Author
Managing over 4,000 pages of documents for each substation is a substantial undertaking. This number makes many grid operators think twice about changing to a new engineering system. Understandably so: anyone who has to deal with such a mountain of data will quickly think of risks, such as data loss, endless migrations, or project delays.
But what if switching wasn't so complicated after all? What if someone guided grid operators step by step instead of leaving them to tackle this task all by themselves? That's exactly what the experts at Eplan are now offering: a predetermined path to the future which will safely increase efficiency.
Why moving to a new system is inevitable
Due to the increasing complexity of the grid and the limitations of existing CAD systems, the switch to a modern engineering platform is not a matter of convenience, but a strategic necessity. For grid operators, the transmission of electrical energy results in more projects, increased responsibility, and higher demands on planning, documentation, and operation.
Each new building, factory, hospital, or housing estate will create a need for significantly more grid stations and substations, leading to a rising demand in the high six-figure range worldwide in the coming years. New standards, such as the IEC 61850, an international standard for communication and automation in substations, and regulations such as the NIS 2, an EU directive to increase cyber and network security, are further exacerbating the situation.
Yes, the electrical grid has evolved over the years… however, many of the design systems used today date back to a time when grids were smaller and more centralised. These engineering systems were never developed to handle the complexity and additional requirements we are currently seeing in the energy industry: with some CAD platforms no longer being maintained or developed, while others just cannot adequately support new standards.
What if switching to Eplan was easier than you thought?
But how to manage the transition? This is where experts from Eplan are providing support. The project will start with a migration workshop: Together with the grid operator, Eplan will check which data is available in what quality, and which data is critical or redundant. It will quickly become clear that very often an extensive documentation is not an obstacle, but rather the basis for a successful transition.
“The migration workshop is the first step towards creating clarity and certainty about the available data,” explains Gerrit Helms, Vertical Market Manager Energy at Eplan. “Then we will move on, and the customer will, of course, never be without support at any moment.”
Based on this analysis, the Eplan experts determine the next steps for the transition.
- The data transfer of all existing documentation to Eplan. This can be done in stages or a phase-by-phase approach, where substation documentation is prioritised based on requirements. This has the advantage that the history will be preserved, and a lot of time will be saved.
- Standards compliance will ensure that new and existing regulatory requirements are considered right from the outset. This means that systems will be documented in a technically correct and audit-proof manner.
- In practical training, teams will be able to familiarise themselves with the Eplan Platform and use it productively from day one.
- Finally, go-live support will be provided: experts will be on hand to advise, resolve issues at an early stage, and ensure a smooth transition.
How changing to Eplan will pay off
During the daily work routines of grid operators, the Eplan platform will immediately demonstrate what it can do for them: where formerly reports such as cable schedules and terminal diagrams had to be added later in an irksome way or manual process, Eplan Electric P8 will now create them automatically from the project data. Manual tasks – as well as the mistakes they bring - will be removed, data will remain consistent, and be available immediately for the next planning phase. And that is exactly what will make all the difference, as Stephanie Kudak, Vertical Market Manager Energy at Eplan, explains:
“Our customers are noticing the added value at once. Less rework, more transparency, and faster project progress. Even standards and regulations become easier to understand.”
With Eplan Pro Panel, the physical planning of a control or relay panel becomes a vivid layout within a 3D environment. Mounting clearances, collision checks, or incorrect wiring can thus be identified early in the design stage. This ensures that panel layouts are feasible and in line with manufacturer directives – a great tool for quality assurance.
Another plus is data exchange. Instead of exchanging documentation via email, for example, project stakeholders can access the latest version of project documentation at any time with the Eplan Collaboration Apps. Changes are immediately visible, coordination runs smoothly, and projects gain momentum.
The real strength lies in consistency. Once data is entered, it will move smoothly from planning to procurement, design, and operation.
This creates a reliable data basis throughout the entire life cycle. Those who work with it consistently can even create a digital twin – a complete data-based depiction of a substation. Ultimately, Eplan will evolve from being a mere tool to the central hub and the foundation for efficient, secure, and future-proof electricity grids.
How grid operators have successfully tackled the change
Examples from grid operators who have already completed the switch demonstrate how successful the transition to the Eplan Platform can be and what added value it offers. One such example is the Hamburger Energienetze, where standardisation and process optimisation are the main focus.
With Eplan as a data hub, internal processes can be standardised and external partners can be efficiently integrated. At naturenergie netze GmbH, it becomes clear that even complex substation projects can be documented efficiently – in a standardised and consistent manner.
Visible progress has been made, particularly in the secondary technology. A digital twin is also being used for the construction of new substations.
Paving the way for future-proof grids
These examples show that switching to a modern engineering platform is not a mountain that grid operators have to climb alone. With the support of Eplan, the challenge will become feasible by an intelligent transfer of data, providing practical training for teams, and implementing projects in a consistent way. This will offer immediate relief in everyday work and at the same time create the basis for future-proof grids.
Ready for the switch?
Would you like to take the next step? The experts are on hand to discuss your requirements.
Comments