|

Maximum Customer Benefits for the Digital Transformation

Dialog is important: At the SPS trade show in November 2022, Alexander Bürkle and ABB (among others) presented about their activities as part of the EPLAN Partner Network.

January 31, 2023

The EPLAN Partner Network and Digital Transformation

In the era of digital transformation, everyone is combining forces so that various software applications such as product configurators, CPQ, PLC, PLM/ERP and others can ideally communicate with each other. The EPLAN Partner Network was founded over two years ago and around sixty companies have joined in the meantime. Strategic partners such as Phoenix Contact, Siemens and Rockwell Automation, plus technology partners – including ABB, Lapp Kabel, Wago and Weidmüller – come together under one guiding principle: providing the highest degree of integration capability with EPLAN for their solutions.

Companies rely on a variety of software applications from different manufacturers. The EPLAN Partner Network was founded to exploit the full potential of productive interactions between the various solutions in the environment of product configurators, CPQ, PLC and PLM/ERP. The network has set binding targets for further developing their integrations, creating a solid basis for the manufacturers. Customers benefit from the tested quality of the software, ongoing developments of such and a systematic increase in benefits to their own workflows. Open interfaces and deep integration offer a wide range of opportunities for implementing the digital transformation in the real world.

The watchword is integration

The EPLAN Partner Network is a global framework organisation with companies divided into four types of partners: strategic partners, technology partners, solutions partners and research partners. By way of joint development of integrations, not to mention quality assurance and support based on open interfaces, users derive the greatest possible benefits from the applications.

International partner expansion

Key players in automation were already participating in the network in early 2021, including the strategic partners Rittal, Phoenix Contact and Rockwell Automation, and which was expanded in 2022 to include Siemens and the company’s Smart Infrastructure division. Technology partners make up the most comprehensive area in the EPLAN Partner Network, with 38 companies from this sector.

Digital Ecosystem Manager Luca Cavalli at ABB says, “EPLAN plays an important role in the growing network of electrical systems designers. A clear example is the seamless integration between ABB’s digital e-Configure platform and the EPLAN Data Portal, which streamlines the design process for users. With the introduction of sustainable energy systems and smart industry upgrades, ABB is committed to supporting professionals managing these changes. The integration of engineering tools and configuration tools ensures both time savings and high-quality data.”

Other technology partners include Auvesy-MDT, Ehrt, Gossen Metrawatt, Jetter and Sigmatek. Internationally, Digiwin (China) and Trace Software (France) have also been integrated into the network, as have Omron, Wago and Weidmüller, which are all global players. Sandra Huang of Digiwin says, “The interface between Digiwin PLM and EPLAN helps engineers to fully focus on their actual project planning. All relevant information including bills of materials, parts data and project data are automatically synchronised between the EPLAN Platform and Digiwin PLM. Users benefit from consistent and up-to-date data throughout the entire project life cycle.”

On the solutions partners side of thing, there are a slew of well-known automation companies including Alexander Bürkle (electronics wholesaler/technology services provider), CADTalk (CAD/PDM-ERP integrations), Cideon (systems integrator), D&TS GMBH (master data management), Elmo Solutions (CAD/PDM/PLM-ERP integrations), Grollmus (PLC programming), PLM CAD Utilities (CAD/PDM/PLM-ERP integrations), Secude International (Microsoft and SAP Partners), Semodia (MTP export), Solidline (PLM systems vendor), Wus-Tec (wire fabrication), and Zahnen Technik (water/wastewater technology).

This demonstrates the wide range of solutions that are utilised and integrated into the EPLAN environment. CTO Benedikt Ney at Zahnen Technik says, “We want to provide everyone access to clean water. Thanks to our amazing partnership with EPLAN, we’re getting closer to this vision every day.”

In the field of research partnerships, a cooperation with TH Lübeck University was recently signed, expanding the circle of existing research partners, the European 4.0 Transformation Center (E4TC) and the Institute for Control Engineering of Machine Tools and Manufacturing Units (ISW) of the University of Stuttgart.

Source

Related Articles

Network Infrastructure Featured Product Spotlight

PBUS 14 Panduit logo 400

This webinar presented by Beth Lessard and Keith Cordero will be highlighting three Panduit solutions that will optimize network equipment and cabling to ensure that your spaces are efficiently and properly managed to support ever-evolving business needs of today and beyond. Products that will be featured include PanZone TrueEdge Wall Mount Enclsoure, Cable Managers, and Adjustable Depth 4-Post Rack.

REGISTER HERE


Editor’s Pick: Featured Product News

Siemens: SIMOVAC Non-Arc-Resistant and SIMOVAC-AR Arc-Resistant Motor Controllers

The Siemens SIMOVAC medium-voltage non-arc-resistant and SIMOVAC-AR arc-resistant controllers have a modular design incorporating up to two 12SVC400 (400 A) controllers, housed in a freestanding sheet steel enclosure. Each controller is UL 347 class E2, equipped with three current-limiting fuses, a non-load-break isolating switch, and a fixed-mounted vacuum contactor (plug-in type optional for 12SVC400). The enclosure is designed for front access, allowing the equipment to be located with the rear of the equipment close to a non-combustible wall.

Read More


Sponsored Content
Electrify Your Enterprise

Power is vital to production, and well-designed control cabinets are key. Allied Electronics & Automation offers a comprehensive collection of control cabinet solutions including PLCs, HMIs, contactors, miniature circuit breakers, terminal block connectors, DIN-rail power supplies, pushbutton switches, motor starters, overloads, power relays, industrial Ethernet switches and AC drives engineered to keep your operations running safely, reliably and efficiently.

Learn more HERE.


Products for Panel Builders

  • OKW: IK/IP-Rated SOLID-BOX for Industrial Touch Screen and Display Electronics

    OKW: IK/IP-Rated SOLID-BOX for Industrial Touch Screen and Display Electronics

    More electronics designers are specifying OKW’s tough SOLID-BOX to safeguard sensitive touch screens, control panels and displays in harsh industrial environments. IK 08 (impact) and IP 66/IP 67 (ingress) protection make SOLID-BOX ideal for plant and machine construction, HVAC, IoT/IIoT, Smart Factory/Industry 4.0, gateways, data loggers, ICT, electrical installations, measurement/control, agriculture/farming, sensor systems and safety… Read More…

  • LOVATO Electric: New Double Contact Elements and Auto-Monitoring Contact Element

    LOVATO Electric: New Double Contact Elements and Auto-Monitoring Contact Element

    LOVATO Electric enriches the range of pushbutton and selectors Platinum series with the new double contact elements and auto-monitoring contact element. The double contact elements provide the flexibility of two contacts (1NO+1NC, 2NO or 2NC) within the same dimensions as a single contact (LPXC10 or LPXC01). The new auto–monitoring contact is replacing the previous auto-monitoring contact versions (LPXC01SM and LPXC02SM)… Read More…