Eplan Smart Sourcing, a new software solution, will celebrate its German premiere at Eplan Next26. The software creates an intelligent link between electrical engineering and procurement, enabling control cabinet manufacturers and system integrators to accelerate their planning processes. From the early design phase, it shows where and how quickly required parts can be procured. Distributors also benefit from closer integration between engineering and procurement, as well as direct market access.

Component availability is a key factor in improving efficiency in electrical engineering and manufacturing. When engineers know suppliers’ stock levels or lead times for required parts, they can adapt their planning accordingly. Electrical engineers often use templates from previous projects while planning new ones. To ensure that component procurement does not delay the process, they can check device availability using Eplan Smart Sourcing early in the electrical design phase.

The tool is based on the connection between Eplan software and the systems of manufacturers and distributors, such as online shops, giving users direct access to part logistics information. When an Eplan user submits an enquiry, a table with a red, yellow and green traffic-light system shows the availability and delivery times of devices from the user’s preferred suppliers.

Eplan Smart Sourcing enables engineers to replace critical parts early in the process. They can directly create qualified bills of materials in projects, meaning those that contain only available parts. This simplifies downstream processes, as procurement can finalise the order with the supplier without additional rounds of checks and approvals. As a result, both engineering and procurement are significantly accelerated.

Customers’ procurement departments also benefit from the optimised ordering process, as confirmation that the selected parts are still being produced and available has already taken place. Procurement teams can also optionally select the bill of materials or specific items in Eplan Smart Sourcing, transfer them to the online shop of the selected supplier, and efficiently initiate the ordering process there.

An enquiry via Eplan Smart Sourcing is not only useful for users but also for manufacturers and distributors. It gives suppliers an opportunity to better understand customers’ specific needs, helping them compile demand forecasts and improve overall portfolio planning. The supplier is directly connected to customers through the Eplan software, increasing visibility.

Companies such as Alexander Bürkle, Emil Löffelhardt, Rexel Germany, Rittal, Weidmüller and others recognised this early. The number of participating distributors and manufacturers will continue to grow after the software’s launch. Eplan is currently in discussions with relevant suppliers in the market, with vendors including Adalbert Zajadacz and DigiKey also coming soon.

Alexander Bürkle immediately recognised the benefits of direct customer access. “Eplan Smart Sourcing is the perfect next step. It integrates seamlessly into our range of solutions and enables smarter, more cost-effective and future-oriented cooperation between engineering and procurement processes,” said Sascha Liese, Smart Industries Managing Director, Alexander Bürkle.

Fabian Camek, Strategic Head of Electrical Engineering, Alexander Bürkle, added, “By seamlessly connecting project data with component sourcing we reduce manual effort, avoid errors and accelerate project timelines. This digital integration strengthens both our internal processes as Eplan users and the added value we deliver to our customers. With Eplan, engineering and procurement merge into one continuous digital process from circuit diagram to purchase order - smart, transparent and efficient.”

Rexel Germany is another early adopter connected to Eplan Smart Sourcing from the start. “There’s really just one thing that counts today for control cabinet manufacturers, engineers and machine builders, and that is speed and end-to-end processes from planning to procurement,” said Dr Oliver Vogler, Chief Purchasing and Marketing Officer, Rexel Germany. “By closely interconnecting engineering and distribution, we are creating a digital process chain for our mutual customers that simplifies planning, accelerates procurement, and makes projects more efficient. Our clear goal is less complexity, faster execution, and more productivity in everyday industrial operations.”

Emil Löffelhardt also highlighted the benefits of adopting Eplan Smart Sourcing. “This allows our customers and our company to gain valuable insights for optimising product portfolios, avoiding production bottlenecks and more reliably realising projects,” said Roman Hegenbart, Division and Sales Manager for Industry & Key Accounts, Cables & Wires, Emil Löffelhardt.