Dr. Zein, why is there a particular focus on an intuitive user interface?

Dr. Axel Zein: Nine out of ten users are occasional users. They spend around two hours a day on the system. Otherwise they are in meetings, in work preparation, with customers or on the construction site. Complex projects and products increase the coordination effort, which tends to be handled by fewer staff. Our aim is therefore to make the occasional user much more productive. They should be able to work intuitively and faster with the WSCAD software. We have already achieved this very well and with the new 'Suite X' we are taking a big step further in this direction. This will improve the performance of 90% of engineering staff - that's a quantum leap.

What about the interfaces to other solutions?

Dr. Axel Zein: Electrical engineering has become an integral part of development and the entire product life cycle. That's why our solution has many interfaces to other systems. For example, we are supplying a new interface to the TIA portal from Siemens as well as to solutions from Wago and Phoenix Contact. We also offer additional interfaces to CadCabel, Nvent, Komax and Kiesling. And for the connection to PLM and ERP systems, there is a new direct interface to Pro.File from Procad as well as to all leading systems on the market via OpenPDM from Prostep.

Is there anything to see about your augmented reality app?

Dr. Axel Zein: Yes, we will be demonstrating the range of functions and benefits of our free AR app at SPS. With the latest function, fitters can mark wired connections using a tablet or smartphone and save the current status. An evaluation ensures that nothing is forgotten. Maintenance and service technicians use the app to scan field devices and components in the control cabinet using augmented reality. This gives them immediate access to all current plans - including BMK, 3D views of the components, complete item data and original manufacturer data sheets. The app can also be used to transfer changes to the documentation or order spare parts online. It can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple Store and Google Play.

Is there anything else new that you will be presenting at the trade fair?

Dr. Axel Zein: Yes, for example the new version of our online article database wscaduniverse.com, which we will also be presenting. Here, too, we have revised the user interface, made it even more intuitive and implemented a lightning-fast, intelligent search and 100 percent eCl@ss compatibility.

The portal is growing by 20 to 25 percent a year in terms of users and new manufacturers and now includes over 1.3 million item data from more than 210 manufacturers in WSCAD, Eplan and 3D-Step format. From January to September, we had over 1.5 million queries - many times more than other similar portals.