The major new release of the Eplan Platform is launched. Version 2.3 focuses on standardisation and automation, which opens up new opportunities for users when it comes to standard-compliant design and handling safety values. Simple macro editing and extended search functions for system settings guarantee highly productive engineering for users. Another practical benefit: central administration of phased-out devices and associated test runs to give transparency and safety to existing projects.

The latest Version 2.3 of the Eplan Platform, which has been available for download since mid-August, is characterised by standardised and largely automated engineering across a consistent database. There is comprehensive support for new standard-compliant designations based on EN 81346 and the safety values focused VDMA 66413 exchange format. The central administration of phased-out items and a new search function for system settings are additional new features of the CAE software to allow interdisciplinary cooperation and configuration. For example macros: Version 2.3 offers extensive options for handling macros/partial circuits and their variations. What is new is the fact that these macros can be edited and if needed be updated across the entire project within an incredibly clear table view. This means that comprehensive changes can be made within the project with just a few clicks of a mouse - potential error sources are reduced by means of central data storage.

The definition of mechatronic solutions and the appropriate designations in the documentation are typical everyday designing tasks. The norm EN 81346 "Industrial Systems, Plants and Equipment and Industrial Products - Structuring Principles and Reference designations" is particularly widely accepted on an international level. The Eplan Platform 2.3 allows project structures and project designations to be implemented on a user-friendly basis in compliance with this current standard. There is also the issue of fail-safety of components and safety function in line with machinery directive 2006/42/EU. Eplan supports a consistent electronic data exchange format for the relevant safety-related values for automation components in accordance with VDMA 66413. The relevant safety data from the device manufacturers can be transferred to Eplan's parts management system via a standardised interface. The values are saved directly with the components and are therefore directly available for designing purposes. This means there is no need for time-consuming manual amalgamation of safety values and the user can be sure to get things right.

Phased-out items are generally replaced by a newer model, but are still used in existing projects and must be administered transparently. In Version 2.3, the Eplan Platform makes the central administration of phased-out articles easier by allowing marking in the article administration system. There are also new check runs to give users even more safety in designing. Once stored centrally in the parts management system, the information is available to all involved across the entire project. This means that the CAE software creates more transparency in the engineering process and keeps existing projects manageable. While we?re on the subject of manageability: The Eplan software offers extensive configuration options for individual adjustments to the way users work.

The new Version 2.3 also incorporates a high-performance search function which makes it easy to find and adjust the system settings by means of keywords. For the project data navigators available in Eplan, users can now define whether and which additional information is displayed in the tree view. The display options have been harmonized and extended and made adjustable to allow this. This makes navigation easier for the users and gives them additional flexibility in terms of individual configuration. There is a quick overview of important information to make engineering more productive.

Customers with a software service contract can download the new Version 2.3 directly from the home-page of solution provider Eplan.

Rittal India Pvt. Ltd - EPLAN Division, Bangalore. Tel: 080-41515497. Email: info@eplan.in