Select components directly from the machine in the event of faults or maintenance requirement? This works with the new Eplan Data Portal app which is now avail-able in two languages from the iTunes Store. It allows users to access over 230,000 components in the portal, search and select mobile devices and components. The intelligent basket transfers the data collected into the original Eplan project, unless the customer has a soft-ware service contract.

Mobile applications for iPads and smartphones are in fashion -after all, production is getting more flexible all the time. Solution provider Eplan has now developed a free data portal app for iPhone and iPad which will be online for the Hannover Messe. It will allow users to select components on a mobile basis - i.e., directly from the machine or plant. Extensive filter options make finding the right component for service or maintenance quicker and easier. If components need to be replaced, they can be selected directly in the app 'on site'. If a manufacturer has removed the item from the range, a successor item can be found quickly and easily. Once in the basket, the part is ready and can be transferred directly to the project at the office. This ensures that the documentation reflects the machine's 'as-built' status and everything fits together logically. The plant and project documentation are consistent and seamless.

The parts data provide significant added value even at the configuration stage: As well as the commercial information, the Eplan Data Portal also provides logic information, for example, enclosure macros or 3D macros for enclosure construction. One of the real benefits for app users is the 3D data viewer. As of now, components can be viewed conveniently from all sides using fingertip controls on a touch-screen. Configuration engineers are given optimum visual support for the installation position in the enclosure to be developed. This ensures highly efficient configuration in the engineering process and a certain extra bonus in terms of user-friendliness.

The new app also offers potential for component manufacturers. Sales employees can access the component data saved on it directly and highlight the potential in integrated engineering for their customers. Real components with integrated project data such as order information, graphical representation and more detailed information in the conventional Eplan format means real added value for all involved. It is an unbeatable sales argument for manufacturers and users can benefit from high quality engineering data.

Eplan presented its first mobile applications two years ago. An info app and the eplanet app for its in-house customer magazine are already available in two languages for Apple and Android and the specialists in Germany are still developing others. Users can look forward to upcoming technical developments in the "mobile applications" sector.

EPLAN Software & Service develops engineering solutions that accelerate the product engineering process.

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