The Eplan Data Portal has grown massively since its launch in 2008. The number of manufacturers has increased to 48 - with component manufacturers Sick and Saia-Burgess among the new additions. Data and macros relating to more than 225,000 parts can be simply imported into the project by means of Drag & Drop. This saves the time-consuming independent development of device macros. Users can benefit from standardized, up-to-date data and efficient configuration with no changes in media format.

The Eplan Data Portal is a web-based portal which provides Eplan users with component data from numerous manufacturers. The constantly expanding parts database now incor-porates more than 225,000 parts from 48 manufacturers. Sick, with around 800 records for reflector light sensors and light barriers, is one of the latest additions. Swiss manufac-turer Saia-Burgess is also represented with 260 records and macros in the portal. The controllers, modules and energy meters are an addition to the portal, as is the data from Austrian company Mersen, which has now incorporated its NH fuse circuit breakers. In 2012, the Eplan Data Portal has added around 12,000 new parts and 14,000 macros to the portfolio. This component database guarantees users time-saving configuration and standardized, high-quality, up-to-date data.

On the up on an international scale

For a few years, component manufacturers and Eplan have been working together to produce solutions to make engi-neering easier for customers. The Eplan Data Portal has now become a fixed part of configuration using Eplan solutions even beyond Europe.

Solution provider Eplan sees one of the reasons in the data format, which incorporates not only order information and technical details on the components but also graphical and logical aspects for configuration purposes. This provides integrated data for product development. On its route towards internationalization, Eplan has collected over 43,000 registered users at more than 30,000 customers around the world. The portal is also increasing in popularity in North and South America, where it now has a significant market share. Expansion eastwards is also in full swing, going via Russia into Central Asia, where Eplan is hoping to provide a sus-tainable increase in quality in terms of norm-compliant data.

Up to 17 languages available

Just under five years ago, the EPLAN Data Portal started life with 15 manufacturers on board. Positive reactions from the market surpassed all expectations. It is beneficial to the manufacturers too, as they can distribute their products among the customers and ensure they are always up to date and in line with the applicable standards. The solution, which is available in up to 17 languages (the latest is Japanese), stands out thanks to its high levels of availability. On average, around 4,300 users are added every week with more than 10,000 downloads.

EPLAN Software & Service develops engineering solutions that accelerate the product engineering process. Interdisciplinary expert systems ensure a maximum of productivity and data integration. The solution provider develops tailor-made PDM and PLM concepts customer-specifically and provides comprehensive services such as customizing, consulting and training. Innovative development competence, a consistently practical approach, and international presence are the success factors.