Transformation: Preparing Engineering for the Future

Thinking big but starting small – this is often a sensible step to take to be successful.

With the digital transformation in full swing, the same applies to engineering. It’s an excellent idea for experts in the field to network: worldwide! This is exactly what will be taking place at the Eplan Forum, a hybridformat event taking place in Cologne in September, which will be focusing on topics including automated engineering, machine cabling, and integrating ERP and PDM systems. International companies will be presenting in person about their practical experiences using Eplan software – and providing valuable insights and assistance for other interested parties who would like to make the most of their processes, from upper management down to experienced Eplan users.

Solutions provider Eplan was pleased to welcome more than 300 guests attending the event online and in person last year and the focus this year is once again on “Transformation in Engineering.” The Eplan Forum 2024 (previously the EF|A) invites stakeholders from around the world to a top-class event for knowledge exchange. Participants can expect many reports on companies’ practical experiences – presented live by companies including Bender Solutions (DE), Kaeser Kompressoren (DE), Red Eléctrica de España (ES), PMS Elektro- und Automationstechnik (AT), Rockwell Automation (USA), TK Elevator (ES), Winkler+Dünnebier (DE), and others.

When engineering is ready for the future
Eplan’s Director Vertical Market Management Harold van Waardenburg explains: “The Eplan Forum is the premium event for the complete automation of engineering processes. Increasing numbers of companies are focusing on eliminating manual work steps and expanding their automation in engineering. They are moving to the ‘next level,’ so to speak, in the process of automated engineering.” Automation and machine cabling with exact cable lengths to use plug and play, all based on the digital twin, are just a few of the core topics being covered during this two-day hybrid event with participants from around the world.

Harold van Waardenburg – “Increasing numbers of companies are focusing on eliminating manual work steps and expanding their automation in engineering. They are moving to the ‘next level,’ so to speak, in the process of automated engineering,” says Eplan’s Director Vertical Market Management Harold van Waardenburg.

The focus lies on tried-and-tested strategies for the highest possible degree of automation in engineering. How than this be achieved? Standardisation is essential for this, but there are further methods and approaches depending on a company’s specific requirements – for instance, the targeted integration of Eplan data into ERP and PDM systems, which can unlock a lot of potential. The fact is that the question – “How can engineering and downstream processes be optimised in a future-oriented way?” – is one that almost all companies must be asking themselves these days.

Taking a deep dive into practical experience
International speakers from Eplan’s clientele will be sharing their very practical experiences and will be taking attendees along on their own journeys to more efficiency in engineering:
• Red Eléctrica de España: Ensuring a continuous national electricity supply – via parametric engineering
for protection and control
• Bender Solutions: Securing the supply of electricity – via systematic variants for customised customer solutions in record time
• TK Elevator: Riding elevators to the top of the market – via global standardisation and automation
• Rockwell Automation: Internationally positioned – via variant management and automation in engineering
• Kaeser Kompressoren: From engineering into manufacturing – via Eplan-SAP integration
• PMS Elektro- und Automationstechnik: Economically designing plant system engineering projects
• Winkler+Dünnebier / Hahn Automation: Electrification of production lines – via the digital twin
Register here:
www.eplan-software.com/eplan-forum

Eplan Software & Service
EPLAN provides software and service solutions in the fields of electrical, automation and mechatronic engineering. The company develops one of the world’s leading design software solutions for machine and panel builders. EPLAN is also the ideal partner to streamline challenging engineering processes.

Both standardised as well as customised interfaces to ERP and PLM/PDM systems ensure data consistency along the whole value chain. Working with EPLAN means boundless communication across all engineering disciplines. No matter whether small or large enterprises: Customers can apply their expertise more efficiently. Worldwide, EPLAN supports 61,000 customers. EPLAN wants to grow further with customers and partners and pushes integration and automation in engineering forward. Within the EPLAN Partner Network, open interfaces and seamless integrations are realised together with partners. „Efficient engineering“ is the focus.

EPLAN was founded in 1984 and is part of the owner-operated Friedhelm Loh Group. The Friedhelm Loh Group operates worldwide with 12 production sites and 94 international subsidiaries. The entire group employs 11.600 people and generated revenues of around €2,6 billion in 2019. For the 13th time in succession, the family business has won the accolade “Top German Employer” in 2021. In addition, Friedhelm Loh Group was recognized as “Top vocational trainer” according to a study of Deutschland Test and Focus Money.

For more information visit:
www.eplan.de and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com