News Eplan en Us

EPLAN NEWS
for Version 2.3

Copyright 2013 EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG
EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KGassumes no liability for either technical or printing errors, or
for deficiencies in this technical information and cannot be held liable for damages that may result directly
or indirectly fromthe delivery, performance, and use of this material.
This document contains legally protected proprietary information that is subject to copyright. All rights are
protected. This document or parts of this document may not be copied or reproduced by any other means
without the prior consent of EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG.
The software described in this document is subject to a licensing agreement. The use and reproduction of
the software is only permitted within the framework of this agreement.
RITTAL
is a registered trademark of Rittal GmbH & Co. KG.

EPLAN
, EPLAN Electric P8
, EPLAN Fluid
, EPLAN PPE
, EPLAN Cabinet
, EPLAN Pro Panel
,
EPLAN Mechatronic Integration
and EPLAN Harness proD
are registered trademarks of EPLAN Soft-

ware & Service GmbH & Co. KG.
Windows 7
, Windows 8
, Windows Server 2012
, Microsoft Windows
, Microsoft
Excel
, Microsoft
Access
and Notepad
are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.

PC WORX
, CLIP PROJECT
, and INTERBUS
are registered trademarks of Phoenix Contact GmbH

& Co.
AutoCAD
and AutoCAD Inventor
are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc.

STEP 7
, SIMATIC
and SIMATIC HW Konfig.
are registered trademarks of Siemens AG.

InstallShield
is a registered trademark of InstallShield, Inc.

Adobe
Reader
and Adobe
Acrobat
are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc.

TwinCAT
is a registered trademark of Beckhoff Automation GmbH.

Unity Pro
is a registered trademark of Schneider Electric.

RSLogix 5000
and RSLogix Architect
are registered trademarks of Rockwell Automation.

All other product names and trade names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective own-
ers.
EPLAN uses the Open Source software 7-Zip (7za.dll), Copyright by Igor Pavlov. The source code of
7-Zip is subject to the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL). The source code of 7-Zip and details
on this license can be found on the following Web site: http://www.7-zip.org
EPLAN uses the open-source software Open CASCADE, Copyright by Open CASCADE S.A.S. The
source code of Open CASCADE is subject to the Open CASCADE Technology Public License. The
source code of Open CASCADE and details on this license can be found on the following Web site:
http://www.opencascade.org
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Preface 9
Notes for the Reader 11
Pre-planning 13
Modularization of Pre-planning 16
Segments and Macros in Pre-planning 17
Pre-planning: Procedure 19
Navigator for Pre-planning 20
Graphical Pre-planning 24
Pre-planning: Reports 26
Pre-planning: Conversion of P&ID Projects 28
Create and Place PCT Loops and PCT Loop Functions 29
New Features of the Entire EPLAN Platform 31
Integration of Safety-related Values 31
Standardized Exchange Format VDMA 66413 32
Procedure 33
Extensions to Parts Management 34
Selecting Use Case on Device 36
Outputting Safety-related Values in Reports 37
Extended Support of EN Norm 81346 38
Use Product Aspects for Structuring 39
Trade-spanning Nesting 41
User Interface 42
Configure display of additional information in tree views 42
Paste Copied Values from Properties 45
Extended Property Selection 45
Settings as Buttons in Toolbars 47
Change Scheme Description 49
Change Font Size in Tables with Mouse Wheel 49
Improved User Guide through Reduced Settings and Menu Items 50
Settings 52
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page3
Table of Contents
Browse settings 52
Moved Setting for the Detached Representation of Substructures 56
Moved Setting for Display of Property Names 56
Project Editing 57
Update the project databases 57
Publish EPLAN Projects 57
Compression of Selection Lists 58
Graphical Editor 59
Structure boxes with recesses 59
Always Display Separator Before the Page in the Cross-reference 61
Reduced Popup Menu 61
Devices 62
Changed behavior for connection point designation adoption 62
Defined Devices 62
Standardized behavior when inserting and generating defined devices 62
Project Data Navigators 63
Synchronize navigators upon opening 63
Bill of Materials Navigator 63
Same item number for identical devices 63
Editing in Tables 65
Edit macro boxes in table 65
Global Editing 66
Modified License Dependency 66
Layer Management 67
Defining scalability via the layer 67
Creating User-defined 3D Layers 67
Reports 68
Update reports independently of licensing 68
External Editing 68
Improved ergonomics 68
Parts Management 72
Update the parts database 72
Discontinued Parts in Parts Management 73
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page4
Table of Contents
Dynamic Columns for Function Templates 74
Description of Function Templates 76
Quicker Full-text Search for SQL Server as Parts Database 77
Common Directory for Outlines and Macros 78
Ignored Fields 79
Tab "PLC data" for Further Parts 81
Message Management 82
Display of licensing in the settings 82
Saving Filters in Check Run Schemes 82
NewFeatures in the "EPLAN Multi-user Management" Extension Module 83
Improved Ergonomics for Defined Working Sections 84
Extended Division of Projects into Defined Working Sections 85
Dividing Projects by Trades 87
Multi-user Operation 88
Change descriptions of structure identifiers 88
NewFeatures in the "EPLAN Multi Language Translation" Extension Mod-
ule 89
SQL server database for the dictionary 89
NewFeatures in the "EPLAN Project Options" Extension Module 91
Search in hidden project options 92
NewFeatures in the "EPLAN Revision Management" Extension Module 93
Display revision markers as clouds 93
Display Revision Information Outside Graphical Marker 94
Merge Revisions 95
Delete Single Revision Markers 95
NewFeatures in the "EPLAN User Rights Management" Extension Module 96
New data format for rights management 96
Special Topics EPLAN Electric P8 98
Cables 98
Conductors renamed to cable connections 98
Terminals / Plugs 100
Cross-references between distributed terminals 100
NewFeatures in the "EPLAN PLC & Bus Extension" Extension Module 101
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page5
Table of Contents
Extended data exchange with Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 101
Updated Interface for Data Exchange with Schneider Unity Pro 102
Special Topics EPLAN Pro Panel 103
Process Wiring: Free Routing of Connections 104
Extended Connection Point Pattern 105
Routing Connections Freely 111
Extend Routing Path Network through Curves 114
Edit Curve 115
Placing of Routing Accessories 118
New Layers in Layer Management 123
New Check Run Messages 123
Copying, Cutting, and Pasting Layout Spaces 124
Display of Sloping Surfaces in Model View 125
Extensions in STEP Import 126
Transfer of original names 126
Separating Items in STEP Import 127
NewFeatures in the "STEP Export" Extension Module 128
Considering Routing Connections in STEP Export 128
Extensions when Placing Parts 129
Manual input of dimensions 129
Selecting Drilling Pattern when Placing Parts 131
Other NewFeatures in the Reports for EPLAN Pro Panel 132
Detached Display of Busbar Systems in Mounting Lists 132
Updating Reports Independent of the Licensing 132
Extended Automatic Interpretation of Logic Items 133
New2D Drilling Views with NC and Drill Hole-relevant Data 137
Inserting 2D Drilling View 138
Change / Edit 2D Drilling Views 139
New Layers for 2D Drilling View 139
Extended Settings for Routing Connections 140
Diagonal Connection Form for Connections with Large Cross-sections 141
Alternative Length Calculation when Connection Point Pattern not Available 141
Extended Global Extra Length 143
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page6
Table of Contents
NewFeatures in the "Process Wiring" Extension Module 144
Phase Busbar Connections 144
Changing Routing Direction for Devices 148
Simplified Selection of Connections 150
Routing Connections to Connection Points in Boxes 150
New"Production Athex" Extension Module for Automatic Equipment of
Terminal Strips 151
NewFeatures in the "Production Wiring KOMAX" Extension Module 152
Support for conductor termination processing via dual sleeves on Komax
crimping machines 152
Stripping Lengths for Dual Sleeves on Komax Machines 153
NewFeatures in the "Production Wiring Schleuniger" Extension Module 154
Export texts for labeling wires 154
NewInterface to the Averex Wiring Robot 155
Consistent Messages for the Export of NC and Wire Fabrication Data 155
Special Topics EPLAN Fluid 157
Tubing: Routing Tubes 157
Modified Product Group for Fluid Power Connections 158
Preparation of Master Data 160
Routing Tube Connections 162
Routing Paths and Curves as Default Paths 165
Routing Accessories for Tube Connections 168
NewFeatures in the "EPLAN Operational Sequence" Extension Module 172
Store parts in the functional representation type 173
Special Topics EPLAN PPE 174
Device Groups in P&I Diagram 174
Enhanced Representation Type in Symbol Library for P&I Diagrams 174
Ignored "Nominal width" Field 175
Special Topics EPLAN Education 177
EPLAN Education Extended by Functions from EPLAN Pro Panel 177
Special Topics EPLAN Harness proD 178
NewInterfaces for Data Exchange with the EPLAN Platform 178
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page7
Table of Contents
New Features in the "EPLAN API Extension" Extension Module 180
New Features in the Master Data 187
Master Data: Symbols 187
Master Data: Function Definition Library 190
Master Data: Forms 196
Master Data: Schemes 197
Master Data: Parts 197
Other New Features and Information 198
EPLAN Solution Center The NewSupport System 198
Logging Into the EPLAN Solution Center 199
Transfer of Previous Support Requests 199
Validation Code 200
Retrieving the Validation Code Online 200
Installation 202
Installing Help Languages via EPLAN Download Manager 203
Installation of EPLAN License Manager 205
Software Requirements and Approvals 206
General requirements 206
Operating systems 206
Microsoft products 207
SQL server 207
Autodesk products 207
PDF redlining 207
PLC systems (PLC & bus extension) 208
Unsupported Operating Systems 208
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page8
Preface
Preface
Dear EPLANusers,
Constantly increasing demands on the machine and plant documentation in
the automation technology increasingly focus on tools and methods for
project design.
Thanks to its functionalities and possibilities the EPLANplatform lays the
basis for efficient engineering. The decisive factor is, however, the working
procedures and methods that you implement in your daily engineering work
on the basis of the required functionality.
The increasing demands placed on project planning can only be met in the
long term if you can concentrate on the activities that add value in engineer-
ing and EPLANtakes over all the further fundamental tasks. Decisive poten-
tial for optimization lies here in particular in the standardization, automation
and consistent interdisciplinary use of a uniform platform across the entire
engineering process.
The newversion of the EPLANplatform focuses on precisely this task: Stand-
ardized and to a large extent automated engineering on a platform that offers
comprehensive possibilities for interdisciplinary cooperation in project plan-
ning.
Enjoy the advantages provided by simplified macro processing, extended
revision control and the comprehensive support in using current standards
such as IEC81346 and safety-related values according to VDMA66413.
Version 2.3 furthermore provides numerous newapplication options in the
mechatronical engineering process. These include in particular the additions
in the field of pre-planning and the configuration of connections that can be
routed freely in electrical switch gears as well as in the field of compact pneu-
matics.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page9
Preface
Get a head start and avail yourself of our update training courses tailored spe-
cially to the version.
We wish you much success with your newEPLANplatform 2.3. Please visit
our website at www.eplan.de/en for more information.
Your EPLANSoftware &Service team
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page10
Notes for the Reader
Important information:
Before installing the version, please note the information in chapter "Other
NewFeatures and Information" (starting on page "198"). Pay special atten-
tion to the section "Software Requirements and Approvals" (see page
"206").
Before you begin reading, please note the following symbols and styles used
in this document:
Warning:
Text preceded by this symbol contains a warning; you should be absolutely
sure to read this warning before proceeding!
Note:
Text preceded by this image contains extra notes.
Tip:
Useful tips to facilitate your interaction with the program are presented
after this image.
Example:
Examples are highlighted by this symbol.
User interface elements are marked in bold (and blue) so they can imme-
diately be located in the text.
Italic Italic or bold text provides particularly important information that you
should definitely pay attention to.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page11
Code examples, directory names, and direct input (among others) are dis-
played in a non-proportional font.
Function keys, keyboard keys, and buttons within the program are shown
in square brackets (e.g., [F1] for the "F1" function key).
To improve the flowof the text, we often use "menu paths" in this docu-
ment (for example, Help > Contents). In order to find a particular pro-
gram function, the menus and options shown in a menu path must be
selected in the sequence shown. For example, the menu path mentioned
above calls up the EPLANhelp system.
In combination with settings or fields (e.g., check boxes) which can only
be switched on or off, in this document we often use the terms "activate"
(after which the setting is active ) and "deactivate" (after which the set-
ting is inactive ).
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page12
Pre-planning
Pre-planning
With version 2.3, the EPLANplatform offers optional extensions that allowfor
newand innovative approaches in pre-planning.
The engineering process of a machine / higher-level function consists of
individual phases through which the concept is adjusted and specified from
initial rough drafts and ideas, until all documents and information have been
created that are necessary for the manufacture and construction of the
machine.
Pre-planning and draft planning (Basic Engineering) represent very early
project phases where concepts are worked out for the technical scope of
machines / higher-level functions and estimates are done on initial quantity
structures. The goal is to determine the concept that is most advantageous
technically speaking, and to define the defaults for the subsequent detailed
planning (Detail Engineering).
Typical tasks in pre-planning include:
Defining and describing machine / higher-level function areas to divide
into meaningful structures and units.
Preparation of initial graphical overviews as a general planning foun-
dation.
Definition of "rough placeholders" for functions or items that cannot be
defined yet in detail at this time.
Definition and estimate of initial quantity structures (drives / sensors, PLC
inputs / outputs, etc.)
Creating initial bills of materials in support of calculation and capturing of
long lead time components.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page13
Pre-planning
Today these tasks are frequently processed in separate systems (graphic
tools, tables / databases, word processing for specifications) that have only
rudimentary, or no, interfaces with the planning tool used in detailed plan-
ning. The lack of data consistency and the often lacking support by engineer-
ing functions in these separate systems result in massive additional
expenses and poor quality in project planning.
Benefit:
With the newpre-planning, you can realize initial planning activities regard-
ing technical aspects in the engineering process early on in the EPLANplat-
form. Based on such pre-planning, later on schematics can be created and
details of the higher-level function worked out in the EPLANplatform. The
integration of pre-planning into planning ensures, thanks to consistency,
significantly reduced expenses, while improving project quality. Given its
fundamental flexibility, the newpre-planning allows for a very easy start
into this planning method on the basis of the EPLANplatform.
The central pre-planning dialog of the EPLANplatform is the newpre-plan-
ning navigator. This dialog displays and manages the pre-planning segments
defined in a project. By using so-called "pre-planning macros" as well as
copying and moving existing segments via Drag &Drop, you can create and
edit machine / higher-level function structures quickly and easily. Alter-
natively, EPLANalso allows for direct working in the graphical editor during
pre-planning.
The data entered at the segments in pre-planning can be output in reports,
and can thus be used, for example, for bills of materials or for calculations of
price and expenditure. From within pre-planning (pre-planning navigator), the
detailed planning (schematic) can also be created in a subsequent planning
phase via Drag &Drop.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page14
Pre-planning
As a further alternative in data acquisition, pre-planning offers a com-
prehensive import functionality that can be used to import in EPLANdata
from Excel tables. This way, information from other planning departments
can be used to generate in EPLANpre-planning structures automatically
through import.
We discuss the following topics in the next sections:
"Modularization of Pre-planning" on page "16"
"Segments and Macros in Pre-planning" on page "17"
"Pre-planning: Procedure" on page "19"
"Navigator for Pre-planning" on page "20"
"Graphical Pre-planning" on page "24"
"Pre-planning: Reports" on page "26"
"Pre-planning: Conversion of P&IDProjects" on page "28"
"Create and Place PCT Loops and PCT Loop Functions" on page "29".
For more information on this topic, go to the online help and look up the sec-
tion "Pre-planning".
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page15
Modularization of Pre-planning
Modularization of Pre-planning
The following license extensions exist for the pre-planning:
EPLANPreplanning Use:
This license allows you to use the pre-planning created in the EPLANplat-
form. From within the pre-planning navigator, you can place the pre-plan-
ning segments in the schematic in the detailed planning. The creation or
editing of segments is not possible with this license.
EPLANPreplanning General:
With this license, you can do everything that is also possible with the
"EPLANPreplanning Use" license. In addition, you can use the default
pre-planning segments that are supplied in order to create your pre-plan-
ning. You can also output reports for pre-planning, import pre-planning
data, and convert P&IDprojects.
EPLANPreplanning Configurable:
With this license, you can do everything that is also possible with the
"EPLANPreplanning General" license. In addition, you can also create
your own individual pre-planning segments, and configure user-defined
properties.
EPLANPreplanning P&ID:
Using this license, you can create and manage PCT loops and PCT loop
functions on the basis of our newpre-planning. In parallel to this, this
license allows for the graphical placement of PCT loops and PCT loop
functions in P&I diagrams.
Instead of planning objects, with the "EPLANPreplanning P&ID" license
you create and edit PCT loops and PCT loop functions. Other than that,
this license comes with the same functions as "EPLANPreplanning Gen-
eral".
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page16
Segments and Macros in Pre-planning
The structuring in the pre-planning is done by means of so-called "seg-
ments": structure segments and planning objects.
Structure segments
Structure segments are used to structure machines and higher-level func-
tions, and specify part of the project structure. This is howparts of the iden-
tifier structure are predefined. Astructure segment can represent one or
several structure identifiers (e.g., higher-level function or mounting location)
in detail planning. The subsequent project structure is determined from the
structure identifiers.
Planning objects
Planning objects define part of a machine / plant in the pre-planning; they
each describe a device and relate to the functions of a device. In this, the
device represents the functionality of a machine / plant (e.g., motor for a con-
veyor belt). Each planning object may represent only one device.
PCT loops
PCT loops are managed in parallel to general planning objects, and behave
in a way similar to them. At PCT loops, macros can be stored, but not parts or
function templates. APCT loop can be either a loop or a consumer.
PCT loops have the following additional properties:
Technical facility
Measurand
Processing function
Number.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page17
Note:
Whether you can create and edit PCT loops or planning objects depends
on your respective pre-planning license extension. To edit PCT loops, you
require a license for "EPLANPreplanning P&ID". On the other hand, the
license extensions "EPLANPreplanning General" and "EPLANPre-
planning Configurable" allowyou to create and edit planning objects.
Segment definitions
The segment definition specifies the type of segment (that is, of a structure
segment or planning object), similar to a function definition that specifies the
type of function. The segment definition predefines the segments available to
the system. It defines which segments may be used in the project as well as
the standard behavior of these segments.
Pre-planning macros
Any structure in the pre-planning navigator can be stored in a pre-planning
macro. Such a macro is a separate file type with the file name extension
*.emv. By using pre-planning macros, you can complete the pre-planning
(without graphical representation) quickly and conveniently from finished sub-
structures.
Macros at planning objects
At planning objects, macro libraries with "normal" windowor page macros
can be stored (*.ema or *.emp). Such a macro usually contains placeholder
objects with variables. The values of the variables can be edited in the prop-
erty dialog of the planning object via the value set selection or manually. Dur-
ing the placement of the macro, the values selected at the planning object or
entered manually are carried over to the placed functions.
If no macro is stored at a planning object, but a part to which a macro has
been assigned, the macro of the part will be used to place the functions.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page18
Pre-planning: Procedure
Pre-planning: Procedure
The pre-planning and the detail planning based on it are created using the fol-
lowing steps:
Configure:
This includes the creation and adaptation of segment definitions and
user-defined properties. This way you can customize pre-planning to
meet your requirements. For this, the Project data > Pre-planning >
Configuration menu path provides the menu items Segment def-
initions and Properties.
It also makes sense to create suitable macros with placeholder objects
and value sets that, in the next step, you store at segments in the pre-plan-
ning and then place in the detail planning.
Creating the pre-planning:
To do so, in the pre-planning navigator, create structure segments and
planning objects, then arrange them in a tree structure. Enter data for the
individual segments; store macros, parts, templates, etc. at the planning
objects. For further details also see the section "Navigator for Pre-plan-
ning" (see page "20").
In addition, the menu item Project data > Pre-planning > Import pro-
vides the possibility to import lists with pre-planning data that has been
generated in external applications.
Creating the detail planning:
To do so, place macros or functions from the pre-planning navigator on
the schematic pages. Using the Pre-planning finished property, you can
specify at a structure segment or planning object that this is finished and
ready for the detail planning.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page19
Navigator for Pre-planning
Generate report:
As early as the pre-planning phase, you can use the report types Struc-
ture segment overview, Structure segment plan, Planning object
overview, and Planning object plan to get an overviewof the segments
used (structure segments, planning objects). In addition, you can use
part-specific reports (Parts list, Summarized parts list) to generate
data sheets or order material. For more information, please read the sec-
tion "Pre-planning: Reports" (see page "26").
Check:
There are newpossibilities to check the segments, the segment def-
initions, and the user-defined properties. The references from pre-plan-
ning to detail planning can also be checked. For this, the newmessage
class 028 "Pre-planning" provides several newcheck runs.
In addition you can define your own check runs for the pre-planning depth.
This is done in the project-specific settings dialog Settings: Pre-plan-
ning depth. For these check runs to be carried out you will then have to
determine the type of check for the desired check runs from the newmes-
sage class 029 "Pre-planning depth" in your check run scheme.
For the display and editing of structure segments and planning objects
defined in a project, you can nowuse the newpre-planning navigator. To
open this navigator, select the menu items Project data > Pre-planning >
Navigator. Alternatively you can click the (Pre-planning) button on the
Navigators toolbar.
Tree view
In the Tree tab, the structure segments and planning objects are displayed in
their hierarchical structure.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page20
The top hierarchy level is the project; belowthat, structure segments and
planning objects can be created.
Structure segments cannot be sorted belowplanning objects.
Belowplanning objects, their PLCaddresses and function templates are
displayed. Astatus icon indicates whether a macro has been stored at the
planning object. Such a macro can be placed in the graphical editor using
Drag &Drop. The representation type that fits the page type is offered for
placement.
Using the arrowbuttons , you can modify the sorting of the seg-
ments belowa node in the tree structure.
The icons displayed in the tree viewof the pre-planning navigator include the
following:
Icon Meaning
Identifies the project level. This icon is only displayed when several
projects are open.
Structure segment general
Planning object general
PCT loop
PCT loop function
Macro. This icon is displayed when a macro has been stored at the
planning object.
Function template for main function. This icon is displayed when
function templates are entered at the planning object, or parts at
which function templates have been stored.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page21
Function template for auxiliary function. This icon is displayed when
function templates are entered at the planning object, or parts at
which function templates have been stored.
PLCaddresses. This icon is displayed when PLCaddresses have
been entered at the planning object.
External document. This icon is displayed when an external docu-
ment has been stored at the planning object.
List view
In addition to the columns displayed by default (such as Segment def-
inition: Name (identifying), Designation, Higher-level function, etc.),
structure identifiers for further identifier blocks, as well as other properties of
the structure segments and planning objects, can be displayed (e.g., the prop-
erties Technical description, Power consumption, or user-defined prop-
erties). The values of the properties can be edited directly in the list view.
Filters for the navigator
For the targeted display of special structure segments or planning objects
(e.g., segments not yet fully planned), you can use predefined filters.
If a structure segment or planning object is hidden via a filter in the tree view,
the subordinate structure segments and planning objects will be hidden, too.
In the list view, subordinate structure segments and planning objects are not
hidden.
Important functions in the pre-planning navigator
The structure segments and planning objects of pre-planning can be created
and edited in the pre-planning navigator. In addition, the popup menu here
offers you further important functions for pre-planning:
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page22
Newstructure segments and planning objects:
These newsegments are created via the popup menu items New struc-
ture segment and New planning object. If there are several segment
definitions in the project, the Select segment definition dialog opens first
to select the required segment definition. The respective property dialog
is then opened. Here, you specify the properties of the newsegment.
Using the New device (planning object) popup menu item, navigate to
the part selection to create a planning object with the part assigned.
Placing functions and macros:
To place functions or macros entered at the planning object in the sche-
matic, you can use the familiar popup menu items Place and Place
macro. Using the sub-menu items, select the representation type that is
to be placed.
Assigning planning objects, etc.:
Using the Assign popup menu item, you can assign planning objects,
function templates, and PLCaddresses to functions placed on a sche-
matic page from within the pre-planning navigator. The target functions
are linked with the planning object from which they have been given the
assignment. Remove the link of a function to a planning object via the
Split popup menu item.
Modifying the segment definition:
The Change segment definition popup menu item allows you to assign
a different segment definition to a selected segment.
Pre-planning macros:
Pre-planning macros can be created and inserted only in the pre-planning
navigator. For this purpose, use the menu items Create pre-planning
macro and Insert pre-planning macro in the popup menu.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page23
Graphical Pre-planning
Tip:
You can move segments (structure segments and planning objects) in the
tree viewof the pre-planning navigator via Drag &Drop. While dragging,
keep the [Ctrl] key pressed to copy the highlighted segments. In addition,
you can use the arrowbuttons to modify the arrangement of the segments
within a hierarchy level in the tree.
Note:
Structure segments cannot be created belowplanning objects, nor can
they be moved there.
You can also execute the pre-planning in the EPLANplatform graphically.
For this, you can use the new"Pre-planning" page type. In the tree viewof
the page navigator, such pages are identified by the icon.
To place segments in the graphical pre-planning, a segment can be rep-
resented graphically by a box or a polygon. The structure is determined from
the graphical arrangement of the segments. For each segment, there may
be only one graphical placement.
The page structure does not affect the graphically placed segments.
The graphical pre-planning always has to start with the top node, and
must not skip any segment. In the pre-planning navigator, there may be
further (non-graphical) segments belowthe graphically planned seg-
ments.
When segments are placed on a pre-planning page, they cannot be
moved in the pre-planning navigator.
In the graphical pre-planning, there are no connection points and con-
nections.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page24
Placed segments can be stored in windowor page macros. This way, the
graphical pre-planning can be created also by means of graphical mac-
ros.
When graphically placed segments are deleted, the subordinate seg-
ments are not deleted. Only if all subordinate segments are unplaced will
a prompt appear whether they are to be deleted as well.
Structure segments are drawn on a pre-planning page like structure
boxes, and planning objects like black boxes. But the symbols used differ.
To insert newstructure segments, select the menu items Insert > Box / Con-
nection point / Mounting panel > Structure box, and to insert newplan-
ning objects, Insert > Box / Connection point / Mounting panel > Black
box.
Tip:
You can also drawstructure segments and planning objects as polygons.
In this context, the SPECIAL symbol library provides the special symbols
SCSS2 (for structure segments) and DCPLO2 (for planning objects). Insert
such a symbol via the symbol selection (Insert > Symbol), drawthe poly-
line in the required form, and end the action via the popup menu item Com-
plete polyline.
Segments created in the pre-planning navigator can be placed from within
the navigator on a pre-planning page via the popup menu items Place > Pre-
planning.
Tip:
You can place structure segments and planning objects also easily using
Drag &Drop by dragging a highlighted segment from the pre-planning navi-
gator to your open pre-planning page in the graphical editor.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page25
Pre-planning: Reports
New layers for pre-planning
To configure project-wide defaults for the display of property placements and
symbol graphics of segments on pre-planning pages, you can use the fol-
lowing newlayers in layer management:
EPLAN720, Property placement.Pre-planning
EPLAN721, Property placement.Pre-planning.Designation
EPLAN722, Property placement.Pre-planning.Description
EPLAN723, Property placement.Pre-planning.Structure iden-
tifiers
EPLAN724, Symbol graphic.Pre-planning.Structure segment
EPLAN725, Symbol graphic.Pre-planning.Planning object
EPLAN726, Property placement.Pre-planning.PID.
The following report types exist for the pre-planning:
Structure segment overview:
Overviewof all structure segments and necessary expenditure (time,
energy, and costs) from the subordinate planning objects.
Structure segment plan:
Per structure segment, a report is generated: different properties of the
structure segment can be output (Technical description, Power con-
sumption, etc.). In addition, the directly subordinate segments are output
in the data area.
Planning object overview:
Overviewof all planning objects and necessary expenditure (time,
energy, and costs), as well as the documents, parts, and PLCaddresses
stored there.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page26
Planning object plan:
Corresponds to a data sheet. For each planning object, a list of parts, PLC
addresses, etc. entered at the planning object is output. In addition, the
directly subordinate segments are output in the data area.
When outputting these newreport types, forms are used that are specified in
the project-specific Settings: Output to pages dialog for the respective
report type. Appropriate forms are supplied in the master data for these new
reports (see section "Master Data: Forms" on page "196").
Include parts from pre-planning in parts reports and bill of materials
Parts, which have only been entered at planning objects in pre-planning, can
also be evaluated in parts reports (parts list, summarized parts list, etc.) as
well as the bill of materials.
For this purpose, the Settings: Part dialog was extended in the Include
parts group box to include the Pre-planning part extended check box. Acti-
vate this check box to capture such parts.
Other reports
In the other reports (device tag list, terminal diagram, PLCdiagram, etc.),
planning objects which are linked to main functions can be included. For this
output, newplaceholder elements for planning objects are available in the
respective forms.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page27
Pre-planning: Conversion of P&ID Projects
Pre-planning: Conversion of P&ID Projects
Projects that contain a PPEdatabase (PPEprojects, P&IDprojects) do not
allowfor the newpre-planning functions and segments to be used.
But you can convert a P&IDproject with PPEdatabase (e.g., created in a pre-
vious EPLANversion) to a project without PPEdatabase, which can then be
edited in pre-planning.
Select the desired project in the page navigator and select the menu items
Project data > Pre-planning > Convert P&ID project. In the process, seg-
ments are generated from the information contained in the PPEdatabase.
During conversion, only the following objects are converted into the corre-
sponding segments of pre-planning:
Loops
Consumers
Measuring functions
Consumer functions.
Since complete EPLANPPEprojects can contain further object types, such
projects should not be converted.
Adata backup is carried out, under a different name, for the project to be con-
verted.
Notes:
Projects containing segments cannot be converted back to a PPE
project.
Macros with pre-planning placements cannot be inserted in a PPE
project.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page28
Create and Place PCT Loops and PCT Loop Functions
If you have the "EPLANPreplanning P&ID" license extension, you can use
the pre-planning navigator to create PCT loops and PCT loop functions via
the New planning object popup menu item.
In the Select segment definition dialog, select the required segment def-
inition for the PCT loop or PCT loop function. In the property dialog that
opens then, specify the properties of the PCT loop or PCT loop function on
the first tab.
The PCT loop number is compiled automatically from the properties Tech-
nical facility, Measurand, Processing function, and Number in the
PCT loop number group box. Specify in the settings the property that is
to be identifying besides the "Number".
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page29
This Full designation field displays the PCT loop number including the
designations of the superior segments.
In the Properties group box, you can make a selection for the PCT type
property. You use the PCT type to define which symbol is placed in the
P&I diagram for the PCT loop or PCT loop function.
Settings for PCT loops
When creating PCT loops and loop functions, the newsettings for PCT loops
will be taken into account in the pre-planning. The menu path for the dialog
Settings: PCT loops is: Options > Settings > Projects > "Project name"
> Pre-planning > PCT loops. Use this dialog, for example, to specify the
properties that are to be identifying besides the "Number" and the plant lev-
els that allowfor identical PCT loops.
Placing PCT loops and PCT loop functions
From within the pre-planning navigator, you can place PCT loops and PCT
loop functions on pages of the "P&I diagram" page type. To do so, drag the
required PCT loop or loop function as you would normally do in EPLAN
P&ID to the page via Drag &Drop. Alternatively, you can select the menu
items Place > P&I diagram in the popup menu of the navigator.
On the basis of the PCT type selected during creating, the PCT loop or PCT
loop function is automatically assigned a P&I symbol during placing. The P&I
symbol can be modified subsequently in the property dialog via the Symbol
data tab. For the different PCT types, this tab was extended to include the
two group boxes Implementation and Activation site.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page30
New Features of the Entire EPLAN Platform
New Features of the Entire EPLAN Platform
Integration of Safety-related Values
Miscellaneous standards and guidelines (e.g., the machinery directive
2006/42/EC) require that the probabilities of failure be calculated for
machines and safety functions. For this reason, the manufacturers of devices
state safety-related values for their devices / components. For example, the
value "MTBF" indicates the frequency with which a device fails or supplies
incorrect results (MTBF: short for "Mean Time Between Failures").
Acomplete higher-level function involves a large number of devices with dif-
fering safety-related values. Depending on usage, there are differing values
for the failure of such higher-level function for the overall higher-level func-
tion. To assess safety functions and calculate their safety integrity levels
(SIL: "Safety Integrity Level" or PL: "Performance Level") and probabilities of
failure (PFHD: "Probability of dangerous Failure per Hour"), you can use dif-
ferent external auxiliary programs. The safety-related values of all devices
used must be known for the calculation.
Previously, users would determine the safety-related values manually by
means of the manufacturer catalogs. In the newEPLANversion, you can
import safety-related values and manage them centrally here.
Benefit:
The data required for the evaluation of the safety of controls can be stored
directly at the parts in EPLAN's parts management. The user does thus not
have to compile the safety-related values manually anymore. Once cen-
trally stored, this important information is directly available during project
design.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page31
Standardized Exchange Format VDMA 66413
"Standardized Exchange Format VDMA66413" on page "32"
"Procedure" on page "33"
"Extensions to Parts Management" on page "34"
"Selecting Use Case on Device" on page "36"
"Outputting Safety-related Values in Reports" on page "37".
Standardized Exchange Format VDMA 66413
The Standard Sheet 66413 of VDMA(German Association of Machine Tools
and Plant Engineering) describes a standardized data exchange format for
safety-related values. This exchange format standardizes the data exchange
between device manufacturers and the auxiliary calculation programs.
In this context, the usage of a device is known as a so-called "use case".
Each use case has its own set of safety-related values, i.e., depending on
howa device is used, differing safety-related values must be used. Differing
use cases may be derived, for example, from the differing use of a device.
Thus, for example, a drive can be operated with or without brakes, which in
turn means differing safety-related values.
The use cases can be structured in up to five hierarchy levels. There must be
at least one hierarchy level. The safety-related values are located at the low-
est hierarchy level. If use cases have hierarchy levels with the same des-
ignation, this creates a tree-like structure.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page32
Procedure
Example:
The two use cases
Drive 1 > without a brake > 1-channel and
Drive 1 > without a brake > 2-channel
differ at the third hierarchical level. The safety-related values are located at
this hierarchical level. The following figure illustrates the tree-like structure.
In a use case that has only one hierarchy level (e.g., Drive 2), the safety-
related values are located at this one hierarchy level.
Procedure
Planning with safety-related values requires you to take several consecutive
steps:
Import safety-related values from manufacturer-specific XML files into
EPLANparts management.
Use parts with safety-related values in the project.
Select defined use cases in the project at the main functions.
Generate parts data of the project as bill of materials.
Calculate safety integrity levels and probabilities of failure for the safety
functions of a higher-level function by means of external auxiliary pro-
grams.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page33
Extensions to Parts Management
To integrate the manufacturer data into the EPLANplatform, you can now
use the newSafety-related values tab, available at each part in parts
management.
The various use cases and associated safety-related values for a part are
stored in this tab. You can enter or edit these data here manually.
The Use cases field lists the use cases of a part. Ause case can be struc-
tured in up to five hierarchy levels. Safety-related values can be entered at
the lowest hierarchy level.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page34
Using the (New) button, you can create a newuse case or a newhier-
archy level of a use case. For this purpose, enter the name of the use case in
the subsequent dialog in the multilingual Designation field. In addition, you
can specify the location where the use case is to be placed (at the same or
belowthe highlighted hierarchy level). Using the other buttons, you can edit a
use case / hierarchy level (the designation) or delete it.
Asafety function is divided into three different functional areas. Using the
three check boxes Input (Collect), Logic (Generate report), and Output
(React), which are belowthe Use cases field, a part has to be assigned at
least to one of these areas. The actual safety-related values are entered in
the input fields below, such as PL, MTTF, etc.
Import safety-related values
But easier and more convenient than the manual recording of the values is
the import into parts management. The device manufacturers provide the
safety-related values in the standard XML exchange format of VDMA.
In order to add safety-related values to existing parts, the Import records
dialog includes the new"VDMA66413" file type. Via this entry, you can
import XML files with safety-related values that are set up according to the
VDMAexchange format. To add to existing parts, in this import dialog select
the Update existing records only option.
You have to make a simple assignment before the import can take place.
Specify the identifying property in the XML file that corresponds to the unique
part property in your parts database.
The assignment is done in a subsequent dialog that you can access via the
[...] button for the File type field. From the drop-down list VDMA property of
the Assignment VDMA 66413 dialog, select the property that is to be used
for the comparison in the XML file:
Identifier: Manufacturer-specific, unique identifier for a device
PartNumber: Manufacturer-specific part or order number.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page35
Selecting Use Case on Device
From the second drop-down list, choose the EPLANpart property (Part
number, ERP number, Order number, etc.) that corresponds to this VDMA
property. Then, the safety-related values will be transferred.
Note:
If, during the import of parts data with the "VDMA66413" file type, an
assignment to the EPLANproperty Part number occurs, then it is also pos-
sible to create newparts during such an import. This requires that you
select for this import the Update existing records and add new ones
option.
Transfer safety-related values to other parts
If you want to transfer existing safety-related values to other parts, you can,
e.g. in the tree of parts management, use the newpopup menu item Paste
safety-related values.
First select the desired part with the safety-related values and then select the
Copy popup menu item. Using the Paste safety-related values popup
menu item you can then transfer these safety-related values to other
selected parts. During the inserting, already existing safety-related values
are overridden.
Selecting Use Case on Device
The safety-related values are stored in an EPLANproject by assigning to the
relevant devices in the schematic the appropriate parts.
In the property dialog of devices in the Part tab, you can select the use case
to be applied to such a part. For this purpose, use the newSafety-related
values: Use case in use (ID20307) part reference property. You can select
the use cases specified for the respective part from the drop-down list of this
property.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page36
Outputting Safety-related Values in Reports
The data of the selected use case are transferred to the newpart reference
properties for safety-related values (ID40321-40339), and this way can be
exported via the bill of materials.
Tip:
To display the data for safety-related values on a device, you can also use
the newproperties (ID40321-40339). For this purpose, on the device in the
Display tab, create a user-defined property arrangement with an addi-
tionally selected part reference property (e.g., Safety-related values:
MTBF (ID40336)).
Outputting Safety-related Values in Reports
The safety-related values stored in an EPLANproject can be output also in
the Parts list report and in Labeling. For this purpose, the "Part reference"
placeholder element was extended to include the newpart reference prop-
erties for safety-related values (ID40321-40339).
In order to output the safety-related values in a graphical overview, you must
adjust your forms for the parts list, and place the required properties for the
safety-related values as a placeholder text in the respective form.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page37
Extended Support of EN Norm 81346
Extended Support of EN Norm 81346
The EN81346 norm is an internationally accepted specification to identify
objects (display units in a process). The identification comprises all trades
and can be used flexibly. Thanks to different aspects (display types), the doc-
umentation is easier to understand for different users.
An aspect describes in which way an object is seen. Thus the product aspect
clearly documents which physical parts make up a plant, a construction unit,
etc.
The product aspect is taken into account via the product aspect (preceding
sign "-"). You can nowuse this product aspect in the project structure as an
additional way of structuring devices. You can also specify trade-spanning
nesting here.
Recommendation
For optimum program support, EPLANrecommends assigning an identifying
product aspect ("-") to all devices. Additional describing aspects can enhance
structuring, if required. In the EPLANplatform, the function aspect is taken
into account via the higher-level function (preceding sign "=") and the loca-
tion aspect via the mounting location (preceding sign "+").
Benefit:
By structuring projects with product aspects, the designed machines can
nowbe completely structured by their mechanical structure. Thanks to
trade-spanning nesting, additionally a consistent, easy-to-understand des-
ignation is achieved.
"Use Product Aspects for Structuring" on page "39"
"Trade-spanning Nesting" on page "41".
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page38
Use Product Aspects for Structuring
You specify in the project properties of a project whether the product aspect
will be used as a structuring element, and the manner in which substructures
of the product aspect will be displayed. For this purpose, newsettings were
added to the Extended project structures dialog, which you can reach from
the project properties via the [Other] button.
Based on the extensions, this dialog was split into two tabs in Version 2.3.
The newDisplay tab contains the newsettings for the product aspect, and
the previously existing Identifier blocks group box. The settings for nesting
the identifiers and for importing structures are nowfound on the newInher-
itance tab.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page39
Extended reference identification:
If you want to use the product aspect as a structuring element, you must first
go to the Display tab to activate the newExtended reference identification
check box. Doing so will ensure that the settings in the Product aspect
group box are available and can be activated.
In addition, this setting will also change the behavior with respect to the input
and reporting of device tags. For example, in the Full DTdialog, the edit fields
for the DT are displayed in a table. In the process, each DT and each lower-
level DT are displayed in a separate row. For more information on the
changed behavior, see the online help of the Display tab.
If the check box is deactivated, the behavior for entry and evaluation of the
DTs corresponds to the behavior in previous EPLANversions (version 2.2 or
older). In this case, the product aspect is not available as structuring element.
Use for structuring:
If this check box is activated, the product aspect i.e., the identifier block for
the device (preceding sign "-") is used as an additional structuring element.
The fields next to it contain the preceding signs and separators for the "prod-
uct aspect". The preceding sign is always "-". Possible separators are "-"
or".".
Note:
If the full-stop is selected as separator for the product aspect, some func-
tionalities of the EPLANplatform are no longer usable completely since
they are contrary to the usage of the full-stop as separator. Among others
this includes functionalities which use subcounters and full-stop-separated
fluid designations.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page40
Trade-spanning Nesting
Like for the identifier blocks "Higher-level function", "Installation site", etc.,
the Automatic separation when number is followed by letter setting is
also available for the product aspect. If this check box is activated, a switch
from a digit to a character within a structure identifier will be interpreted as a
substructure.
Notes:
If a project is to be structured only after the product aspect, you must
use a sequential numbering project.
When using the product aspect in a project, higher-level schematic ele-
ments, such as structure boxes and black boxes, are used for struc-
turing. For the components to be able to import the device tags of
higher-level structures, in the Inheritance tab in the Nesting group box,
the settings Structure box, General DTs, Terminal strips, Plugs,
Cables, and Fluid devices must be activated.
For the components to import the structure identifiers of their sur-
roundings, in the Inheritance tab, the Always nest structure iden-
tifiers at components check box must be activated.
Trade-spanning Nesting
So far, the EPLANplatform did not allow, for example, for electrical engineer-
ing devices to import structure identifiers or device tags from higher-level
schematic elements (e.g., structure boxes and black boxes) from other
trades. In EPLANVersion 2.3, you can nowspecify for your project that the
devices are nested in the entire project in a trade-spanning manner.
In the Extended project structures dialog, the newInheritance tab was
extended to include the newTrade-spanning setting. If the check box is
checked, electrotechnical devices adopt, for example, the DT of a fluid black
box. In order for this to work, the same device structure must be used for all
trades. This check box is deselected by default.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page41
User Interface
User Interface
Configure display of additional information in tree views
In the tree views of different navigators and dialogs for parts, additional infor-
mation for the quick identification of objects and parts has been displayed for
some time now:
In the tree of project data navigators:
For structure identifiers, descriptions are displayed additionally that were
stored for the respective structure identifiers in structure identifier manage-
ment in the Structure description field.
In the tree of parts management (and other parts dialogs):
In addition to the part number, texts are displayed for parts that were
entered in the respective part field Designation 1.
In the tree of the layout space navigator:
For components contained in layout spaces, further information, such as
item description, DT, etc. can be displayed in addition to the item des-
ignation (including grouping signs). The configuration of such information
used to be set via the View popup menu item.
In the newVersion 2.3, you can nowspecify whether and which additional
information is to be displayed in the respective tree view.
Benefit:
The "talking" descriptions facilitate your selection of data in the navigators
and parts dialogs. In terms of custom configuration, you yourself nowcon-
trol whether and which additional information is displayed.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page42
To configure such a setting for a navigator, select from the popup menu or
via the button the newConfigure representation menu item. In the Con-
figure representation dialog that then opens, you can specify the display
and sequence of the respective data. Which properties can be selected for
additional display depends on the location from where you call up the dialog.
Example:
If you open the Configure representation dialog, for example, for the tree
viewof the page or device navigator, you can select here the descriptions
of structure identifiers (Structure description, Structure description 2,
and Structure description 3) to display in the tree views.
The structure descriptions in the navigators are nowalso placed in brackets
(in analogy to the additional texts in parts management) to distinguish them
better from the structure identifiers.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page43
Tree of the layout space navigator
As part of this standardization, the View popup menu item has been
replaced by the newConfigure representation popup menu item. For the
components of a layout space, in the tree view as before the respective
item designation with the preceding grouping sign is displayed by default.
The properties selected in addition to the item designation are displayed in
the tree in brackets.
If no check box is activated in the Configure representation dialog, the tree
of the layout space navigator only displays the item designation without
grouping sign. If in this dialog a property other than the item designation is
activated (e.g., Part number) for which some components do not contain a
value, the item designation will be displayed for such components.
Renamed column configuration
The Configure representation dialog is also used for the configuration of
columns in the list views of navigators and parts dialogs. For the column con-
figuration, check boxes of properties are displayed that you can select as col-
umns for the list view. Accordingly, the Configure columns popup menu
item has also been renamed:
Old name: New name:
Configure columns Configure representation
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page44
Paste Copied Values from Properties
Paste Copied Values from Properties
In the property dialogs of devices, pages, forms, etc., the Properties group
box for the property table nowincludes the newPaste properties / values
popup menu item. Using this popup menu item, you can paste one or several
properties, including their values, that have been copied from another object.
Benefit:
Using the Paste properties / values function, you can quickly paste cop-
ied values of selected properties in another location and thus make them
available for other objects (e.g., devices).
First, copy the values of the required property (e.g., also the text for the
Remark property) via the Copy popup menu item. Then open another prop-
erty dialog in the graphical editor, click any location in the property table, and
select Paste properties / values popup menu item. The copied values are
pasted for the selected properties (in the example, this includes, among
other things, the text for the Remark property). If a property has not been dis-
played in the table yet, it and the copied value will be shown after pasting.
Extended Property Selection
Sorting option for property selection
The newversion nowallows you to sort the properties displayed in the Prop-
erty selection dialog.
Benefit:
The newsorting options in the property selection accelerate the iden-
tification and selection of the relevant properties.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page45
Extended Property Selection
For this purpose, property selection nowprovides the Property name col-
umn. In addition, the Value column is displayed everywhere where values
are possible. Since many properties generally do not include values, you can
gain a quick overviewof the properties of interest through sorting by value.
By clicking the respective column header, you can sort the properties (first
alphanumerically ascending, then descending; a third click will restore the
original sequence). As with other list views, an arrowsymbol in the column
header indicates the sorting direction.
Easier property selection for property arrangement
To facilitate property selection for the property arrangement in a clearer
manner, the lists with the properties for certain objects (auxiliary functions,
connection definition points, etc.) are not distributed across several tabs any
more. Instead, the Source object field in the left-hand area displays the pos-
sible sources (such as function, main function, connection definition point,
etc.) for property placement. On the right-hand side of the actual selection, all
properties are listed that are available for the source highlighted.
This extension of property selection is also displayed for the following
actions:
For placing special texts page properties
For editing placed properties in the symbol editor.
In the property dialog of the respective object, you open this property selec-
tion by selecting the Component tab in the Display tab for the property
arrangement, and clicking the (New) button.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page46
Settings as Buttons in Toolbars
Example:
The following illustration shows the newsorting possibilities in property
selection as well as the clearly structured arrangement of the source
objects in a property selection for property arrangement of an auxiliary func-
tion.
In the EPLANuser interface, you can nowstore settings as buttons in a tool-
bar, and also configure specific values.
Benefit:
By using the two newactions in user-defined buttons, you can actuate
frequently used settings with just a fewclicks on the toolbar. Reduce the
time required for repetitive tasks to a minimum and save time during
project design.
For this purpose, the Customize dialog to change toolbars has been
extended to include the two following actions:
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page47
"Define project setting".
With this action (action name: XAfActionSettingProject), you can
define a project setting.
"Define setting".
With this action (action name: XAfActionSetting), you can define user,
workstation or company settings.
For both actions, the command line parameters /set:"?" and /value:"?"
are used. Using /set, you specify the setting path and the name of the set-
ting in the command line. Specify the value of the setting using the /value
parameter. When a project setting is defined via the XAfActionSetting-
Project action, the currently selected project is determined, and the setting
is changed there.
If you wish to store one of the two actions as a button in a toolbar, the Set but-
ton dialog is opened, and the Command line field is preset to a sample
entry. Adjust this command line call accordingly.
Example:
You want to display and / or hide the property names of the placed prop-
erties (Show property names setting) in the graphical editor by means of
a toolbar. For this, you require two buttons with a command line of differing
configuration.
To display property names, enter the following in the command line of the
Set button dialog for one button:
XAfActionSetting
/set:"USER.GedViewer.View.ShowPropertyNames" /value:"1"
For the button that is used to disable this user-specific setting for graphical
editing again, enter the following in the command line:
XAfActionSetting
/set:"USER.GedViewer.View.ShowPropertyNames" /value:"0"
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page48
Change Scheme Description
Tip:
To determine the name and setting path of the respective setting, you can
first export the settings of the respective dialog. Open the exported xml file,
for example, in Internet Explorer, and obtain the required information from
this file.
Change Scheme Description
The descriptions of schemes for settings and filters so far could be entered
only at the time of creating a scheme. With any subsequent modification of a
scheme, the Description field was grayed out and could not be edited. In the
newversion, this field as most other scheme settings as well can be
edited and, thus, also changed subsequently. When a scheme is saved, a
changed description text is adopted as well.
Change Font Size in Tables with Mouse Wheel
In many dialogs with table representation, you can nowincrease or decrease
the font size in tables by pressing the [Ctrl] key and simultaneously scrolling
the mouse wheel. For example, this is possible in the Message manage-
ment dialog, in layer management or in connection with editing in tables. If
you wish to return to the original font size, select for the respective table the
newFont size 100% popup menu item.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page49
Improved User Guide through Reduced Settings and Menu Items
For reasons of simplification and transparency, several settings and menu
items have been removed from the program.
Benefit:
More transparent settings and menus in the EPLANplatform will make it
easier for you to navigate the program.
Settings
The following unnecessary settings have been removed:
The Display in title bar setting.
In the Settings: User interface dialog, this user-specific setting has been
removed. The title bar of the EPLANplatform nowdisplays for an opened
project always the complete information (project name with project path
and page name).
The Adjust line thickness to page scale when inserting macros set-
ting.
This check box in the project-specific general settings for graphical editing
became superfluous in this version, because the scalability of the line
thickness, pattern length, etc. can nowbe configured via layer manage-
ment when inserting macros and other elements (see section "Layer
Management" on page "67").
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page50
Menu items
Miscellaneous functions were used by users only rarely in the past, or can be
executed more easily in different ways. The associated menu items have
nowbeen removed from the user interface.
The following unnecessary menu items have been removed:
Menu item Connection point direction.
Several display aids of the View menu (Cable conductor, External tar-
gets) are displayed as small arrows in the graphical editor. To make the
viewin the graphical editor more transparent, the Connection point
direction menu item has nowbeen removed.
Menu item Cross-reference DTs
(previous menu path: Project data > Device).
To continue merging components with different device tags into a new
device, you can use function-independent block editing.
The associated dialog that you open via the menu path Edit > Non-func-
tion-specific properties has been extended for this reason to include the
Full DT field. Moreover, via the subsequent Full DT dialog, it is nowpos-
sible to assign several functions to the same higher-level function or the
same mounting location.
Menu item Use list of results 2.
This unnecessary menu item has been removed from the Find menu. In
analogy to this, the List of results 2 tab / option has also been removed
from the dialogs Search results and Find.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page51
Settings
Settings
Browse settings
The extensive potential of the EPLANplatform is also reflected in its large
number of setting options. To assist you in finding a special setting, you now
have a newsearch function in the settings.
Benefit:
With the newsearch function, you can reduce the settings to a man-
ageable number. This way, you can find and edit settings more quickly.
When searching in settings, each word in the tree viewand the user interface
texts of the settings dialogs is taken into account. Note that you do not have
to worry about case-sensitivity when entering a search term. The program
only searches for texts in the determined dialog language. Matches will
include words in which the entered search term is simply a part of the word.
Thus, in the case of an English user interface, a search term "Space" will also
find the setting "Workspace".
Notes:
Please note that only texts and no specified values are found when
searching in the settings.
Logical operators (AND/ ORoperation) and placeholders (such as * or
?) are not supported in this search.
If settings dialogs are not displayed to a user on account of the current
license or the rights assigned in rights management, the settings of
these dialogs are not found during a search.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page52
Browse settings
When searching in the settings, user interface texts of subsequent
dialogs are also browsed and found. Thus, for a search for the term
"cable definition line", the Settings: Cable (automatic) dialog is listed.
The actual match, however the setting At cable definition line is
located in the subsequent dialog Settings: Cable generation. This sub-
sequent dialog is reached by clicking [...] in the previous settings dialog
for the Cable generation field.
The settings dialog above the tree viewhas been extended to include a new
input field for finding settings. Into this field enter the text for which the search
is to be carried out in the settings. You start actual search with the [Enter]
key. If you have not entered a search term, the field is characterized with the
gray text "Find".
As soon as entering the first character, the list belowthe entry field displays
all matches. The following must be noted in connection with the matching
results:
If the entered text is not found in the settings, no matching results are dis-
played.
Matching results showa maximum of 10 entries. If more matches are
found, you can use the scroll bar on the margin to move the section of the
matching results.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page53
Browse settings
Using the arrowkeys [Down] / [Up], you can navigate through matching
results. In the process, the respective highlighted match is displayed in
the input field of the search. If while navigating the list you move the cur-
sor down over the last entry or up over the first entry, the input field again
displays the search term entered.
Some matches in the matching results may be preceded by terms in
round brackets (.e.g, "(Terminals / plugs)"). These are the names of
group boxes in which a found setting occurs in the user interface.
If you select an entry in the list of matching results by mouse click, then this
term is applied to the entry field and the search started. Tree viewwill then be
reduced to the dialogs containing the search term.
If you want to return to the original viewof tree display, remove the search
term from the entry field. Click (Delete) to do so. This will also restore the
originally made selection in tree viewif, during search, you have not selected
another settings area.
Asearch term entered is not stored. If you close the settings dialog after a
search and then open it again, the tree displays again all settings. Only the
setting range highlighted most recently is selected again.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page54
Browse settings
Example:
You want to find settings for the project master data. As you enter the term
"Project master data" in the entry field, you are given various suggestions
in the matching results.
After you have selected the term "Project master data" in the list with a
mouse click, the tree viewis reduced to the settings dialogs where this term
occurs.
In the figure of the settings dialog, by way of an example, one of the pos-
sible matches has been highlighted with a selection.
Tip:
If there is not sufficient space for displaying the terms in the matching
results completely, you can use, for example, the dialog splitter to
change the vertical arrangement of the settings dialog.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page55
Moved Setting for the Detached Representation of Substructures
Moved Setting for the Detached Representation of Substructures
Using the Detached representation of substructures setting, you can
specify that the substructures of structure identifiers are to be displayed in the
tree views of the navigators as separate tree nodes.
This setting used to be part of the user-specific settings (Settings: Identifier
dialog). However, the representation of the substructures must be uniform for
a project, and must not be different from user to user. For this reason, this set-
ting was nowmoved to the project settings. Here, you can also use a sep-
arate check box for the pages (in the Settings: Project structure (pages)
dialog) and for the navigators Settings: Project structure (navigators).
An automatic import of the previous user setting for the detached rep-
resentation to the project settings is not possible. If such representation is
desired, then you must enable the settings once per project.
Moved Setting for Display of Property Names
The Show property names setting, which in version 2.2 replaced the Prop-
erty names menu item of the View menu, applies to all projects and was
erroneously allocated to project settings in the user interface.
In the newversion, this check box is nowlocated in the user-specific Set-
tings: 2Ddialog (menu path Options > Settings > User > Graphical edit-
ing > 2D). If this check box is activated, then the property names are
displayed for all placed properties in all projects and the assigned values are
hidden.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page56
Project Editing
Project Editing
Update the project databases
As part of miscellaneous extensions and optimizations, the project data-
bases have been changed in Version 2.3. These modifications and opti-
mizations make it possible to create new projects essentially with new
project databases.
Consequences for legacy projects
In order for old projects to be edited in the newEPLANversion, updating of
the project databases is absolutely essential for these projects. Old projects
are updated the first time they are opened with the current EPLANversion.
You will see a prompt asking you whether you wish to update.
If you do not update an old project, you will still be able to open this project in
the version 2.3, but you can only viewit, and not edit it.
Warning:
Newprojects and old projects that have been updated can be opened with
the EPLANversions 2.1, 2.1 SP1, 2.2, 2.2 HF1, and 2.3. We do, however,
explicitly advise against mixed operation using different EPLANversions
on the same data. Older EPLANversions (prior to version 2.1) cannot
open the updated projects anymore!
Publish EPLAN Projects
In order to share an EPLANproject with other persons that do not use an
EPLANplatform product, you can nowuse the Publish function. Projects
exported via this function can be displayed on mobile devices (smartphones,
tablets) by means of a mobile application that EPLANwill make available in
the future.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page57
Compression of Selection Lists
To publish a highlighted project, select the menu items Projects > Publish.
The Publish dialog that then opens is similar to other, already familiar, export
dialogs (e.g., for PDF export). In this dialog specify the settings for the export
of a project to the EDZ format. The mobile application that EPLANwill make
available in the future will be able to read this file format.
The settings for this export are saved to a scheme. You use the [...] button
next to the Scheme field to open the Settings: Publish, where you can edit
or create a scheme.
In the Export medium group box, select whether the EDZ file is to be saved
on a storage medium or sent as an e-mail. When publishing to storage
media, you can save the EDZ file to a USBdevice, or burn it directly to a CD/
DVD. When publishing as an e-mail, you can send the EDZ file directly to a
mobile device.
The EDZ file created in this way contains, in compressed form, the complete
project structure (project properties, page properties, layout space prop-
erties, function properties). For each project page, a file with the 2Dvector
graphic (*.svg) and for each layout space, a file with the 3Dgraphical data
(*.e3d) is included.
Compression of Selection Lists
In the selection lists of certain properties (e.g., Engraving text, Mounting
site (describing)), all values are displayed that you have already entered for
identical functions elsewhere in the project.
To be able to remove such user-defined, unused entries project-wide, a new
setting is nowavailable for the compression of projects (via the Project >
Organize > Compress menu items). If in the Settings: Compression
dialog, in the area Remove project data, the newUser-defined entries in
selection lists check box is activated, then all respective user-defined
entries will be deleted during a subsequent compression. An update of miss-
ing entries does not occur.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page58
Graphical Editor
Graphical Editor
Structure boxes with recesses
As a rule, structure boxes were previously drawn as rectangles during the
insertion in the schematic. In version 2.3, you can nowset the EPLANplat-
form such that depending on the position of the property texts the upper
left-hand corner of structure boxes is spared and the device tag placed there.
Benefit:
When creating schematics, structure boxes with recesses require less
space than the previous graphical representations of the structure boxes.
If such a display is required, activate in the project-specific settings for graph-
ical editing the newDraw structure boxes with recess check box. (The
menu path for the settings dialog is: Options > Settings > Project >
"Project name" > Graphical editing > General.) By default, the check box
is deactivated, and structure boxes are drawn as simple rectangles.
Whether a recess is displayed depends on the position of the property texts.
To display a recess, the property texts have to be positioned as if they were
located to the upper left of and inside the original rectangle of the structure
box. If, for example, you select the property arrangement "Upper left,
inside,0", a recess is displayed for the DT and all docked properties. As an
alternative you can select a similar property arrangement or manually move
the property texts.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page59
Structure boxes with recesses
Example:
The following schematic figure shows two recesses on structure boxes.
A) With the property arrangement "Upper left, inside, 0".
B) With a user-defined property arrangement: the property texts were
moved manually.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page60
Always Display Separator Before the Page in the Cross-reference
Always Display Separator Before the Page in the Cross-reference
If in the EPLANplatform, the Suppress identical page setting is enabled,
the separator before the page is also suppressed in the corresponding cross-
reference in addition to the page number. For example, a cross-reference
"/2.6" at an auxiliary function on the same page as the associated main func-
tion becomes only ".6". Nowyou can set the cross-reference display in such
a way that even in such a case, the separator before the page is always dis-
played (e.g., "/.6").
For this purpose, in the general, project-specific settings for the cross-ref-
erences, you can nowuse the newAlways display separator before the
page check box. If the check box is enabled, the separator before the page
will always be displayed. This newsetting is validated if the Suppress iden-
tical page check box above is enabled. (The menu path to this newsetting
is: Options > Settings > Projects > "Project name" > Cross-references
/ contact image > General).
Reduced Popup Menu
To reduce the complexity of the popup menu in the graphical editor, several
adjustments have been made:
Popup menu item removed:
The unnecessary popup menu item Select area has been removed from
the popup menu of the graphical editor. Using the mouse, you can open a
frame on a page and thus highlight an area directly. In addition, the func-
tion can be called in the graphical editor by pressing the spacebar or via
the menu items Edit > Select > Area.
Adjusted popup menu on Autoconnecting lines:
The popup menu for Autoconnecting lines has so far included some
menu items that could not be executed. In the newversion, on Auto-
connecting lines in the graphical editor, the same popup menu is nowdis-
played that is also seen when no object has been selected.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page61
Devices
Devices
Changed behavior for connection point designation adoption
When editing in the schematic, the connection point designation of a com-
ponent can be imported from a function in the search direction. In the new
EPLANversion 2.3, this complex, for beginners and newusers confusing,
behavior has been disabled by default. As a result, only the connection point
designations of the current function are displayed in the properties dialog. No
connection point designations are carried over to other functions.
However, if the previous behavior connection point designation adoption for
subsequent components is required, activate in the newSettings: Com-
patibility dialog the Adopt connection point designation check box. The
menu path for the newsettings dialog is: Options > Settings > Projects >
"Project name" > Management > Compatibility. The long-term plan is for
EPLANto end support for settings in this dialog.
Defined Devices
Standardized behavior when inserting and generating defined devices
Anewproject setting has been implemented for the newversion: Consider
macro when generating devices. This setting nowalso affects the insert-
ing of devices in the graphical editor.
By default, this setting (under Options > Settings > Projects > "Project
name" > Devices > General) is deactivated. In this case, when inserting a
device in the graphical editor, no unplaced functions will be generated. This
corresponds to the behavior when generating devices in navigators where an
unplaced function is generated only from the main function when the setting
is deactivated. That is, unnecessary, unplaced functions are no longer gen-
erated for either of these actions. For more information on this topic, go to the
online help and look up the section "Procedure for Inserting Devices".
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page62
Project Data Navigators
Project Data Navigators
Synchronize navigators upon opening
Objects highlighted in the graphical editor, message management or in the
Search results dialog can nowbe synchronized automatically when opening
project data navigators, without you having to select the popup menu item
Synchronize selection.
If such a behavior is required, activate the newuser-specific Synchronize
navigators upon opening setting. (The menu path for the settings dialog is:
Options > Settings > User > Display > General.)
If this check box is activated, and you have highlighted, for example, one or
several objects on an opened page, the selection will be synchronized when
you open a project data navigator. For quick opening, click the required but-
ton of a navigator in the Navigators toolbar. The highlighted objects are
already also highlighted in the opened navigator, if it contains the objects.
Bill of Materials Navigator
Same item number for identical devices
When assigning item numbers in the bill of materials navigator, you can now
assign for identical devices with the same part number the same item
number. This way, you obtain more transparent reports for the bill of mate-
rials. For example, only one item number is output in the summarized parts
list for identical devices.
Benefit:
In assigning item numbers, there is no need for manual post-processing of
the previewof result. The bill of materials can be updated more quickly.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page63
Same item number for identical devices
To assign item numbers, in the popup menu of the bill of materials navigator
select the Add item numbers menu item. In this version, the Number
items dialog has been extended to include the Same number for identical
devices check box.
Activate this check box, if devices with identical part numbers are to be given
the same item numbers.
If the check box is deselected, the item numbers are assigned regardless of
the device.
Note:
Note that devices without an assigned part number are treated like dif-
ferent devices, i.e., they are always assigned a newitem number.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page64
Editing in Tables
Editing in Tables
Edit macro boxes in table
The properties of macro boxes are nowalso displayed when editing in table
and can be edited there in a blockwise manner. The editing of highlighted
functions, connections, and macro boxes is done independently of each
other in separate tables.
Benefit:
You can nowedit in table the properties of macro boxes in a macro project
quickly and transparently. This way, even data of extensive macro projects
can be edited easily and centrally with minimal effort.
For editing in table, the Edit function data dialog nowincludes the new
Macro boxes tab. The column configuration of this tab is done, like with the
other two tabs Functions and Connections, by means of a separate
scheme.
In the Macro boxes tab, the properties of the associated macro boxes are
displayed for the highlighted project / highlighted pages or macros (e.g.,
Macro: File name, Macro: Version, Macro: Description, etc.). You can
edit these properties in a macro project. In a schematic project, the property
data is only displayed, and you cannot edit it.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page65
Global Editing
Global Editing
Modified License Dependency
The global editing of properties in the Properties (global) processing mode
allows you to edit the common properties of distributed functions in one
action at the same time. The function representations of a device for which
you did not have a license before (e.g., electrical engineering functions with a
license for EPLANFluid) could not be edited globally. The newversion has
changed the license dependency of this processing mode. The license check
nowdepends on the function at which you start global editing.
Example:
With a license for EPLANFluid you can globally edit an electrical engineer-
ing valve that has been placed, for example, in the Fluid schematic with the
"Pair cross-reference" representation type (e.g., the entry for the Tech-
nical characteristics field). This way, you modify at the same time the
properties of the cross-referenced counterpiece with the "Multi-line" rep-
resentation type on the electrical engineering page. If you open, for the
license described, the property dialog for the electrical engineering valve
with the multi-line representation, the dialog fields will be grayed out, and
cannot be edited due to the Fluid power license.
Example:
With a license for the "EPLANOperational Sequence" extension module,
you can nowmodify a function in an operational sequence sheet with the
"Functional" representation type through global editing in such a way that
the multi-line representation of this function is also modified in electrical
engineering.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page66
Layer Management
Layer Management
Defining scalability via the layer
In layer management, you can nowset whether the elements on a specific
layer are to be taken into account for scaling purposes or not. Such a scaling
can, for example, occur if you change the page scale or insert a macro on a
page which has another page scale than the one used during macro creation.
In the Layer management dialog, you can nowuse the newScalable col-
umn for this purpose. Activate this check box if the elements on this layer are
to be scaled, too, in the case of scaling. Then, line thickness, pattern length,
and font size of lines, texts and dimensioning will be scaled and adjusted.
Creating User-defined 3D Layers
In layer management, it is nowpossible to create newuser-defined layers for
layout spaces. For this purpose, the Layer management dialog has been
extended to include the 3D layer column. When creating a newlayer via
(New), activate the associated check box in this column to select and use this
layer in layout spaces.
Tip:
The hierarchical structure of the layers in the tree viewis generated from
the layer description. Since the properties (and, thus, also the layer descrip-
tion) for the creation of a newlayer are imported from the highlighted layer,
select for practical purposes the "3Dgraphic" node or a layer belowsuch
node. This way, the newlayer is arranged within the area of the 3Dgraphic,
and the 3D layer check box, already activated, is imported from another
3Dlayer.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page67
Reports
Reports
Update reports independently of licensing
Reports contained in an EPLANproject can nowalways be updated inde-
pendently of the licensing and across all trades. This is also true of the model
views, 2Ddrilling views, and copper unfolds contained in a project. In this con-
text, it does not matter whether the selected pages are updated with respect
to reports, model views, etc., whether the update occurs in the Reports tab
of the respective dialog, or whether a report is generated for the project.
The generation of newreports and the generation of reports of existing report
templates continue to be dependent on the licensing. This way, for example,
you cannot generate a report of the "Mounting list" type if your licensed add-
ons do not include a license extension for EPLANPro Panel Professional.
Benefit:
Regardless of the specific type of EPLANlicensing, data and reports can
nowbe updated and provided in a project comprehensively at any time.
External Editing
Improved ergonomics
So-called "external editing" allows data to be output from EPLAN, externally
edited, and then reloaded. For this version, the menu options, dialogs, and
processing steps when editing externally were adjusted to those of labeling.
Benefit:
Consistent ergonomics and procedure reduce familiarization time and sim-
plify operation for occasional users. This will greatly reduce the complexity
of external editing.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page68
Improved ergonomics
Reduced menu items
The menu items of external editing which can be reached via the menu path
Utilities > Edit properties externally were reduced, thus becoming very
clearly structured:
Export of data:
Export is nownot carried out via different menu items any more, but only
by means of the Export data menu item. If you have opened a page, the
objects of this selected page are nowused for data export - just as with
other export processes.
Settings:
The menu options for the settings were removed. The settings are saved
in schemes and can be opened in the export dialog and then be edited.
Similarly, there is only one settings dialog for external editing in the set-
tings under Options > Settings > User > Interfaces > External
editing.
Import of data:
For the import of externally edited data select the Import data menu
item.
New features concerning data export
The Edit externally dialog for the export of data was also adapted to the
export dialog for labeling.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page69
Improved ergonomics
The drop-down list of the renamed field Settings (previously: Scheme) now
displays all predefined schemes for external editing of pages, functions, etc.
The type of objects to be output during the export is displayed in the newfield
Object type. The object type (e.g. "All functions", "Cables", etc.) is selected
when creating a newscheme for external editing and cannot be modified sub-
sequently. The possible object types can be found in the online help in the
"External Editing" topic.
By means of the well-known check box Apply to entire project you can out-
put the data of the respective object type independent of the current selec-
tion.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page70
Improved ergonomics
Applying settings from previous versions
In the old EPLANversions, the schemes with the settings for external editing
were saved independently of each other and with different hierarchy paths.
This was changed for the newversion. Thus, the hierarchy path is now
always: User.Interfaces.External editing.
To be able to apply settings from previous versions, the schemes have to be
exported in the old version first. This can be done either for all schemes of an
area via the (Export) button in the left-hand area of the settings dialog (tool-
bar above the tree structure of the settings ranges) or for an individual
scheme via the (Export) button in the right-hand area of the settings dialog
(toolbar next to the Scheme field).
In the newversion, the schemes with the "old" settings can then be imported
by means of the (Import) button in the left-hand area of the settings dialog.
During this import, the schemes are converted into the newXML format.
New features concerning data import
Previously you could use the Import new pages / functions setting to deter-
mine whether newobjects (pages, functions, etc.), which had been created in
the externally edited file, were to be imported or not. This setting on the Gen-
eral tab has been removed.
If nowthere are newobjects in the externally edited file, a prompt is displayed
asking whether the newobjects are to be imported into the project. If you con-
firm with [Yes], the newobjects are also imported.
During the external editing of loops, PCT loop elements, PCT loop functions,
and consumers, no newobjects are generated. For this reason, the prompt is
not displayed during such an import.
If newobjects are generated during an import of the data or if errors occur,
the System messages dialog will display the corresponding information.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page71
Parts Management
Parts Management
Update the parts database
When starting the program following an initial installation, the current parts
database will be available to you immediately.
If you work with several EPLANversions (e.g., when switching to version 2.3)
and have in version 2.3 an "older" parts database, you will be prompted upon
opening parts management to update the parts database. If you answer this
prompt with [Yes], the parts database is updated.
If you click [No], then the parts database is not updated. The parts manage-
ment data fields will then remain empty and cannot be edited.
Other program features which also access the data in the parts database will
output an equivalent message if the parts database does not correspond to
the current version.
Note:
If you work with several EPLANversions, then we recommend using the
latest EPLANversion when editing and managing the parts database. An
updated parts database can be opened in older EPLANversions, for exam-
ple, to select parts or devices, but cannot be edited.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page72
Discontinued Parts in Parts Management
Discontinued Parts in Parts Management
Parts that are no longer used can nowbe identified in parts management as
"discontinued parts".
Benefit:
As a rule, discontinued parts are replaced by a newer model but remain in
as-is projects and have to be managed transparently. In version 2.3,
EPLANfacilitates the central management of discontinued parts by char-
acterizing them in parts management and by means of a newcheck run.
Once centrally stored in parts management, the information is directly
available in the entire project design team. Thus, EPLANcreates more
transparency in the engineering process and facilitates the management of
discontinued parts.
The General tab of parts management was extended for this purpose
directly belowthe Part number field to include the newDiscontinued part
check box. Activate this check box if the part is to be characterized as "not
used any more".
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page73
Dynamic Columns for Function Templates
Use filters for discontinued parts
To display in parts management, part selection, part master data or bill of
materials navigator only parts that must not be used anymore, you can use
the newDiscontinued part (ID22258) property as a filter criterion for the
field-based filter. This property is available to you also for the column con-
figuration of the list viewin these dialogs. This is also true of the list of main
parts in the device selection.
Such parts can also be displayed in the device list. For this purpose, you can
activate in the Configure representation dialog the newDiscontinued part
property (ID23215).
Check project for discontinued parts in use
Using the newcheck run message 007024 in message class 007 "Devices",
you can check whether there are still discontinued parts in use in the project.
If such a part is assigned to a device, this message will be output.
Consideration in reports
In the "Parts list" and "Summarized parts list" reports, the Discontinued
part (ID22258) property can also be output. For this purpose, place this prop-
erty as a placeholder text in the respective forms of these reports. In addition,
the property can be used as a filter criterion in the output of these two reports.
So far, it has mainly been the product group of the part that has determined
which columns in the Device selection (function templates) table of the
Function templates tab are displayed. With the newversion of the EPLAN
platform, the columns are nowcompiled dynamically depending on the
selected function definition.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page74
Benefit:
With the improved display of the function templates, you can nowalso map
complex devices with greatly differing function templates in the parts
management, and enter the appropriate properties of these function tem-
plates.
If no function template has been stored yet for a part, then no columns are dis-
played either. If you then add a function template via the (New) button, the
Function definitions dialog is opened first. After the selection of any func-
tion definition, the appropriate columns of this function definition are dis-
played.
Click again (New) to create a copy of the currently highlighted row. In the
process, the data (function definition, connection point designation, etc.) are
applied to the current row.
In the selection of another differing function definition, specific columns for
this function definition are displayed additionally. Cells where nothing can be
input are shown as grayed out.
As part of these modifications, some possible data for the function templates
were also corrected. For example, for the "Cable definition" function def-
inition, an input in the Connection color / number (previously: "Color /
no."), Shielded by, Pair index, and Potential type columns is no longer pos-
sible.
Effects on the device selection
The list Selected parts: Functions / templates of the Device selection
dialog displays for the functions / templates both data of function templates
(e.g., Function definition) and important parts data (e.g., Part number).
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page75
Description of Function Templates
In this list, the columns with template data are nowcompiled dynamically in
analogy to the function templates in parts management. Which columns are
displayed depends on the function definition of the main function, on the func-
tion definitions of the other functions of the device, and on the function tem-
plates of the selected part.
In the column configuration of the list (via Popup menu > Configure rep-
resentation), all columns displaying data of function templates are sum-
marized under the entry Template data. Using this check box you can show
/ hide all columns with template data.
Description of Function Templates
In parts management, you can nowinsert describing texts for the templates
of a part.
Benefit:
The descriptions of templates help you with the placing of complex
devices, such as a number of device connection points. On the basis of the
stored describing texts, you can recognize in the navigators more easily
which device function is hidden behind which template.
For this purpose, the Device selection (function templates) table on the
Function templates tab was extended to include the Description column.
The description can be entered by way of multilingual input. Atext entered in
this column is not applied to the function during the selection of the part / the
insertion of a device.
For this, the description is displayed at the templates in the tree views of the
navigators. In tree view, the description is displayed in square brackets and is
directly behind the function definition.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page76
Quicker Full-text Search for SQL Server as Parts Database
Example:
The following figure shows the descriptions of the templates for an auxiliary
contactor and its contacts in the device navigator.
Quicker Full-text Search for SQL Server as Parts Database
If you use an SQL server for your parts database in parts management, you
can nowaccelerate the full-text filter of parts management via a quicker full-
text search.
Benefit:
When using an SQL server, full-text search is accelerated substantially,
and the complete performance of an SQL server is utilized.
For this purpose, the SQL server setting dialog has been extended to
included the Use SQL server full-text search check box. If this check box is
activated, parts management uses the full-text search integrated on the SQL
server for the Full-text filter field. The search index is generated during the
first full-text search routine and automatically updated by the SQL server
whenever parts data is changed. Since the update is performed on the SQL
server, no additional computing power is needed by EPLAN, thus accel-
erating the search.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page77
Common Directory for Outlines and Macros
Notes:
"Advanced Services" must be installed and configured on the SQL
server in order for full-text search to be running in the background.
Unlike the "normal" full-text search, only search terms are found which
are at the beginning of a word. When entering the search term INTER,
e.g., you will therefore find parts with the designation INTERBUS, when
entering BUS, however, you will not.
If the check box is deactivated, the same full-text search is used as for an
Access parts database even when using the SQL server.
Common Directory for Outlines and Macros
For different items (busbars, user-defined rails, etc.), you can store outlines
at the associated parts in parts management. The outlines are then used for
placing these items in the layout space.
Outline drawings are assigned via the Technical data tab in the same field
where you can also store macros (with 2Ddata). If for the Macro field you
click the [...] button, a file selection dialog opens where you can select both
macros and files of the "Outline extrusion (*.fc2)" type. From Version 2.3, the
same default directory is used for outlines and macros.
Benefit:
Given that the same default directory is used for outlines and macros, you
can immediately access the outline drawings during the selection in the
parts management. The complicated search in directories is a thing of the
past.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page78
Ignored Fields
Together with this adjustment, the following modifications were imple-
mented:
The directory setting for outlines was removed from the Settings: Direc-
tories dialog.
The associated path variable $(MD_CONTOUR) was also removed.
All outlines supplied by EPLANas master data are nowstored in the
macro directory at the time of the installation.
Accordingly, no outline directories are created during the installation.
In the outline editor and during data backup of outlines, the default direc-
tories have been converted to the macro directory specified in the direc-
tory settings.
Ignored Fields
The Identifier field on the Technical data tab, as well as the fields Symbol
library and Symbol number on the Function templates tabs, have so far
been used, for example, for reasons of compatibility with EPLAN5.
In addition, the field Nominal width of the Process engineering tab should
not be used any more. It is also only available for compatibility reasons with
older EPLANversions. In older EPLANprojects (created with version 2.2 or
earlier), this property was used to assign the diameter of a pipe / hose line or
the size / connection size of a control valve (valve, slide) to a part variant.
With the newversion, the data in these fields will be ignored.
Note:
Note that the fields Identifier, Symbol library, Symbol number, and
Nominal width will be removed from the parts management user inter-
face in the next version.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page79
Ignored Fields
These modifications have the following effects:
Inserting of devices:
When inserting devices, symbol assignments (symbol library / symbol
number) will no longer be taken into account.
Automatic filter of parts selection:
In the automatic filter of parts selection, the properties Identifier, Symbol
number, and Symbol library will no longer be taken into account.
The Automatic filter dialog nowallows, instead, for the function def-
inition of the device to be used as a filter criterion. Activate this check box
so that only those parts will be offered that have the same function tem-
plate as the device highlighted.
The following figure shows, by way of an example, an automatic filter for a
device with the "Safety fuse" function definition.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page80
Tab "PLC data" for Further Parts
Tab "PLC data" for Further Parts
In preparation of future functions, the PLC data tab is nowalso displayed for
electrical, fluid power and process engineering parts that are not part of the
"PLC" product group. Excepted from this extension are module parts as well
as parts from the following product groups:
"Cable"
"Terminal"
"Plugs"
"Connections".
Continue to enter the PLC-specific data only for parts of the "PLC" product
group.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page81
Message Management
Message Management
Display of licensing in the settings
All check runs are nowdisplayed in the settings for messages and check
runs. This means that you can also see the settings of check runs that you
cannot generate with your license.
Benefit:
The display of licensing improves the transparency of exchange and in the
transfer of projects. You can viewthe settings of messages that you have
not generated, but that exist in the project.
In the Settings: Messages and checks dialog, the table with the possible
messages nowhas the newLicensed column. This column shows whether
a check run is part of the current license in use. If the field has a check mark,
the check run is contained in the licensed add-ons. However, an empty field
indicates that the check run is not included in the scope of the license in use.
In this case, no settings can be configured for the check run.
Saving Filters in Check Run Schemes
The filters specified in the Settings: Messages and checks dialog for check
run messages were previously not stored in the check run schemes. For
example, this caused a filter set for a check run to be preserved also when
the check run scheme was changed. In the newEPLANversion, the set
filters are nowstored in the check run scheme in a project-specific manner.
Thus, when exporting and importing check run schemes, the filter settings
are also carried over.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page82
New Features in the "EPLAN Multi-user Management" Extension Module
New Features in the "EPLAN Multi-user Management"
Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLANMulti-user Management" extension module is available as an
option for the following program variants:
EPLANElectric P8 Select, EPLANElectric P8 Professional, EPLANElec-
tric P8 Professional+, EPLANFluid, EPLANFluid Professional, and
EPLANPro Panel Professional Stand-alone.
This extension module is part of the default scope of delivery for the fol-
lowing program variants:
EPLANElectric P8 Ultimate.
Using the "EPLANMulti-user Management" extension module, you can
divide projects into so-called "defined working sections". This makes the dis-
play of large projects more transparent and increases the editing speed.
The division into defined working sections is nowdone on the basis of filter
schemes. In projects structured by identifier blocks, you can use any com-
bination of existing structure identifiers for the division. In addition, the new
version allows for projects to be divided according to specific trades. This
way, for example, you can nowalso divide sequentially numbered projects
into defined working sections.
Benefit:
The use of filters to define workspaces allows you to divide your projects
more individually, by several criteria simultaneously, and also by trades.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page83
Improved Ergonomics for Defined Working Sections
"Improved Ergonomics for Defined Working Sections" on page"84"
"Extended Division of Projects into Defined Working Sections" on
page"85"
"Dividing Projects by Trades" on page"87".
Improved Ergonomics for Defined Working Sections
Moved menu
To move the definition of defined working sections closer to project editing,
the Defined working sections menu item (including sub-menu items) was
moved from the Utilities menu to the Project menu.
Open projects with active selection of defined working sections
If the program is started and one of the automatically opened projects is
divided into defined working sections, you will see a program message to this
effect.
If you open a divided project for project editing, the Define working sec-
tions dialog is displayed as before. This way you can tell that the selection
of defined working sections is active, as well as see the sections being edited
and by whom.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page84
Extended Division of Projects into Defined Working Sections
Activate selection of defined working sections in a project
The selection of defined working sections in a project is still activated, as
before, in the Defined working sections tab of the project properties. For
the division of a project, you can nowalso use criteria other than the identifier
blocks that exist in the project (e.g., "Higher-level function", "Mounting loca-
tion", etc.). For this reason, the Identifier block for division field was
removed from the Defined working sections tab.
Extended definition of defined working sections
The dialogs for defining defined working sections previously displayed the
structure identifiers available in the project for the selected identifier block as
possible defined working sections. In the newversion, defined working sec-
tions are defined by means of filter schemes.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page85
Schemes are defined in the Define working sections as project admin-
istrator dialog. Using the (Edit) button, you open the familiar Filter dialog.
You can viewand / or edit the settings for the current scheme there, or create
newschemes. All properties for structure identifiers are available for filtering.
In addition, you can use the newTrade (defined working sections)
(ID25000) property to filter a project according to specific trades.
Filter options
Several filter criteria can be linked to each other logically. This way, for
example, you can simultaneously filter by a specific structure identifier
and a specific trade.
Placeholders (such as "*" and "?") can be used for the Values column.
For example, this makes it possible to capture structure identifiers with
lower-level substructures in a single filter expression.
Example:
For a filter with the criterion Mounting location (ID1220), the value S1* is
specified. The defined working section that is defined by this filter scheme
then includes, e.g., pages or functions with the mounting locations S1,
S1.A1, S1.A1.W1, etc.
Select / assign defined working section
Note:
When you use the rights management of EPLAN, the defined working sec-
tions can be assigned centrally by a project administrator. Without usage
of rights management each individual user can determine him- / herself in
which defined working sections he / she wants to work.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page86
Dividing Projects by Trades
In the Define working sections dialog, the editor selects by selecting a
scheme precisely one of the predefined working sections in the project. To
do so, enable the respective check box for the required scheme in the My
defined working section column.
It is still possible to enter several different editors for one defined working sec-
tion. This is done in the Define working sections as project administrator
dialog, in the All editors column.
Dividing Projects by Trades
As already mentioned, in the filter schemes for defined working sections, you
can use the newTrade (defined working sections) (ID25000) property to
divide a project into different defined working sections on the basis of trades.
One or several of the following values can be selected for this property:
Electrical engineering
Fluid power general
Mechanics
Process engineering.
Note:
Adefined working section for the "Fluid power general" trade also takes
into account the individual trades "Hydraulics", "Pneumatics", "Cooling",
and "Lubrication". If you have defined such a scheme, the defined working
section will display, e.g., pages with the "Fluid power general" trade as well
as pages for which the individual trades "Hydraulics", "Pneumatics", etc.
have been set.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page87
Multi-user Operation
The division for a trade is done via specific properties for pages, functions,
etc. This way, for example, since EPLANversion 2.2., you have been able to
set the trade for a page using the Trade (ID11037) page property. To allow
for a continuous value selection, this property has been expanded to include
the "Mechanics" and "General" values.
Report pages nowreceive the "General" value per default during creation. If
you filter defined working sections by certain trades, pages with the "Gen-
eral" trade are output along any other trade.
Multi-user Operation
Change descriptions of structure identifiers
If several users have opened the same project in the multi-user operation,
these users can nownavigate to the Structure identifier management.
Benefit:
The descriptions of structure identifiers can also be changed in the multi-
user operation. Thus you can assign a significant description to newstruc-
ture identifiers in multi-user operation at once and therefore facilitate orien-
tation within the project for all project participants.
In the Identifier dialog, the descriptions in the columns Structure descrip-
tion 1-3 and Structure description Supplementary field [1]-[10] can be
edited at the same time by one user each per structure identifier. Other func-
tionalities for editing structure identifiers in multi-user operation are not avail-
able and the corresponding fields and buttons grayed.
Note:
If a user has already opened structure identifier management for a project,
then the project can be edited only by this user exclusively. No other user
can open the project during structure identifier editing.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page88
New Features in the "EPLAN Multi Language Translation" Extension Module
New Features in the "EPLAN Multi Language Translation"
Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLANMulti Language Translation" extension module is available as
an option for the following program variants:
Electric P8 Select.
This extension module is by default part of the scope of delivery for the fol-
EPLANElectric P8 Professional, EPLANElectric P8 Professional+,
EPLANElectric P8 Ultimate, EPLANFluid, EPLANFluid Professional,
EPLANPPE, EPLANPPEProfessional, EPLANPro Panel Professional
Stand-alone.
This version includes extensions also in the Translation utility, the "EPLAN
Multi Language Translation" extension module.
SQL server database for the dictionary
So far, an Access database has always been used for the dictionary used for
translations on the EPLANplatform. In the newversion, the dictionary can
nowalso be based on an SQL server database. This way, users can use the
dictionary in the 64-bit version of the EPLANplatform, even though the Micro-
soft Office applications (including Microsoft Access) are installed on the com-
puters in the 32-bit version.
Benefit:
The option of using SQL server databases for the dictionary allows for
greater flexibility for users regarding the programs installed. Storage in an
SQL server database accelerates editing and the access to this data espe-
cially in the case of large quantities of data. SQL also provides corre-
sponding advantages in the "Administration" and "Multi-user operation"
areas.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page89
SQL server database for the dictionary
You can nowswitch between an Access and SQL server database in the dic-
tionary settings. In the respective dialogs, you can use the two options
Access and SQL server.
If you choose an Access database as before you do not need to make
any changes.
If you want to use an SQL server database, select the SQL server option
and click [...] to define the settings for using an SQL server in the SQL
server setting dialog. The entries here are required for the SQL server
logon.
Note:
The database settings for the dictionary can be configured both in the trans-
lation settings on the User tab and, in the Dictionary dialog, on the
Management tab. (The menu path for the Dictionary dialog is, for exam-
ple: Utilities > Translation > Edit dictionary.)
Tip:
If you wish to transfer entries from an existing Access database to an SQL
server database, first export the data from the Access dictionary in the
XML format (*.etd), generate a newSQL server database, and then
import the data in the newdatabase.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page90
New Features in the "EPLAN Project Options" Extension Module
Create dictionary
In the Dictionary dialog, you can create a newdictionary based on an SQL
server database. After choosing the SQL server option, you must select the
New menu item belowthe [Extras] button and input the appropriate entries
in the subsequent dialog.
To see which versions of the Microsoft SQL server are supported for the con-
version of the dictionary to an SQL server by the EPLANplatform, see the
section "Software Requirements and Approvals" (see page "206").
New Features in the "EPLAN Project Options" Extension
Module
Note:
The "EPLANProject Options" extension module is available as an option
for the following program variants:
EPLANElectric P8 Professional, EPLANFluid, and EPLANFluid Pro-
fessional.
EPLANElectric P8 Professional+, EPLANElectric P8 Ultimate, and
This extension module allows you to define areas of a machine or plant as
project options and then reveal or hide them within the EPLANproject. This
way, configuration characteristics or a different dimensioning of a machine or
plant can be easily represented and managed by means of project options.
Hidden project options are then also no longer evaluated.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page91
Search in hidden project options
Search in hidden project options
When searching projects with project options, objects in disabled project
options are taken into account if such project options are represented in a
transparent manner. In the EPLANversion 2.3, you can nowalso find texts or
properties that are part of hidden project options and are thus invisible.
For this purpose, enter your search term in the Find dialog (e.g., an outdated
part number) and enable in the Search location group box the newHidden
project options check box, so that a search is run for the search term in the
hidden project options.
If the search was successful, the Search results dialog will list the objects
found (e.g., a device with the part number in question). However, double-
clicking this result does not open the property dialog of this object, but the
Section dialog. This dialog shows you the name of the hidden project option
and the name of the hidden section. To edit the object found, you must navi-
gate to the project options navigator and there reveal the hidden project
options again.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page92
New Features in the "EPLAN Revision Management" Extension Module
New Features in the "EPLAN Revision Management" Exten-
sion Module
Note:
The "EPLANRevision Management" extension module is available as an
Electric P8 Select, EPLANPPE.
This extension module is by default part of the scope of delivery for the fol-
EPLANPPEProfessional, EPLANPro Panel Professional Stand-alone.
Via Revision control, the "EPLANRevision Management" extension module,
modifications of existing machine and plant documentation can be recorded
and documented automatically.
Display revision markers as clouds
Both with change tracking and property comparison of projects, you can now
display your revision markers as "clouds". Such form of graphical markers is
a common type of display, for example, in the US.
For this purpose, the Settings: Revision (graphical representation) dialog
has in the drop-down list Form the newentry "Cloud". This setting can be
configured in all four tabs Added, Changed, New in report, and Deleted.
(You will find the settings for the display of revision markers under Options >
Settings > Projects > "Project name" > Management > Revision
(graphical representation).)
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page93
Display Revision Information Outside Graphical Marker
Example:
The following figure shows a cloud as revision marker in connection with
change tracking for a newly added object.
Display Revision Information Outside Graphical Marker
In revision projects with Change tracking, changes in the properties can be
displayed by means of a marker text. To ensure that this revision information
is displayed in a revision at the modified components, you must create for the
respective components user-defined property arrangements with the added
Revision marker (change tracking) (ID19030) property. Nowyou can con-
figure the graphical representation of the revision in such a way that this
revision marker text is displayed outside the graphical marker.
Benefit:
You can position the revision marker texts on a page in any way, without
being disturbed by large and overlapping graphical markers.
For configuring such a setting, the Settings: Revision (graphical rep-
resentation) dialog nowcomes with the newDo not highlight revision
marker text check box. If this check box is activated, the revision marker text
is displayed outside of the graphical marker of the components.
The check box is deselected by default. In this case, the graphical marker of
the components also includes the revision marker text.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page94
Merge Revisions
Merge Revisions
If while editing revisions you want to merge different revisions in Change
tracking, you can use the newMerge revisions popup menu item in the Edit
revision data dialog.
Benefit:
The merging of revisions allows you, for example, to combine several inter-
nally used revision statuses before you transfer a revision project to exter-
nal persons or companies.
This popup menu item combines the revisions highlighted in the dialog. For
this purpose, the Generate revision dialog is opened for you to enter a (new
or already existing) revision name and a comment. The revision markers at
the components are updated and the old revision name is replaced by the
newone. The date of the merged revision is the date of the oldest revision
which is merged.
Delete Single Revision Markers
In the revision of projects, you can nowdelete the revision markers for individ-
ual, highlighted objects (components, texts, etc.) via Change tracking.
Benefit:
When deleting single revision markers, you can decide whether "smaller"
changes (e.g., the moving of components) are relevant to the revision.
To delete single revision markers, the graphical editor and the project data
navigators offer for highlighted objects the newDelete revision marker
popup menu item. This action deletes both the revision marker text and the
graphical marker.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page95
New Features in the "EPLAN User Rights Management" Extension Module
New Features in the "EPLAN User Rights Management"
Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLANUser Rights Management" extension module is available as
an option for the following program variants:
EPLANElectric P8 Select, EPLANElectric P8 Professional, EPLANFluid,
EPLANFluid Professional, EPLANPPE, EPLANPPEProfessional,
EPLANElectric P8 Professional+, EPLANElectric P8 Ultimate.
With the "User Rights Management" extension module for rights manage-
ment, an administrator can configure both the user rights and the user inter-
face (dialogs, menu structure, etc.), of the EPLANplatform.
New data format for rights management
Up to EPLANversion 2.2, the rights of rights management were stored in an
Access database; from version 2.3, an EPLAN-internal data format is used.
To ensure that when switching from an older EPLANversion to version 2.3,
you can continue using your own defined users and groups, in rights manage-
ment you can import a rights database from a previous EPLANversion (ver-
sion 2.2 or older) into the newrights management.
To import a rights database from a previous version, select in the menu of
the [Extras] button the newImport menu item. After you have selected the
required rights database using the subsequent dialog, the System mes-
sages dialog opens automatically. Here you can see the groups and users
that have been imported into the newdata format of rights management.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page96
New data format for rights management
Your own defined groups have already been assigned the newrights of ver-
sion 2.3. All you have to do is enable the newrights for these groups accord-
ing to your own specifications.
Note:
With a newdata format being used for rights management, the newrights
that have been added since the last EPLANversion are immediately avail-
able to the existing EPLANuser groups (administrators, guests, master
data editors, schematic editors). The rights do not require to be updated for
this version. The newrights are enabled by default for the "Administrators"
group.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page97
Special Topics EPLAN Electric P8
Special Topics EPLAN Electric P8
Cables
Conductors renamed to cable connections
In the EPLANplatform, a cable does not only denote the combination of sev-
eral conductors; due to the possibility of hybrid cables, a cable may also con-
tain optical fiber, tubes, etc.
For this reason, we have replaced the terms "conductor" and "wire" in the
user interface and online help with the more general designation "cable con-
nection" in all instances where these terms were too specific.
This renaming was carried out in miscellaneous locations of the user inter-
face:
in parts management, on the Cable data tab
in the property dialog of cables, on the Cable tab
in miscellaneous cable settings
and in the following menu items:
Old name: New name:
Menu View:
Cable conductor Cable connection
Menu Project data > Cables:
Assign conductors Assign cable connections
Collect conductors Collect cable connections
(These two instances of renaming were also carried out in the popup
menu of the cable navigator.)
Settings (conductors) Settings (Cable connections)
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page98
Conductors renamed to cable connections
In addition, several cable properties were also renamed in this version:
Old name: New name: ID:
No. of conductors Number of connections 22031
Conductor cross-section / dia-
meter
Connection: Cross-section / dia-
meter
22032
Unit for conductor cross-section
/ diameter
Unit for connection cross-sec-
tion / diameter
22068
No. of conductors and cross-
section / diameter
No. of connections and cross-
section / diameter
22069
Cables: Number of conductors
used
Cables: Number of used con-
nections
35100
Cables: Number of free con-
ductors
Cables: Number of free con-
nections
35101
Cables: Number of general con-
ductors
Cables: Number of general con-
nections
35105
Cables: Number of all con-
ductors
Cables: Number of all con-
nections
35108
Number of conductors used
(single-line cables)
Number of connections used
(single-line cables)
35109
Cables: Number of conductors
to this target / this source
Cables: Number of connections
to this target / this source
35110
Renamed format elements in the block properties
As part of renaming conductors and wires to more general designations, for-
mat elements for the block properties were also renamed.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page99
Terminals / Plugs
Since the subgroup of properties "Parts Cable" belowthe group "Part" is not
only available in the block properties of cable connections, this group was
renamed. In addition, other properties that can be selected as format ele-
ments for this subgroup were given newdesignations.
Parts Cable Part Connection / cable / conduit
Cable type / type designation Type designation 22030
Cable designation in graphic Designation in graphic 22064
Cable weight (kg/km) Weight (kg/km) 22067
Terminals / Plugs
Cross-references between distributed terminals
For the display of cross-references between associated distributed terminals,
you can nowuse the newDistributed terminals cross-reference (ID
20252) property at the terminals. Since this property for distributed terminal
symbols is nowpart of the default property arrangement, cross-references
are displayed automatically in the schematic for associated distributed ter-
minals that are represented in a distributed manner.
Benefit:
Cross-references between associated distributed terminals make it easier
for you to find the associated distributed terminals in the schematic.
The distributed terminals cross-reference refers from the first distributed ter-
minal (according to the sequence in the terminal strip navigator and, pri-
marily, the main terminal if one exists) to all other distributed terminals with
the same terminal designation. For all other distributed terminals, this cross-
reference refers back to the first distributed terminal.
EPLAN NEWS2.3Page100
New Features in the "EPLAN PLC & Bus Extension" Extension Module
The distributed terminals cross-reference is displayed by default at the new,
separate layer EPLAN444, Property placement.Distributed ter-
minals cross-reference, and can be displayed and hidden via the layer
settings.
New Features in the "EPLAN PLC & Bus Extension" Exten-
sion Module
Note:
The "EPLANPLC&Bus Extension" extension module is optionally avail-
able for EPLANElectric P8 Select. This extension module is part of the
default scope of delivery for EPLANElectric P8 Professional.
The "PLC&Bus Extension" extension module helps you to manage PLCcon-
trollers and bus systems.
Extended data exchange with Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7
In this version, the interface for the PLCdata exchange between EPLANElec-
tric P8 and the PLCconfiguration software "Siemens SIMATICSTEP7" has
been extended. PLCcards with inputs and outputs are nowtaken into
account more efficiently in connection with this data exchange.
For such PLCcards, you can nowenter differing start addresses and address
ranges for inputs and outputs. For this purpose, the following two properties
are available at the PLCbox in the schematic:
Address range 2 (ID20299)
Start address 2 of PLC card (ID20255).
By default, these two properties are not displayed in the PLC box tab of the
property dialog. If necessary, you must use the (New) button to navigate
to the property selection and select the properties there.
Updated Interface for Data Exchange with Schneider Unity Pro
Since the value of the address range can also be stored at the parts in parts
management, the PLC data tab of parts management has been extended to
include the Address range 2 input field.
Notes:
PLCcards with only inputs or outputs still require only a start address /
only one address range. Nothing changes for these PLCcards!
In order to generate reports for the properties Address range 2 and
Start address 2 of PLC card, the Separate address range for
inputs and outputs check box must be deactivated in the PLC-specific
settings.
For more information on this data exchange, see the application example
"PLC/ Bus Data Exchange with 'SIMATICSTEP7'". In addition, the exten-
sions described here have also been implemented for the data exchange in
the PLCstandard exchange format.
Updated Interface for Data Exchange with Schneider Unity Pro
This interface allows the exchange of PLCdata between EPLANElectric P8
and the "Unity Pro" PLCconfiguration software from Schneider Electric.
EPLANnowalso supports "Unity Pro" in Version 7.0.
In the two dialogs for the data exchange, Export PLC data and Import PLC
data, the associated format of the export / import file was adjusted accord-
ingly ("Schneider Unity Pro V6.0 / V7.0").
Special Topics EPLAN Pro Panel
Special Topics EPLAN Pro Panel
EPLANPro Panel stands for customized enclosure engineering solutions in
enclosure construction and automation technology. Electrical engineering
planning, 3Dmounting layout, manufacturing, and mounting merge, through
a uniform data basis, to form a fully integrated solution.
This part of the News will first provide you with information on the free routing
of connections. This newfunctionality is available in the extension module
"EPLANPro Panel - Process Wiring".
The subsequently described newfunctionalities are part of both EPLANPro
Panel and EPLANPro Panel Professional:
"Copying, Cutting, and Pasting Layout Spaces" on page "124"
"Display of Sloping Surfaces in Model View" on page "125"
"Extensions in STEPImport" on page "126"
"NewFeatures in the "STEPExport" Extension Module" on page "128"
"Extensions when Placing Parts" on page "129"
"Other NewFeatures in the Reports for EPLANPro Panel" on page "132"
The newfunctionalities described in these sections are part of the Pro-
fessional version:
"Extended Automatic Interpretation of Logic Items" on page "133"
"New2DDrilling Views with NCand Drill Hole-relevant Data" on
page"137"
"Extended Settings for Routing Connections" on page "140"
"NewFeatures in the "Process Wiring" Extension Module" on page "144"
"New"Production Athex" Extension Module for Automatic Equipment of
Terminal Strips" on page "151"
Process Wiring: Free Routing of Connections
"NewFeatures in the "Production Wiring KOMAX" Extension Module" on
page "152"
"NewFeatures in the "Production Wiring Schleuniger" Extension Module"
on page "154"
"NewInterface to the Averex Wiring Robot" on page "155"
"Consistent Messages for the Export of NCand Wire Fabrication Data"
on page "155".
Process Wiring: Free Routing of Connections
The newfunction for the free routing of connections allows you to route wire,
cable or also tube connections freely in the layout space without any prior def-
inition of a routing path network or the use of wire ducts.
Freely routed connections can be realized as wires and cables between elec-
trical engineering items as well as as tubes between Fluid power items.
The free routing of connections and further functions described beloware
part of the "EPLANPro Panel - Process Wiring" extension module.
Note:
The "EPLANPro Panel - Process Wiring" extension module is available as
an option for EPLANPro Panel Professional.
"Extended Connection Point Pattern" on page "105"
"Routing Connections Freely" on page "111"
"Extend Routing Path Network through Curves" on page "114"
"Edit Curve" on page "115"
"Placing of Routing Accessories" on page "118"
"NewLayers in Layer Management" on page "123"
"NewCheck Run Messages" on page "123".
Extended Connection Point Pattern
The so-called "connection point direction" of a connection used to define the
direction in which a routing connection enters or leaves an item. In addition,
the "connection point direction" was also used to specify the direction in
which the program would look for an entry point of the connection into the
routing path network.
The current version provides significantly more flexibility.
Thus, an item nowhas an extended connection point logic. For all connection
points of an item, a a distinction is nowmade between the connection point
direction and the routing direction.
The Connection point direction specifies the direction in which the routing
connection enters or leaves the connection point of the item.
The Routing direction specifies the direction of the subsequent search for
a possible entry point into a routing path network. If there is a possible
entry point in that direction, the routing connection will be routed in that
direction.
Benefit:
With this distinction between connection point direction and routing direc-
tion, it is possible to route routing connections in a more flexible and more
targeted manner. This extension helps optimize the routing tracks in
terms of the optimal routing track as well as in terms of the required con-
nection length.
The connection point direction can be specified as "global" during the def-
inition of the connection point pattern in parts management, or directly and
locally at the part placement.
For this, the tabs Connection points of parts management and Connection
point pattern of the part placement nowcome with the newcolumns X vec-
tor, Y vector, and Z vector.
Scheme for the column configuration of the connection point data
In addition, for connection point patterns, you can nowconfigure the scope of
the connection point data displayed. Both the Connection point pattern tab
at the part placement and the Connection points tab in parts management
have been extended to included the drop-down list Scheme. The scheme
specifies which connection point data is displayed in what order. This way
you can easily hide columns which are not required.
Click the [...] button to open the Settings: Column configuration dialog,
where you can create or edit a scheme. For the display of electrical engineer-
ing and Fluid power connection point data, you will be provided with a
scheme each containing the installation of the newversion.
Renamed properties
Due to the logical separation of connection point and routing direction, the
designations of the following properties have been adjusted as well:
Connection point direction (default) Routing direction (default) 22948
Connection point direction Routing direction 35554
Display of connection point directions
To display the connection point directions of connection points at part place-
ments in the layout space, use the newConnection point directions menu
item.
After you have selected the menu items View > Connection point direc-
tions, the defined connection point directions will be displayed as red arrows
at the connection points.
The previous Connection points menu item was renamed:
Old name: New name:
Connection points Connection point designations
Using the menu items View > Connection point designations, the con-
nection points of the part placements will be displayed, as before, as red
cuboids. In the center of these cuboids, the respective connection point des-
ignations of the connection points will be displayed additionally. The con-
nection point designations are visible only in connection with a suitable 3D
viewpoint and substantial enlargement of the section.
Specify connection point directions graphically
As part of the functional extensions, the graphical definition of connection
points for part placements in the layout space was adjusted.
If you select this function via the menu path Edit > Device logic > Con-
nection point pattern > Define connection point, first specify the con-
nection point direction.
The connection point direction is specified by selecting any area. The Z orien-
tation of the selected surface determines the connection point direction.
Example:
The Z orientation of a surface is always perpendicular to the base.
By clicking the area (1) highlighted in color, the displayed connection point
direction, for a connection point to be defined, would result in the Z direc-
tion.
Procedure: Move the cursor over the area of a part placement. The area
beneath the cursor is highlighted in color. Click the required area highlighted
in color. The X, Y, and Z values of the vector of the connection point direction
are entered in the connection point pattern in the columns X vector, Y vec-
tor, and Z vector. The values thus determined can be modified sub-
sequently.
Then, define the connection point as usual.
If during the action you want to specify a different connection point direction,
press the [N] key. This way, you can select a different area, and thus specify
a different connection point direction for the connection points to be defined
subsequently.
Example:
The following figure shows different items with their graphically defined con-
nection points in the layout space.
With the right configuration of the view, the connection points will be dis-
played as red cuboids, and the specified connection point directions as red
arrows.
Subsequent modification of connection point directions
To modify a connection point direction subsequently, use, in the menu path
Edit > Device logic > Connection point pattern, the newChange con-
nection point direction menu item.
In order to recognize the changes in the layout space, you should first display
all connection point vectors via the menu items View > Connection point
directions.
You specify the connection points to be edited via a selection area. This can
be done prior to or after selecting the Change connection point direction
menu item. If you have highlighted the entire item, the change in direction will
be applied to all connection points of the item. If you want to modify the con-
nection point direction of only one connection point, you will have to highlight
first such a connection point.
The newconnection point direction is set with a final click on an area of a part
placement.
Carry over connection point pattern to parts management
Alocal connection point pattern which has been, e.g., individually extended
by graphically defined connection points, can nowbe directly carried over
from the part placement to parts management. For this, you can use the new
Generate connection point pattern menu item in the popup menu of the
part placements.
In order to carry over a connection point pattern, highlight an item with a con-
nection point pattern in the layout space, and select the Generate con-
nection point pattern popup menu item. In parts management, a new
connection point pattern is then generated with the name New_<con-
secutive number> (e.g., New_1) belowthe hierarchy level "Connection
point pattern". The name of the connection point pattern can be modified sub-
sequently in parts management.
Routing Connections Freely
The free routing of connections generates curved electrical engineering or
Fluid power routing connections outside of a routing path network. Such con-
nections are needed when the use of wire ducts is impossible or not cus-
tomary:
For routing wires with large cross-sections
When routing, e.g., Ethernet cables
For the definition of routing tracks in complex housing situations
For the flexible direct connection of electrical devices, e.g., devices
mounted on a swivelable door
For the connection of Fluid power devices to hoses outside of a routing
path network.
Freely routed connections are often mounted or bundled with routing acces-
sories (cable / tubing clamp, cable / tubing tie, cable / tubing protection). For
more information, please read the section "Placing of Routing Accessories"
(starting on page "118").
Afreely routed connection is generated along a defined spatial curve
between the source and target devices. No routing path network is expected
or needed.
Following the exit from the connection point, the connection is first aligned at
the curve run tangentially to the connection point direction, and runs again
tangentially at the target in the direction of the target connection point.
To route connections freely in the opened layout space, select the Project
data > Connections > Free routing (layout space) menu items. After you
have selected the part placements and connections to be routed, the routing
connections will be generated and represented between the source and tar-
get devices.
Example:
The following figure shows a routing connection routed freely in the space.
Tip:
To insert curves, route connections freely, and to change their runs, you
can also use the newbuttons in the Pro Panel routing toolbar.
Free routing from within the connection navigator
You can also use the connection navigator to route connections freely. Using
the newFree routing (layout space) popup menu item, you can freely route
selected, multi-line connections.
Insert free routing connections manually
With the newfunction, the manual insertion of routing connections was also
extended for which no multi-line counterpieces have been defined in the sche-
matic.
Select the menu items Insert > Routing connections. Then, specify the
source and target of the connection in the layout space. The Routing con-
nection dialog will nowbe visible.
Specify here whether the routing connection to be inserted is to be routed in
the routing path network or freely.
The connection is routed freely in the space if the Route connection freely
option has been selected. The freely routed connection is represented
between the connection points of the source and target as a spatial curve.
Change form of routed connections
The curve run of a freely routed connection can be modified subsequently.
To do so, you can modify the position of individual control points of the curve
run, or insert newcontrol points.
Using the newmenu items Edit > Graphic > New control point, and Edit >
Graphic > Change curve run, you can adjust the course of the routing con-
nection to the spatial conditions in the mounting layout. For more infor-
mation, please read the section "Edit Curve" (starting on page "115").
Extend Routing Path Network through Curves
Extend Routing Path Network through Curves
To route connections, cables, and also tubes in the layout space, you gen-
erally require a routing path network. In order to extend a routing path net-
work manually, you can nowalso use curves besides wire ducts and routing
paths.
Curves are manually inserted default paths for the routing of electrical
engineering and Fluid power connections.
In addition, curves are characterized by the following special features:
The curve is defined by a starting point and at least two consecutive con-
trol points. The point of the curve placed last will be interpreted as the end
point.
The individual control points of the curve also contain, in addition to their
X, Y, and Z position coordinates, information on the curve gradient and
the bending factor.
Graphically, the curves, like routing paths, are displayed as blue lines with
snap points at the starting / end points and at the control points.
When inserting curves, snap points on existing routing paths can be used.
It is, however, also possible to freely define curves by means of the cursor
or the placement options.
Mounting surfaces that are belowthe cursor when placing the curve
points are activated automatically. If a mounting surface is active, all
points of the curve are placed in the mounting surface.
Edit Curve
Inserting Curves
To insert a curve, select from the Insert menu the Curve menu item. Alter-
natively you can click the (curve) button on the Pro Panel routing toolbar.
Then place the starting point and control points of the curve via mouse-clicks.
If you move the cursor close to an existing routing path, the starting, center,
and end points of the existing routing path will be displayed as snap points.
With free placement in space, a surrounding cuboid shows the space taken
up by the curve run from the last point entered to the current cursor position.
When placing in a surface, a rectangle is shown.
To finish a curve, press the [Spacebar], or select the Complete curve
popup menu item.
Edit Curve
The property dialog of a curve displays on the Curve tab the characteristic
points of a curve (starting point, control points, end point) in the layout space.
Edit Curve
Here you can view, and if necessary modify, the position, the coordinates of
the gradient at the segment point, as well as the bending factor. Using the
(Delete) button, you can remove highlighted control points until only one con-
trol point is left, besides the starting and end points.
To edit curves in the layout space, you can use the following three newmenu
items belowthe menu path Edit > Graphic.
New control point
Change curve run
Align curve run tangentially.
Insert new control points
Using the New control point menu item, you can add newcontrol points
anywhere along the curve run. If you move the cursor over a curve to select a
position for a newcontrol point, the existing control points will be displayed on
the curve.
With the placement of a newcontrol point, the shape and spatial run of a
curve do not yet change at first.
Edit Curve
Change curve run
The form of curves can be changed manually by moving control points. First,
select the Change curve run menu item, then select a curve in the layout
space.
If you move the cursor near a control point, a coordinate system with X, Y,
and Z direction arrows will be displayed at the control point. You can specify
the direction for moving via this coordinate system. As soon as you position
the cursor on one of the direction arrows, the direction arrowwill change its
color to green.
After selecting a green direction arrow(e.g., by clicking), move the control
point with the mouse or keyboard in the direction indicated by the arrow.
Place the control point at the desired location with another click.
Tips:
You can change the curvature of the curve at a control point by means
of the [Home] and [End] keys.
You can change the gradient of the curve at a control point by means of
the [Tab] key and the [Tab] + [Shift] key combination.
Placing of Routing Accessories
Align curve run tangentially
The Align curve run tangentially menu item allows you to align both ends
of a curve tangentially to an edge. Depending on the edge selected, you can
achieve different results in this way:
Acurve end is not to run toward an area vertically, but is to be aligned with
the area tangentially.
Tip:
This route corresponds to the mounting method in practice, that is, the
routed connection is to run tangentially along the mounting surface and is
attached to it by means of cable / tubing clamps.
Acurve end should enter a connection point vertically to avoid the bend-
ing of connections with large cross-sections.
For aligning the curve run tangentially, first select a curve end. Then, select
an object edge for the alignment. If you pres the [Shift] key when selecting
the edge, the tangential alignment is rotated by 180.
Nowyou can place routing accessories as further components for the 3D
mounting layout. Routing accessories are used to mount, bundle, and protect
cable and tube connections. You can insert the following three accessory
types:
Cable / tubing clamp:
Routing accessories to mount tubes, cables, and single conductors with a
large conductor cross-section.
Cable / tubing tie:
Routing accessories to combine tubes, cables, and single conductors into
a bundle.
Cable / tubing protection:
Routing accessories to protect bundled tubes, cables, and single con-
ductors against mechanical and thermal effects from the outside; in gen-
eral practice, spiral coiled tubes are used, for example.
Parts for routing accessories
In analogy to other 3Dcomponents, before you can place routing acces-
sories, you must first store the corresponding part in parts management. To
create such parts, the "Mechanics" generic product group nowoffers you the
new"Routing accessories" product group with the following product sub-
groups:
"Cable / tubing clamp"
"Cable / tubing tie"
"Cable / tubing protection".
The parts of these product subgroups come in parts management with an
additional newRouting accessories data tab. Use this tab to enter man-
ufacturer-specific data on the bundle diameter in the fields Minimum bundle
diameter and Maximum bundle diameter. The bundle diameter indicates
the minimum or maximum diameter of a bundle of connections that must be
met in order to bundle them with this part. Reports are generated for the
values of the parts from the product subgroups "Cable / tubing tie" and
"Cable / tubing protection" during placement in the layout space.
Note:
To ensure correct calculation of the bundle diameters, an external dia-
meter (including unit) must be defined at the part of the connection on the
Connection data tab.
For a part to be placed as routing accessories, a suitable function definition
has to be selected for this part on the Function definition tab. In the tree
viewof the subsequent dialog Function definitions, you will find the suitable
function definitions under Mechanics // System accessories // Rout-
ing accessories.
Inserting Routing Accessories
The routing accessories parts are inserted in a layout space via the Insert >
Routing accessories menu items. After selecting one of the sub-menu
items (e.g., Cable / tubing clamp), the Part selection dialog opens, and the
correct hierarchy level (e.g., "Cable / tubing clamp") is already open.
The graphic of the "Cable / tubing clamp" routing accessories can be rep-
resented by a 3Dgraphical macro assigned to the part or generated from
the part dimensions. In the former case, the macro must contain a routing
path; in the latter, this will be generated automatically. The part can be
placed on a mounting surface.
Note:
To guide a connection through an already placed cable / tubing clamp, the
connection must be routed by means of the Change route function
through the clamp as a target routing path.
Cable / tubing tie:
The "Cable / tubing tie" routing accessories bundle connections that have
been routed in a routing path or curve. The part can be placed anywhere
on a routing path or curve. After the placement, the cable / tubing tie
encloses, as a ring, the routing path or curve concentrically.
The "Cable / tubing protection" routing accessories comprise and bundle
connections that have been routed in a routing path or curve. The part can
be placed anywhere on a routing path or curve. The part is placed by
entering a starting and end point on one or several contiguous routing
paths or curves. After the placement, the cable / tubing protection
Note:
Only if one or several connections have been routed on a routing path or
curve can you place the "Cable / tubing tie" or "Cable / tubing protection"
routing accessories on such a defined routing track.
When placing the routing accessories, all usual options in the layout space
and the Placement options dialog are available. In addition, to insert routing
accessories, you can also use other functions for part placement (Insert as
device, Insert as macro, Part master data navigator, etc.).
Tip:
To insert routing accessories, you can also use the newbuttons in the Pro
Panel toolbar.
New Layers in Layer Management
New Layers in Layer Management
For the new3Dobjects in the layout space, the layer management nowhas
the following newlayers:
EPLAN794, 3D graphic.Connections.Curve
EPLAN795, 3D graphic.Routing accessories.Cable / tubing
clamp
tie
protection.
On the basis of these layers, the display properties Transparency and Color
are predefined in a project-wide manner for the new3Dobjects.
New Check Run Messages
To check the newfunctions (insert curves or routing accessories), we provide
you for message class 026 "3Dmounting layout" with the following addi-
tional, newcheck run messages:
Message 026075 "Bending radius of the curve is smaller than the mini-
mum permitted bending radius of the routing connection."
Message 026076 "Cable / tubing protection or cable / tubing tie is not
located on a routing path / curve."
Message 026077 "Bundle diameter too great; connections cannot be bun-
dled with the selected part."
Message 026078 "Bundle diameter too small, connections cannot be bun-
dled with the part selected."
Copying, Cutting, and Pasting Layout Spaces
Copying, Cutting, and Pasting Layout Spaces
The EPLANplatform supports the familiar Windows functions of copying, cut-
ting and pasting nowalso in connection with layout spaces.
Benefit:
A3Dmounting layout, once planned, can be moved / changed quickly
using the familiar Windows functions within a project, or can be made avail-
able in another project.
In the current version, when you select a layout space in the Layout space -
<Project name> dialog, from the Edit menu or the popup menu of the navi-
gator, you can select the menu items Cut, Copy, and Insert. Ahighlighted
layout space or highlighted layout spaces can be copied to the Clipboard via
Cut / Copy.
After you have highlighted in the layout space navigator the location where
you wish to insert the layout space(s), and selected the Insert menu item, the
familiar Adapt structure dialog opens. Like with the inserting of pages, you
can, for example, overwrite an existing layout space or customize manually
the proposed layout space name.
In analogy to the procedure for pages, when cutting / copying layout spaces,
you can also work with several clipboards and number the items of inserted
layout spaces online and automatically via the Insertion mode dialog. If you
select in this dialog the Number option, both the device tags of the items and
the grouping signs for item designations will be renumbered.
Display of Sloping Surfaces in Model View
Display of Sloping Surfaces in Model View
Viewpoints in model views are usually based on the coordinates of the layout
space. Asloping surface, e.g., the front of a control panel, is not visible in the
model viewwith its actual dimensions, because its position rotates it outside
the orthogonal view, causing it to be shortened in its representation. Thus,
dimensionings within a model viewdo not showtheir real lengths.
In order to dimension sloping surfaces in model views correctly, you can now
use in the Model view dialog the newModel view: Apply viewpoint to
mounting surface (ID: 36508) property.
Benefit:
Since the viewpoint in model views can nowalso be based on a mounting
surface, sloping surfaces within a model viewcan nowbe rotated in the
screen layer and be dimensioned correctly within model views.
If the Model view: Apply viewpoint to mounting surface property is ena-
bled in the View tab, the viewof an item will be aligned according to its mount-
ing surface. This way, even an item with sloping alignment will be depicted in
the model viewcorrectly and orthogonally. The dimensioning generated on it
will then correspond to the real values.
If this property is not yet displayed in the property table of the View tab, you
must select it using the Property selection dialog.
Extensions in STEP Import
Example:
(1): Viewon a sloping surface without activated property Model view:
Apply viewpoint to mounting surface property and result in the model
view
(2): Viewon a sloping surface with activated property Model view: Apply
viewpoint to mounting surface property and result in the model view
Extensions in STEP Import
Transfer of original names
Using the menu path Layout space > Import (3D graphic), you can import
3Dgraphical data in the STEPformat from external CADsystems. The orig-
inal names of the components from the STEPfiles are nowcarried over to
the Item description property of the respective property dialog of the
imported 3Dobject during the import.
Separating Items in STEP Import
When transferring the original names, the values of the following fields are
evaluated in the STEPfiles:
PROCUCT: for individual items or
NEXT_ASSEMBLY_USAGE_OCCURANCE: for the parts of an assembly.
Benefit:
During the import of 3Dgraphical data with many individual components,
the components in the 3Dmodel to be edited can be identified more easily,
because the item description can also be displayed in the layout space
navigator. This facilitates identification of individual items for further proc-
essing and the general orientation within the layout space navigator.
Separating Items in STEP Import
During the export to STEP, different CADsystems allowfor combining sev-
eral bodies or entire assemblies to one unit. The imported target system will
then interpret these bodies or assemblies as a unit. You can nowinfluence
the import of STEPfiles so that the combined 3Dbodies of a STEPfile are
again separated after the import in EPLANPro Panel.
For this, use in the project-specific Settings: 3D import dialog the newSep-
arate items check box. This check box is selected by default.
If the STEPfile contains assemblies which were combined into one unit, all
combined bodies are generally separated - independent of the setting of this
check box.
Tip:
To subsequently combine several individual bodies into one component,
the functionality Edit > Graphic > Unite can be used.
New Features in the "STEP Export" Extension Module
New Features in the "STEP Export" Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLANPro Panel - STEPExport" extension module is available as
an option for EPLANPro Panel and EPLANPro Panel Professional.
Use this extension module to output 3Dgraphical data of a layout space in
the STEPformat.
Considering Routing Connections in STEP Export
During the STEPexport, you can nowalso export the routing connections
that exist in the layout space. Use the newExport routing connections
check box in the user-specific settings for the STEPexport. If this check box
is activated, the existing routing connections will be exported as well for the
highlighted layout space during the STEPexport. This is not the default set-
ting.
Benefit:
On the basis of the generated STEPfiles, you can nowalso load routing
connections in external CADsystems, visualize them there, and check
them against collisions.
Extensions when Placing Parts
Extensions when Placing Parts
Manual input of dimensions
When placing a part in the layout space, the selected part had to include spe-
cific information. As a result, for the respective part in parts management,
you had to enter either the device-specific measurements, or save a 3D
graphical macro.
Nowwhen you want to place a part without a 3Dgraphical macro or without
complete information regarding width, height, and depth (e.g., via Insert >
Device), the Dimensions dialog opens. Use this dialog to enter manually the
part dimensions of the part to be placed prior to the placing of electrical
engineering, Fluid power, and certain mechanical parts.
Benefit:
Through the prompt for missing part dimensions as part of the placement,
missing part dimensions can be added without having to go through parts
management.
Manual input of dimensions
If some partial part dimensions are already entered at the associated part,
the corresponding fields are filled with these values. In the fields Width,
Height, and Depth, enter the device-specific measurements of the part, over-
write existing values, or add any missing entries. After input, the part place-
ment is displayed with the determined dimensions.
Note:
As for parts from the "Mechanics" generic product group, the manual input
of dimensions is permitted if they belong to one of the following product
subgroups and also have one of the following function definitions:
Product group Product subgroup Function definition
Busbar Adapter Adapter
Connection adapter
Device adapter
System accessories General Cable gland
Enclosure component
Manual input of part dimensions is not possible for all other mechanical
parts from the "Mechanics" generic product group or parts from the "Proc-
ess engineering" generic product group.
Selecting Drilling Pattern when Placing Parts
Selecting Drilling Pattern when Placing Parts
Devices with miscellaneous assembly variants must have a suitable drilling
pattern defined for each variant. The suitable drilling patterns are stored for
each part in parts management in the Manufacturing tab. Previously, the
correct drilling pattern could not be checked and changed until after the plac-
ing in the property dialog of the part placement. To do so, go to the Parts tab
to find the Used drilling pattern property (ID20284) for the "part reference
data" category.
If you nowplace parts with several assigned drilling patterns on a mounting
surface in the newEPLANversion, you will select the drilling pattern to be
used by means of a selection dialog. Asubsequent modification of the used
drilling pattern can be done, as before, in the property dialog of the part place-
ment by means of the Used drilling pattern property.
Benefit:
The additional functionality for the selection of a suitable drilling pattern
offers clearly more flexibility and comfort when placing parts. Furthermore,
the additional effort to modify the drilling pattern by means of the sub-
sequent processing of the part placement does not apply any more.
If the Select drilling pattern selection dialog is no longer to be displayed,
you can deactivate it using the Do not show this dialog again check box. In
this case, the first drilling pattern entered at the part will always be used.
Other New Features in the Reports for EPLAN Pro Panel
Other New Features in the Reports for EPLAN Pro Panel
Detached Display of Busbar Systems in Mounting Lists
The hierarchical structure of a mounting layout in the layout space can be
mapped using the "Mounting list" report. Busbar systems are always dis-
played in a detached manner when such a report is output (e.g. for the mount-
ing panel).
As a result, a mounting list does not list, one by one, the part numbers of a
busbar system anymore, but the part numbers and the device tags of the
individual system components (busbars, busbar supports).
Updating Reports Independent of the Licensing
Reports contained in an EPLANproject can nowalways be updated inde-
pendently of the licensing and across all trades. This is also true of the model
views, 2Ddrilling views, and copper unfolds contained in a project. For fur-
ther information on this topic, see the section "Reports" (see page "68").
Benefit:
Regardless of the specific type of EPLANlicensing, data and reports can
nowbe updated and provided in a project comprehensively at any time.
Extended Automatic Interpretation of Logic Items
Using the "Automatic enclosure interpretation" you were previously able to
carry over the existing logic of an enclosure to another, newly to be defined,
enclosure of the same or a similar design. In the newversion, this function
was specifically extended and renamed to Automatic interpretation.
In addition to enclosures, the existing logic can nowalso be carried over from
other items to imported 3Dobjects. Moreover, the selection options both
for the 3Dobject to be defined and the interpretation template have been
extended substantially. Thanks to a newcheck, you can determine which
template project is best suited for the interpretation.
Benefit:
By means of the extended automatic interpretation, the time needed for
the creation of graphical master data for components and assemblies
(such as, e.g., enclosures) is significantly reduced.
The following section describes the newfeatures of automatic interpretation.
For more information and to learn about requirements for this topic, go to the
online help and look up the section "Automatic Interpretation: Principle".
Transfer other properties
To ensure that during automatic interpretation the complete item logic of a
template is carried over to the 3Dobject to be defined, the transfer was addi-
tionally extended to include the following characteristics:
Mounting surface (Change size)
Field sizes
Handles
Mounting points
Base points
Mounting grid
Transparency
Apply superior layers
Item ID
Property Item requires holes in mounting surface (ID36014)
Property Create mounting list (ID36032).
New interpretation options
The following newoptions exist for automatic interpretation:
Selection of several imported 3Dbodies:
In the layout space navigator, first select the layout spaces of the
imported 3Dbodies. Then, using the menu items Edit > Device logic >
Automatic interpretation, specify the interpretation template (pre-
viously: "Sample enclosure"). (The menu items are available only when a
layout space is opened!) In the selection of several 3Dbodies to be inter-
preted, only one template (e.g., enclosure) can be selected.
Selection of template from parts management:
For this purpose, the renamed dialog Select interpretation template
was extended to include the Part-specific tab. Using the (New) but-
ton, navigate to parts management and select there a part with a stored
3Dgraphical macro.
Display of all opened projects:
In the Project-specific tab, you can as before select from the current
project a layout space with a template object (e.g., enclosure) as a sam-
ple. Here, the layout spaces of all opened projects are displayed now.
This way you can select a template that does not exist in the current
project (e.g., template from a macro project).
In the case of one 3Dbody to be interpreted Multiple selection of tem-
plates:
If you have selected only one imported 3Dbody, you can nowselect sev-
eral templates both on the Project-specific tab and on the Part-specific
tab. In such a case, the most suitable template will then be suggested to
you in a list of matching results. Aselection of several templates from mis-
cellaneous opened projects is not possible.
New similarity check
If you have selected several templates for a 3Dbody to be interpreted in the
selection dialog Select interpretation template, EPLANPro Panel will
launch the so-called "similarity check". This check determines which tem-
plates have the most accurate similarity / highest hit ratio of specific char-
acteristics with respect to the 3Dobject to be defined.
The results of the check are listed in the newMatching results dialog. Here,
you can select the most suitable item. In this context, the Quota column dis-
plays the degree of similarity with the 3Dobject to be defined in percentage.
New 2D Drilling Views with NC and Drill Hole-relevant Data
New 2D Drilling Views with NC and Drill Hole-relevant Data
In EPLANPro Panel Professional, you can nowuse 2Ddrilling views as a
special type of model views. 2Ddrilling views showthe NCand drill hole-rel-
evant data, drilling patterns, as well as outlines of basic items and parts in a
model view. The items and drill holes can be assigned dimensioning in drill-
ing views.
Benefit:
Now, you can create 2Ddrilling views with optional dimensioning as further
type of a project documentation. 2Ddrilling views are thus an integral part
of your complete documentation.
Example:
The 2Ddrilling viewdepicted shows a mounting panel with mounting rails
and wire ducts, the drill holes of these items and the dimensioning.
Inserting 2D Drilling View
"Inserting 2DDrilling View" on page "138"
"Change / Edit 2DDrilling Views" on page "139"
"NewLayers for 2DDrilling View" on page "139".
Inserting 2D Drilling View
2Ddrilling views are inserted in the same way as model views are inserted,
e.g., on pages of the "Model view" page type. To be able to place drilling
views, your EPLANproject requires a layout space with NC-relevant basic
items (mounting panels, doors, sheets, profiles) on which items with drilling
patterns or cut-outs have been placed or in which the standard NCoutlines
(drill holes, slotted holes, sections) or free NCoutlines have been integrated.
Select the menu items Insert > Graphic > 2D drilling view. After you have
specified the area for the 2Ddrilling view, the Drilling view dialog opens. As
with model views, this dialog, too, has the tabs View, Display, Rectangle,
and Format.
Define the data specific to the 2Ddrilling viewon the View tab. A2Ddrilling
viewcan always be created for only one layout space. When you open the
dialog for the first time, the name of the first layout space in the project is dis-
played in the Layout space field. Using the Basic item field, you select what
is to be displayed in the 2Ddrilling view.
If you enable the Display item silhouettes check box, the basic outlines of
extruded items (e.g., mounting rails and wire ducts) and the lateral boundary
lines of the 3Dbody generated from the basic outline will be displayed. Dis-
abling this setting will accelerate the output of complex 2Ddrilling views, but
will impair the quality of the illustration of the items.
In contrast to the model view, a 2Ddrilling viewis always represented with
the 3Dviewpoint "Front".
Change / Edit 2D Drilling Views
Change / Edit 2D Drilling Views
In analogy to the model views, you also have the option here of modifying the
2Ddrilling views using the popup menu items Center contents and Move
contents. You can also move property texts and reset those texts in a 2D
drilling view.
If the part placements in the project were changed, the 2Ddrilling views can
be updated at any time via the menu items Utilities > Reports > Update.
Use the menu items Utilities > Reports > 2D drilling views to manage
(update, delete, etc.) the 2Ddrilling views that exist in the project.
New Layers for 2D Drilling View
For the project-wide control of the different graphics and texts in the 2Ddrill-
ing views, you can use five newlayers in layer management:
EPLAN675, Graphic.Drilling view
(for the borders of drilling views)
EPLAN676, Graphic.Drilling view.Item
(for the item silhouettes)
EPLAN677, Graphic.Drilling view.Machining
(for the drill holes / cut-outs)
EPLAN678, Graphic.Drilling view.Mounting surface
(for the mounting surface / for the selected basic item)
EPLAN679, Property placement.Drilling view
(for the description of the drilling views).
Extended Settings for Routing Connections
Extended Settings for Routing Connections
When routing connections in the routing path network of a layout space, the
length of connections is determined in addition to the routing track. In this ver-
sion, the project-specific settings for routing connections have been
extended to include several newsettings options, all of which control the
length calculations of routing connections.
These extensions for routing connections are found in the menu path
Options > Settings > Projects > "Project name" > Routing con-
nections > General. These newfeatures are described in the following sec-
tions.
Diagonal Connection Form for Connections with Large Cross-sections
Diagonal Connection Form for Connections with Large Cross-sections
Previously, the form of a routing connection was always routed orthogonally
from the connection point of a device to a routing path network. This means
that the connection was at first routed orthogonally in the level in which the
wire duct is mounted to then turn into the actual wire duct. Connections with
large cross-sections or diameters can, however, not be easily routed in this
way and orthogonally because then the bending radii to be considered can
mostly not be adhered to any more, the space requirements for this kind of
routing are not given, and the complexity for mechanical bending is high.
Anewproject setting for routing connections on the Route tab nowallows
you to avoid bending positions and route connections with larger cross-sec-
tions without having to consider bending radii. In the newDiagonal con-
nection form from connection cross-section input field, you enter the
value for the connection cross-section from which a routing connection is to
enter the routing path network diagonally, rather than orthogonally.
Note:
This setting is valid only for electrical engineering routing connections that
are routed in a routing path network.
Alternative Length Calculation when Connection Point Pattern not
Available
If, during the routing of connections in the layout space, the parts involved do
not have an assigned connection point pattern, or if no local connection point
pattern is defined for the part placements involved, the connection length, so
far, has been determined on the basis of a specific method. As a rule, this
method required you to add a safety. This could sometimes produce wires
that were too long and that had to be shortened manually or placed in the
wire duct in the form of a loop during manufacturing.
Alternative Length Calculation when Connection Point Pattern not Available
With the newversion, you can nowselect an alternative calculation method
that calculates several routing tracks internally and does not require a safety.
Benefit:
With the alternative calculation method, even without a connection point
pattern, it is possible to calculate a routing connection that is better suited
to the planning conditions. The result of the calculation returns the longest
of all suitable wires per connection.
With this option, the generation of a connection point pattern is usually not
necessary. Aclear simplification with regard to master data generation.
Which method is used to calculate the length if the connection point pattern is
not available is specified in the project-specific settings for the routing con-
nections in the Route tab. You can select one of the following two options
from the newConnection length in case connection point pattern not
available group box:
By connection point position (automatic): This is the calculation
method used so far. This calculation method is based, depending on the
connection point designation (even, odd or alphanumeric), on a fixed
defined connection point direction and a fixed defined geometric position
of the connection point. To the connection length calculated, a safety is
added.
By maximum routing track: With this new, alternative calculation
method, the defaults for the connection point direction and geometric posi-
tion for connection points with odd and even or alphanumeric connection
point designations are adopted from the calculation method By con-
nection point position (automatic).
In addition, however, several routing tracks are calculated and compared
to each other that are derived from the alternative consideration of the con-
nection point directions "Move up" and "Down" of the source and target of
the connection. The greatest value calculated in this comparison is used
Extended Global Extra Length
as the length of the routing connection and entered at the routing con-
nection.
Note:
When routing on the basis of the By maximum routing track calculation
method, several alternative routing tracks are calculated. Correspondingly,
the time required for routing these connections is longer.
Extended Global Extra Length
Note:
The global extra length is relevant for the routing connections in the 3D
mounting layout ("EPLANPro Panel - Process Wiring" extension module)
as well as for the routing connections in the topology ("EPLANFieldSys"
extension module).
To determine the lengths of routing connections, you can set a global extra
length in the project settings. In addition to the previous absolute value, you
can nowspecify the global extra length in percentage. As well, the new
EPLANversion also allows for separate settings for different trades (Elec-
trical engineering, Process engineering, etc.).
Benefit:
As opposed to the definition of a fixed extra length, the global extra length
in percentage affects the ratio of the entire length of the connections.
Due to the extensive newsettings options, the Global extra length setting
was moved from the Route tab to the newGlobal extra length tab. You
specify whether the extra length for the respective trade is a fixed value or in
percentage by selecting one of the two option fields Absolute or In per-
centage. Then, enter the required value in the adjacent input field.
New Features in the "Process Wiring" Extension Module
New Features in the "Process Wiring" Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLANPro Panel - Process Wiring" extension module is available as
an option for EPLANPro Panel Professional.
Thanks to this extension module, you can wire and place tubes in your mount-
ing layout virtually, determine optimal routing tracks and required connection
lengths, optimize net-based schematics, and provide data for the manual or
automated fabrication of connections. The free routing was already
described in another section (see page "104"). Below, we will introduce the
newfeatures for "EPLANPro Panel - Process Wiring":
"Phase Busbar Connections" on page "144"
"Changing Routing Direction for Devices" on page "148"
"Simplified Selection of Connections" on page "150"
"Routing Connections to Connection Points in Boxes" on page "150".
Phase Busbar Connections
To reduce wiring expenditure, devices in the 3Dmounting layout are gen-
erally connected to each other by single or multi-phase phase busbars.
Instead of wiring, an electro-mechanical item is used here, which is cut to
size and mounted depending on the use case. These phase busbars are
available from the device manufacturers as accessories for devices. The con-
nections created by the use of phase busbars are identified in EPLANby the
newPhase busbar connection function definition.
Whether the connection between devices is realized by means of a wiring or
a phase busbar depends on the mounting layout, i.e., on the position of the
components relative to each other.
Phase busbar connections are usually not accounted for in the schematic. In
order to take into account this situation you nowhave the option to convert
the multi-line connections defined in the schematic into phase busbar con-
nections. This kind of connections will then no longer be considered when cal-
culating the wiring and during wire fabrication.
Benefit:
By generating phase busbar connections, the schematic is adjusted to
reflect the actual implementation that comes about only with the virtual
mounting layout. The complex modification of the connections concerned
via the connection navigator and the properties of the connections has
been eliminated. This results in significantly more convenience in planning
and sustainable time savings.
Generating phase busbar connections
To generate phase busbar connections, use the newGenerate phase bus-
bar connections menu item found belowthe menu path Project data >
Connections. This menu item is displayed only if you have opened a layout
space. In the layout space, select the placed items for whose associated con-
nections you want to generate phase busbar connections.
Note:
The selection of the items takes into account only part placements with the
following function definitions:
Part placement, normal item
Part placement, PLCcard
Part placement, black box.
The Generate phase busbar connections dialog that opens then lists all
connections with the representation types "Multi-line" and "3Dmounting lay-
out" whose source and target are one of the items previously selected (e.g.,
connections with the "Conductor / wire" function definition).
By default, this dialog displays the following columns:
Phase busbar connection
Source
Target.
But using the Configure representation popup menu item, you can con-
figure the columns and display further connection properties.
Using the check box in the Phase busbar connection column, you can gen-
erate a phase busbar connection from a connection, or restore an already
generated phase busbar connection.
All connections for which the Phase busbar connection check box was acti-
vated will be given the new"Phase busbar connection" function definition
after you close the dialog with [OK]. This way, all properties of these con-
nections are deleted.
Note:
If one of the connections has the "3Dmounting layout" representation type,
this will create a non-routed connection. In the connection navigator, delete
the non-routed connections created.
Tip:
To display in the connection navigator only the relevant connections, it is
recommended that you define a filter. For example, you can use the
"Phase busbar connections" function definition as a filter criterion.
Removing phase busbar connection
Defined phase busbar connections can be removed again via the Generate
phase busbar connections. For this purpose, deactivate the Phase bus-
bar connection check box for the selected phase busbar connection. This
will delete all properties entered at the phase busbar connection. The con-
nection is given the "Conductor / wire" function definition, and must be re-
routed in the layout space.
More information on phase busbar connections
The project-wide default settings for connections (Cross-section / diameter,
Color / number, etc.) are not carried over to the phase busbar connections.
The behavior of phase busbar connections is similar to saddle jumpers.
To ensure that phase busbar connections are included in Connection num-
bering, the connection numbering settings were extended accordingly. The
newcheck box for the Phase busbar connection function definition on the
Filter tab is deactivated by default.
Changing Routing Direction for Devices
In special assembly situations of devices, it may be necessary to change the
routing direction of all connection points determined in the connection point
pattern at the part placement.
Benefit:
With the possibility to individually influence the routing directions you can
avoid unfavorable routing tracks and optimize the calculation of the
required connection lengths.
Note:
In the course of miscellaneous extensions for the free routing of con-
nections, the term "Connection point direction" was renamed to "Routing
direction".
An example of a special assembly situation is the placement of a motor over-
load switch on a device adapter, which itself is placed on a busbar system.
The entire arrangement is placed, as a rule, at the upper edge of a mounting
panel. The wiring of all connections of the motor overload switch is then car-
ried out down in a wire duct. But if the routing direction of the connection
points in the connection point pattern should point up(1), the routing of con-
nections will create detours and longer routing tracks. Changing the routing
direction to point down would have clearly shorter routing tracks as a
result(2).
In order to respond to such situations, it is nowpossible to change the routing
direction for one or several highlighted devices in a layout space quickly and
permanently.
To change routing directions, select first the devices concerned in the
opened layout space. Then select the menu items Project data > Devices >
Change routing direction. In the subsequent dialog, select from the Rout-
ing direction drop-down list the required direction. The newrouting direction
is set on all connection points of the highlighted devices. The property dialog
of the devices shows the newrouting directions on the Connection point
pattern tab. The Local connection point pattern check box is activated.
Note:
If you disable the Local connection point pattern check box, the routing
directions are reset to the settings from the original connection point pat-
tern of the part.
Simplified Selection of Connections
Simplified Selection of Connections
When running the functions Change route and Entry point into routing
path network, the Connections dialog opens. This dialog shows all existing
connections between the specified source and target. The selection of con-
nections was nowsimplified in this dialog.
If you highlight in the Connections dialog a connection, the check box for the
selection in the first column (Change route / Selection) is nowenabled at
the same time. In this context, it does not matter whether you highlight one or
several connections at the same time. For a multiple selection of con-
nections, you can use the familiar methods:
Shortcut key [Ctrl] + [A]: for all connections
Key [Shift] and mouse-click: for a continuous area of connections
Keep [Ctrl] key pressed while clicking several connections: for several
random connections.
Routing Connections to Connection Points in Boxes
When routing connections, it is checked whether the function definitions of
the part placements in the layout space match the function definitions of the
functions in the schematic. In the past, this would cause problems with black
boxes and PLCboxes if in these boxes in the schematic auxiliary functions
(NO contact, NCcontact, etc.) other than device or PLCconnection points
were used for the connection points.
Now, if the check of the function definitions does not find matching part place-
ments, and the main function is a black box or PLCbox, the part placement
of the respective box (if the Full DT matches) will be used also for the con-
nection points of regular items, and the connection is routed.
New "Production Athex" Extension Module for Automatic Equipment of Terminal Strips
New "Production Athex" Extension Module for Automatic
Equipment of Terminal Strips
Note:
The "EPLANPro Panel - Production Athex" extension module is available
as an option for EPLANPro Panel Professional.
An additional interface is nowavailable as an extension module for the export
of manufacturing data. Using the new"EPLANPro Panel - Production Athex"
extension module, you can output the required manufacturing data from an
EPLANproject to the automatic equipment system "Athex". This machine
automatically equips mounting rails with terminal strips and alignable ter-
minal accessories.
Benefit:
The connection of the Athex equipment system to the automatic fab-
rication of terminal strips allows for the smooth integration of engineering
data with manufacturing and supports the prefabrication of components
and assemblies for the final assembling in the enclosure - minimization of
errors and cost and time savings inclusive.
In analogy to the NCexports, the settings for this export are stored in the com-
pany-specific settings (Options > Settings > Company > Automatic
equipment > Athex). The actual export is carried out via the menu items
Utilities > Reports > Automatic equipment (Athex). The export dialog is
also similar to the dialogs for the export of NCdata.
The exported files contain the part numbers, DTs, and lengths of the mount-
ing rails to be equipped and the positioning data of the terminals to be placed
there. These files are transferred to the software of the Athex machine and
control the automatic fabrication.
New Features in the "Production Wiring KOMAX" Extension Module
New Features in the "Production Wiring KOMAX" Exten-
sion Module
Note:
The "EPLANPro Panel - Production Wiring KOMAX" extension module is
available as an option for EPLANPro Panel Professional.
This extension module allows for the output of manufacturing data for wire
fabrication machines of the manufacturer Komax.
Support for conductor termination processing via dual sleeves on
Komax crimping machines
The manufacturer Komax offers for some of its robots a double crimping
module. This makes the production of wires on dual sleeves possible. In the
newversion of EPLANPro Panel, the Komax interface has been extended in
such a way that the functions of this double crimping module are supported.
For this purpose, the settings of wire fabrication were extended for Komax
(menu path: Options > Settings > Company > Wire fabrication >
Komax). If the required information for the double crimping module is to be
exported as well, activate in the Settings tab the newDouble crimping
module installed check box.
For conductor termination processing via the double crimping module, the
Conductor termination processing tab nowincludes the newConductor
termination processing twin center column. If the value entered here is
"Crimp", and if a corresponding machine command is defined for "Crimp"
conductor termination processing on the Machine command tab (e.g.,
AEH2), the double crimping module will manufacture in the center of a pair
sequence of wires a dual sleeve, while the beginning and end of the pair
sequence will merely be stripped.
Stripping Lengths for Dual Sleeves on Komax Machines
Example:
The following figure shows a pair sequence of wires with a dual sleeve in
the center, stripping with semi-pulloff at the beginning and end of the pair
sequence.
Stripping Lengths for Dual Sleeves on Komax Machines
In the settings for wire fabrication, the miscellaneous forms of conductor ter-
mination processing are assigned manufacturer-specific machine com-
mands on the Machine command tab. If you use for the fabrication machine
of the manufacturer Komax the machine command $strip$ in this tab, the
value from the Stripping length column of the Wires tab will be used.
In the case of dual sleeves you do, however, need other stripping lengths
than in the case of single sleeves.
To be able to control the differing stripping length for dual sleeves, the
$strip$ machine command was extended by the parameters a (stripping
length) and b (pull-off length). The format of the machine command to be
used is: $strip,a,b$ (e.g., $strip,10,5$). If the machine command is
specified in the $strip,a,b$ manner, the values entered for a and b for strip-
ping length and pull-off length are used; entries on the Wires tab are ignored
in this case.
For more information on this, look up the online help on the Machine com-
mand tab.
New Features in the "Production Wiring Schleuniger" Extension Module
New Features in the "Production Wiring Schleuniger"
Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLANPro Panel - Production Wiring Schleuniger" extension mod-
ule is available as an option for EPLANPro Panel Professional.
This extension module allows for the output of manufacturing data for wire
fabrication machines of the manufacturer Schleuniger.
Export texts for labeling wires
During the export of data for the wire fabrication with Schleuniger machines,
the export of texts to be printed on the two wire ends and the export of a con-
tinuous text are nowpossible as well.
The texts for labeling wires to be exported are specified in the Settings:
Schleuniger dialog of the newLabeling tab. For the three rows Labeling
1st side, Labeling 2nd side, and Labeling endless text, select, via several
subsequent dialogs, the properties whose data is to be output as labeling
texts and specify the format of these labeling texts.
Other relevant settings for the export of texts is found in the Settings:
Schleuniger dialog of the Settings tab. This tab has been extended to
include the two rows Continuous text from wire length and Maximum
print font length.
New Interface to the Averex Wiring Robot
New Interface to the Averex Wiring Robot
For the provision of wiring data for the innovative Averex wiring technology of
the company Kiesling Maschinenbau, you can use a new, optional, interface
as part of the current EPLANPro Panel version.
Apart from data on the mounting layout on the mounting panel, the interface
also supplies all necessary information on the connections (color, cross-sec-
tion, termination processing, etc.) including the routing tracks for connections
determined by means of EPLANPro Panel - Process Wiring.
This data is adopted by the Averex wiring robot, and form the basis for the
automated wiring of mounting panels.
For more information on the Averex interface, the requirements for the use
and implementation of the interface, please contact us.
Consistent Messages for the Export of NC and Wire Fab-
rication Data
When generating manufacturing data for NCand wire fabrication machines,
there is nowa standardized and qualified response for all exports. The mes-
sage dialog displayed for such export nowlists the exported components, or
it lists reasons why certain components could not be exported.
Benefit:
Thanks to the standardized and transparent message dialogs during the
export of NCand wire fabrication data, you can see easily whether an
export was carried out correctly and fully, or whether there are incon-
sistencies in the planning.
Consistent Messages for the Export of NC and Wire Fabrication Data
The message dialogs for these exports nowhave the following features:
The header line of the dialog shows the name of the exported format
(e.g., Export NC-Kiesling, Wire fabrication: Komax. etc.).
The first rowof the dialog shows the name of the scheme used, as well as
the set output path.
Belowthat, you will see the number of components exported.
Alternative exports are stated separately (e.g., replacement milling cuts).
This information includes a list of components not exported. The reasons
why these could not be exported are listed either in the message dialog or
in message management.
At the bottom of the dialog on the left, you will see the familiar Do not
show this dialog again check box that allows you to deactivate this mes-
sage dialog for the export.
Special Topics EPLAN Fluid
Special Topics EPLAN Fluid
Tubing: Routing Tubes
Using the new"Tubing" function of EPLANFluid Professional, you can now
route tubes in the 3Dmounting layout fully automatically, and edit them man-
ually if necessary. The connections realized between Fluid power items are
routed freely without the prior definition of a routing path network.
Benefit:
The routing of tubes in the 3Dmounting layout allows for the generation of
virtual prototypes in a very early phase, e.g., for pneumatic complete solu-
tions inclusive tubing. This way, it is possible to think ahead about mount-
ing scenarios and to save recurring constellations as a default. Thus, the
layout space in the enclosure can be optimized also in combination with
pre-finished pneumatics. This facilitates planning for you, and ensures per-
fect mounting later on. The result is reduced "time-to-market" of the final
product, as well as sustainable time and cost savings.
Modified Product Group for Fluid Power Connections
When routing tubes, you can route tube connections automatically on the
basis of the Fluid power schematic created. This takes into account Fluid
power connections with the "Tube" function definition. But you can also
define manually in the 3Dmounting layout the connections to be routed for
which there are no counterpieces in the Fluid power schematic.
After routing, you can adjust the routed tube connections individually, and
thus determine the ideal route in the enclosure. In doing so, you can fasten or
bundle the tubes by means of routing accessories.
Apart from the routing track, the length of tubes is also determined during
routing. The tube lengths required in reality can be added up and combined
into summarized parts lists for calculation purposes.
"Modified Product Group for Fluid Power Connections" on page "158"
"Preparation of Master Data" on page "160"
"Routing Tube Connections" on page "162"
"Routing Paths and Curves as Default Paths" on page "165"
"Routing Accessories for Tube Connections" on page "168".
As part of the extensions for the routing of tubes, the terms for connections
(wires, tubes, etc.) have been standardized and generalized further.
For example, in parts management the "Piping" product group was renamed
for the two generic product groups "Fluid power" and "Process engineering"
to match the connection parts in electrical engineering. In addition, the "Mis-
cellaneous" product subgroup for this product group was also renamed:
Classification: Old name: New name:
Product group Pipings Connections
Product subgroup Miscellaneous General
For a Fluid power part from the "Connections" product group, parts
management nowdisplays, instead of the Fluid tab, the Connection
data tab. Similar to electrical engineering connection parts, you can enter
here specific data for connections. The fields Voltage, External dia-
meter, Copper weight, and Short-circuit proof are not displayed for
Fluid parts.
For process engineering connection parts, the Process engineering tab
continues to be displayed.
Notes:
The values entered in the Fluid power tab in previous EPLANversions
for Fluid parts from the "Piping" product group are no longer displayed
in Version 2.3 following an update of the parts database, but continue to
be available in the parts database. The values in the Min. bending
radius field are an exception; the field is available both on the previous
Fluid power tab and nowalso on the Connection data tab.
If you want to continue using the values of these connection parts on the
Fluid power tab, we recommend that you export these parts data as a
CSV file in Version 2.2. Then, you import the CSV file in EPLANVersion
2.3. During this import, the data is assigned to fields on the Free prop-
erties tab of the connection parts. For this purpose, you must create a
specific configuration file each for the export and the import.
Preparation of Master Data
The successful development of a virtual prototype for Fluid power in the 3D
mounting layout and the subsequent routing of tubes requires the prior prep-
aration of the master data in parts management. The following is required for
this:
Assign 3Dgraphical macros:
To obtain a realistic and detailed display of the prototype in the 3Dmount-
ing layout, you should generate 3Dgraphical macros for your fluid power
items (valves, pumps, etc.) and assign them to the parts. Macros with the
3Ddata and the "3Dmounting layout" representation type are stored in
parts management on the Mounting data tab in the Graphical macro
field.
Define connection point patterns:
The parts for the part placement in the layout space require defined con-
nection point patterns. By means of the connection point pattern stored
with a part, the part placement mostly receives the information about the
connection points existing at the part placement. Thus, the connection
point direction is, e.g., determined in the connection point pattern. The
connection point direction specifies the direction in which the connection
is routed at the connection point of the device.
Concerning the definition of a connection point pattern with the associated
data of the connection points, parts management provides a special main
node. In the Technical data tab of a part, you can use the Connection
point pattern field to select the desired connection point pattern and
store it with the part.
Create part for screwed tube connections:
To complete the representation in the 3Dmounting layout and to deter-
mine the correct tube length, you additionally require parts for screwed
tube connections in parts management. You must store appropriate 3D
graphical macros and defined connection point patterns also for these
Fluid power parts, which are assigned to the "Accessories" product group
and "Screwconnections" product subgroup. When creating in the macro
project, you must assign to these 3Dgraphical macros the "Part place-
ment, fluid distributor" function definition.
Create part for routing accessories:
Similar to the other 3Dcomponents to be placed in the layout space, you
must have stored the corresponding parts for placing routing accessories
in parts management. For more information, please read the section
"Routing Accessories for Tube Connections" (starting on page "168").
Enter connection data for tubes:
For the correct display of the routed tubes in the layout space, the
required connection data (color, external diameter) must be defined. You
can make your entries for this in the property dialog of the connection or at
the part in parts management (see below).
Enter the color of the tube (e.g., BUfor blue) in the Color / number field
of the property dialog. Enter the dimensions of the tube in the Cross-sec-
tion / diameter field (e.g., 10 or 10x1.5 for a tube with an external dia-
meter of 10 mm and a wall thickness of 1.5 mm).
Tube dimensions in parts management
To ensure that parts for tubes from the "Connections" product group are con-
sidered for the device selection, you must select the "Tube" function def-
inition in the Function templates tab for the function template of such a part.
For such a part, only the following columns will be displayed from nowon:
Routing Tube Connections
Function definition
Connection color / number
Connection: Cross-section / diameter
Description.
In the Connection color / number field, enter the color of the tube (e.g., BU
for blue). Enter the dimensions of the tube in the Connection cross-section
/ diameter column (e.g., 10 or 10x1.5 for a tube with an external diameter
of 10 mm and a wall thickness of 1.5 mm).
Based on a planned Fluid power schematic, the free route generates curved
Fluid power routing connections. Through such connections, Fluid power
devices are connected to each other automatically in the layout space with
hoses using the shortest path.
Afreely routed connection is generated along a defined spatial curve
between the source and target devices. In contrast to previous routing of con-
nections in the layout space, no routing path network is expected or required.
The curve run of a freely routed connection is determined via control points
and can be subsequently changed and thus be adapted to the spatial con-
ditions in the 3Dmounting layout.
To route tubes in the opened layout space, select the Project data > Con-
nections > Free routing (layout space) menu items. After you have
selected the part placements and connections to be routed, the routing con-
nections will be generated and represented between the source and target
devices.
Example:
The following illustration shows several tube connections routed in the 3D
mounting layout.
Tip:
To route tubes, insert default paths (routing paths, curves) for the route,
and modify the course of routed tube connections or curves, you can also
use the buttons of the newPro Panel routing toolbar.
Note:
Electrical engineering connections (conductors, wires) are routed within a
routing path network via the Project data > Connections > Route (lay-
out space) menu items. This menu item is not suitable for the routing of
tubes.
Route tubes from within the connection navigator
You can also use the connection navigator to route tubes. Using the new
Free routing (layout space) popup menu item, you can freely route
selected, multi-line connections with the "Tube" function definition.
Insert free routing connections manually
In addition to the automatic routing of tubes, there is also a function for the
manual insertion of routing connections for which no counterpieces have
been defined in the Fluid power schematic.
Select the menu items Insert > Routing connections. Then, specify the
source and target of the connection in the layout space. The Routing con-
nection dialog will nowbe visible.
Here, select the Route connection freely option. The connection is routed
freely in the room outside the routing path network. The freely routed con-
nection is represented between the connection points of the source and tar-
get as a spatial curve.
Such a routing connection inserted manually has by default the "Conductor /
wire" function definition. Open the property dialog for the connection, and
assign to the connection the "Tube" function definition via the Function def-
inition field. Then, enter the connection data (color, external diameter), or
select a corresponding part for tubes with stored dimensions.
Routing Paths and Curves as Default Paths
Modify course of routed tube connections
The curve run of a routed tube connection can be modified subsequently. To
do so, you can modify the position of individual control points of the curve
run, or insert newcontrol points.
Using the newmenu items Edit > Graphic > New control point, and Edit >
Graphic > Change curve run, you can adjust the course of the routing con-
nection to the spatial conditions in the mounting layout. For more infor-
mation, please read the section "Edit Curve" (starting on page "115").
Routed tube connections are often mounted or bundled with routing acces-
sories (cable / tubing clamp, cable / tubing tie, cable / tubing protection). For
more information, please read the section "Routing Accessories for Tube
Connections" (starting on page "168").
Routing paths and curves are automatically or manually inserted default
paths along which tube connections can be routed. By means of these two
default paths, you can adjust individually the course of your, initially automati-
cally, generated tube connections to the spatial conditions in the 3Dmount-
ing layout. When creating default paths, routing paths and curves can also be
combined with each other.
Graphically, the curves, like routing paths, are displayed by default as blue
lines with snap points at the starting/end points and at the control points. The
colors for curves and routing paths are adjustable.
Inserting Routing Paths
To insert routing paths, select the Insert > Routing path menu items. Alter-
natively you can click the (routing path) button on the Pro Panel routing
toolbar.
Place the starting and end points of a routing path, for example, via mouse-
clicks. In the process, these points can be connected to the snap points of
existing routing paths and / or curves.
To finish a routing path, press the [Spacebar], or select the Complete rout-
ing path popup menu item.
Inserting Curves
To insert a curve, select from the Insert menu the Curve menu item. Alter-
natively you can click the (curve) button on the Pro Panel routing toolbar.
Then place the starting point and control points of the curve via mouse-clicks.
If you move the cursor close to an existing routing path, the starting, center,
and end points of the existing routing path will be displayed as snap points.
With free placement in space, a surrounding cuboid shows the space taken
up by the curve run from the last point entered to the current cursor position.
When placing in a surface, a rectangle is shown.
To finish a curve, press the [Spacebar], or select the Complete curve
popup menu item.
Tip:
To display the inserted default paths for the routing of tubes in the layout
space, you can use the routing path view. If you select the menu items
View > Connections > Routing path view, all inserted routing paths and
curves will be highlighted.
The curve is defined by a starting point and at least two consecutive control
points. The point of the curve placed last will be interpreted as the end point.
The characteristic points of a curve are displayed in the property dialog of a
curve, and can be edited there.
In addition, the menu path Edit > Graphic offers the three newmenu items
New control point, Change curve run, and Align curve run tangentially
that you can use to edit curves in the layout space. For more information,
see"Edit Curve" (starting on page "115").
Modify tube connections manually
If the routed tube connections are to be routed through the inserted default
paths (routing paths, curves), you must modify the route manually.
Select the menu items Project data > Connections > Change route.
Then, the so-called cuboid-shaped "modification points" will be displayed on
the routing paths and curves.
By clicking such a point, you select a tube connection (source routing path)
that is to be modified manually for the route. The selection of the source rout-
ing paths is completed by pressing the spacebar. By clicking the modification
point of the required default path (routing path, curve), you then select the tar-
get routing path.
Tip:
When modifying tube connections via the Change route function, you can
also select several source and target routing paths.
The Connections dialog opens. This dialog lists all connections routed
through the source routing paths. Activate the Change route check box for
the connections that are to be re-routed in the selected default path. The tube
connections will then be re-routed, taking into account the selected default
paths.
Routing Accessories for Tube Connections
To mount, bundle, and protect tube connections, you can place so-called
"Routing accessories" in the 3Dmounting layout. Note that several tubes
which are routed through a common default path can be combined by means
of a cable / tubing tie or be protected by a cable / tubing protection.
You can insert the following three accessory types:
Routing accessories to mount tubes.
Cable / tubing tie:
Routing accessories to combine tubes into a bundle.
Routing accessories to protect bundled tubes against mechanical and
thermal effects from the outside; in general practice, spiral coiled tubes
are used, for example.
Parts for routing accessories
To create such parts, the "Mechanics" generic product group nowoffers you
the new"Routing accessories" product group with the following product sub-
groups:
"Cable / tubing clamp"
"Cable / tubing tie"
"Cable / tubing protection".
The parts of these product subgroups come in parts management with an
additional newRouting accessories data tab. Use this tab to enter man-
ufacturer-specific data on the bundle diameter in the fields Minimum bundle
diameter and Maximum bundle diameter.
The bundle diameter indicates the minimum or maximum diameter of a bun-
dle of connections that must be met in order to bundle them with this part.
Reports are generated for the values of the parts from the product subgroups
"Cable / tubing tie" and "Cable / tubing protection" during placement in the
layout space.
Note:
To ensure correct calculation of the bundle diameters, an external dia-
meter (including unit) must be defined at the part of the connection on the
Connection data tab.
For a part to be placed as routing accessories, a suitable function definition
has to be selected for this part on the Function definition tab. In the tree
viewof the subsequent dialog Function definitions, you will find the suitable
function definitions under Mechanics // System accessories // Rout-
ing accessories.
Inserting Routing Accessories
The routing accessories parts are inserted in a layout space via the Insert >
Routing accessories menu items. After selecting one of the sub-menu
items (e.g., Cable / tubing clamp), the Part selection dialog opens, and the
correct hierarchy level (e.g., "Cable / tubing clamp") is already open.
The graphic of the "Cable / tubing clamp" routing accessories can be rep-
resented by a 3Dgraphical macro assigned to the part or generated from
the part dimensions. In the former case, the macro must contain a routing
path; in the latter, this will be generated automatically. The part can be
placed on a mounting surface.
Note:
To guide a tube connection through an already placed cable / tubing
clamp, the connection must be routed by means of the Change route func-
tion through the clamp as a target routing path.
Cable / tubing tie:
The "Cable / tubing tie" routing accessories bundle connections that have
been routed in a routing path or curve. The part can be placed anywhere
on a routing path or curve. After the placement, the cable / tubing tie
The "Cable / tubing protection" routing accessories comprise and bundle
connections that have been routed in a routing path or curve. The part can
be placed anywhere on a routing path or curve. The part is placed by
entering a starting and end point on one or several contiguous routing
paths or curves. After the placement, the cable / tubing protection
Note:
Only if one or several tube connections have been routed on a routing path
or curve can you place the "Cable / tubing tie" or "Cable / tubing protection"
routing accessories on such a defined routing track.
When placing the routing accessories, all usual options in the layout space
and the Placement options dialog are available. In addition, to insert routing
accessories, you can also use other functions for part placement (Insert as
device, Insert as macro, Part master data navigator, etc.).
New Features in the "EPLAN Operational Sequence" Extension Module
Tip:
To insert routing accessories, you can also use the newbuttons in the Pro
Panel toolbar.
New Features in the "EPLAN Operational Sequence" Exten-
sion Module
Note:
The "EPLANOperational Sequence" extension module is available as an
EPLANElectric P8 Select, EPLANElectric P8 Professional, and EPLAN
Electric P8 Professional+.
EPLANElectric P8 Ultimate, EPLANFluid, and EPLANFluid Professional.
In this context, it does not matter whether EPLANFluid has been installed
as an independent program or as an add-on for EPLANElectric P8.
Using the "EPLANOperational Sequence" extension module, you can create
operational sequence sheets. Operational sequence sheets are simple
graphic representations that provide a structured overviewand description of
the process of a plant, a machine or a device. Operational sequence sheets
include the familiar functional diagrams (according to the VDI 3260 standard)
or also the GRAFCET diagrams (according to the DINEN60848 standard).
Store parts in the functional representation type
Store parts in the functional representation type
Previously, it was not possible to store parts at functions of the "Functional"
representation type. If you activate the Main function check box in the prop-
erty dialog for such a function now, the Part tab will be shown, and you can
do a part or device selection.
Benefit:
If during the planning you first create the operational sequence sheet, you
can nowstore the parts in the functional representation. The other rep-
resentation types are then placed via the device navigator.
Note:
Another newfeature for the "EPLANOperational Sequence" extension
module that concerns the global editing of functional functions in oper-
ational sequence sheets is described in the "Global Editing" section (see
page "66").
Special Topics EPLAN PPE
Special Topics EPLAN PPE
Device Groups in P&I Diagram
Complex devices with functions from miscellaneous trades can be realized in
the EPLANplatform by means of device groups. If you want to create such a
device group from several functions in the graphical editor, miscellaneous
criteria have to be met. So far, this required that the main function of the
device group had to be assigned the "Multi-line" representation type.
To make better use of this function in the display of process engineering proc-
esses in the P&I diagram, it is nowalso possible to create device groups if
the main function has the "P&I diagram" representation type.
For more information on creating device groups, go to the online help and
look up the section "Device Groups".
Enhanced Representation Type in Symbol Library for P&I
Diagrams
By means of pair cross-references, the same device can be displayed mul-
tiple times during the planning of process engineering processes. You can
thus, e.g., place a symbol for a certain motor in the P&I diagram and at the
same time place a symbol in the electrotechnical schematic.
For this version the default representation type "Pair cross-reference" was
assigned to some symbols of the PID_ESS symbol library so that the gen-
eration of pair cross-references is carried out automatically at symbols used
by default in the P&I diagram.
Ignored "Nominal width" Field
Benefit:
Identifying of symbols from the "PID_ESS" symbol library with the rep-
resentation type "Pair cross-reference" facilitates consistent project plan-
ning between the P&I diagram and the multi-line representation in
electrical and fluid-power engineering. In addition, these symbols can then
also be edited in the "EPLANP&ID" stand-alone system.
Through these changes the symbols from this symbol library electrical- or
fluid-specific function definitions automatically have the "Pair cross-ref-
erence" representation type assigned to them when they are placed on P&I
diagrams. When the multi-line counterpiece is inserted into the electrical or
fluid schematic, a pair cross-reference is carried out directly. If the modified
symbols are placed in the P&I diagram of the "EPLANP&ID" stand-alone sys-
tem, you can nowalso edit these although the function definition belongs to
the "Electrical engineering" or "Fluid" trade. For more information please see
the "Master Data: Symbols" section (from Page "187").
On the Process engineering tab of parts management, you should not use
the Nominal width field anymore. It is only available for compatibility rea-
sons with older EPLANversions. In older EPLANprojects (created with ver-
sion 2.2 or earlier), this property was used to assign the diameter of a pipe /
hose line or the size / connection size of a control valve (valve, slide) to a part
variant.
Since version 2.2, the piping data on nominal width is stored at a connection
in the Cross section / Diameter field. Input of the nominal width is done at
the function in the properties dialog in the Connection point cross-section
/ diameter (all, depending on DT adoption) property and at the function
template in parts management in the Connection point cross-section / dia-
meter column. In contrast to the previous procedure, these properties are log-
ically evaluated and can be checked for consistency by means of check run
messages of the "Connections" message class. More detailed information
on these extensions can be found in the "Extended Planning of Piping" sec-
tion of the EPLANNews 2.2.
Other fields that exist in parts management only for compatibility reasons are
described in the "Ignored Fields" section (see page "79").
Special Topics EPLAN Education
Special Topics EPLAN Education
EPLAN Education Extended by Functions from EPLAN Pro
Panel
In Version 2.3, EPLANEducation was extended to include the "EPLANPro
Panel Professional" add-on system and the following two EPLANPro Panel
extension modules.
EPLANPro Panel - Copper
EPLANPro Panel - Process Wiring.
Benefit:
With this extension, EPLANEducation nowcomprehensively covers the
entire process of product development, starting from basic engineering
with EPLANPPEand P&ID, and detail and hardware engineering with
EPLANElectric P8 and EPLANFluid to technological implementation by
way of a virtual prototype model in 3Dwith EPLANPro Panel.
EPLANefficient engineering. in all phases of product development!
Special Topics EPLAN Harness proD
Special Topics EPLAN Harness proD
New Interfaces for Data Exchange with the EPLAN Plat-
form
Since 2012, the wire harness engineering solution EPLANHarness proDhas
been part of the EPLANproduct portfolio. At the same time as the release of
the newversion of the EPLANplatform, a newversion of EPLANHarness
proDis also available to you. In this newEPLANHarness proDversion, we
provide you, among other things, with two interfaces for the data exchange
with the EPLANplatform.
Using the Parts data interface, parts data (e.g., connections, cables, plugs)
can be exchanged between the EPLANplatform parts management and the
EPLANHarness proDLibrary. Parts data is imported and exported in the
XML format. Using an XML configuration file, you can control the settings for
the data exchange (e.g., assigning properties between the EPLANplatform
and EPLANHarness proD). The process of synchronization can also be
executed in a fully automated manner.
Benefit:
Through the data exchange via the parts data interface, parts data, as a
key planning foundation, can be synchronized quickly and reliably. The
data is available in both engineering tools, and can be used consistently
throughout the planning. The automatic data exchange ensures quality,
and reduces manual maintenance efforts. As well, the file-based data
exchange allows for synchronization across networks.
The Project data interface allows for the bidirectional exchange of project
data for cables, plugs, and connections. What is more: the data can be car-
ried over from one system to the other at the "push of a button".
New Interfaces for Data Exchange with the EPLAN Platform
In addition, this interface also allows for the data to be exchanged between
remote workstations. This exchange, too, is based on an XML format, and
occurs between the external editing of the EPLANplatform and EPLANHar-
ness proDStudio.
Benefit:
Through the automatic project data exchange, item and connection data
can be transferred to the wire harness planning directly from schematic cre-
ation (scheme view). On the basis of the bidirectional data exchange, the
wire lengths determined via the wire harness layout can be carried over
back to the schematic. Thus, the individual planning phases of the
engineering process can interlock seamlessly.
New Features in the "EPLAN API Extension" Extension Module
New Features in the "EPLAN API Extension"
Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLANAPI Extension" extension module is available as an option as
part of our EPLANApplication Developer Network (EADN) as a devel-
oper's package for the following program variants:
EPLANPPE, EPLANPPEProfessional, EPLANPro Panel Professional.
Aunified, and especially high-performance, programming interface (API,
Application Programming Interface) is available for EPLANplatform prod-
ucts. This extension module the EPLANAPI allows you to develop your
own customized solutions in collaboration with EPLANor other partners. For
more information on EPLANAPI and EADN, visit the EPLANwebpages
under the heading "Solutions > Integration > EPLANAPI Developer Net-
work".
The following section provides information on the various newfeatures of
EPLANAPI. To use the newEPLANAPI version to develop your own appli-
cations, you will require the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0.
Selection of 3D objects
In the EPLANAPI you can nowselect visible 3Dobjects in the layout space.
The SelectObjects method of the Edit class has been extended for this
purpose. The newClearSelection method from the same class allows for
canceling the selection for all objects in the currently opened graphical editor
/ the currently opened layout space.
In addition, the newmethods ShowConnections, ShowAllConnections,
and Unhide have been added to the Edit3D class. Using these methods 3D
objects and routing connections can be made visible in the opened layout
space.
"List of results 2" removed from user interface
In the user interface of the EPLANplatform for version 2.3, the "List of
results2" has been removed. Thus, the SearchDataNr property in class
Search of the EPLANAPI is out of date. In addition, newoverloads of the
methods ClearSearchDB, GetAllSearchDBEntries, and Get-
SearchDBEntries are available in this class nowthat do not use the param-
eter nSearchDB (number of list of results) any more. The previous methods
were characterized as out-of-date. Accordingly the outdated parameter
SEARCHDB of action Search should not be used either.
Check visibility of a 3D object
Using the newproperty IsHidden of class Placement3D can be used to
check if a 3Dobject is visible or invisible. In addition, the namespace
Eplan.EplApi.HEServices contains the newclass Edit3D. Using its meth-
ods Hide and Unhide, 3Dobjects can be made visible or invisible.
Determine currently opened layout spaces
The SelectionSet class of EPLANAPI nowcomes with the new
OpenedInstallationSpaces method. This property returns a list with the
currently opened layout spaces. The layout space currently in the foreground
is at the first position of this list.
Load API add-ins without API license
In EPLANversion 2.3, the dialog for API add-ins is nowalso displayed with-
out an available API license.
Benefit:
You can nowload / unload API add-ins signed by EPLANwithout API
license.
Command line parameters for the mode when opening projects
To be able to also determine the processing mode when opening projects via
command line parameters, the two actions ProjectOpen and
ProjectAction were extended by the newoptional parameter OpenMode.
This command line parameter can have the following values:
STANDARD
READONLY
EXCLUSIVE.
Assignment of device tags for functions
Functions that were initially generated via the EPLANAPI without device tags
can nowbe automatically numbered, e.g. during insertion on a page, just as
with online numbering. The newSetName method in the NameService class
is available for this.
Prompt event names within a script
When handling events within a script by means of the
DeclareEventHandler attribute it is nowpossible to prompt the event name
in the script.
Extended search
Concerning the search via the EPLANAPI you have nowthe additional pos-
sibility to consider the properties of placeholder objects (variables, values) as
well as 3Dobjects in a layout space.
Set transparency of a 3D object in the layout space
Using the XGedStartInteractionAction action, you can nowdetermine
the transparency of a 3Dobject in the layout space. For this the
XGedIaFormatGraphic interaction was extended by the /transparency
parameter.
Benefit:
This extension allows for setting the transparency of 3Dobjects in the
EPLANuser interface by means of user-defined toolbar buttons.
Transparency is set by values from 0.0 to 1.0. Avalue of 1.0 results in com-
plete transparency (100% transparency). As an alternative you can also
enter the value bylayer. This will apply the transparency level as set for the
layer.
Note:
To insert such an action as button into a toolbar you must select the "Set
format of graphical elements" button for the "Actions" category in the Cus-
tomize dialog and determine a suitable command line call (with the /tran-
sparency parameter) in the subsequent dialog.
Example:
For certain 3Dobjects in an opened layout space, transparency is to be set
to 80 %. then the entry in the command line looks as follows:
XGedStartInteractionAction /Name:XGedIaFormatGraphic /tran-
sparency:0.8
Sum up function templates
Using the newEPLANAPI it is possible nowto sum up function templates in
the currently set parts database. The newSumUpFunctionTemplates
method has been added to the PartsService class for this purpose.
All output file types available for PLC export for Schneider Unity Pro
If you export PLCdata for the configuration program "Schneider Unity Pro"
via the EPLANAPI, you can nowoutput the data not only as a complete file
(*.xef), but also in the output file types *.xhw (hardware configuration) and
*.xsy (variable data). The ExportData method of the PlcService class
has been correspondingly extended for this purpose.
Cut off graphical elements
The cutting off of sections from graphical elements (lines, rectangles, etc.) is
nowalso possible in the EPLANAPI. The newCutOff method in the Edit
class is available for this.
Determine module items
If a part is a module part, you can use the newModules property from the
class Article to determine the module items associated with the subparts.
Assign accessories to a device in the layout space
Accessory components stored in parts management can nowbe assigned to
an enclosure or device in the layout space by means of the EPLANAPI. The
newInsertAccessory3D method has been added to the DeviceService
class for this purpose. In the user interface this corresponds to the inserting
of accessories via the Accessory selection dialog in EPLANPro Panel.
Unite 3D objects
By means of the newUnite method from the class Edit3D you can unite sev-
eral imported individual 3Dbodies in the layout space to form one 3Dobject.
(In the user interface, this corresponds to the menu path Edit > Graphic >
Unite.)
Layout space check
Concerning the checking of layout spaces via EPLANAPI, the Check class
was extended by the VerifyInstallationSpace method. For the call-up
via command line (or other automated processing) by means of the check
action, you can nowuse the newparameter /INSTALLATIONSPACENAME.
Enter the name of the layout space to be checked for this parameter.
New methods for placeholder objects
Several important methods from the PlaceHolderService class were trans-
ferred into the two classes Placeholder and Placeholder3D. These two
classes nowshare the common interface IPlaceHolder. The
PlaceHolderService class was characterized as out-of-date.
Overloading of actions
The EPLANAPI nowprovides the possibility to overload existing actions so
that the original action can still be called up. Use the newFindBaseAction
method from class ActionManager to find the original action.
Check if parts database is opened
To check whether a parts database is opened in parts management (Access
or SQL server database), you can use the newEPLANAPI property IsOpen
from class MDPartsDatabase.
New Features in the Master Data
New Features in the Master Data
Master Data: Symbols
Note:
The following pages showa number of illustrations of newsymbols from
different symbol libraries. The illustrations showvariant "A" of the respec-
tive symbols in multi-line representation. The name and number of the
symbol are shown underneath the symbol.
IEC, GOST, and GB standards
The following newsymbols are nowavailable in the symbol libraries IEC_
symbol, IEC_single_symbol, GOST_symbol, GOST_single_symbol,
GB_symbol, and GB_single_symbol:
SL_EL // 1257 OL_EL // 1258 S_EL_2 // 1259 O_EL_2 // 1260
FLTR2 // 1285 TS3DRDR// 1287 T3DRDR// 1288 X9_NB_1 // 1497
X9_B_1 // 1498 ZBET // 1500 BET_15 // 1515 BET_16 // 1516
BET_17 // 1517 BET_18 // 1518 BET_19 // 1519 BET_20 // 1520
QL_4L_ST // 1567 QL_4LI // 1568 QL_4LI_ST // 1569
NFPA standard
The following 19 newsymbols are available in the symbol libraries NFPA_
symbol and NFPA_single_symbol:
SL_EL // 1257 OL_EL // 1258 S_EL_2 // 1259 O_EL_2 // 1260
FLTR2 // 1285 TS3DRDR// 1287 T3DRDR// 1288 X9_NB_1 // 1497
X9_B_1 // 1498 ZBET // 1500 BET_15 // 1515 BET_16 // 1516
BET_17 // 1517 BET_18 // 1518 BET_19 // 1519 BET_20 // 1520
QL_4L_ST // 1567 QL_4LI // 1568 QL_4LI_ST // 1569
Special symbol library
For pre-planning, the following symbols have been added to the SPECIAL
symbol library:
SCSS // 270 SCSS2 // 271 DCPLO // 280 DCPLO2 // 281
Fluid power
For a large number of symbols in the symbol libraries HYD1ESS, HYD2ESS,
and PNE1ESS, the positions of the property placements have been opti-
mized. Adjustments have been made to where device tags and the sym-
bol graphic overlapped.
Master Data: Function Definition Library
Process engineering
In the PID_ESS symbol library, the default representation type for symbols
having electrical engineering or fluid power function definitions was cor-
rected. These symbols (with symbol number 101, 500, 1231, 1241, 1242,
1243, 1244, 1245, 1304, 1305, 1306, 1307, 1308, 1319, 1320, 1321,
1322, 1323, 1324, 1325, and 1326) nowhave the default representation
type "Pair cross-reference". Thus, these symbols nowautomatically
receive the "Pair cross-reference" representation type during placement
on P&I diagram pages.
General
The default property arrangement of the distributed terminal symbols
XT4OL_2 // 1401, XT4_2 // 1402, XT3_2 // 1404, XT2_2 // 1405,
and XT1_2 // 1406 was expanded to include the newproperty place-
ment "Distributed terminals cross-reference" (in all eight symbol libraries
for IEC, NFPA, GOST and GBstandards).
Some newfunction definitions have been added to the function definition
library. For further information on the properties, the basic symbol, etc. of the
function definitions listed belowin the Function definitions dialog, navigate
to the location indicated in the Selection field.
Trade: General
Under General // General special functions // Connection
// Connection definition, the following newfunction definition has
been added:
Phase busbar connection.
Trade: Electrical engineering
Under Electrical engineering // Sensors, Switches, and
Pushbuttons // Digital sensors, general // Digital sen-
sors, 3 connection points, the following newfunction definitions
have been added:
Digital pressure sensors, change-over contact
Digital flow rate sensors, change-over contact
Digital level sensors, change-over contact
Digital temperature sensors, change-over contact.
sors, NC contact, 2 connection points, the following newfunc-
tion definitions have been added:
Digital pressure sensors, NC contact
Digital flow rate sensors, NC contact
Digital level sensors, NC contact
Digital sensors, general, NC contact
Digital temperature sensors, NC contact.
sors, NO contact, 2 connection points, the following newfunc-
Digital pressure sensors, NO contact
Digital flow rate sensors, NO contact
Digital level sensors, NO contact
Digital sensors, general, NO contact
Digital temperature sensors, NO contact.
Under Electrical engineering // Terminals and plugs // Ter-
minal // Terminals with saddle jumper, 9 connection
points, the following newfunction definitions have been added:
Terminal with saddle jumper, 9 connection points
Terminal, general, with saddle jumper, 9 connection
points
N terminal with saddle jumper, 9 connection points
PE terminal with rail contact, 9 connection points
SH terminal with saddle jumper, 9 connection points.
Under Electrical engineering // Terminals and plugs // Ter-
minal // Terminals, 9 connection points, the following newfunc-
Terminal, 9 connection points
Terminal, general, 9 connection points
N terminal, 9 connection points
PE terminal, 9 connection points
SH terminal, 9 connection points.
Under Electrical engineering // Signal device, optical and
acoustic // Measuring instrument // Measuring instrument,
2 connection points, the following newfunction definitions have been
added:
Measuring instrument, general, 2 connection points
Voltmeter
Ammeter.
added:
Measuring instrument, 4 connection points
Single-phase current meter, 4 connection points.
added:
Measuring instrument, 5 connection points
Single-phase current meter, 5 connection points.
8 connection points, the following newfunction definition has been
added:
Three-phase current meter, 8 connection points.
11 connection points, the following newfunction definition has been
added:
Three-phase current meter, 11 connection points.
variable, the following newfunction definition has been added:
Counter, variable.
Under Electrical engineering // Protection device // Dis-
charger // Discharger, 2 connection points, the following new
function definition has been added:
Discharger, single-line.
Discharger, two-pole, 3 connection points.
function definitions have been added:
Discharger, two-pole, 4 connection points
Discharger, three-pole, 4 connection points.
Discharger, four-pole, 5 connection points.
Discharger, three-pole, 6 connection points.
Discharger, four-pole, 8 connection points.
charger // Discharger, variable, the following newfunction def-
initions have been added:
Discharger, variable
Discharger with PE, variable.
charger // Graphic, the following newfunction definition has been
added:
Graphic.
Under Electrical engineering // Converter, Transformer and
Rectifier // Converter // Converter, variable, the following
newfunction definitions have been added:
Measuring transducer, voltage, variable
Measuring transducer, current, variable.
Under Electrical engineering // PLC / Bus // PLC con-
nection point, the group PLC connection point, bus cable, 1
connection point has been renamed to PLC connection point,
network / bus cable, 1 connection point. Accordingly, the func-
tion definitions of this group have also been renamed.
Old designation:
PLC connection point for bus cable, output
PLC connection point for bus cable, input
PLC connection point for bus cable, source
PLC connection point for bus cable, general.
Newdesignation:
Network / bus cable connection point, output
Network / bus cable connection point, input
Network / bus cable connection point, source
Network / bus cable connection point, general.
The following newfunction definition has been added under Electrical
engineering // PLC / Bus // PLC connection point // PLC
connection point, network / bus cable, 1 connection point:
Network / bus cable connection point, switch connection
point.
The following newfunction definitions have been added under Elec-
trical engineering // PLC / Bus // PLC connection point
// PLC connection point, network / bus cable, 2 con-
nection points:
Network / bus cable connection point, pass-through
Network / bus cable connection point, general.
Master Data: Forms
Trade: Mechanics
Under Mechanics // System accessories // Routing acces-
sories // Cable / tubing clamp, the following newfunction def-
inition has been added:
Cable / tubing clamp.
sories // Cable / tubing tie, the following newfunction definition
has been added:
Cable / tubing tie.
sories // Cable / tubing protection, the following newfunction
definition has been added:
Cable / tubing protection.
Under Mechanics // Design // Routing track // Curve, the fol-
lowing newfunction definition has been added:
Curve.
Master Data: Forms
Eight newforms were generated for the new"Pre-planning" extension mod-
ule:
F38_001.f38 (File type "Pre-planning: Structure segment overview")
F39_001.f39 (File type "Pre-planning: Structure segment plan")
F40_001.f40 (File type "Pre-planning: Planning object overview")
F40_002.f40 (File type "Pre-planning: Planning object overview";
for a PCT loop overview)
F40_003.f40 (File type "Pre-planning: Planning object overview";
for a PCT loop function overview)
F41_001.f41 (File type "Pre-planning: Planning object plan")
Master Data: Schemes
F41_002.f41 (File type "Pre-planning: Planning object plan";
for a PCT loop diagram)
F41_003.f41 (File type "Pre-planning: Planning object plan";
for a PCT loop function diagram).
Master Data: Schemes
For the page structure in the project properties, the new"Document type
first" scheme has been created. In this scheme, the higher-level function,
mounting location and document type are identifying, and the "Document
type" identifier block is shown first in the identifier block scheme.
Master Data: Parts
The default parts database ESS_part001.mdb of EPLANparts manage-
ment has been expanded to include five newconnection point patterns:
Automatic
Down
Left
Right
Up.
Other New Features and Information
Other New Features and Information
EPLAN Solution Center The New Support System
Since the start of 2013, you have been able to access our newsupport sys-
tem online the EPLANSolution Center.
Benefit:
The EPLANSolution Center is an optimized support system with improved
service. As a result, we can nowprocess your individual support requests
even more efficiently.
Your inquiries are created and managed in the EPLANSolution Center on
the basis of simple, ergonomic dialogs. Settings once configured are stored
automatically for future inquiries. You can viewthe processing status of your
inquiry at any time.
Aknowledge database has been integrated into this support system, which
already contains a large number of answers to frequently asked questions.
As soon as your inquiry is received, the knowledge database the EPLAN
Knowledge Center automatically suggests initial solutions, provided the
topic has already been dealt with before. The knowledge database is
expanded continuously.
Alink to the EPLANforum is also integrated into the EPLANSolution Center.
This allows you to use the discussion platform directly.
For the time being, the EPLANSolution Center is only available on the Ger-
man EPLANwebpages. In the future, we will localize the newsupport system
for further EPLANlanguages and install it on a global basis.
Logging Into the EPLAN Solution Center
Logging Into the EPLAN Solution Center
Only software service customers can log into this support system. To access
it, please register online with EPLANSupport. You can reach the registration
page, for example, by clicking the "EPLANSolution Center" hyperlink from
within our support section.
Note:
Please note that you cannot use your login information that you use for log-
ging into EPLANSupport. You must register once before being able to use
the EPLANSolution Center. Enter the e-mail address that you have used
so far also for communicating with EPLANSupport in the E-mail field, and
then click [Send].
To log into the EPLANSolution Center, enter in the fields User name and
Password the data that you received in a reply e-mail from EPLAN.
Confirm your information by clicking [Login]. The first time you log in, you
will be prompted to change the password that was assigned to you. Then, the
start page of the EPLANSolution Center opens.
Transfer of Previous Support Requests
With the introduction of the EPLANSolution Center, all existing support
requests from the previous support system were transferred to the newsup-
port system.
The previous processing numbers (issue numbers) have been replaced in
EPLANSolution Center with a newnumbering system. Your transferred sup-
port requests are identified by a preceding "M". Your previous numbers con-
tinue to be stored in the request, and can be used as a criterion for a search.
Validation Code
In order to distinguish between the two support systems clearly, we have
assigned different designations to the EPLANSolution Center. Thus, a sup-
port request is nowcalled a "ticket". The following table provides an overview
of the changes:
Old name: New name:
SupportSystem EPLANHelpdesk EPLANSolution Center
OnlineProcedure Call Tracking Customer Portal
Support Request Issue Ticket
ProcessingNumber Numeric
(e.g., 351xxx)
Alphanumeric
(transferred requests, e.g.,
M427xxx; newrequests, e.g.,
T750xxx)
Validation Code
To use this newversion of EPLAN, you need a newvalidation code. This is
provided on the delivery note sent with your storage medium. In addition, you
have the option of retrieving the validation code via the internet (see the fol-
lowing section).
Retrieving the Validation Code Online
EPLANenables you to carry out the final installation step quickly and easily
by allowing you to retrieve the validation code required for licensing via the
internet. After the required data have been transmitted, the validation code is
automatically copied into the license dialog.
Retrieving the Validation Code Online
Note:
Please note that you must be connected to the internet to download the val-
idation code. You cannot retrieve a validation code for network licenses or
licenses without a dongle.
The Enter validation code dialog has been enhanced to allowyou the
option of retrieving the validation code online.
This dialog, for example, opens when you start the application for the first
time after an installation. Click the new[Retrieve online] button.
The Company name and Serial number are automatically entered into the
open Set validation code online dialog. This data is needed to retrieve the
validation code successfully.
Up-to-date information
If you would like to receive information in the future (such as our
eNewsletter), please activate the I would like to receive further infor-
mation check box. EPLANwill then save your personal details (Name,
Phone, E-mail address, etc.).
Installation
Internet settings
The settings for the existing internet connection are adopted by default. You
can also use a proxy server as a network component via the [Settings] but-
ton and the dialog that then opens. If this is the case, you must enter the
corresponding information on Address, Port, etc. Please consult with your
administrator about the settings in this area.
Returning the validation code
Click [Send] to send the encoded data to EPLAN. If your details are already
held by EPLANand are valid, a validation code is created and sent to the
license dialog. Then start the application by clicking [OK].
Installation
Starting with version 2.1, EPLANprogram variants and add-ons are installed
via the EPLANSetup Manager. The basic procedure in the EPLANSetup
Manager has remained unchanged. Concerning the installation of EPLAN
program variants and in particular the user interface and the components to
be installed, the following changes have to be noted:
Dongle driver no longer installed by EPLANSetup Manager:
During the installation of EPLANprogram variants, the dongle driver is no
longer installed by the EPLANSetup Manager.
During a newinstallation of an EPLANprogram variant on computers with
the Microsoft operating systems Windows 7 or Windows 8 and usage of a
USBdongle, the dongle driver is, for example, often installed automati-
cally. This automatic installation is carried out by the Windows system
service "Software Update Services" via Internet.
For those cases in which you need another newdongle driver (e.g. no
Internet access or usage of a parallel dongle), the corresponding instal-
lation files can be found on your EPLANdata medium (directory Serv-
ices\Drivers).
Installing Help Languages via EPLAN Download Manager
Installing help languages via EPLANDownload Manager:
In the EPLANSetup Manager, no help languages are offered any more
for selection during the selection of the program components to be
installed. During the installation of EPLANprogram components (e.g.
EPLANElectric P8), one of the two help languages "German (Germany)"
or "English (USA)" is automatically installed.
If "German (Germany)" has been set as "activated" user interface lan-
guage (EPLANis displayed in this language at the first launch), the Ger-
man help system is automatically installed. If you select any other user
interface language as "activated", the English help system is automati-
cally installed. Installation of the EPLANhelp system in other languages is
nowcarried out via the EPLANDownload Manager (see the following sec-
tion).
Note:
Administrator rights are no longer required for borrowing a license.
We provide you with the EPLANDownload Manager for the installation of the
EPLANHelp system in different languages.
Benefit:
Through the separate installation of further Help languages via the EPLAN
Download Manager, we can ensure on the one hand that the Help system
is always fully up-to-date in the respective language. On the other hand,
through this "file off", the data volume on the EPLANstorage medium is
reduced, and the installation is accelerated accordingly.
When the Help system is called for the first time, the program can be started
automatically by means of a hyperlink if the dialog language of the EPLAN
platform is not the same language as that set for the Help system, and if this
Help language is not additionally installed. You can also start the EPLAN
Download Manager at any time by using the menu items Help > EPLAN
Download Manager.
Source of Help systems
First specify the source from which to obtain the Help systems (EPLANcom-
ponents). Select one of the following options:
Downloading from the EPLANdownload area and installing: The
files with the Help systems are copied to the download directory of your
computer, unzipped and installed in the EPLANprogram directory.
Downloading from the EPLANdownload area: The files with the Help
system are only copied into the download directory or into a different direc-
tory that can be set. They are neither unzipped nor installed into the
EPLANprogram directory.
Installing from a folder: Enter the file path in which the installation pack-
ages are stored in your network into the field next to this option. Then, the
files with the Help systems are unzipped and installed in the EPLANpro-
gram directory.
Using the first option, you can download the Help systems directly via the
Internet and install them. If your Internet access is deactivated or limited,
your system administrator must first download the installation packages from
the EPLANDownload area (second option) before you can install the
required languages from a specific folder (third option).
Installation of EPLAN License Manager
List of available Help systems
After the program is started, in the middle of the dialog the EPLANDownload
Manager lists all the Help systems available in the set source area (EPLAN
download area or in a set folder). The following information about the instal-
lation of the Help systems is displayed on your computer:
The languages for which the Help systems are available for downloading
and / or installation (with description and version number respectively)
The status of the Help systems in the available languages: Downloaded /
Not downloaded / Installed / Not installed
The file sizes of the installation packages.
Activate the check boxes in front of the Help languages that you want to down-
load and / or install.
Start download
After you have carried out all the settings as desired, click [Start]. The Help
systems are downloaded and installed.
For further information on the EPLANDownload Manager, see the Help of
the program that can be opened via the [Help] button.
Installation of EPLAN License Manager
The EPLANLicense Manager is no longer installed by means of the EPLAN
Setup Manager. You can find the required installation program on your
EPLANstorage medium in the directory ELM\License Manager (x64)
\setup.exe.
The update installation of the EPLANLicense Manager does not require any
further configuration of the DCOM interface. The settings are nowimported
during the execution of the installation program.
Software Requirements and Approvals
Software Requirements and Approvals
All release information refers to the 32-bit version of the products, unless
stated otherwise.
General requirements
The Microsoft .NET framework 4.0 is required to operate the EPLANplat-
form. Further information and the latest version of this Microsoft component
are available for download from the Microsoft website.
You will find .NET Framework 4.0 on your EPLANstorage medium. Switch
here to the following directory:
cd-rom\Services\Net Framework 4.0\en_US
To install .NET Framework, double-click the file DotNetFx40_Full_x86_
x64.exe.
Operating systems
The EPLANplatform has been cleared for the following operating systems:
Workstation
Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 (64 Bit)
Professional, Enterprise, Ultimate
Microsoft Windows 8 (64 Bit)
Pro, Enterprise
Server
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 (64 Bit)
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 (64 Bit)
Microsoft products
Microsoft products
Prerequisite for the creation of Microsoft Office file formats from EPLANis a
functioning installation of an Office version as approved by EPLANon the
PC.
Microsoft Office 2010 (32 bit)
Microsoft Office 2013
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9
Microsoft Internet Explorer 10
SQL server
Microsoft SQL-Server 2008
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2
Microsoft SQL-Server 2012
Autodesk products
AutoCAD2012 (32-bit und 64-bit)
AutoCAD2013 (32-bit und 64-bit)
Autodesk Productstream Professional 2012
Autodesk Productstream Professional 2013
Autodesk Vault 2012
Autodesk Vault 2013
PDF redlining
Adobe Reader Version X
Adobe Acrobat Version XStandard / Pro / Pro Extended
Adobe Reader Version XI
Adobe Acrobat Version XI Standard / Pro
PLC systems (PLC & bus extension)
PLC systems (PLC & bus extension)
B&RAutomation Studio
Beckhoff TwinCAT 2.10
Beckhoff TwinCAT 2.11
Phoenix Contact PCWorx 6
Rockwell RSLogix professional 20
Schneider Unity Pro 6.0
Schneider Unity Pro 7.0
Siemens SIMATICSTEP7 version 5.4 SP4
Siemens SIMATICSTEP7 version 5.5
Unsupported Operating Systems
Windows XP
Beginning with EPLANversion 2.3, the Windows XPoperating system is no
longer supported.
The EPLANplatform only supports the 64-bit variants of the Microsoft oper-
ating systems Windows 7 and Windows 8.
Note:
Further information on the life cycle of operating systems is available on
the Microsoft website.
Server
The EPLANplatform does not support the Microsoft Windows Server 2003
SP2 nor the Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 any more. This applies to
both the 32-bit and the 64-bit version. In addition, the SQL server Microsoft
SQL Server 2005 SP2 is also not supported any more.

News Eplan en Us

Încărcat de

Informații document

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

News Eplan en Us

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

EPLAN NEWS

for Version 2.3

is a registered trademark of Rittal GmbH & Co. KG.

, EPLAN Pro Panel

and EPLAN Harness proD

are registered trademarks of EPLAN Soft-

, Windows Server 2012

are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.

are registered trademarks of Phoenix Contact GmbH

and AutoCAD Inventor

are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc.

and SIMATIC HW Konfig.

are registered trademarks of Siemens AG.

is a registered trademark of InstallShield, Inc.

are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc.

is a registered trademark of Beckhoff Automation GmbH.

is a registered trademark of Schneider Electric.

and RSLogix Architect

are registered trademarks of Rockwell Automation.

S-ar putea să vă placă și