SOFTWARE & SYSTEMS
SUITE X
WSCAD
E-CAD integration reduces time to market by 80 % for automation control specialist
The time to market for automation system design and development has decreased by up to 80 % for a control technology specialist following the introduction of a comprehensive electrical system design package . WSCAD ’ s E-CAD software platform Suite X has delivered the result for automation system builder Bruckmann Steuerungstechnik GmbH ( BSG ), based in Uedem north of Düsseldorf , Germany . BSG needed a solution that would interface with its own in-house developed configuration software and an established ERP system to deliver an intuitive , easy to use design and specification tool .
BSG is a control technology integrator , automating systems for process and manufacturing industries from single machines to full production lines . Author of its own software suite , the capability of BSG ’ s ONEsystems platform includes machine automation and control , data acquisition and vision across the automated operation , as well as software integration between ERP-level IT and real machine data . BSG demanded a CAD package which could manage the design of its automation integration projects , and crucially , it also had to integrate with ONEsystems and be fully interoperable . Aware of the track record in deploying time-saving CAD packages for industrial automation solutions , BSG engaged with WSCAD with the aim of developing a partnership to create optimum automation design and streamline the design and development process .
The key challenge for BSG is time to market . Whether a new project or retrofit , BSG ’ s customers demand quick project delivery in order to optimise productivity . Integration with ONEsystems ’ ERP system would be vital in order to reduce time on data transfer , management and accuracy . ERP integration would also increase efficiency of the project planning and procurement processes .
A further aspect to achieve reduced time to market is consistent product standardisation and the re-use of predeveloped , effective solutions . Crucial to reducing project time at BSG is electrical engineering design , from the development of individual machines and circuit diagrams with wiring and distribution components , through to complete production plants and switchgear . As a result , the re-use and automation of electrical design would be a key factor in achieving rapid time to market .
WSCAD was able to fulfil BSG ’ s requirements through deployment of its electrical CAD system Suite X .
“ It was important for us that the interface from the E-CAD supplier would be able to directly integrate with our ERP system , as well as enabling project replication to speed-up future projects ,” says Leendert van Straalen , Operations Manager at BSG .
“ WSCAD was able to provide the features we needed to design individual machines through to complete greenfield site project
Cabinet layouts , including all the production data for labelling , wires and cabinet enclosures , are generated without any additional licence costs using the Cabinet Engineering Expert module and sent to the NC machines of renowned manufacturers .
102 PECM Issue 51