The Importance of Computer-Aided Engineering Software For A Connected Value Chain

In large part due to the advancements of Industry 4.0 and IIoT, time-intensive, manual tasks can now be completed in a fraction of the time in an error-free environment that helps stimulate faster turnaround times and superior quality. Today, manufacturers can achieve end-to-end visibility and insight via industrial automation software for a more unified, connected process that promotes efficiency, productivity, and growth across the entire value chain.

Rittal and EPLAN help today’s manufacturers leverage powerful industrial automation equipment, software and tools to simplify the design and engineering process with powerful computer-aided engineering solutions that unify the control panel production sequence. With each phase of the panel design and production process clearly visible, manufacturers can create a connected value chain to react with more flexibility to shifts in production.

Our emphasis on a connected value chain helps machine builders, panel builders, and systems integrators spec the right solution for the right application with speed and accuracy, and manufacturing partners in the automotive, food & beverage, and retail and logistics industries can experience unparalleled insight into their production processes for increased efficiency, speed to market, and growth.

Before the proliferation of Industry 4.0, the design and engineering process for industrial automation systems was a laborious process with a variety of roadblocks in terms of collaboration, communication, and visibility into the process. However, with the introduction of Industry 4.0, Computer Aided Design (CAD) software as well as CAE solutions from EPLAN have provided engineers with real-time visualizations and insight into everything from material sourcing to the creation and alteration of panel and enclosure schematics. With EPLAN’s solutions, enclosure configuration data can easily be stored, retrieved, and shared to mitigate issues with downstream processes.

The connected nature of today’s industrial automation design software and networks via Industry 4.0 also provides a wealth of benefits in terms of project management. Gone are the days when machine builders, panel builders, and systems integrators were siloed from procurement or quality assurance teams. Today, with the ability to share data, insights, network notifications, and alterations in design or production, companies can work cross-functionally in ways that promote efficiency and stimulate long-term, scalable growth.

EPLAN provides automation architects with data-driven 3D modeling capabilities to reduce production line errors, account for potential variables in production or customization, and help to seamlessly integrate workflows and communication of schematics relative to change orders or other real-time fluctuations or modifications based on original specifications.

Industry 4.0 and IIoT have revolutionized the panel and enclosure design process and created a whole new state-of-play in terms of what manufacturers need from industrial automation design software. With automated design and production sequences working in lock-step, automation architects and automotive, food and beverage, and retail and logistics companies can understand in real-time the health and efficiency of their production processes for maximum optimization.

Industry 4.0 and IIoT have made a major impact on how industrial enclosures are configured, assembled, modified, and integrated. Product advancements now allow for interchangeable panels, variable wire configurations, and unique enclosure mounting capabilities.

Rittal’s innovative philosophy toward industrial enclosure engineering – combined with EPLAN's solutions – provides machine builders, panel builders, and systems integrators with flexibility and agility to respond to the variant-rich environment of control panel assembly. With computer-aided design and engineering programs like EPLAN Data Portal, EPLAN Pro Panel, EPLAN Smart Wiring, and EPLAN Engineering Configuration, manufacturers can simplify the entire panel wiring, building, and integration process into a clearly visible, communicable, and replicable set of fluid actions that feed off and into each other.

Modification of control panel and industrial enclosures is perhaps one of the biggest pain points manufacturers face in being as flexible and competitive as possible in a global marketplace. Modifications need to be completed quickly and efficiently and without disruption, though supply chain instabilities, labor shortages, long delivery times, and other complications often slow the modification process.

Industry 4.0 and IIoT have digitalized the schematic process and automated the modification tools necessary to complete sophisticated, error-free modification for custom applications. With the ability of EPLAN’s CAE solutions to connect each step of the design process including data sharing, digital twins, and more, and Rittal’s modular approach to industrial control panel design, today’s manufacturers have the ability to virtually eliminate the manual nature of the modification process and increase the end-to-end visibility of a previously obstructed element of enclosure customization.

Rittal Automation Systems provides automated panel and enclosure modification with state-of-the-art machines and tools to reduce costs, virtually eliminate errors, and all but remove manual interventions from the equation. EPLAN’s CAE design solutions provides ultimate insight into the design process from procurement to delivery, and RAS modification equipment like our laser centers and milling terminals perform custom panel and enclosure modifications for any industrial application. When you utilize the optional EPLAN CAE solutions you will streamline the entire process with your Rittal Automation Systems machines and provide visibility and transparency to each step of the process.

Our Rittal Automation Systems solutions are also used across our nationwide network of modification centers. Manufacturers can create panel and enclosure modifications with the same speed and accuracy even if they do not invest in an in-house RAS solution. Our modification centers also have warehouse and distribution centers to help source component parts and reduce the time it takes for your panel or enclosure to leave the production floor and arrive at your door.