EPLAN and Rittal exhibit efficiency drivers for greater added value

The panel building, switchgear manufacturing and machinery sectors are characterised by a wide range of differently sized companies with varying degrees of digitisation. “The most burning question is: Which step and which solution will bring the greatest benefit to the respective individual process? Precise answers are needed because, especially in times of high costs, every investment needs particularly tangible benefit perspectives – increasingly through software, hardware and automation from a single source,” says Uwe Scharf, Managing Director of Sales Germany at Rittal. Sebastian Seitz, CEO of EPLAN, adds: “We have joint solutions for improved data consistency and process efficiency which, in addition to automation, also make a difference in other industries such as energy.”
 

Value adding processes that you can feel and touch 

At their booth, Rittal and EPLAN are spelling it out: The entire path from the first data set to later operation is shown based on the example of the digital twin of a system with a Rittal Blue e+ fan-and-filter unit. Visitors can understand the advantages of high data quality (article data and design and planning templates) and how the EPLAN platform creates a circuit diagram and then a three-dimensional digital twin of the system – with a real counterpart constructed from standardised Rittal system technology. Based on this data in order management, the machines from Rittal Automation Systems then, for example, immediately create the correct cut-outs in the enclosure. The high data quality and consistency speed up the process and support smart concepts for operation and service with digital documentation in the cloud and the IoT connection of the fans. EPLAN, Rittal and Rittal Automation Systems are already contributing their expertise to developing coordinated solutions for the various process steps to make the data available to customers from a single source.

From the rail to the power platform 

The highlight of the trade show is the premiere of a new pacesetter in power distribution technology. Rittal will show how a new industry standard makes power distribution in enclosures safer, faster and easier: RiLineX, an open platform system for more efficient planning and construction of 60 mm busbar systems. The advantage for the user is that this provides time savings of up to 30% in planning and designing and as much as 50% in assembly. The entire system is pre-tested for short-circuit resistance up to 52.5 kA. 

The new platform is not only available as a quickly deployable complete board for enclosures in the Rittal system. In addition, an open modular system also offers unique flexibility for individual system construction up to 2.4 metres (and even more) with baying connectors. RiLineX is also available as a plastic system, where standard rails can be easily installed on-site. Rittal follows a consistent platform approach: Manufacturers of devices and components receive the necessary interface data to develop their suitable products, free of charge, even before sales commence. 

The new RiPower software from Rittal ensures faster system technology configuration in switchgear and, thanks to EPLAN integration, even beyond the configuration process. Other innovations at the trade show include new, digitally integrated machines from Rittal Automation Systems for processing copper bars, wiring ducts, support rails, and increasingly differentiated Rittal system technology.

Greater efficiency with EPLAN software

Besides numerous innovations in the EPLAN Platform 2025 and the presentation of EPLAN Cable proD for machine cabling, visitors can expect exciting new approaches in the EPLAN solution portfolio. EPLAN also offers integrated solutions in switchgear construction in the form of Pro Panel, Smart Wiring and Smart Mounting. These allow users and their suppliers to significantly boost the process's efficiency. They are also being presented at the SPS because they are now in high demand – not only in the “classic” fields of work, i.e. primarily in plant engineering but also in new application areas. The focus is on building technology, particularly grid infrastructure components like substations and transformer stations. 

EPLAN will also be present at the IDTA booth (Hall 5, Booth 348), where, together with partners, it will present prototypes for end-to-end, cross-company processes based on the administration shell. This opens up new possibilities in providing device data through engineering to the operational phase of machines and systems based on the digital twin.