MONHEIM, Germany, Jul 5, 2021 – The Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE Platform (abbreviated 3DX) is a web-based PLM solution for product development and manufacturing processes. EPLAN has now developed a bidirectional interface based on its ERP/PDM Integration Suite for automated data exchange: the PLM 3DEXPERIENCE Connector. The automation of routine processes is something that makes every-day work easier for users. Traditional tasks such as searching for, finding and creating projects, checking in and out, or exporting CAE projects in neutral formats can all be carried out much more efficiently via the new PLM data bridge.
EPLAN and 3DEXPERIENCE from Dassault Systèmes are now harmonised, while the PLM 3DEXPERIENCE Connector automates routine tasks.
Bidirectional communication from PLM and CAE
EPLAN and 3DX communicate bidirectionally with one another. Checking in CAE projects in 3DX is automated, as is opening projects in the PLM software. Important descriptive PDM attributes such as information for the drawing header can be added in 3DX and are then automatically available in EPLAN. Furthermore, the software also supports traditional PDM functionalities including the release or transfer of documents to manufacturing.
Another advantage of the new 3DX Connector is that EPLAN users can control all work steps from their familiar working environment. Since electrical design engineers don’t have to leave their CAE environment for traditional project planning, the work becomes even quicker and more efficient. Another plus for users is that access via the integrated 3DX browser is easy and doesn’t require training nor any extensive familiarisation process.
Outlook: Synchronise devices, revise bills of materials
Solutions provider EPLAN will also be providing additional expansion stages for the interface, which will include device synchronisation and bill of materials output, before the end of the year – similar to the connectors for PTC Windchill and Siemens Teamcenter that are already available. At that point the SQL device database in EPLAN can also be synchronised with 3DX. This specifically means that new devices are automatically created in 3DX and returned from PLM with enriched information. The benefits go well beyond pure electrical design. For example, if a new bill of materials is to be created after revisions have been made, not only will it be possible to generate it in EPLAN in the upcoming expansion stages, users will also be able to directly revise it there. People working in sales and service then have direct access to current data in 3DX at all times.
Seamless integrations for end-to-end processes
Technically speaking, the EPLAN ERP/PDM Integration Suite creates the foundation for bidirectional exchange. In addition to the new PLM 3DEXPERIENCE Connector, there are also integrations available for Autodesk Vault Professional, PTC Windchill, Pro.File by Procad, Teamcenter and SAP. Seamless integration into existing ERP, PDM and PLM system landscapes provides optimal support for the necessary working steps from schematics to the master data.
About EPLAN
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. EPLAN wants to grow further with customers and partners and pushes integration and automation in engineering forward. Worldwide, EPLAN supports over 58,000 customers. „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 96 international subsidiaries. The entire group employs 12.100 people and generated revenues of around €2,6 billion in 2019. For the twelfth time in succession, the family business has won the accolade “Top German Employer” in 2020. 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.