Do you need to select components directly from your machine in the event of faults or maintenance requirement? If you answered yes, then with the new EPLAN Data Portal app, which is now available in two languages from the iTunes Store, this is possible. It allows users to access over 230,000 components in the portal. Users can now search in their mobile devices and select their desired components. Current subscribed EPLAN Customers can use this intelligent app to transfer the data that has been collected into their EPLAN project.

With production becoming more flexible, the need for Mobile applications for iPads and smartphones are in high demand. Solution provider, EPLAN, has now developed a free data portal app for the iPhone and iPad which was released online during the Hannover Messe. It allows users to select components on a mobile basis, i.e., directly from the machine or plant. Extensive filter options make finding the right component for service or maintenance quicker and easier. If components need to be replaced, they can be selected directly in the app 'on site', i.e., on the shop floor. If a manufacturer has removed the item from the range, another item can be found quickly and easily. Once in the basket, the part is ready and can be transferred directly to the project at the office. This ensures that the documentation reflects the machine's 'as-built' status and everything fits together logically. The plant and project documentation are consistent and seamless. Configuration with extra convenience

The parts data provide significant added value even at the configuration stage. The EPLAN Data Portal, during the commercial information state, will provide logic information, for example, enclosure macros or 3D macros for enclosure construction which is one of the real benefits for app users is the 3D data viewer. Now components can be viewed conveniently from all sides using fingertip controls on a touch-screen. Configuration engineers are given optimum visual support for the installation position in the enclosure to be developed. This ensures highly efficient configuration in the engineering process and a certain extra bonus in terms of user-friendliness.

Benefits for manufacturers

The new app also offers potential for component manufacturers too. Sales employees can access the component data and save it directly, then highlight the potential for integrated engineering for their customers. Added value is evident through real components with integrated project data such as order information, graphical representation and more detailed information in the conventional EPLAN format. It is an unbeatable sales argument for manufacturers and users can benefit from high quality engineering data.