Platform strategy - integrated engineering

You will create your future with the new EPLAN platform technology. The modular platform provides core functions that are required in electrical CAE as well as in fluid or EMSR engineering. All systems are fed from the same database, since they are set up on a common platform.

Duplicate data entry or inconsistency is now forever a thing of the past. In addition to a standardized database, the platform also includes basic functions such as the graphical editor (for schematics, fluid pages, PCT loop diagrams), standardized rights management, the viewer, online / offline foreign language translations, and extensive revision functions.

The unique framework concept impresses with quick results - not only because of its standardized "look and feel" throughout all applications.

Open to Integration

The EPLAN Platform Technology is capable of integrating engineering tools of other outside disciplines because of the open nature of its API interface. Other tools by third party providers can be integrated, alongside with EPLAN software and service products – this is the best way to better integration and direct cooperation of all disciplines.

In short, the key to success!

Versions & Modules - at a glance

We offer a comprehensive process-oriented engineering solution – for your investment in the future. EPLAN Electric P8 will always be able to provide you with a customized solution for your operation, regardless if you require the optimization of an electrical design or a design tool that will be integrated into your entire engineering process.

System requirements EPLAN plattform 2.0

General requirements
The Microsoft .NET framework 3.5 SP1 is required to operate the EPLAN platform. Further information and the latest version of .NET framework are available for download from the Microsoft website.
EPLAN recommends that a 64 bit Windows operating system is used. The EPLAN platform is approved for the following operating systems and applications:

Client operating systems

• Windows XP Professional SP3 (32 bit)
• Windows Vista SP2 Enterprise (32 or 64 bit)
• Windows Vista SP2 Business N (32 or 64 bit)
• Windows Vista SP2 Ultimate (32 or 64 bit)
• Windows 7 Professional (32 or 64 bit)
• Windows 7 Enterprise (32 or 64 bit)
• Windows 7 Ultimate (32 or 64 bit).

Note: Further information on these operating systems is available on the Microsoft website.

Server operating systems

• Windows Server 2003 SP2 (with all hotfixes and updates)
• Windows Server 2008 SP2 (32 or 64 bit)
• Windows Server 2008 R2 (64 bit).

Notes: Please note that the EPLAN platform may not be installed on servers that run Back Office products from Microsoft (e.g. proxy servers, SQL, Exchange, Active Directory) or other suppliers (e.g. Lotus Notes, Linux servers, Novell servers). Please also bear in mind that the EPLAN License Manager is not approved for use with virtual operating systems.

EPLAN Mechatronic Integration
EPLAN Mechatronic Integration is approved for the following Inventor products:

• AutoCAD Inventor Professional Suite 2010
• AutoCAD Inventor Routed Systems Suite 2010
• AutoCAD Inventor Professional Suite 2011
• AutoCAD Inventor Routed Systems Suite 2011.

Note: Please also note the relevant hardware requirements when installing these Inventor products.

Database systems for parts management / selection

• Microsoft SQL Server 2005 SP2 Express / Workgroup / Standard or Enterprise Edition
• Microsoft SQL-Server 2008.

The EPLAN platform supports these Microsoft SQL servers for all client and server operating systems approved by us.

Note: Other database systems from other manufacturers are not currently supported.

Microsoft Office Excel versions

• Microsoft Office Excel 2003 SP2 and SP3
• Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and Excel 2007 SP1.

Internet browsers for the EPLAN Data Portal

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.

Unsupported operating systems

• Windows 2000 Professional
  The EPLAN platform no longer supports the Windows 2000 Professional operating system that is no longer supported by Microsoft.
• Windows 2000 Server
  The EPLAN platform no longer supports the Windows 2000 Server operating system that is no longer supported by Microsoft. Microsoft has ceased official support for this operating system.

Note: Further information on the life cycle of operating systems is available on the Microsoft website.

EPLAN software no longer supported

• Remote Dongle Server 4.3
  We are offering a new version of our EPLAN License Manager for the management of network licenses alongside the new EPLAN platform. For this reason, Remote Dongle Server 4.3 is no longer supported.

Other software no longer supported

• AutoCAD 2006
  EPLAN PPE now has a new P&ID AutoCAD interface that supports the current versions of AutoCAD 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. For this reason, EPLAN no longer supports the AutoCAD 2006 software from Autodesk.

Workstation hardware requirements

The computer platform is a PC with an Intel Pentium 4 or compatible processor.

Notes: The introduction of the enhanced command set SSE2 (Streaming SIMD Extensions 2) started with the Intel Pentium 4 in 2001. In the case of AMD processors, this enhancement was introduced with the Athlon 64 in 2005. If you use a computer system from Intel, the CPU should be restored to 2002. In the case of AMD processors, the CPU should be newer than 2005.

If you are using a processor that dates to before 2005, check whether this processor supports SSE2 command sets. The "CPU-Z" program allows you to do this. This program can be downloaded free of charge from www.cpuid.com. It is preferable to choose a high speed dual-core computer rather than a quad-core computer at the same price (i.e. a slower machine), as you will get better performance from the EPLAN platform.

A high speed quad-core processor (which is therefore slightly more expensive) is optimal since it also offers further potential for the future. We advise against choosing a single-core computer (which also includes a Pentium 4 with its 2 virtual cores).

Recommended workstation configuration

• Processor: Comparable to an Intel Pentium D at 3 GHz or comparable to an Intel Core 2 Duo at 2.4 GHz RAM: 4 GB
• Hard disk: 160 GB
• Monitor / graphics resolution: 2-screen solution 21" or 16:10 graphics system with a resolution of 1680 x 1050
• 3D display: Graphics card from ATI or Nvidia with the latest OpenGL driver

Minimum net requirements
As stated in the software requirements and performance, only operate the server with a Microsoft Windows operating system.

• Net transfer rate of the server: 1 Gbits/s
• Net transfer rate of the client computer: 100 Mbits/s
• Recommended latency period: < 1 ms

Minimum multi-user requirements
Please contact the EPLAN Support for further information about the minimum requirements for multi-user operation. We can advise you individually on the basis of your requirements.

Highlights EPLAN platform 2.0

Whether point wiring, active device protection or channel oriented PLC design, the software opens up concrete potential for more project reliability, functionality and speed. EPLAN Electric P8 proves its direct relevance to the practical applications again. Example: reliability with regard to Machinery Directive. The quality of the complete documentation is ensured via the online check functionality and the system is automated to prevent entering faulty data. Discover engineering of his most fascinating side - consistent, fast-paced, cost-saving.

Finding items faster
The new full text filter in parts management lets users use search terms to quickly filter parts masters and select the right component in the tree/list/combination view. Designing is also accelerated at the device level; as the full text filter is integrated in the parts master data navigator. This simplifies its operation, which is given an enormous boost in the new EPLAN Electric P8. Mini toolbars and detailed icons for toolbars now support intuitive operations to the benefit of both professional and occasional users. Another strong argument for saving valuable design time.

Deletion not possible It can happen so quickly; a component is changed outside of the control parameters or accidentally deleted. This is why any device set up in EPLAN Electric P8 2.0 is equipped with the new function "protected device", which creates a safe base: From now on changes will be impossible. All project parts will be retained, even in case of graphical delete commands. The same applies for macros: A protected device knows its components, even if not all individual parts have been graphically placed in the macro. This prevents unwelcome surprises as early as in the pre-planning phase. The new Machinery Directive requirement for reliable, understandable project documentation is implemented in a practical way.
Channels under control Addresses are central identifiers - even in PLC designs, which is found in all automation concepts today. Now, in addition to address-oriented or DT working methods, PLC components can also be designed in a channel-oriented manner. This makes it easier to keep track of large projects and is consistent with current high end design working methods. The new PLC navigators also make it easy to select components - components are quickly designed and documented by simply assigning them in the schematic. Main feature: The PLC component view can be changed at any time. You can't get more flexibility than that.
Fully "wired" The add-in module "Netbased Wiring will be sure to catch attention as a new approach to wiring. In the future you will be able to define detailed connections within a network at the database level in EPLAN Electric P8, irrespective of the graphical representation. Logical point wiring instead of target wiring will be shown in the schematic. Clear representations in the schematic or the simpler production links are pre-programmed and can be implemented using this new working method. The fact that both work processes - the netbased, as well as the target-oriented wiring approach - are both options in the project and proved extra flexibility for individual workflow as well as the highest possible efficiency.
Trimming included But, what purpose would electrical design engineering serve without precise, efficient manufacturing? Extended CAD functions in the area of free graphics now guarantee clear specifications. Trimming and chamfering, as well as perpendicular and tangential design, are only a few of the functions that support detailed representations for mechanical production. XY coordinates can now be directly entered in E-PLAN Electric P8 to place graphical objects. This creates views of operator desks and flange plates - with all the information needed for a trouble-free production process. This saves engineering time and also speeds up enclosure construction.
MRL 2006/42/EG - Retaining project data The burning question remains in the forefront: How can the new Machinery Specification 2006/42/EG (MRL) be implemented for the long term? Project archiving is becoming more and more important as a topic of discussion. The demands of MRL for availability and replicability of machinery and plant documentation for a period of at least ten years does not leave any room for doubt. EPLAN's choice of the PDF/A format output for the documentation does not only support the required archiving processes with just the push of a button, but also reduces paper archiving to a bare minimum. PDF/A is a recognized ISO-Standard, which has been developed specifically for the long term archiving of digital documents. PDF/A lends itself as a searchable and secure format for designers, archivist and administration employees for the long-term storage of electronic documents. Especially since the EPLAN PDF concept also supports redlining for designating engineering changes. Not the least of the advantages are the navigation and jump functions for effective documentation used in process steps like production, assembly, commissioning, servicing, and maintenance. Aside from that, the exported project documentation offers access, independent from the EPLAN license, and may therefore be used rather effectively throughout the entire company. Conclusion: All options are open, from integration and management in the product data management system all the way through to the integration of EPLAN documentation in a uniform PLM process.

EPLAN Fluid Hoses Installation Standard-compliant
Standard compliant configuration - and consistent documentation: The brand new EPLAN Fluid tubing configurator is exactly what was needed for expedient manufacturing and future-proof hydraulic technology. It is usable as a standalone system in the manufacturing process, supporting the installation technician with vivid representations of the control valves and stored control units.

EPLAN PPE - Complete logic support
The rule of thumb is: Seamless
system integration and the continuous design data exchange are the fundamental prerequisites for efficient engineering processes. EPLAN PPE, and its innovative functions during the import of loops and consumers, now offers the option of copying data from preceding engineering phases simply and efficiently into the EPLAN-Platform. Not only the data of the PLC loops is entered with the push of a button, but complete plant system structures can be set up in the system, based on PI system information. Even the template for the schematic, which will be set up afterwards, can be adopted. The user can define which properties are to be identifying for the import. When importing subsets from large preliminary planning data sets naming filter criteria will give additional flexibility in the process. Data may be transferred repeatedly - always with the same designation - from external and internal properties, because the import schemes may be stored. The individual layout of EPLAN PPE to accommodate data import can be done via the freely configurable PCT loop properties. Identical descriptions in the 1:1 copy of imported data make trouble-free processing in the ongoing design possible, especially across department and even company boundaries.

EPLAN P&ID - Making short work of the process
P&ID stands for "Process and Instrumentation Diagram" and is the central planning document for consistent project engineering in the automation of process engineering systems. Symbols or macros are placed graphically, down to the database-oriented administration of the plant data. The P&ID engineering can be scaled flexibly. This is followed by the I&C planning in which the required data of the instrumentation and control technology are supplemented.

EPLAN Pro Panel - Mounting layout in a new dimension
Integrated 3D functionality is now also entering CAE systems: EPLAN Pro Panel allows standards-compliant 3D mounting layouts including production drawings to be created. On a uniform data basis the optional module for the EPLAN platform supports project planning in electrical and fluid engineering across disciplines. The processes in schematic creation and layout planning are thus parallelized and accelerated notably. Mounting panels can be equipped or hydraulic structures implemented rapidly and comfortably - the available space is used optimally.