From CAD to an Engineering Platform
Traditional Computer-aided Design (CAD) platforms are primarily designed to accommodate the mechanical engineering process, used for designing a specific part or an assembly. Electrical Computer-aided Design (ECAD) solutions are primarily used to design an entire system of many components connected to each other, enabling electrical engineers to create and modify diagrams and layouts, including 2D and 3D models.
The Disadvantages of Traditional CAD Packages for Panel Design
CAD platforms can often be restrictive and difficult to work with for electrical design engineers, due to being overly dependent on manual, repetitive processes to complete designs. ECAD software is optimized for the design, development and maintenance of control panels, enclosures, wiring harnesses and other related electrical systems. Unfortunately, many standard CAD platforms don’t have these capabilities built in.
This leads to a lot of frustration and unnecessary manual editing and, in some cases, workarounds to complete the design. Electrical engineers may need to spend significant time manually revising and checking their work, which can be a lengthy process, and prone to human error. With manual CAD tools, mistakes can easily be made, and the later in the design and manufacturing process a mistake is found, the more it costs to rectify the situation, and the greater the likelihood of design mistakes.
This impacts production and can lead to wasted time and resources, which can quickly mount throughout a project lifecycle.
Even worse, some CAD packages aren't compatible with current electrical design technologies, standards and tools already in use. This creates a huge stumbling block for electrical engineers who may be unable to access the features they need and be unable to ensure the required level of standardization throughout the project. Most electrical design teams, therefore, benefit from looking into alternative dedicated ECAD software solutions that are more optimized to the specific needs of an electrical engineer.
ECAD Software for Electrical Engineers: The Advantages of EPLAN
EPLAN is a great alternative to traditional CAD packages for electrical design engineers, eliminating many of the daily issues engineers face when designing electrical projects. EPLAN is a data-driven control panel and switchgear design platform that is easy to use, comprehensive in its tools and features, and provides more precision control. In addition, its design automation reduces the number of repetitive, manual tasks in the process and enables engineers to focus on creative and innovative solutions to complex design challenges. Electrical engineers have found that EPLAN enables faster design times, increased accuracy and improved efficiency when compared to other CAD software solutions.
EPLAN First Look - Saving Time in Electrical Design
Whatever the size of your project, EPLAN can eliminate manual, repetitive tasks and automate processes that might take hours or sometimes days in other CAD systems. Users have access to free cloud products such as manufacturers component data, free regularly updated e-learning materials, and free onboarding materials, as well as a range of project templates, guided installation services to get your team up and running quickly and reduce downtime. Comprehensive annual updates keep you up to speed with the latest changes in electrical design practices.
Overall, EPLAN is a great ECAD alternative because it is a more suitable and enhanced platform for specific electrical projects. Watch this short webcast for your first look at the EPLAN Platform. And when you’re ready to take the next step, visit the EPLAN website for more details.