Electrical Design How Connected Systems Save Up to 30 Percent of Time

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The specialist in switch cabinet and control panel construction, SPIE Building Technology Automation & Traffic GmbH (SPIE BTAT), relies on Eplan Electric P8 and Pro Panel in engineering and on high-quality components and solutions from Weidmüller in manufacturing. The consistent digital networking of these systems via established interfaces enables seamless data flow on a daily basis, resulting in a noticeable increase in process efficiency.

For SPIE BTAT, digitalization is far more than just a buzzword. It is a strategic lever for increasing efficiency and a response to the growing shortage of skilled workers in control panel construction. To achieve consistent data integration along the entire value chain, data availability in the workflow has been significantly improved with the goal of reducing errors, saving time, and minimizing manual effort.

Efficient Control Cabinet Planning Through Digital Data Continuity

Especially in control panel design, the use of modern digital tools creates noticeable advantages: greater flexibility, higher speed, and consistently high quality, even with complex projects. For around two years, SPIE BTAT has been relying on 3D design with Eplan Pro Panel, based on Eplan Electric P8. Enhanced by 3D functionalities, the company benefits from extensive digital manufacturer data provided by Weidmüller in premium quality. This allows control panels to be modeled much more detailed and precisely already during the design phase.

The switch to Eplan Pro Panel did require a transition, but the long-term efficiency gains are clearly noticeable. The specialist in switch cabinet and control panel construction has already been using the Weidmüller Configurator (WMC) for some time—a software solution specifically developed for the planning, configuration, and ordering of components in panel construction. The WMC supports users in implementing their projects efficiently and error-free—from the initial design to the finished solution.

Through the seamless integration of the WMC, terminal strips can be directly derived from the design data in Eplan and, including accessories, transferred to production. The terminal strips are assembled in-house by the specialist with precision, efficiency, and without errors thanks to the data from the WMC. During production peaks, the company also utilizes Weidmüller's Fast Delivery Service (FDS). With the FDS, configured terminal strips can be ordered directly from Weidmüller, which are fully assembled and delivered within a few days. This keeps SPIE BTAT flexible, allowing them to respond quickly and deliver reliably even during high workloads.

Time Savings of up to 30 Percent Thanks to Optimized Production

By using digital twins and standardized data from the Eplan Data Portal, the specialist designs processes with even greater precision. The additional effort required to create a digital twin is relatively minimal compared to traditional methods and is significantly facilitated by the comprehensive information available in the Eplan Data Portal. At the same time, the production process benefits from significantly faster workflows. In addition to commercial data and circuit diagram macros, the company also has access to important technical information such as drilling templates for mechanical processing and wiring diagrams for cable assembly, which can be directly integrated into the production process.

The production speed has been increased by up to 30 percent, while the error rate has significantly decreased. Another key advantage arises from the close collaboration with Weidmüller. All digital data for terminal blocks, markers, and labels from Weidmüller are stored in the Eplan Data Portal, supporting efficient and seamless project planning. This data is directly integrated into the design process, enabling particularly precise workflows.

Individual Solutions for Complex Projects Through Digital Planning

Projects such as the planning of the low-voltage main distribution system in the new Weidmüller electronics plant in Detmold present special requirements since they are not standardized series solutions. "Digitalization has significantly helped us manage the high complexity and ensure efficient implementation at the same time," explains Marcel Luttmann, electrical designer and project planner at SPIE BTAT. The precise planning and targeted use of digital data from the Eplan Data Portal enable the company to deliver custom projects on time and with high quality, even in a dynamic environment with constantly new challenges.

In the 3D design, terminals and terminal strips play a central role. With Eplan, these components can be planned with great detail and precision. The WMC complements this process by automatically making corrections and ensuring proper labeling and marking. Additionally, the software enables the addition of further accessories, such as end covers or jumpers, with just a few clicks, resulting in an error-free terminal strip. The combination of both tools optimizes planning and significantly contributes to reducing errors in production.

Collaborative Partnership at Eye Level

"Partners on equal footing," says Marcel Luttmann, electrical designer and project planner at the specialist for switch cabinet and control panel construction, when describing the collaboration with Eplan and Weidmüller, and continues: "For us, these three words summarize a close cooperation where we support each other. With the helpful solutions and support from Eplan and Weidmüller, we can continuously optimize our processes. At the same time, we provide valuable feedback from practice, which helps both companies continuously develop their products further."

The close integration of Eplan software and Weidmüller solutions enables the company to achieve consistently efficient and precise system planning. This ensures the timely implementation of complex projects while sustainably maintaining quality. Companies in control cabinet construction, industrial automation, and machine and plant engineering can benefit from a similar integrative approach to make their own planning and production processes future-proof and efficient.

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