EPLAN Engineering Center - Automation strategies ENG

EPLAN Engineering CenterAutomation strategies

Modern modular system for functional engineering

Today‘s machine and plant manufacturers face numerous

challenges. Increasing global competition and more

exacting customer demands crank up the pressure on

costs and time. Anyone wanting to survive in the globalised

market needs to optimise utilisation of the productivity

potential of their company. Despite the challenges facing

modern-day firms, there is a great deal of potential for opti-

misation within the engineering process.

The introduction of a modern CAE system can be key,

although this is not generally sufficient as a stand-alone

measure. The key to success lies in consistent standardi-

sation and automation across all areas of engineering. This

is the only way processes can be efficiently designed and

profitably networked together.

Made to measure instead of „made to fit“

The more complex the requirements, the simpler the solution

has to be: EPLAN has developed a consistent automation

strategy for the sustainable implementation of standardi-

sation and automation. Innovative software solutions are

available to support implementation:

�� EPLAN Platform

�� EPLAN Engineering Center One (EEC One)

�� EPLAN Engineering Center Professional (ECC Professional)

EPLAN – efficient engineering.

Automation is key

2

Perfect-fit service strategies for you

The EPLAN Engineering Center (EEC) is a form of „data

control centre“ which can be tailored exactly to your requi-

rements. We provide professional, seamless support for our

customers throughout the entire automation process, from

consultancy through standardisation to the use of macro,

version and mechatronic engineering, all whilst considering

your personal business objectives. This means EPLAN can

promise you a genuine perfect-fit technology and service

strategy.

Standardisation

Variants

Applications

Option technology

StandardisationDiscipline-specific

Mechatronics

Automation

Functionalengineering

Variant managementProduct configurationProcess optimisationMechatronics

Discipline-specific generation

EPLAN Electric P8 & EPLAN Fluid

3

Meeting targets by defining clear standards

The definition of standards produces a binding database which allows systematic progres-

sion of automation processes within the company. Standardisation is an important step

towards increased productivity, and can even reduce outlay and costs.

Experienced EPLAN consultants can support you when defining relevant standards within

your company. Depending on the company process you require, we make a distinction

between two standardisation levels, which build on one another.

�� Step 1: Discipline-specific standardisation

�� Step 2: Interdisciplinary standardisation

Streamlining processes

Standardisation generates transparency

hine

Module

AN Macro

Machine

Function/Modules

Component/EPLAN Macro

Str

uctu

re

4

Standardisation in engineering – the benefits to you:

�� Better quality

Consistent document

structures ensure a reduced

in incorrect entries and

discrepancies in production

documents.

�� Reduced outlay

The one-off definition of

master data and binding

guidelines ensures that

engineering know-how is

secured on a central basis

and can be reused.

�� Improved time-saving

The automated

documentation of

reusable functions

reduces engineering time

significantly. This allows

free resources to be used

for the development of new

technologies.

5

„A department in check“ – what is being looked at?

For discipline-specific standardisation, the focus is on processes or reusable product

components within a specific company department. The consistent definition and central

storage of reusable elements, templates and design guidelines produces a comprehensive

database. The next stage is to use this to produce automatic product documentation.

What is the process?

The following questions are key to discipline-specific standardisation:

�� What documentation structure is required?

�� Which are the reusable elements?

�� What are the construction guidelines for planning?

�� What is the data structure like?

�� What reports are required?

The first stage of discipline-specific standardisation in the ECAD department could involve

the definition of project templates along with their document structures and reports (e.g.

cable and terminal diagrams, hose lists). Then, reusable partial circuits (e.g. schematic

macros) could be put in the spotlight. This means that a motor control macro can have

several variants. Value sets are also defined, such as the motor output, as this then defines

the technical specifications for the motor cable.

What software is used?

Project templates are produced based on the EPLAN Platform, partial circuits (macros) are

saved and made available in a central macro library project. Discipline-specific standardisa-

tion is rounded off by the definition of design guidelines (rules) within a simple Excel front

end for the EEC One.

IN SHORT: Discipline-specific standardisation secures project knowledge, saves

costs and time, and improves quality!

EEC One

Discipline-specific standardisation

6

Dependencies between the disciplines in a component or

among components themselves are described by rule sets.

These provide an independent definition of the potential

uses of the components.

Once the mechatronic components have been described,

they are saved centrally in an interdisciplinary module. This

allows the standardisation team to reduce even complex

machine and plant units down to just a few components.

The modules provide a better overview of the range of

different variants, whilst securing data in a central location.

Another benefit is that your company know-how is secured

centrally.

What software is used?

The range of variants is made manageable by the high-

performance EPLAN Engineering Center Professional soft-

ware. The open architecture and numerous interfaces to

different expert systems mean the possibilities are endless.

The definition of the rule set and the central module storage

provides optimum support for variant management across

all departments.

„All engineering processes on the test bed“ – what is being looked at?

What works on a small scale can work on a large scale too:

the benefits derived from standardisation in ECAD can be

multiplied if standardisation is applied across the company

and on a mechatronic basis. Interdisciplinary standardisati-

on highlights departments, from mechatronics to fluid and

electrical engineering to sales.

What is the process?

Interdisciplinary structures are defined in conjunction with

experienced EPLAN consultants. This means breaking

down reusable, functional units of a machine or plant into

mechatronic components.

The following questions need to be answered:

�� How can mechatronic components (e.g. grabber units) be

enriched by discipline-specific standards?

�� What departments are involved?

Sales (calculations/quotation), mechanics, hardware

(schematics/bills of materials), software (PLC programs,

assignment lists, visualisation images), machine docu-

mentation, etc.

EEC Professional

Interdisciplinary, mechatronic standardisation

Design drawings

Fluid plan

PLC softwareVisualisation

Calculation and quotation text

ECAD circuit diagramIndividual disciplines

Bill of materials

Mechatronic component


IN SHORT: The interdisciplinary approach gives you a firm handle on

complex variant management.

7

Uncomplicated operation

EEC One is used based on discipline-specific standardisa-

tion. This bridges the gap between conventional electrical

engineering and functional working methods using EEC.

This is a critical component in a consistent automation

strategy.

The discipline-specific modules allow the generation of

all hardware information. An Excel front end gives you the

option of intelligently combining input information such as

motor or article lists from upstream departments with partial

circuits (macros). All Excel functions are available. This

guarantees easy access to the world of automation.

Clever technology

The excellent connection between the EEC One and the

EPLAN Platform optimises the operation options of our

software solution.

�� Macro navigator

The built-in macro navigator provides visual support. With its

help, you can keep an eye on all macro variants, representa-

tion types and macro types. It makes allocation to the input

information easier.

�� Efficient data management

Meta data, e.g. project information, can be exchanged

bi-directionally or read directly via external systems. This

reduces manual input routines and redundant data

maintenance.

�� Integration of value sets

EEC One supports the automatic activation of value sets

and related technical information for cable cross-

sections, motor overload switches and parts. If a predefined

value set is selected in EEC One, the system automatically

adds the missing macro values.

EEC One

Innovative methods in engineering

Sal

es

Pro

duc

tion

Mechatronic standardisation

Product configurationInterdisciplinary configuration

Tailored, interdisciplinary documentation in a PLM context

PLCECADFluidMCAD

EngineeringStandardisation

Results

SalesCRM, Office


Design drawings

Fluid plan



ECAD circuit diagram Individual disciplines

Bill of materials


Configuration

Standardisation

Macro project

Automation

Projects generated

VariantsMacros

Value listsTemplates

Input information from upstream departments

Sensor lists

Actuator lists

Motor lists

Article lists

Works tables

Excel Database Text

Project 1 Project 3Project 2

Rule knowledge Mechatronic component

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Optimum results

Once configuration is complete, generation of fluid and

circuit diagrams can begin. They can be generated either

at the touch of a button or directly, as a whole project in

the EPLAN Platform. This enables pages with macros

and project information to be produced individually, to the

customer‘s specifications. Projects can be either partially or

completely edited manually.

Reports such as hose connection lists for fluid technology,

cable lists for electrical engineering and bills of materials for

the ordering process can be generated via EEC One in the

EPLAN Platform.

The EPLAN Platform also supports script technology,

which is an exciting additional benefit within the automation

process: for instance, this allows automatic translation of

the project via EEC, or enables the user to view the finished

project as a PDF document. This guarantees quick, neutral

data exchange.

Sal

es

Pro

duc

tion




PLCECADFluidMCAD


Results

SalesCRM, Office


Design drawings

Fluid plan




Bill of materials


Configuration

Standardisation

Macro project

Automation

Projects generated

VariantsMacros



Sensor lists

Actuator lists

Motor lists

Article lists

Works tables

Excel Database Text



9

High-performance tool for individual requirements

While EEC One supports document generation in the ECAD or Fluid sectors, EEC Pro-

fessional is tailored for considerably more complex requirements. This is the highest-level

module package in the automation strategy. It also integrates, for example, mechanical,

PLC and documentation data. Based on the mechatronic standardisation and the resulting

interdisciplinary modules, EEC Professional can be set up in two different ways.

�� Product configurator

�� Interdisciplinary configurator

Whether you are producing series or individual products, our consultants are happy to help you

with the decision-making process.

EEC Professional

Automation for complex tasks

Sal

es

Pro

duc

tion




PLCECADFluidMCAD


Results

SalesCRM, Office


Design drawings

Fluid plan




Bill of materials


Configuration

Standardisation

Macro project

Automation

Projects generated

VariantsMacros



Sensor lists

Actuator lists

Motor lists

Article lists

Works tables

Excel Database Text



10

Product configurator

EEC Professional as the product configurator is the central

link between product development, production and customer

requirements. Intelligent user interfaces lead both customers

and sales representatives to the variant they require based

on data entered previously during the mechatronic standard-

isation process.

The strengths of product configuration at a glance:

�� High fit accuracy

With configuration screens tailored to your product port-

folio, your sales representatives have the optimum basis

for providing your customers with tailored solutions. The

pre-defined rule set in the module provides peace of mind

that only technically adapted configurations of variants and

options requested by sales can be combined with one

another.

�� Simplification of quotation processes

The product arising from the configuration process can

then be transferred easily into a detailed quotation template

or price calculation. The individual quotation items auto-

matically refer back to the price information in your ERP

system (e.g. SAP).

�� Plans at the touch of a button

In order to add value to your quotation or support your

production department, EEC Professional also generates

3D drawings or schematics based on the product configu-

ration. At the same time, EEC Professional aims to optimise

coordination between sales, design and production.

�� Support for online sales

As an additional bonus, the software allows the uncompli-

cated marketing of your products via the internet or intranet.

Based on the product configurator, you can use EEC Pro-

fessional to automate the entire quotation process as far as

the purchase order, thus relieving your sales team of routine

tasks.

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Interdisciplinary configurator

While the use of an automated configurator is widespread

in the product parts, it is just beginning to gain popularity

in the specialist machinery and plant engineering sector.

Support from a cross-disciplinary configuration solution is

immensely important in this sector. With the right support,

all the machine variants fulfil repeat, despite the machine or

plant design being subject to constant changes. This is ex-

actly what the functional engineering approach is all about.

This innovative approach gives the specialist machinery or

plant manufacturers high levels of transparency and top

quality in the engineering process. The newly obtained flexi-

bility in everyday business can mean a decisive competitive

edge in the project business.

EEC Professional

Configuration solution for complex plants

The unique selling propositions

�� High customisation potential

The basic work of functional engineering involves discipline-

specific and mechatronic standardisation. The resulting

modules incorporate the defined and tested functions.

Depending on the customer requirements, machines or

plant are put together individually, based on these modular

components.

�� Reduced engineering outlay

The central, interdisciplinary mechatronic configuration

(functional description) can be used to generate complete

documentation at the touch of a button. This can include

quotations, 3D drawings, fluid and circuit diagrams and

PLC programs, on an order-specific basis. This significantly

reduces outlay on production and documentation.

�� Better quality

The defined rule set and automated processes in EEC

Professional automate mostentry and duplication. This

improves the quality of the production documentation.

12

Product comparison

Overview of services

Features EEC One EEC Prof.

Configuration options

Discipline-specific

configurationü ü

Interdisciplinary

standardisationü

Product configuration ü

Rule definition

Excel-based ü

Own language ü

Automation options

EPLAN Electric P8 ü ü

EPLAN Fluid ü ü

EPLAN Pro Panel ü

M-CAD interface ü

PLC interface ü

Office ü

Interfaces to

CRM systems ü

ERP systems ü

PDM systems ü

PLM systems ü

MES systems ü

13

Product overview

Added value in terms of costs, time and quality

EPLAN Engineering Center Professional

Standardisation of functional components

�� Streamlining effect thanks to reuse of defined

components.

�� Customer requirements are easy to fulfil as individual

parameters ensure a large variety of options.

�� Fast, accurate calculation options for customer enquiries.

�� High quality achieved through the use of tested, error-free

components.

�� Time saved on commissioning and maintenance thanks

to standardised, and therefore known, structures.

�� Reflection of different components on a few

parameterisable components.

Automation and parallelisation of project processes

�� Minimisation of configuration time and costs.

�� Rationalisation potential allows free resources to be

shifted to the development of new technologies.

�� Time savings and quality improvements through a

reduction in routine manual tasks.

�� Shorter production times.

System openness and flexibility

�� Incremental integration of the Engineering Center starting

with a single discipline.

�� Scalable solution ensures a fluid introduction of the

system into everyday work.

�� Productivity increases can be felt immediately.

�� Involvement of further disciplines can be defined

individually.

EPLAN Engineering Center One

Standardisation

�� Increased repeat rate through standardisation in ECAD

Engineering.

�� Improved quality due to defined processes.

�� Avoidance of frequent engineering faults through the

reuse of existing information.

Automation

�� Reduced costs thanks to configuration of partial circuits

and projects.

�� Generation of EPLAN Electric P8 and EPLAN Fluid

reduces engineering time.

�� Quality increases thanks to reduction of routine manual

tasks in engineering.

System openness and flexibility

�� Easy entry to the world of automation with step-by-step

conversion to automated engineering.

�� Support for EPLAN automation technologies to ensure

optimum integration.

�� Support for various different automation technologies

with different optimisation potential.

14

Cross-disciplinary

engineering

�� Consistent flow of

information saves

duplication and data

reconciliation.

�� Redundancy-free data

guarantees top quality

throughout the project.

�� Functional components

are tailored to the

requirements of all

disciplines.

�� Transparency across

engineering by means

of clearly structured

configuration processes.

�� Central, structured

archiving of company

know-how.

�� Simple use of functional

components to

encapsulate complexity. auto

mat

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variantmanagement

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quality

PLC software

time saving

bill of materialfunctional

engineering

mechatronicalcomponents

visu

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individual disciplines

CA

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EPLAN Platform

PLC programs

EPLAN Engineering Centermechatronics

standardization

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15

EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG

An der alten Ziegelei 2 · D-40789 Monheim am Rhein

Phone: +49(0)2173 3964-0 · Fax: +49(0)2173 3964-25

Email: [email protected] · www.eplan.de

�� Process consulting

�� Engineering software

�� Implementation

�� Global support

ww

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am-m

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03-2

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EPLAN Engineering Center - Automation strategies ENG