Interface management throughout the entire product development process (PDP) can often tip the scales: consistent data flows provide transparency and support collaboration between the various disciplines. In many cases, processes are already extensively optimised within departments. In consequence, the integrated information exchange between commercial, production, engineering and manufacturing information allows a further quantum leap in efficiency improvement.

As an internationally established CAE solution in the engineering process, Eplan collects data from adjacent systems and disciplines, processes it and passes it on. The high degree of transparency and standardised interfaces of the Eplan platform enhance efficient communication with other systems. Solution provider Eplan takes the lead in communication and develops these standardised interfaces to other disciplines and systems with a practical orientation. Neutral, universal and above all manufacturer-independent exchange formats form the basis of this.

Data Management: PDM Systems/SAP Interface

Standardised communication interfaces such as the "ERP/PDM Integration Suite" to superordinated systems such as Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill, SAP or ProAlpha simplify integrated data exchange with other systems. In addition, for all SAP integrations in the area of electrical and mechanical power engineering, the high degree of expertise of the new affiliated company Cideon Software also comes into play: SAP interfaces to Eplan on the one hand, but also to various CAD systems such as AutoCAD, Inventor, Catia, Microstation, Solid Edge or SolidWorks and also Enovia V6 are already available. Companies can therefore model their PLM process in a cross-disciplinary manner to ensure the consistency of processes in the area of parts and part list management and the sustainable administration of product data. This integrated mode of operation with systems that are utilised throughout the company for product data management increases data consistency and process reliability. This not only applies to the product development process, but to the whole product lifecycle of a machine or system. Timely integration of all systems or objects involved in the product development process supports the mechatronic product definition and the digital product model.

SPS Interface and NC Data Included

The bidirectional data exchange between Eplan and various SPS programming systems is also a central requirement in the engineering process. Output data from Eplan is automatically available to follow-up processes across the product lifecycle. Data exchange between the SPS programmer and the electrical systems designer takes place via direct interfaces between the systems of B&R, Beckhoff, CoDeSys, Siemens, Phoenix Contact, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric and in future also Mitsubishi Electric. To this end, the information for bus and hardware configuration is exchanged bidirectionally so that data only needs to be input once. Integration into production also includes complete mapping of the interface landscape. Here, machine control systems are also connected to Eplan via standardised interfaces. NC data or length-cutting information for cable design that have already been planned during the design stage can be transferred from Eplan to control cabinet manufacturing. Machines from Kiesling, Komax or Steinhauer are used as a basis for integrated production and process control. Many of the named companies are represented in the "community of efficient engineering", and their interfaces can be viewed at Eplan's stand at various events. Users benefit from a high level of integration and thus ensure smooth processes.

Eplan Software & Service develops CAE solutions and advises companies in the optimisation of their engineering processes. Customers profit from increased efficiency in the product development process through standardized procedures, automated sequences and consistent workflows. EPLAN is a subsidiary of Rittal Software Systems and is hence part of the FriedhelmLoh Group.

Rittal India Pvt Ltd, Bangalore. Tel: 080-41 515497. Fax: 91-80-23519791.
Email: info@eplan.in