The data bridge enables bi-directional data exchange and synchronization between the two software programs.
Software and service solutions provider EPLAN unveiled its new 3DExperience Connector product lifecycle management (PLM) data bridge, which was designed as the latest integration for the Dassault Systèmes 3DExperience platform. The data bridge, which features a new bi-directional interface that is based on the EPLAN ERP/PDM Integration Suite, allows bi-directional data exchange between systems. Thanks to EPLAN’s technology, users can now automate data sharing between EPLAN services and 3DX. This means seamless management of product data management between electrical engineering processes and the digital product model itself under a unified platform. Some processes that can now be automated include searching for, finding and creating projects, checking in and out, and exporting computer-aided engineering (CAE) projects in neutral formats.
3DX is Dassault Systèmes’ web-based PLM platform for collaborative product development and manufacturing processes. It provides a real-time overview of project activity as well as the entire enterprise ecosystem, enabling various users to easily collaborate and view data. The 3DX connector will let project managers and electrical design engineers perform project planning without needing to leave their CAE application.
Checking in and opening CAE projects in 3DX can now be automated, reducing the number of repetitive, nonproductive tasks. Thanks to the bi-directional nature of the software, descriptive PDM attributes such as drawing header information that are added in 3DX will automatically appear in EPLAN as well. In addition, the software supports traditional PDM functionalities such as the release or transfer of documents to manufacturing.
According to EPLAN, access to these features is expected to optimize project workflow and make typical work processes more efficient. The simplified interface also means that even users with limited IT experience can easily use the integrated 3DX browser without requiring extensive overview training.
EPLAN will also be expanding the 3DExperience Connector’s features before the end of 2021 with tools such as device synchronization and bill of materials (BOM) output. Device synchronization will allow new devices to be automatically created in 3DX and then returned from PLM with added information. Users will also be able to generate and revise a BOM within EPLAN itself. Thanks to the platform’s unified enterprise ecosystem, employees in sales and service departments can have direct access to real-time data in 3DX anytime. These are features that can already be found in other connectors such as PTC Windchill and Siemens Teamcenter. In a press release, EPLAN shared that users can expect to be able to synchronize the SQL device database with 3DX by the time these features roll out.
Aside from the PLM 3DX Connector, EPLAN also offers integrations for Autodesk Vault Professional, PTC Windchill, PRO.FILE by PROCAD, Teamcenter, and SAP. These enable quick and simplified integration for existing enterprise resource planning (ERP), product data management (PDM), and PLM system environments. EPLAN’s integration solutions portfolio includes various tools and features for versatile product enhancement, including schematics, wire lists, additional reports, and BOM with electrical data.
For more information about EPLAN’s integration solutions, visit the company’s website here.
