--- title: How Rittal & Eplan Transformed Operations at R&D Specialties description: Discover how R&D Specialties saved 40% time savings with Rittal automation and Eplan software in just one year. Hear from Brad Howell in this Q&A session. image: https://blog.eplan.co.uk/hubfs/RAC%20Perforex.jpg --- [![Logo](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3337099/blog/images/Logo/Eplan.svg)](https://blog.eplan.co.uk?language=all) [![](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/hubfs/blog/images/Category/Trends-eplan-2021-black.svg) trends](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/tag/trends?language=all) [![](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/hubfs/blog/images/Category/Projects-eplan-2021-black.svg) projects](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/tag/projects?language=all) [![](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/hubfs/blog/images/Category/Software-eplan-2021-black.svg) software](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/tag/software?language=all) ![](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/hubfs/RAC%20Perforex.jpg) [Home](https://blog.eplan.co.uk) How Rittal & Eplan Transformed Operations at R&D Specialties ## Author ![Kelly Moore](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(16).png?length=68&upsize=true&upscale=true&name=Untitled%20design%20(16).png) Kelly Moore Kelly Moore is a Marketing Executive for Rittal and Eplan UK. She has worked for both companies for a year and loves the 'people' side of the business. [kmoore@rittal.co.uk](mailto:kmoore@rittal.co.uk) [Kelly Moore auf LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-rosalyn-moore-42krm42/) 19/08/25 # How Rittal & Eplan Transformed Operations at R&D Specialties Author: Kelly Moore Time to read: minute minutes In just one year, R&D Specialties underwent a complete technological transformation using Rittal and Eplan's solutions.  Hear from Brad Howell, owner of R&D Specialties in Odessa, Texas, to learn how they embraced automation and left the competition in their wake.  R&D Specialties only implemented Eplan software and Rittal automation solutions in 2024. They did not take this decision lightly, either, since the company had previously tried a milling and drilling machine from a different manufacturer, where “the software didn’t work,” says Howell. This was one of the reasons this business choice didn't work out.   Another reason for moving away from this manufacturer was a disappointing data set. “![Seite-2-portrait-brad-howell_RITTAL-RAC-HOUSTON-0622](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Seite-2-portrait-brad-howell_RITTAL-RAC-HOUSTON-0622.png?width=300&height=350&name=Seite-2-portrait-brad-howell_RITTAL-RAC-HOUSTON-0622.png)When we received the software program, there were fewer than 20,000 device data sets in the library,” Howell continues. Switching to Eplan then seemed like a logical decision. Thanks to an Eplan parts consultation and the Eplan Data Portal, Howell now has some two million high-quality component data sets from numerous leading equipment manufacturers at his disposal, directly from the Eplan Cloud. “I would never go back on my decision to use Eplan and Rittal."  We asked Howell some questions that provide insights into his automation journey. ### Q: How did you feel when you visited the Rittal Application Centre?  A: To be honest, my team and I were concerned when we saw the ultramodern Rittal automation solutions. We wondered how something like that could be integrated into our existing, ageing production setup, and also how we would manage to work with it. But the professional advice we received here gave us the answers we were looking for, showing us how Eplan software and Rittal automation solutions work together. We headed home feeling satisfied and realised this was the approach we needed to take. In 2024, Howell visited the Rittal Application Centre in Houston, Texas. It was here that Howell received tailored advice every step of the way, from planning right through to production. Seeing the interaction between Eplan's engineering software and Rittal's automation solutions inspired Howell to take the leap.  “Switching to Rittal and Eplan technology was a real game-changer,” says Howell. “The automation technology and software are enabling us to grow at last – even with the same number of staff,” he explains. This would previously have been inconceivable, as the company had reached their limit in terms of current capacity.  ![RAC Perforex 2](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/RAC%20Perforex%202.jpg?width=6000&height=4000&name=RAC%20Perforex%202.jpg) *The Perforex Machine in action * ## Q: Why did you invest in Eplan software and Rittal automation systems? A: We were looking to expand and grow, but we couldn’t find suitable staff for our panel building operations. Automation is the only way for us to move forward. Efficiency has improved dramatically, so the decision was very much a success and also easy to realize. ### Q: How have your customers reacted to this big investment? A: When our customers get their first look at the automation solutions, they’re impressed. They see how the equipment operates and how much more efficient everything is. They’ve mentioned on more than one occasion how much better our panels look now. ![RAC (2)](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/RAC%20(2).png?width=1920&height=1080&name=RAC%20(2).png)*The Wire Terminal in action * ### The Result: 40% Savings Howell has found his plant engineering operations transformed. Two Rittal automation solutions are in operation – a Perforex MT S for drilling and milling, and the Wire Terminal WT for fully automatic wire processing. The Eplan Electric P8, Eplan Pro Panel and Eplan Data Portal software tools ensure an unprecedented level of engineering efficiency and quality. “It now takes just eight employees to do the work that previously required 14 members of staff. That amounts to a time saving of around 40 percent,” reveals Howell. ## See Automation in Action Has R&D Specialties inspired you to start your own automation journey? We're a bit far from Texas, but you can come visit us at the Rittal Application Centre in Rotherham.  [![Rittal Application Centre](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3056111/interactive-179296780168.png)](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLtCtzfYPeMpzPRrv%2FUorBjbWmuFjnf84qIY1ZRShRC09AP5FhuXoCJCe%2F64KTWAKUIMEyTlU4jAUp4iIs%2FTnlGtlO276tLpMrlafzGG89rtz2C18CQHA3QyHUZQjex3ymGAt2OWIusPBhaoxPwlc9eZJJitrLMeebBj%2FRdrrYd4JItMro8p1a5LLiEAYqMhvcPhaoR5%2BNVLBCpUvBwZZo%3D&webInteractiveContentId=179296780168&portalId=3056111) Related tags: - [Rittal](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/tag/rittal?language=all) - [Automation](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/tag/automation?language=all) - [Panel Building](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/tag/panel-building?language=all) - [Value Chain](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/tag/value-chain?language=all) - [Customer application](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/tag/customer-application?language=all) - [Integrated Value chain](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/tag/integrated-value-chain?language=all) - [Oil & Gas](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/tag/oil-gas?language=all) - [Case Studies](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/tag/case-studies?language=all) Share this article ... ## Comments ## Author ![Kelly Moore](https://blog.eplan.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(16).png?length=68&upsize=true&upscale=true&name=Untitled%20design%20(16).png) Kelly Moore Kelly Moore is a Marketing Executive for Rittal and Eplan UK. She has worked for both companies for a year and loves the 'people' side of the business. 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