One of the key requirements for Industry 4.0 is the incorporation of all processes in a virtual engineering umbrella. Hence at HANNOVER MESSE 2016, EPLAN, Rittal and Phoenix Contact - three of the leading solution providers in engineering and enclosure system and automation technology - are showing for the second consecutive year how digital data can be fully integrated into product manufacturing. The "Smart Engineering and Production 4.0" technology network is showcasing intelligent and networked production of the future at five stations at its stand in Hall 8. The example of an enclosure is used to show visitors how the engineering data from an entirely virtual product description flows into the manufacturing process via standardized data exchange formats such as AutomationML.

This year, the partners are focusing particularly on interfaces and data provision for manufacturing. The use of the AutomationML standard for data provision is demonstrated particularly well, since this will make it possible in future to integrate even conventional automation technology such as machine tools, drilling and milling centers into Industry 4.0's digitally supported manufacturing processes. EPLAN's Smart Wiring Application is further evidence of this end-to-end, sustainable approach. Presented as a work in progress at last year's HANNOVER MESSE, the technology network is now exhibiting the finished product, which provides full digital data support for the manual processes involved in wiring enclosures.

EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG (40789 Monheim, Germany), Hall 8, Stand D28/1

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