DESIGN TOOLS:EPLAN, a global provider of electrical, fluid power and process control engineering CAD/CAE software products for more than 20 years, has released the new version (1.9) of its pioneering E-CAD/CAE software, EPLAN Electric P8. While standardization is boosting engineering productivity, modern E-CAD/CAE software should also give users increased choice and flexibility. Key new features and enhancements in EPLAN Electric P8 Version 1.9 do just that.EPLAN Data Portal
A unique web-based portal which greatly streamlines the integration of device data into the design process, EPLAN Data Portal provides the user with a one-stop access to up-to-date and certified data from many major component manufacturers. The scope of data contained in the EPLAN Data Portal includes macros of components and sub-circuits, assembly drawings, function templates for intelligent device selection, international designations, preview images and entire manuals. Using the EPLAN Data Portal not only makes searching individual manufacturer catalogs unnecessary, it also eliminates the need to type in part numbers or create one’s own macros.
PDF Redlining
The ability to transfer modified data from manufacturing and assembly into project documentation produces a crucial competitive advantage that also pays off in areas like service and maintenance. With EPLAN’s new redlining function, all project documentation can be converted to PDF format and subsequently made available for review and modification. What makes this feature so compelling is that modifications can be re-imported as graphic elements into the original EPLAN project. Apart from this capability to import changes from external sources into the schematic diagram, PDF comments are displayed in a special navigator with a direct jump function into the schematic. The user has direct access to all data and can decide immediately whether a particular modification should be incorporated or not. All data is managed neatly and efficiently, allowing users to have high-quality project documentation.
Flexible Documentation
The number of documents associated with a project continues to grow. Besides the schematics and report lists, there are documents covering the automation components such as device data sheets, maintenance information or operating instructions; all of which is available in an EPLAN project. Now, users can control the range of documents for distribution with a project by employing the “Print attached documents” command to select only those documents that a particular recipient needs to see, while retaining the rest for when they will be needed.
EPLAN Project Reference (EPR)
With a single keystroke, the EPR module performs an automated analysis of an incoming project and creates a structured evaluation that lists all deviations from specified standards and quality requirements, particularly important for verifying incoming design data from different suppliers. The EPR can also ensure compliance with internal quality standards to ensure that everything fits perfectly and everyone involved uses the same templates, symbols, plot frames and forms.
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