How Eplan Cable proD Can Help You: A Q&A Session with Lukas Menzel

We recently interviewed Lukas Menzel, the Owner of Rapid Design at Eplan. In his words, he will explain what Eplan Cable proD is and how you can benefit from using the software.  

Q: Complex software solutions can rarely be summed up in one sentence. If you had to describe Eplan Cable proD in just a few words, what would you say?  

A: I would say that with Eplan Cable proD, we have digitalised machine cable planning. 

Q: Okay, let’s explain that a little. What exactly does that mean and who can benefit from using Eplan Cable proD?  

A: Eplan Cable proD is best suited for machine builders. They can use it to compile reliable information for machine cabling much earlier than ever before. The approach is extremely simple: nowadays there is a digital 3D model of almost all series or near-series machines. Machine builders can also use this to plan the cabling. This way, you don't have to rely on a physical prototype being assembled first but you can start planning the cables beforehand. Since we know what the routing paths will be and which cable lengths we need to use, we can use pre-assembled cables. This saves both time and money since no-one needs to use a cutter knife and strip pliers to process a cable that comes by the metre. Overall, you’ll save on material costs and time.  

Lukas Menzel, Owner of Rapid Designs at Eplan. 

Q: So, data that is already available is being used for additional purposes? 

A: Correct. We have created a tool that combines the long-standing circuit diagram data and the 3D data of the mechanics. We have also built a viewer into Eplan Cable proD that can share the 3D cabling data with non-Cable proD users. This means that everyone involved in cable planning can access the same data.   

Q: Where do you see the greatest added value in the software?

A: Because you access the relevant information much earlier in the process, you can maximise these time savings to order the suitable cables. We have some machine builders currently testing the software for us and they have also pointed this out as a major advantage for the business. Although it isn’t the most important, but we should also consider usability. Using Eplan Cable proD is fun and easy to use, it has a modern interface, and it looms great when importing machine data. It’s almost like a computer game. 

Q: How much time can mechanical engineers save with Eplan Cable proD? 

A: That's difficult to answer since this depends on the number of cables and the size of the machine. In recent years, machines have developed into very complex electronic devices with many sensors and actuators. As a result, the number of cables has increased significantly, and the complexity of the cabling in the machines has increased to the same extent. 

Preparing goods sold by the meter takes a good 15 minutes per cable. Sometimes you have up to 300 pieces in one machine so you can extrapolate that. Our pilot customers tell us that they need less time to determine the length compared to traditional methods, and that the overall result is enhanced by using Eplan Cable proD, because the viewer clarifies the cables should be laid. Eplan Cable proD therefore saves time while producing high-quality cabling.  

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! Eplan Cable proD is a great way to streamline your cabling process without sacrificing high-quality production.  

If you would like to find out more about the features and benefits of Eplan Cable proD, please head to our website. 

We also have a Cable proD Webcast designed to show you around the software and give you a better idea of how it works, hosted by our Eplan experts.