The Dassault Systèmes 3DExperience Platform (abbreviated 3DX) is a web-based PLM solution for product development and manufacturing processes. Eplan has now developed a bidirectional interface based on its ERP/PDM Integration Suite for automated data exchange: the PLM 3DExperience Connector. The automation of routine processes is something that makes every-day work easier for users. Traditional tasks such as searching for, finding and creating projects, checking in and out, or exporting CAE projects in neutral formats can all be carried out much more efficiently via the new PLM data bridge.

Bidirectional communication from PLM and CAE

Eplan and 3DX communicate bidirectionally with one another. Checking in CAE projects in 3DX is automated, as is opening projects in the PLM software. Important descriptive PDM attributes such as information for the drawing header can be added in 3DX and are then automatically available in Eplan. Furthermore, the software also supports traditional PDM functionalities including the release or transfer of documents to manufacturing.

Another advantage of the new 3DX Connector is that Eplan users can control all work steps from their familiar working environment. Since electrical design engineers don’t have to leave their CAE environment for traditional project planning, the work becomes even quicker and more efficient. Another plus for users is that access via the integrated 3DX browser is easy and doesn’t require training nor any extensive familiarisation process.

Outlook: Synchronise devices, revise bills of materials

Solutions provider Eplan will also be providing additional expansion stages for the interface, which will include device synchronisation and bill of materials output, before the end of the year – similar to the connectors for PTC Windchill and Siemens Teamcenter that are already available. At that point the SQL device database in Eplan can also be synchronised with 3DX. This specifically means that new devices are automatically created in 3DX and returned from PLM with enriched information. The benefits go well beyond pure electrical design. For example, if a new bill of materials is to be created after revisions have been made, not only will it be possible to generate it in Eplan in the upcoming expansion stages, users will also be able to directly revise it there. People working in sales and service then have direct access to current data in 3DX at all times.

Seamless integrations for end-to-end processes

Technically speaking, the Eplan ERP/PDM Integration Suite creates the foundation for bidirectional exchange. In addition to the new PLM 3DExperience Connector, there are also integrations available for Autodesk Vault Professional, PTC Windchill, Pro.File by Procad, Teamcenter and SAP. Seamless integration into existing ERP, PDM and PLM system landscapes provides optimal support for the necessary working steps from schematics to the master data.