Fast – reliable – consistent: The new EPLAN Electric P8 2.0 promises smooth engineering in every aspect: extended reports and parts management, flexible terminal design, unique check functions, PDF/A output and well thought out revision management. The EPLAN platform convinces with interdisciplinary cooperation, from engineering to maintenance. 

Quality and speed are the winners when designing multi-line connections with a single-line display. With EPLAN Electric P8, standard connections can now be created as a single-line display – a considerable time savings. All detailed connections can be defined in a table. At the press of a button, the system generates detailed production information that is always consistent in EPLAN Project. If the user saves the single-line display plus the table-defined interconnection as a macro, high-quality project documentation can be quickly created when these macros are placed. This provides more room to maneuver when using function modules that are interconnected with standard, preassembled cables. 

Design terminals more easily
More really is more: New features in the terminal strip navigator speed up the design of multi-level terminals. Terminals and strip accessories can be defined in detail in parts management, and the EPLAN device concept ensures a smooth engineering process. In combination with the new reporting functions, the symbolic or photo-realistic display in the terminal diagram can be controlled at the terminal. This saves engineering time and prevents misinterpretation during commissioning and maintenance. Detailed documentation of free terminal connections provides all project members with the necessary overview, which really pays off when existing plants are rebuilt or expanded. 

 

Generate intelligent report forms
Better together than separately: Form creation is now so dynamic that different types of items can now be reported together. Special parts tables are flexibly created for reporting according to item characteristics, corresponding product graphics or symbols are displayed, and safety-relevant items are highlighted. All subsequent project phases receive clear, compressed overviews and have the information they need for the components used. 
 

Check projects automatically
No compromises: With the new 'Prevent Errors' check type, users actively protect their projects from input errors thereby ensuring the continuing quality of machine and plant documentation. After defining the rules, the user simply lets the system run the check - even online during project design, if desired. Rule violations are not possible. In combination with the 'Protected Devices' function, EPLAN Electric P8 provides secure, flexible protection of key project data ─ from preplanning to project completion.

Manage parts quickly
A well-maintained parts master is the foundation of every successful project. The new full-text search in EPLAN parts management helps users work efficiently, even when the parts master is extensive. The new ways to manage parts accessories deliver sheer speed and quality: The company's internal ERP number, barcode information directly in the EPLAN parts record, and the increased number of available language documents assure comprehensive data acquisition and excellent design quality.

Track changes perfectly
The ability to complete selected pages in the project gives revision management an important degree of flexibility. Depending on the project phase, page filters can be used to control the revision process for individual pages. Different colors and symbols for identifiers provide a clear overview. All project members can see at a glance if project information has been added, changed or deleted. A perfect overview for all project members, making it easier for engineering and production to exchange data and maintain correct "as-built" documentation.

Archive projects securely
Apropos documentation: During maintenance and servicing, the new PDF/A format ensures long-term access to interdisciplinary project documentation. Today, this format is considered a standard for the long-term archiving of electronic documents in accordance with the ISO 19005-1 standard. Secure archiving in the "data safe" is another added value, especially in view of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC requirement for complete documentation going back at least 10 years.  

Conclusion:
The new version of EPLAN Electric P8 forces efficient engineering, ensuring consistency in the entire process with no ifs, ands or buts. Engineering and maintenance benefit from uniform data which speeds up the overall product development process.