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Smoothing the Learning Curve for ECAD Transitions
The many benefits of employing ECAD software have been widely documented, chief among them being faster, more accurate project delivery, but, we recognise that transitioning across to ECAD from tools such as AutoCAD and traditional CAD can feel quite daunting.
Electrical engineers will be very familiar with CAD line drafting. But ECAD offers so much more. While it may still be used as a drafting tool, there is also the option of designing a control cabinet, machines or system using ECAD without drawing at all. Instead, the software uses intelligent components allied to a unified project database – which is certainly a different way of working and one which may take a little while to get used to!
Obviously, that might raise concerns, for example “How time-consuming or disruptive will the move to ECAD be to our team in the short-term?”
That’s entirely understandable, and it is one reason why we have created tailored training programmes as part of our all-encompassing Eplan customer transition support packages.
Our industry-leading training is designed to smooth out the learning curve with ECAD adoption, and ensure your teams quickly gain confidence with the software.
We offer online training and one-to-one support to ensure that everyone is able to benefit from this transformative shift for your business.
What training options does Eplan offer for new customers?
The Eplan Training Academy provides a comprehensive programme of professional training courses on the platform.
In the UK and Ireland, this training is typically conducted online for easy accessibility, though on-site course delivery can be available for larger teams.
Our courses are designed not only to build knowledge of the software, but to help users optimise its potential in terms of time savings and consistent quality/accuracy across basic electrical design, automated electrical design, 3D panel design and harness/cable design.
These topics are covered by Academy training modules across core platform solutions such as Eplan Electric P8, Eplan Pro Panel, and Harness ProD.
In addition, Eplan hosts courses tailored to specific sectors and solutions.
There is also the option to become an Eplan Certified Engineer, offering your team the opportunity to gain a recognised certification while supporting their professional development.
What’s the biggest learning step change when switching to Eplan?
As we’ve indicated, migrating to ECAD doesn’t mean engineers have to grapple with greater complexity. Typically, the biggest adjustment engineers need to make is simply a shift in mindset. For example, in data-centric design, instead of manually entering information managed across different documents, an engineer will be working with a single database where all their project data is interconnected.
Eplan users learn to work with intelligent components represented by symbols which represent the same device within the design layout as well as in the BOM, and the wiring list. This structured, interconnected approach is why achieving the final design is so much faster, and the end result more accurate, than with CAD.
Our training will also introduce new users to Eplan’s extensive industry-standard component libraries and templates, and teach them how to select pre-defined components effectively as well as set up company-specific standards and macros for reuse.
While Eplan’s system may feel more technical than CAD at first, the long-term benefits include a faster, more accurate, and streamlined electrical engineering workflow to leverage the power of data automation.
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"Our experience highlights a common challenge with software Alan Sheppard, Managing Director, LCA Group |
adoption: powerful tools alone don’t guarantee success. We owned Eplan for two years, but it wasn’t until we invested in structured training that we truly started to see value. Buying Eplan was the right decision - training was the turning point."
Do many companies provide training and certification for ECAD users?
Yes, structured training is becoming fairly standard within the industry. Eplan training stands out thanks to its broad curriculum and flexible training options, its expert teaching team, and for its dedicated certification option.
We work with you at every step, empowering your teams to work more effectively with the software, and develop their knowledge and understanding. Our goal is to expand their capabilities and offer you clear business development opportunities through a new data-driven, automated approach.
Training can be purchased as standalone courses or as part of an onboarding package. Contact the team to find out more, or download the guide to see which packages are available.
FAQs
What is the Eplan Training Academy?
The Eplan Training Academy offers structured, modular training for engineers who are using the Eplan ECAD platform.
Training content is tailored to individual roles and levels of experience, ensuring that engineers gain the knowledge needed to use the platform confidently and effectively.
There are courses covering all Eplan’s core solutions, including Electric P8, Pro Panel and Harness/Cable ProD. In addition, the Academy offers engineers the chance to work towards qualifying as an Eplan Certified Engineer (ECE).
Most of the courses in the UK and Ireland are delivered online, although some onsite training is available for larger teams.
How much does Eplan training cost?
Training fees vary depending on the course, solution, and certification level.
There are fees payable for platform-specific training (e.g. Electric P8, Pro Panel), as well as eLearning access and the optional Eplan Certified Engineer certification. In addition, there are a number of free options for students and educators.
For accurate pricing based on your team’s requirements, contact the Eplan Training Academy for a personalised quote.
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