IT in Manufacturing


The new 2026 Eplan Platform

January 2026 IT in Manufacturing

The new Eplan Platform 2026 is here. Eplan has completely redeveloped its entire portfolio, with an even greater focus on customers and their requirements in their respective market segments. One central point is the significant reduction in complexity. The new software portfolio makes the full power of the Eplan Platform clearer. With numerous enhancements, it provides a comprehensive complete solution in specific application fields. Furthermore, the Eplan Platform can easily be integrated into existing IT landscapes.

Companies are facing enormous challenges in successfully configuring their businesses and making them secure for the future. Solutions provider, Eplan supports its customers in shortening the time to value. Comprehensive solutions have been created that are customised to the tasks and workflows in individual industries and customer segments, and customers can immediately use them. They are already optimised to their full extent for basic engineering, electrical engineering and control cabinet manufacturing, without the need to evaluate and procure additional modules and options. Eplan vice president, Jan Fleming explains: “We have systematically aligned our product portfolio toward the tasks and workflows of our customers. The Eplan Platform 2026 provides maximum support for users in their respective application fields. This means more simplicity in engineering and at the same time valuable additional services that help our customers become even more efficient.”

Simplicity offers more

All products in the Eplan Platform 2026 have been fundamentally reworked and functionally expanded and can be considered the new benchmark for electrical engineering. The launch is being accompanied by a complete new product portfolio. Previously optional extensions are now standard in some version of the software. The portfolio has been tailored to the specific requirements of certain market segments. Eplan Preplanning meets these requirements for operators and planners. Control cabinet construction is planned using Eplan Pro Panel and machine builders will find all the relevant functionality for their tasks in Eplan Electric P8. New features include the cloud-based Eplan collaboration apps, the Eplan Data Portal, parts management eStock and eManage for data management, all of which are included in the scope of services for Eplan Electric P8, Eplan Pro Panel and Eplan Preplanning. Previously optional extensions are now included in some configuration levels. This allows users to make their processes even more efficient and consistent. This holds true for all project phases and for different industries from concept development to detail engineering, and manufacturing to commissioning and operations.

Support for operators as well

For instance, Eplan Preplanning now also covers electrical engineering requirements in the early planning phase in the form of single-line schematics in addition to the integration of preplanning data and professional creation of P&I; diagrams. So aside from being able to be used by system integrators, the software can now also be used by operators and planners in basic engineering. Users benefit from preconfigured contents such as symbols, example data and forms that are specifically tailored to the tasks in machine building, control cabinet and switchgear system engineering, energy technology and building automation.

Flexible with or without the use of cloud services

Depending on the configuration level, customers can now also collaborate internally and externally using the Eplan Cloud. Cloud-based apps for device management, data management and the view of Eplan projects using the Viewer are now included.

“The Eplan Platform 2026 provides maximum support for users in their respective application fields. This means more simplicity in engineering and at the same time valuable additional services that help our customers become even more efficient,” says Fleming.

Connections add value

The new Eplan Platform can also be integrated into ERP and PDM system via standardised interfaces. Digital data from the electrical engineering can also be used directly in manufacturing of control cabinets and by wiring machines and plant systems. In the area of automation technology, commercially available PLC planning and programming systems can also be directly connected via standard formats.

Accessing relevant data faster

Another important new feature is that access from device management in Eplan now allows direct device data selection in the Data Portal. Users no longer have to ‘jump’ from the platform to the portal. Just a click in Eplan Electric P8 brings them directly to device selection in the portal and they can immediately download the required project data. This also applies to the cloud-based device management. In addition, devices can be described even more precisely with more than 400 new properties for devices.

Everything at a glance in the Download Centre

Last but not least. The Eplan Download Centre is now available to every Eplan user. At eplan.com, users can directly access software, tools, useful eLearning contents and licencing information. There they will also find information about the version currently in use as well as individual updates, which allow even larger jumps for updates to older versions with just a click.

For more information contact Reyneke Johan, EPLAN Software & Service, +27 83 925 2054, [email protected], www.eplan.co.za




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Even in autonomous systems, human insight is important
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
As AI, IIoT and digital twins reshape industrial operations, Schneider Electric’s Kobus Vermeulen and Bafana Msibi argue that the operator’s role is shifting from controlling equipment to interpreting intelligence, validating AI recommendations and making decisions that improve

Read more...
AI-based quality inspection scales across P&G operations
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Siemens and Procter & Gamble are expanding an AI-based visual inspection system across P&G’s manufacturing operations worldwide, inspecting products in real time at full line speed, and reducing scrap rates by 10 to 20% depending on the product.

Read more...
How sustainability unlocks real business impact
Rockwell Automation IT in Manufacturing
Sustainability has moved from a compliance obligation to a strategic driver of resilience and value for manufacturers. Rockwell Automation explains how its Triple A framework and connected-data approach help producers cut energy, water and waste while improving productivity.

Read more...
Mining’s AI future will depend on people as well as technology
IT in Manufacturing
South Africa’s mining industry is embracing digitalisation and AI, but AvenirHoldings chief executive officer, Tshidi Mndzebele says the real test is whether the people behind the industry are equipped to move forward with it, and outlines five things mining needs to get right.

Read more...
How BIC overcame operational silos to integrate technology and people
Rockwell Automation IT in Manufacturing
Manufacturing giant BIC deployed Plex MES from Rockwell Automation at its Bizerte plant in Tunisia, replacing fragmented, partly in-house software with a single cloud-based execution system that broke operational silos and improved shop-floor visibility.

Read more...
AI in industry is an early warning system, not a guarantee
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric’s Paul Steyn argues that AI in industrial maintenance is only as good as the infrastructure and people behind it, and explains the three layers a facility needs before predictive maintenance can deliver on its promise.

Read more...
SA’s mining industry must put people at the heart of its digital future
IT in Manufacturing
South Africa’s mining industry employs around 470 000 people while its digital transition accelerates. Avenir’s chied executive officer, Tshidi Mndzebele argues that technology should enable and upskill the workforce rather than replace it, setting out five ways mining can make technology work for its people.

Read more...
Quality control supports efficient tissue production
Valmet South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Valmet’s advanced quality control technology is helping tissue producers improve product consistency while reducing energy and raw material consumption. Its latest installation at KORO Paper in Vietnam combines real-time measurement, process optimisation and non-contact, nuclear-free quality control.

Read more...
Patented algorithm maximises operator efficiency
Rockwell Automation IT in Manufacturing
Rockwell Automation piloted a patented anomaly detection algorithm and FactoryTalk DataMosaix at its Twinsburg electronics plant, giving operators 30 to 60 days’ advance warning of stencil failure, improving fail rates by 22% and achieving a 200% return on investment.

Read more...
Cybersecurity must become part of the next era of industrial automation
Adroit Technologies IT in Manufacturing
The EU’s Cyber Resilience Act is setting a global benchmark for connected products, making cybersecurity a core engineering requirement in industrial automation. Adroit Technologies and Mitsubishi Electric explain how building security into controllers, PLCs and drives from the outset helps South African manufacturers protect production and meet international expectations.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved