From Data to Decisions: Unlocking Industrial AI with Siemens Industrial Edge ,

eng. Rostislav Rusev, eng. Nikola Petkov, Siemens


Abstract

As manufacturing becomes increasingly data-driven, Industrial Edge is
transforming how factories collect, process, and utilize information at the
OT/IT convergence layer. By bringing computing power closer to machines and
production assets, Siemens Industrial Edge enables real-time analytics,
faster decision-making, and scalable deployment of AI applications directly
on the shop floor. The platform bridges operational technology and
information technology, creating a seamless flow of data from sensors and
equipment to enterprise systems and cloud services. This foundation
empowers manufacturers to improve productivity, increase transparency,
optimize operations, and accelerate digital transformation initiatives.

RITTAL RAS – from the idea to a real product

Alexander Georgiev, Rittal

Abstract

Rittal and Eplan are sister companies under the parent Friedhelm Loh Group
<https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.rittal.com/us-en_US/Company/Rittal-Global-HQ/About-us&ved=2ahUKEwjS_sPc1aKXAxXQ_rsIHWs-GlQQy_kOeggIAggBCAoQAg&opi=89978449&cd&psig=AOvVaw0xWEOph8mTUo_nKoUpbksT&ust=1791282572189000>
that together provide an end-to-end, integrated ecosystem for industrial
automation, electrical engineering, and control cabinet manufacturing.

Rittal
<https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.rittal.com/au-en/Software&ved=2ahUKEwjS_sPc1aKXAxXQ_rsIHWs-GlQQy_kOeggIAggBCBIQAw&opi=89978449&cd&psig=AOvVaw0xWEOph8mTUo_nKoUpbksT&ust=1791282572189000>:*
A global hardware manufacturer specializing in industrial enclosure
systems, modular enclosures, climate control (cooling units/chillers),
power distribution (busbar systems), and IT infrastructure.

Eplan: A software developer providing digital engineering solutions,
computer-aided engineering (CAE), and electrical planning platforms (such
as Eplan Electric P8 and Eplan Pro Panel).


The synergy between Rittal hardware and Eplan software bridges the gap
between digital design and physical manufacturing, optimizing the entire
value chain.

1. The Engineering Phase: Eplan (Software)

Eplan is the digital brain of the operation. It replaces traditional CAD
drawing with data-driven electrical engineering.
·         Eplan Electric P8:* The industry standard for creating
electrical schematics, circuit diagrams, and fluid power plans. Every
component added carries unique functional data.
·         Eplan Pro Panel:* A 3D design space where engineers can arrange
the components inside a virtual enclosure. It automatically calculates
optimal wire paths, checks for component collisions, and ensures proper
spacing for cooling.
·         Eplan Data Portal:* A massive online cloud repository containing
millions of verified manufacturer parts (including Rittal's entire
catalog). Engineers simply drag and drop components with pre-configured
dimensions and connection points.

2. The Physical Infrastructure: Rittal (Hardware)

Rittal provides the physical protection, structural foundation, and
environment for the electronics.
- Enclosure Systems:* From small terminal boxes to the modular *Rittal
VX25* large enclosures used in heavy industry.
- Climate Control (Blue e / Blue e+):* Advanced cooling units and
chillers that prevent electronics from overheating, which are crucial for
energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprint.
- Power Distribution:* Busbar systems that allow safe and space-saving
power distribution inside the panel.
- Automation Systems:* Physical machinery (like the *Perforex* milling
centers and *Secarex* cutting centers) and wire processing used to
automate manual workshop tasks.

3. The Synergy: How They Work Together (The Value Chain

- The Digital Twin: The engineer designs a complete 3D digital twin of
the cabinet in Eplan Pro Panel, using Rittal components from the Data
Portal.
- Automated Modification: Instead of a technician measuring and
drilling holes manually, the 3D design data is exported directly to a
Rittal Perforex machine, which automatically drills, taps, and cuts the
physical Rittal enclosure with millimeter precision.
- Smart Wiring:*Eplan exports a digital wire list to Eplan Smart
Wiring (or a Rittal wire-processing machine). The software guides the
technician step-by-step on exactly where to route each wire, its length,
color, and termination point, reducing wiring time by up to 40%.
- Digital Maintenance (Rittal ePOCKET): A QR code is placed on the
physical Rittal cabinet. Scanning it opens a digital schematic pocket in
the cloud, allowing maintenance teams to access the latest Eplan drawings
instantly.