Automation in the Cloud

30 May 2018

With Eplan Cogineer Advanced, the solutions provider will be offering its automation software through a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model.

The two functional areas, Designer and Project Builder, will thereby only be usable as cloud-based solutions with separate licenses. Data security is naturally assured: user rights for Designer, in which the rule sets and macros for automatic schematic creation are defined, can be clearly defined through a new Rights Management function.

At this year’s Hannover Messe, Eplan provided a sneak preview of the next expansion stage of its automation software. Eplan Cogineer Advanced has expanded functionality in the area of interfaces and instancing through the separate licensing of the two functional areas, Designer and Project Builder. Models created in Designer can thereby also only be edited in Designer by the user group, which receives access to it through a new Rights Management feature. This fulfils a crucial aspect in regards of data security. Another interesting feature is the new business model. The upcoming Version 2.8, which is anticipated to be available starting in late summer 2018, will be usable as a completely cloud-based Software as a Service.

XML Interface for process integration

Eplan Cogineer Advanced has an import interface based on the XML format. Complete configurations can be imported with it, including all of their value sets. This provides clear benefits for users: the software can quickly be integrated into processes and existing data for automated schematic creation can continue to be used. In practice this means additional time savings and guaranteed quality by avoiding duplicate data storage and data entry.

Dynamic configuration

Another new function in Eplan Cogineer Advanced is the possibility for instancing of typical elements. During a configuration process users can dynamically select which partial functions or partial circuits they wish to use in a project’s structural characteristics. The multiple use of partial as well as complete functions is also supported. The instancing of these typical elements can also be directly controlled through the import of an XML data created upstream in the process. The biggest benefit of instancing typical elements: a 100-percent configuration doesn’t have to be created for every variant and structure of a target project. Particularly in plant engineering, where often no documentation structure from one project ever matches another, this is an enormous advantage. Plant engineers and system integrators save a lot of time when they can reuse parts of a configuration.

The System “thinks”

The entry of logical dependencies and formulas will be considerably simplified in all versions of Eplan Cogineer. A new Formula Assistant will ensure moving forward that logical conditions and formulas – thus the entire relationship knowledge for a function or functional group – can be input even more easily and, above all, without mistakes. Depending on the type of configuration variables, only the permitted operands for the respective type will be offered. At the same time, the Formula Assistant suggests all of the variable names available, “live”, during entry. Typos during entry are thereby impossible – ensuring consistently high quality during project development.

Find out more at: www.eplancogineer.com