What is Eplan Used For?

The importance of engineering software in today’s modern industries cannot be overstated. Its abilities to drive innovation, reduce errors, and improve collaboration across teams has the potential to transform your workflow, no matter the sector. From manufacturing to energy, companies rely on such tools to stay competitive and meet growing demands for both accuracy and speed.

This blog aims to demystify the many facets of Eplan’s capabilities as industrial engineering software. From simplifying electrical schematics and automating documentation, to enhancing collaboration and reducing costly design errors, there’s something for everybody with Eplan. This versatility makes it an invaluable tool for engineers, designers, and businesses looking to optimise their efficiency and maintain a competitive edge.

A Brief History of Eplan

Eplan was founded in 1984 and is part of the owner-operated Friedhelm Loh Group. The Friedhelm Loh Group operates worldwide with more than 13 production sites and over 95 international subsidiaries. 

Worldwide, Eplan supports over 73,000 customers with the shared goal of progressing integration and automation in engineering spheres. “Efficient Engineering” is our core company ethos and we design all of our software and functionalities with this philosophy in mind. 

When the first personal computers came onto the market in the early 1980s, engineer Winfried Müller tested creating schematics using IT software. What started as a relatively simple idea led to the creation of Eplan. Early on in this process, Prof Dr Friedhelm Loh recognised the great potential of this idea. In 1986, he invested in the software start-up, and the rest is history.

What is the Eplan Platform?

The Eplan Platform is the umbrella term we use for all Eplan products. The Eplan Platform links all Eplan software tools, including electrical design software. It builds a strong base for your projects through ensuring clear and open processes. This connectivity allows you to work across different engineering disciplines and find the best solutions for any application.

The Eplan Platform interfaces with ERP and PDM systems for seamless, bi-directional data exchange, meaning you can transfer project data to mechatronic solutions and other software environments smoothly.

The integrated software platform allows engineers to design electrical schematics, manage projects, create 3D layouts, and automatically generate engineering documentation like parts lists and Bills of Materials (BOMs). 

Our Eplan Platform consists of key offerings such as:

• Eplan Pro Panel
  – a 3D software solution for the integrated design, automation, and production of control cabinets, switchgear systems, and power distribution systems.
• Eplan Electric P8
  – a computer-aided engineering (CAE) software solution for the design, documentation, and management of electrical and automation projects.
• Eplan Harness proD
  – a 2D-3D software solution for efficient designing and documentation of cables and wire harnesses.
• Eplan Cable proD
  – a 3D design software for planning and visualising cable routing within a machine or system. 

What are the key uses of Eplan?

Electrical Engineering Design

Eplan simplifies the creation of detailed schematics and wiring diagrams while ensuring accurate component placement and logical circuit design. This streamlines electrical planning and helps engineers work faster with fewer errors.

Control Panel Design

With Eplan, engineers can design layouts and create documents for control panels. This helps them use space more efficiently while following safety rules and regulations.

Automation System Design

The software supports seamless integration of PLCs and HMIs, enabling engineers to design, visualise, and control automated processes efficiently. This helps reduce downtime and improves overall system reliability.

Project Management & Documentation

Eplan as a project management tool enhances project oversight through built-in revision tracking, automatic report generation, and improved collaboration across teams. This ensures that everyone works with up-to-date information and reduces the potential miscommunication.

Integration with Other Systems

Designed with compatibility in mind, Eplan connects with ERP, PLM, and CAD systems, allowing for consistent data flows across departments. Eplan integration therefore results in greater efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Benefits of Eplan

1. Time Savings through streamlined workflows using automation such as wire numbering, device tagging, BOM and connection list generation, and macro reuse. This reduces manual effort, speeds up delivery, and improves consistency.
2. Enhancing accuracy and consistency with standardised symbol libraries, real-time design updates, and automatic revision control. These features ensure flawless documentation and easier compliance.
3. Enabling seamless collaboration through multi-user access, clear project partitioning, and integration with ERP/PDM systems. Teams can work in sync with up-to-date data across departments.
4. Scalability for complex projects with modular licensing and customisable features. Our software is suited for everything from cabinet layouts to global automation systems.
5. Delivering cost efficiency by cutting errors and reducing rework. For example, one client saved more than £57,000 per year by minimizing delays in project updates with Eplan.

Who Should Use Eplan?

Electrical Engineers – to create accurate schematics, wiring diagrams, and layouts with greater speed and precision.

System Integrators – to design and connect automation systems with PLC and HMI integration, ensuring seamless process control.

Panel Builders – to optimise cabinet layouts, meet safety standards, and reduce design errors through automated documentation.

Project Managers in Industrial Sectors – to oversee projects with reliable data, revision tracking, and smoother collaboration across teams.

Real World Applications

In less than one year, R&D Specialties underwent a complete technological overhaul using Eplan solutions alongside Rittal automation systems. The US-based systems integrator and panel building company had plateaued with their headcount. How can you become more productive without increasing the workforce?

The combined power of Eplan and Rittal revolutionised their workflow. 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 Brad Howell, Managing Director.

Read R&D Specialties full automation journey on our blog.

Conclusion

We hope this blog has clearly explained the main ideas of Eplan’s software and its benefits.  Your engineering projects will feel the benefits with improved accuracy, efficiency, and teamwork.

Whether you are designing control panels, managing automation systems, or streamlining documentation, exploring Eplan can unlock smarter, faster, and more reliable ways of working.

Still not sure? Why not try Eplan demo software!