EPLAN Product Lineup

2D Electrical Design vs 3D Electrical Design: A Comparison of Control Panel Production Two-dimensional circuit diagrams are used for the manufacturing of control panels and wiring of cables. Where on the mounting plate are components or holes needed? Where should cable ducts, DIN rails, and terminals be installed? Often, the manufacturing of panels progresses based on the technology and know-how of panel manufacturers. However, due to labor shortages and the retirement of skilled technicians, it may become impossible to produce control panels in the same way as before. EPLAN utilizes 3D data of components used at the electrical design stage to create circuit diagrams. Once the circuit diagram is completed, not only is a list of necessary components compiled, but layout design of the control panel can also be performed using the 3D data. Before manufacturing the control panel, detailed information can be checked, such as whether all components will fit, if the size is too large, whether there are any interferences, and what the required cable lengths are.

Currently, DX (Digital Transformation) is booming, and the necessity of DX is being emphasized. However, even though DX is mentioned, it remains conceptual and abstract, and there is not much concrete discussion about what the future looks like or what specific actions should be taken to achieve it. This document focuses on the people who design and manufacture control panels and their industry, explaining the future of control panels, the DX of their design and manufacturing, and the processes necessary to realize it. [Contents (Excerpt)] ■ Future Forecast of the Control Panel Market: What will demand look like going forward? ■ Real Challenges Facing the Control Panel Industry ■ What is DX for Control Panels? ■ What Control Panel Manufacturers Should Do for DX *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

Eplan Smart Production digitally supports the creation of control panels. Assembly and wiring tasks can be carried out step by step with guidance displayed according to a checklist, allowing anyone to work without confusion. The use of a 3D model of the control panel makes the procedures clearer and allows for intuitive work. All the information needed for the tasks can be checked on Smart Production, eliminating the need to search for paper drawings or lists as before. Since work instructions can be confirmed while viewing the 3D data, it is also convenient for training newcomers and handovers. Additionally, the progress of the work can be monitored in real-time on a dashboard, allowing for constant awareness of production progress.

EPLAN and Rittal provide solutions to many challenges in the design and manufacturing of control panels in Japan. Our solutions enable 3D layout design of control panels utilizing electrical design information. Necessary documents for control panel manufacturing, such as bill of materials and drilling diagrams, are automatically generated, reducing manual labor. Additionally, the digital twin created through the collaboration of our expertise and technology in automation with Rittal supports the reduction of man-hours and costs, avoidance of rework and errors, and long-term productivity improvement. 【Features】 ■ Strength in connecting design data and manufacturing ■ Automation of control panel manufacturing through the expertise of EPLAN and Rittal *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Introducing the features of EPLAN's 10 solutions.