This is because digitalization is changing the demands placed on the product, its environment and its availability. The launch takes a standard product that has been manufactured for over 50 years into the digital future: with over 35 million units produced, the AE from Rittal is the most widely used compact enclosure system in the world.

The AE goes digital
The digitalization and automation of the Industry 4.0 era poses new challenges for enclosure technology. "We have understood the new requirements of a digitalized industry and have developed compact enclosures and small enclosures according to these criteria. Following the Blue e+ cooling unit series and the VX25 large enclosure system, all our core products are now new and fit for Industry 4.0 as a system solution," says Uwe Scharf, Managing Director at Rittal responsible for the IT and Industry business units as well as marketing.

As the number of sensors and actuators used in machines and systems increases, so does the number of components and cables that need to be installed in switchgear. In addition, digitalization is increasingly finding its way into switch cabinet workshops, where the need for automation, maximum flexibility and high product availability is growing.

Enclosures integrated into the system environment
From engineering and ordering through to automation - Rittal offers end-to-end solutions along the entire value chain in control and switchgear manufacturing and supplies high-quality digital data for the entire design and machining process in the form of a digital product twin. All parts can be clearly assigned using QR codes. With AX and KX, the new compact enclosures and small enclosures are now also integrated into this system environment.

The Rittal Configuration System (RiCS) as a product configuration tool, for example, enables simple and fast configuration of enclosures, accessory products and modifications. An automatic plausibility check ensures that the right accessories are configured without errors. The result of the configuration can be transferred directly to the Rittal online store and immediately provides information on price and delivery time. At the same time, the configuration result can be transferred to the Eplan engineering products and thus also used with the modifications in the further engineering process. This reduces the time required for the engineering process. After being sent by the customer, the order arrives at the Rittal Global Distribution Center (GDC). The orders are sent directly from the GDC. The GDC is networked with the highly automated production system and independently ensures replenishment. This means that all series products in Germany are delivered to the customer within 24 hours of ordering, if required.

Highly automated production in Haiger
AX and KX are manufactured in the newly built plant in Haiger. The world's most modern production facility for compact enclosures and small enclosures was created there in accordance with Industry 4.0 criteria. The highly automated production control system makes the plant, in conjunction with the distribution center, a central link in order processing and a guarantor for the constant availability of the series portfolio with accessories.

The two new enclosure series offer customers improved functions and thus open up new perspectives for added value. Time is saved right from the delivery stage: the flat parts can all be removed individually, eliminating the need for the usual disassembly. The assembly of doors and locking systems is also simpler, and can usually be carried out without tools. The wall mounting bracket can now be attached to the outside of the compact enclosure or small enclosure even if components have already been installed - while fully retaining the enclosure protection type. This also significantly reduces the risk of transport damage, as the protruding wall brackets can now only be fitted at the installation site. pb