Connected manufacturing in action

End-to-end virtual engineering is the essential basis for the fourth industrial revolution. EPLAN, Rittal and Phoenix Connect will spotlight the seamless integration of digital data into the manufacturing process for the second time at this year’s Hannover Messe. Visitors can gain practical insights into all aspects of the automated process chain, from prototype to volume production. Herborn/Hanover, Germany, 4 April 2016 – EPLAN, Rittal and Phoenix Contact, leading providers of solutions for engineering, enclosures and automation technology, have formed the Smart Engineering and Production 4.0 technology network. In Hanover, this network will present solutions for the new digital era in manufacturing (often known as Industry 4.0 in Germany). The stand in Hall 8 will demonstrate intelligent, connected production processes at five stations. A complete digital description of an enclosure will be used to show how engineering data is forwarded to production systems via standardised data-exchange formats, such as Automation ML.

Seamless transition to the digital era

This year, the partners’ exhibits will provide in-depth information on interfaces and the supply of data to the manufacturing process. The use of Automation ML to enable the flow of data to production will be explained in a broader context. With the help of Automation ML, conventional automation technologies such as machine tools, drilling and milling centres can now be integrated into highly connected production environments. EPLAN’s Smart Wiring application is a further tool for the seamless transition to digitised production. The application was presented at the 2015 Hannover Messe as a concept. This year, the technology network will be showcasing its practical implementation. Its purpose is to streamline the manual wiring of enclosures through the intelligent use of digital data. The fourth industrial revolution depends on end-to-end flows of digital data throughout the product lifecycle. Core platforms such as EPLAN Data Portal, and systems that structure information, such as PLM/PDM, will play an increasingly important role in supplying production with relevant data. “Being able to provide data with the right degree of detail, at the right time and place – that’s the challenge for our customers, and the goal we have set ourselves,” explains Maximilian Brandl, President of EPLAN and Cideon. Dr Thomas Steffen, Managing Director, R&D at Rittal, adds: “High-quality technical product data and highly standardised engineering processes are critical to making value creation more efficient in manufacturing.” Roland Bent, member of the Executive Board at Phoenix Contact summarises: “Using highly automated manufacture of a unique discrete product, we will show the potential of end-to-end digitisation and total data integration across multiple activities and systems. Our trade-fair demonstration highlights the future of development of production.” Visitors will experience digital product data, integrated processes and systems, and standardised interfaces in action at the technology network’s booth D28 in hall 8. Five stations will be used to present the digital description of a finished product, engineering of an enclosure, NC component machining, and the smart, automated manufacture of entire assemblies. The virtual product data models are based in part on research findings from Green Car Body Technologies, an alliance for innovation. As a result, the models support the design of more efficient climate control solutions for switchgear. During the trade fair, the technology network will invite visitors to participate in a discussion. This event, supported by the German Commission for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies (DKE), will be dedicated to exploring digital pre-certification of switchgear as a goal for the future. In summary, the stand shared by Rittal, EPLAN und Phoenix Contact at the 2016 Hannover Messe will explain the fourth industrial revolution in a very practical, hands-on way. Above all, it will demonstrate the vital role that digitisation will play in tomorrow’s smart manufacturing environments. © Rittal GmbH & Co. KG