Whether point wiring, active device protection or channel oriented PLC design, the software opens up concrete potential for more project reliability, functionality and speed. EPLAN Electric P8 proves its direct relevance to the practical applications again. Example: reliability with regard to Machinery Directive. The quality of the complete documentation is ensured via the online check functionality and the system is automated to prevent entering faulty data. Discover engineering of his most fascinating side - consistent, fast-paced, cost-saving.
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Finding items faster |
The new full text filter in parts management lets users use search terms to quickly filter parts masters and select the right component in the tree/list/combination view. Designing is also accelerated at the device level; as the full text filter is integrated in the parts master data navigator. This simplifies its operation, which is given an enormous boost in the new EPLAN Electric P8. Mini toolbars and detailed icons for toolbars now support intuitive operations to the benefit of both professional and occasional users. Another strong argument for saving valuable design time.
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Deletion not possible |
It can happen so quickly; a component is changed outside of the control parameters or accidentally deleted. This is why any device set up in EPLAN Electric P8 2.0 is equipped with the new function "protected device", which creates a safe base: From now on changes will be impossible. All project parts will be retained, even in case of graphical delete commands. The same applies for macros: A protected device knows its components, even if not all individual parts have been graphically placed in the macro. This prevents unwelcome surprises as early as in the pre-planning phase. The new Machinery Directive requirement for reliable, understandable project documentation is implemented in a practical way.
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Channels under control |
Addresses are central identifiers - even in PLC designs, which is found in all automation concepts today. Now, in addition to address-oriented or DT working methods, PLC components can also be designed in a channel-oriented manner. This makes it easier to keep track of large projects and is consistent with current high end design working methods. The new PLC navigators also make it easy to select components - components are quickly designed and documented by simply assigning them in the schematic. Main feature: The PLC component view can be changed at any time. You can't get more flexibility than that.
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Fully "wired" |
The add-in module "Netbased Wiring will be sure to catch attention as a new approach to wiring. In the future you will be able to define detailed connections within a network at the database level in EPLAN Electric P8, irrespective of the graphical representation. Logical point wiring instead of target wiring will be shown in the schematic. Clear representations in the schematic or the simpler production links are pre-programmed and can be implemented using this new working method. The fact that both work processes - the netbased, as well as the target-oriented wiring approach - are both options in the project and proved extra flexibility for individual workflow as well as the highest possible efficiency.
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Trimming included |
But, what purpose would electrical design engineering serve without precise, efficient manufacturing? Extended CAD functions in the area of free graphics now guarantee clear specifications. Trimming and chamfering, as well as perpendicular and tangential design, are only a few of the functions that support detailed representations for mechanical production. XY coordinates can now be directly entered in E-PLAN Electric P8 to place graphical objects. This creates views of operator desks and flange plates - with all the information needed for a trouble-free production process. This saves engineering time and also speeds up enclosure construction.
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MRL 2006/42/EG - Retaining project data |
The burning question remains in the forefront: How can the new Machinery Specification 2006/42/EG (MRL) be implemented for the long term? Project archiving is becoming more and more important as a topic of discussion. The demands of MRL for availability and replicability of machinery and plant documentation for a period of at least ten years does not leave any room for doubt. EPLAN's choice of the PDF/A format output for the documentation does not only support the required archiving processes with just the push of a button, but also reduces paper archiving to a bare minimum. PDF/A is a recognized ISO-Standard, which has been developed specifically for the long term archiving of digital documents. PDF/A lends itself as a searchable and secure format for designers, archivist and administration employees for the long-term storage of electronic documents. Especially since the EPLAN PDF concept also supports redlining for designating engineering changes. Not the least of the advantages are the navigation and jump functions for effective documentation used in process steps like production, assembly, commissioning, servicing, and maintenance. Aside from that, the exported project documentation offers access, independent from the EPLAN license, and may therefore be used rather effectively throughout the entire company. Conclusion: All options are open, from integration and management in the product data management system all the way through to the integration of EPLAN documentation in a uniform PLM process.
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EPLAN Fluid Hoses Installation Standard-compliant |
Standard compliant configuration - and consistent documentation: The brand new EPLAN Fluid tubing configurator is exactly what was needed for expedient manufacturing and future-proof hydraulic technology. It is usable as a standalone system in the manufacturing process, supporting the installation technician with vivid representations of the control valves and stored control units.
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EPLAN PPE - Complete logic support
The rule of thumb is: Seamless
system integration and the continuous design data exchange are the fundamental prerequisites for efficient engineering processes. EPLAN PPE, and its innovative functions during the import of loops and consumers, now offers the option of copying data from preceding engineering phases simply and efficiently into the EPLAN-Platform. Not only the data of the PLC loops is entered with the push of a button, but complete plant system structures can be set up in the system, based on PI system information. Even the template for the schematic, which will be set up afterwards, can be adopted. The user can define which properties are to be identifying for the import. When importing subsets from large preliminary planning data sets naming filter criteria will give additional flexibility in the process. Data may be transferred repeatedly - always with the same designation - from external and internal properties, because the import schemes may be stored. The individual layout of EPLAN PPE to accommodate data import can be done via the freely configurable PCT loop properties. Identical descriptions in the 1:1 copy of imported data make trouble-free processing in the ongoing design possible, especially across department and even company boundaries.
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EPLAN P&ID - Making short work of the process |
P&ID stands for "Process and Instrumentation Diagram" and is the central planning document for consistent project engineering in the automation of process engineering systems. Symbols or macros are placed graphically, down to the database-oriented administration of the plant data. The P&ID engineering can be scaled flexibly. This is followed by the I&C planning in which the required data of the instrumentation and control technology are supplemented.
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EPLAN Pro Panel - Mounting layout in a new dimension |
Integrated 3D functionality is now also entering CAE systems: EPLAN Pro Panel allows standards-compliant 3D mounting layouts including production drawings to be created. On a uniform data basis the optional module for the EPLAN platform supports project planning in electrical and fluid engineering across disciplines. The processes in schematic creation and layout planning are thus parallelized and accelerated notably. Mounting panels can be equipped or hydraulic structures implemented rapidly and comfortably - the available space is used optimally.
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