A simple scan of the article shows the correct installation location in the switch cabinet. © Phoenix Contact

In addition to the paperless component search, the focus is on optimized handling of the terminal block. This is not exactly a cost-driving factor in control cabinet construction. But with small quantities down to one, the items to be used are often not stored in the terminal block diagrams. "As a result, terminal strip engineering was often outsourced directly from the office to production," says Sontowski.

If you look at the process costs for a simple connection point in the control cabinet from planning to production from this perspective, the situation is different. The engineering process accounts for a large proportion of the total costs, while the material costs of the terminal block play a subordinate role. "When looking at the process chain as a whole, the high savings potential becomes clear," notes Sontowski. "That's why we are working on a terminal block solution that provides us with digital support from engineering to production."

Smart solution for enclosure construction 4.0

For a continuous process chain, the entire approach was put to the test. The EIP system was designed under the maxim "flexibility through modularity" - the abbreviation stands for "Easy Intelligent Process". The electrician can scan in pre-picked and labeled article assemblies. He is immediately shown the correct positioning, either in the digital layout plan or even via a light point in the actual control cabinet. Assembly is then carried out directly - without having to laboriously search through paper plans.

In order to optimize the process chain and improve terminal block handling, Blumenbecker Automatisierungstechnik opted for a test setup with the planning and marking software Project complete from Phoenix Contact. The deep integration of the software in all common CAE systems such as Eplan Electric P8, Eplan Pro Panel, WSCAD Suite X and the E³ series from Zuken ensures the necessary data consistency. This saves valuable time in the engineering process.

The connection points are transferred at the click of a mouse and Project complete uses them to create a fully equipped digital terminal strip. The bidirectional interface then writes all the required article numbers, including the required accessories such as end caps and end clamps, back into the CAE system. "This information is rarely maintained in our customers' CAE projects, as the effort involved is relatively high. This interface is a real potential efficiency factor for us," says Sontowski, assessing the decision to test the software.

Project complete can also be used directly in production. At the station with Project complete, mounting rails with terminal blocks can also be permanently assembled according to their digital image - paperless and directly from engineering. In this way, the optimized assembly process around the article assemblies then also extends to the terminal blocks.

The challenge in switching to the new digital solution in day-to-day production lies in gaining acceptance among employees. "It's about a fundamental change in the production process," says Sontowski, "and we want to actively involve our employees and show them the benefits right from the start. Our colleagues already don't want to do without the new EIP system, and we expect the same effect when using Project complete."

B.Eng. MLitt. Sophia Bulmahn, Senior Project Manager Digitalization & Engineering, Business Unit Industrial Cabinet Solutions, Phoenix Contact