAD inter-face partners Cenit AG, DSC Software AG and Riess Engineering Europe Gmbh, who provided an informed look at SAP PLM interfaces to Catia v5, nX and PTC Creo.

Daniel Bielke, Cideon (centre), in conversation with customers. Direct dialogue with the experienced Cideon team provided the opportunity to discuss individual process and project solutions.

For more information, visitwww.cideon.com/solution-days

http://www.cideon.com/solution-days


Services | Standards & Processes

ood preparation is half the battle. “The challenges of Industry 4.0 can only be mas-tered with perfectly organ-ised preparation,” says uwe

harder, head of Consulting at Eplan, speak-ing from experience. In order to keep track of the reorganisation process, one must work systematically. Dr Mirko Auerbach, head of Product Lifecycle Management at Krones AG, is also aware of this. his company has implemented interdepartmental changes in its entire way of working, in addition to restructuring its products. The most impor-tant thing? “Stick with a decision once it’s made – and have plenty of stamina during the transition.”

But back to square one: ten important questions, and their response options, offer insight into the possibilities in a successful change of course.

What does it take to transition successfully to new standards and processes in engineering? The right decisions and perseverance in implementation. here are ten questions to bring more clarity.

fluid Transition

G

1 Reorganisation: “incidental” or as a separate project? Uwe Harder: This is a basic deci-sion that companies must make on the basis of their existing resources and scheduled timeline. With a separate project group, like the one at Krones, the changeover is achieved as quickly as possible and in one stretch.

2 Complete specification or agile planning?Dr Mirko Auerbach: At the begin-ning, complete specification was our goal, but then we realised that we were running in place. This is why we opted for a more flexible, agile approach during the transi-tion. In this way, we were able to work our way forward step by step and integrate current developments into the process.

3 How much project manage-ment do I need?Harder: The further I deviate from existing structures and processes and the less time I have, the more project management I need. Twen-ty per cent project management and 80 per cent implementation is the usual proportion.

Uwe Harder, Head of Consulting at Eplan

Dr Mirko Auerbach, Head of R&D – Product Lifecycle Management at Krones AG

www.krones.com


Standards & Processes | Services

CoMPAny

Krones AG

Krones AG manufactures machines for filling and packaging beverages and liquid foods in bottles (PET and glass) and beverage cans. headquar-tered in neutraubling (near Regensburg, Germany), the company employs over fourteen thousand people and has more than eighty sales and service branch offices worldwide.

5 what is the best structure for my company?Harder: As a rule of thumb, struc-ture as much as necessary and as little as possible. The IEC 81346 standard can serve as a rough guide. you need to be familiar with design standards and structuring methods to choose the right approach for you.Auerbach: We restructured elec-trical engineering, fluid power and software.

4 what degree of change am I striving for?Auerbach: We wanted to reboot and change things fundamental-ly. It starts right with the depiction of the schematic. We turned our entire way of working upside down and made adjustments to struc-tures. But this can also be achieved more gently.

6 which staff members do I inform about the change? Harder: The more comprehensive the change, the more communica-tion is necessary. In the case of a complete overhaul of the previous way of working, you should notify all employees and – best-case sce-nario – get them excited about it. Acceptance from your employees, who will ultimately need to go along with the result, is crucial to the pro-ject’s success.Auerbach: Transparent and thor-ough communication about the progress of the project won us a lot of support from our employees.

9 How do I automate?Harder: Automation of structures, unlike programming, generally has the advantage that more employees can understand and augment or maintain it. This makes the process more tangible to employees, which bolsters its acceptance at the company.

10 when are you making the change? www.eplan.de/en

7 what degree of reuse do I aspire to? Harder: The possibilities range from the reuse of a simple tem-plate, through the creation of options and variants, all the way to the creation of entire libraries. A reduced workload and time sav-ings are indicators, but the size of the company is as well.

8 Is there a standardisation department?Auerbach: We started by working with a matrix. Employees were each responsible for the standardisation of their areas. In day-to-day busi-ness, however, this usually fell by the wayside, so we quickly set up our own department. This paid off: with the support of the standardi-sation department, our other employees can focus on our core business.Harder: A separate department is desirable for companies beyond a certain size. And management must be able to accept costs that are unrelated to orders and des-ignated as such.

?

http://www.krones.com

http://www.eplan.de/en

software4efficiency 1 |1742

The Eplan Solution Center responds to hundreds of individual questions every day from users around the world. Que-ries may also be made online within the software through the drop-down menu Help > Request for Eplan Support. These and many additional questions and answers are also available here.

fAQs

uSER TIP

In order to distinguish write-protected projects better from other projects in the user interface in future, such projects are now always identified by a gray text background in the tree and list views of the navigators.

BenefitThrough the special representation in the navi-gators and the separate color settings you can distinguish write-protected template projects and their opened pages / layout spaces more easily from other projects and their pages /

Special representation of write-protected projects

layout spaces. new separate color settings are now available for the representation of opened pages and layout spaces. The Color settings of write-protected projects group box has been added to the dialog Settings: user interface to this purpose.

Through the settings Scheme (2D), Shading - Background 1 (3D) and Shading – Background 2 (3D) via Options > Settings > User > Display > User interface you can specify separate color set-tings for the graphical editor and the 3D view for write-protected projects. By default other back-

!

uSER TIP

you edit the logic model of the function in the Connection point logic dialog. Editing has been now been facilitated. If the entries in the fields differ from the default

highlighting of differences when editing the connection point logic

!

ground colors are set here than in the user-de-fined 2D and 3D color settings for graphical ed-iting. Gray background colors are used as the default setting.

For additional support, customers can register with Eplan Solution Center using their company-related e-mail address, the customer number and the number of the Software Service Agreement.

The direct link: www.eplan.de/esc_en

Services

PRoBLEMS REQuIRE SOLUTIONSPractical answers to frequently asked questions

values of the underlying function definition, these are highlighted by a yellow back-ground.

In order to find such functions at which the logic model is set deviating from the function definition in a project, the new check run message 007026 / The logic model of the function deviates from the function definition is available in the message class 007 Devices.

http://www.eplan.de/esc_en

51software4efficiency 1 |17

Services

PUBLICATION DETAILS software4efficiency – The Engineering Magazine of Eplan and Cideon. Issue 1/2017 Publisher Eplan Software & Service Gmbh & Co. KG, An der alten Ziegelei 2, D-40789 Monheim am Rhein, Germany, Phone +49 (0) 2173 3964-0, Fax +49 2173 3964-25, [email protected], www.eplan.de. Managing Editor Maximilian Brandl. Editor-in-Chief nina Buchheister. Editorial Staff nina Buchheister, Christel Burghardt, Gregor Karasinsky, ulrich Kläsener. English Translation Anthony B. heric, Paul outlaw English Editing Casey Butterfield. Idea and Realisation muehlhausmoers corporate communications gmbh, Moltkestraße 123–131, D-50674 Cologne, Germany, Phone +49 221 951533-0, info@ muehlhausmoers.com, www.muehlhausmoers.com. Project Director Elena Berhausen, Lisa Krekel. Art Director Christiane von Bonin. Graphics, Production Berna Bay, Andreas Kellotat, Michael Konrad, nikolai Schütte, Manfred Wirth. Lithography purpur Gmbh, Cologne. Printing Grafische Werkstatt Druckerei und verlag Gebr. Kopp Gmbh & Co. KG, Cologne, Germany.

PHOTO CREDITS

Cover: Jörg vollmer/fotolia; p. 2 (top): Sergii Moscaliuk/fotolia; p. 3 (top and middle): shutterstock; (bottom): GettyImages/EyeEm/Teresa Barranca; p. 4:

Markus hintzen/F.L.G.; p. 5 (top): yuko Minaki; pp. 6–7: nilsp/fotolia; p. 8 (top): Ryszard Filipowicz/fotolia; p. 9 (bottom): shutterstock, pp. 10–11: Kanin-

studio/fotolia; p. 11 (top): shutterstock; (bottom): Gebhardt Fördertechnik Gmbh; pp. 12–13: shutterstock; p. 15: herrenknecht; p. 16–17: Florian Sänger;

p. 19: istock; p. 20: shutterstock; p. 22: Florian Sänger; p. 25 (bottom): Blackzheep/fotolia; pp. 26–27: BZ Siegen; pp. 30–31: The noun Project; pp. 32–33:

Grundfos; pp. 34–35: Grundfos; p. 37: 3Con; p. 38: Gettyimages/EyeEm/Teresa Barranca; pp. 40–41: unitechnik Systems Gmbh; p. 42: shutterstock; p. 45 (top): Technikmuseum Sinsheim; pp. 48–49

(background): shutterstock; (Icons): istock; p. 50: istock; pp. 54–55 (ship, wheel and lookout): shutterstock; (captain‘s hat): Lennartz/fotolia; (compass): istock; (knot): Sergii Moscaliuk/fotolia; (sail):

Altrendo Travel/gettyimages; (winch): Manuela Klopsch/fotolia. All rights for photos not mentioned in this list belong to Eplan/Friedhelm Loh Group.

Print compensatedId-No. 1761983

www.bvdm-online.de

Modifying the page structure of projects subsequently

In the past you could only modify the page structure specified in the project properties only as long as a project does not contain any pages. In the new version it is now also possible to modify the page structure of a project even if the project already contains pages.

If a project disposes of pages, the Pages drop-down list on the Structure tab (Project > Properties), in the project properties is no longer grayed out. you can now select a different scheme for the page structure or use [...] to branch to the subsequent dialog Page structure and enter a new identifying scheme there. you can edit the predefined schemes (such as “higher-level function”) in this subsequent dialog.Whether the modifications carried out are possible depends on certain requirements:

Extension of the page structure:An extension of the page structure by a further identifier block (for example setting the “Document type” structure to “Identifying”) or the changing of an identifier block from “Describing” to “Identifying” is always possible.

uSER TIP

Reduction of the page structure:A reduction of the page structure (meaning subsequently changing an identifying identifier block to “Describing” or “not available”) is only possible if no duplicate pages arise through this change.

No change in the page structure:If a reduction of the page structure would result in duplicate pages, this change is not possible and a corresponding message is displayed.In such a case up to 10 possible pages are listed in the system messages. In order to make modification of the page structure possible you have to adapt these pages so that unique complete page names result.

!

uSER TIP

Finding used structure identifiers through the search results list

The number of times a structure identifier is used in the project can be shown in the usage column of the structure identifiers. The popup menu item Insert into list of search results is now avail-able in tree and list views of the dialog Identifiers (Project data > Structure identifier management) in order to find used points of the structure identifiers in the project.

BenefitThe popup menu item Insert into list of search results makes the difficult search for the points of usage of the structure identifiers in the project su-perfluous. It is much easier to find the used structure identifiers.This popup menu item checks the usage of the marked structure identifiers

in the project and enters the found objects into the search results list. The entries already existing in the results list are deleted. you can jump to the objects on the project pages from the results list.

!


http://www.eplan.de

http://www.muehlhausmoers.com

http://www.bvdm-online.de


Services | ECE user Meeting

hen established engi-neers and technicians voluntarily take courses again, then there’s only one thing you can say:

kudos – you got it!” This was how Eplan Training Academy Manager harald Weiß greeted a total of 25 Eplan Certified Engi-neers (ECE) in Monheim, Germany, in Sep-tember 2016. The ECE user Meeting, held two years after establishment of the training programme, was a premiere. The tenor after the event: it was a success that should be continued. This meeting of experts fits seam-lessly into the dialogue-oriented ECE train-

Eplan user to Eplan expert in six to twelve months? It’s absolutely possible. Twenty-five highly motivated graduates of the Eplan Certified Engineer programme are living proof – in September 2016, they came together for the first ECE user Meeting.

Brilliant Minds

wing concept. Bernd Schewior, Senior vice President Professional Services at Eplan, explains: “After introducing ECE, we asked ourselves: ‘how can we make a very good software such as Eplan into a very good application for everyday engineering, with a high level of efficiency?’”

first-Hand InformationThe answer: “By expediting how what’s the-oretically possible is transferred into prac-tical application,” Schewior continues. “To do this, we need an individual dialogue with users who put ECE into practice eve-ry day in its purest form. Depending on the

nEW TRAInInG

Product Structure

how can a conceptual model of a product, machine or plant be created using an interdisci-plinary product structure? Eplan offers these trainings and workshops:

• Five-day Design Methods training: developing design standards/knowledge about product structuring methods for machines and plants while considering currently valid standards.

• Three-day workshop: Eplan customer consulting about product structure/development of a functional reutilisation with a case example.


ECE user Meeting | Services

degree of prior knowledge, we offer estab-lished know-how to novices and profession-als until their final examination at the univer-sity of Applied Sciences (Rheinische Fachhochschule) Cologne.” on the one hand, the programme for the ECE user Meeting offered a space for informal exchanges. on the other, participants obtained first-hand information about the innovations and new features in Eplan software, version 2.6. Eplan Product Engineer Fabian Strüver also gave a talk about product structure – one of the eight fields of action for Eplan Experience’s concept of efficiency. The use of the stand-ard IEC 81346 and the clear allocation and definition of functional units form the basis for the use of automation methodologies and interdisciplinary cooperation.

Eplan head of Product Management Thom-as Michels used his speech to look ahead, pointing out the necessity of keeping abreast of software developments. “Solutions are continually being developed, with updates and functional innovations.” Weiß added that “ECE recertification, required every two years, presents an excellent opportunity to stay up to date on the expertise acquired.”

Chatting with Eplan Certified Engi-neers: Michael Joppig (57, electrical engineer, self-employed), Michael Noack (40, electrical engineer, KSV Koblenzer Steuerungs- und Ver-teilungsbau GmbH), and Marco Geb-hardt (29, electronics technician, SIKA Dr. Siebert & Kühn GmbH & Co. KG).

Mr Joppig, you are an entrepreneur and project engineer in one. what prompt-ed you to make the investment to become an Eplan Certified Engineer?Michael Joppig: Today you need more than just familiarity with a software’s func-tions: you must utilise the correct meth-ods while taking current electrotechni-cal standards into consideration. Customers demand very high quality plant documentation with very short turn-around times.

Has the ECE training actually made you faster?Joppig: By about 30 per cent, accord-ing to my initial estimates, with signifi-cantly higher quality.

Have you noticed a positive marketing effect after acquiring ECE?Joppig: yes, actually: ECE supports the more secure handling of Eplan Electric P8 and is a calling card for good expertise.

It is said that training succeeds or fails depending on the trainer. How would you rate the Eplan training personnel, Mr Gebhardt?Marco Gebhardt: The trainers are great, both personally and professionally. I par-ticularly liked their approach to the train-ing, which didn’t stop with the end of the lesson, but rather when the problem was actually solved, just like in real life.

what did the training change?Gebhardt: It wasn’t until I had ECE that I could truly work effectively with the soft-ware. using the example of macros, I’ve become much faster. That alone made it worth the investment.

Mr Noack, you describe Eplan as your pet project, and you have fifteen years of experience with Eplan. with all that, did you really need the ECE training?Michael Noack: If you want to dive deep-er into the Eplan materials, you should take the ECE training. Even experienced engineers can utilise it to review their knowl-edge and their usual working processes.

The ECE User Meeting was the first of its kind. was the premiere successful?Noack: It was an intimate atmosphere with substantial information and great exchanges among a circle of colleagues. It was right on target.

Calling Card for Great Expertise

SouGhT AFTER?

Participants at the ECE user Meeting find out about new features in the Eplan software and learn how to keep their know-how up to date.

Eplan Certified Engineers Michael Joppig, Michael noack and Marco Gebhardt (from left) talk about their working methods and the user Meeting.

you can find the new training at:http://www.eplan.academy/ en/training-course-overview/

http://www.eplan.academy/en/training-course-overview/


Focus

Companies around the world employ product lifecycle management solutions from Cideon to channel and connect all information on products and processes. Today’s winners are also thinking about tomorrow and maintain integrated control over products and processes at all times.

on track: thanks to strict assignment of tasks in Eplan

Cogineer, error rates are minimised and automated creation of schematics is

child’s play. Eplan Cogineer ensures fast entry and

compelling results.

Learn more on pages 12 to 14.

Cast Off!A sea voyage is not the only instance where each departure begins with a farewell to accustomed procedures. A successful journey requires good preparation and the proper set of tools, both of which Eplan and Cideon provide to support their customers. hoist the sails and take off for efficient engineering!

Total control: continuity from engineering to

production is possible when all parts are intertwined.

Eplan Platform offers integrated solutions for electrical engineer-

ing, control cabinet and switchgear engineering, fluid power, EI&C engineering and

wire harness engineering.

www.eplan.de

http://www.eplan.de


Focus

Analysis, evaluation and orientation: Where are hidden resource hogs and how can they be analysed? What can be leveraged to allow you to work with greater motivation and efficiency? Cideon Engineer-ing Quick Check evaluates your process chain and helps you find the optimal orientation.

Full speed with qualified support: Eplan has more than thirty years of specialist expertise and is paving the way for efficient engineering with the Eplan Experience modular solution.

www.eplanexperience.com

SAP Engineering Control Center-based interfaces to

leading CAD systems guarantee consistent data

across companies. Cideon Document Suite applications

ensure efficient management of product-related documents and

provide optimal support in dealing with SAP’s Document Management System (DMS).

Syngineer manages synchroni-sation of systems and processes in mechanical engineering, electrical and controls design, and IT/software. This joint solution from Eplan and Cideon is a scalable, demand-driven gateway to mechatronic engineering.

www.houseof mechatronics.com

47


www.houseofmechatronics.com

EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG

An der alten Ziegelei 2 40789 Monheim am RheinGermanyPhone +49 2173 3964-0 Fax +49 2173 [email protected]

EPLAN – efficient engineering.

www.friedhelm-loh-group.com

CIDEON Systems GmbH & Co. KG

Lochhamer Schlag 2182166 GräfelfingGermanyPhone +49 89 909003-0Fax +49 89 [email protected]

CIDEON Software GmbH & Co. KG

Peterstraße 102826 GörlitzGermanyPhone +49 3581 3878-0Fax +49 3581 [email protected]

CIDEON America Inc.92 West Lancaster AveSuite 120 Devon, PA 19333Phone +1 484 532 7800Fax +1 [email protected] www.cideon.us

CIDEON – efficient engineering.


http://www.eplan.de

http://www.friedhelm-loh-group.com


http://www.cideon-systems.com


http://www.cideon-software.com


http://www.cideon.us

Documents

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