A total of 230 guests from the fields of science, business and politics celebrated the founding of the new Eplan office in Shanghai, China, on 8 June. During the special ceremony, Eplan Managing Director Haluk Menderes spoke about the future of Eplan, which is the leading provider of engineering software solutions in Europe: “We will continue to grow in China – the conditions for it are excellent.”

Digital device data is the key element for efficient engineering. One of the biggest challenges for this is both the data quality and the depth of said data. The Eplan Data Portal is rising to this challenge: since the beginning of the year, the portal is being updated on a monthly basis. Users now also have a rating function for reviewing device data, thereby offering manufacturers practice-based feedback from the market. Furthermore, since the Hannover Messe, Lab Versions of the Eplan Data Portal allow users to try out the latest features.

Bringing data to the cloud and for instance using it to enable scenarios for collaboration – these days this is more compulsory than voluntary. But many companies are asking questions about the correct path to take and the right “dosage”. Eplan is now offering support and has developed Store Share View. This in-house solution based on Microsoft Azure is a service that brings Eplan Projects to the cloud. At the same time it is also the foundation for future cloud-to-cloud connections. As a first step, at the Hannover Messe Eplan is presenting the part of Store Share View with which projects can be viewed, reviewed and commented upon via redlining workflow. From this starting point forward, Eplan, the solutions provider headquartered in Monheim, Germany, accompanies its customers step by step on the pathway to the cloud. Users benefit from a central data source that makes Eplan data available in a simple way for everyone involved in a project (including for downstream processes). Access to the data is universal: from every end device, from every location, and independent of an Eplan installation.

Eplan presented a preview at the 2018 Hannover Messe: with Eplan Cogineer Ad-vanced, the solutions provider will be offering its automation software through a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model. The two functional areas, Designer and Project Builder, will thereby only be usable as cloud-based solutions with separate licenses. Data security is naturally assured: user rights for Designer, in which the rule sets and macros for automatic schematic creation are defined, can be clearly defined through a new Rights Management function.

The successful format is heading into the next round in a refined version: on 15 May, Eplan and its affiliate Cideon are hosting their third virtual trade fair on future-oriented engineering trends. What’s new: the virtual trade show stand includes a digital representation of the joint appearance at this year’s Hannover Messe. Interested parties from around the world can take a virtual tour of the individual stations. The proven elements from the past two years’ trade fairs remain: informative presentations, live demonstrations of the newest software versions, not to mention the opportunity to chat with experts around the world and to network with other users.

Master data for a project are like oil in an engine. With them, the process runs smoother – simply better. Users save a lot of time when they can use complete macros and don’t have to create them from scratch. Starting in Version 2.8, solutions provider Eplan offers a pooled macro collection in the field of building automation. This free data increases user benefits and complements the comprehensive collection of device data in Eplan Data Portal. Interested parties got a first glimpse of it at the Light & Building trade show in Frankfurt.

AutomationML makes it possible! The new integration solution from Eplan Electric P8 to Melsoft iQ Works by Mitsubishi Electric connects electrical engineering to automation. Data such as symbolic addresses, for instance, can now be exchanged bidirectionally with the current software suite. The results in Eplan Electric P8 are impressive: valid schematics, including bus wiring for PLC components amongst themselves, and top quality hardware configurations.

Eplan Cogineer, first presented at the Hannover Messe, is now a fully fledged member of Eplan Platform. This software for easy and fast generating of schematics and fluid-power designs gives automation an extra boost. At the SPS IPC Drives, Eplan has presented the software’s first cloud application as a sneak preview. Based on Microsoft Azure, Eplan Cogineer will now also be offering the added value of a cloud-based engineering solution.

The new Eplan Platform version 2.7 has been available since September. The platform’s system for consistent digitisation and an interdisciplinary focus for engineering processes allow data to be continually enhanced along the entire value chain process. Nineteen software languages, numerous detail upgrades and bidirectional connections to automation technology – including to TIA Portal by Siemens and to Melsoft IQ by Mitsubishi – guarantee more efficient engineering.

The earlier you structure and consistently acquire data for engineering, the better. This especially applies to key connection data in early project phases, including piping definitions and information as well as cable data. The new version of Eplan Preplanning now includes its own piping module. Users also have the chance that cabling data can be defined as specifications for downstream engineering processes. Central management of this connection data reduces the efforts needed while increasing project quality.