EPLAN Next26:
Engineering, AI, and new momentum for digital control cabinet manufacturing

Two days of EPLAN Next26 in Munich showcased the direction of modern engineering. For SPIE AUTOMATION, the focus was on new EPLAN software features, AI solutions, and digital processes. In particular, the exchange with EPLAN and colleagues from other SPIE companies provided concrete approaches for future collaboration.

Group photo of SPIE colleagues / Stage of EPLAN Next26
Fig.: Marcel Luttmann, Christian Wonschik, Maik Voss, Harald Schwarz / Stage of EPLAN Next26 © SPIE AUTOMATION

Munich, May 20–21, 2026 – Our electrical design colleagues Maik Voss and Christian Wonschik got up to speed at EPLAN Next26 in Munich. There, they met not only numerous EPLAN contacts but also SPIE colleagues Marcel Luttmann (SPIE Building Technology Automation & Traffic GmbH) and Harald Schwarz (SPIE Dürr Austria GmbH).

Smart Sourcing
The agenda featured numerous presentations, information stands, and program highlights. Despite rain on the first day, the atmosphere on-site was excellent. Organizationally, EPLAN Next26 left nothing to be desired. Several technological innovations and developments were particularly memorable. These include the Smart Sourcing cloud solution, which makes it possible to check directly in the cloud whether a product is still current with the manufacturer and available in the required quantity. This represents a clear gain in efficiency for engineering and procurement, as critical information becomes visible earlier in the process.

Copilot
Another central topic was the EPLAN Copilot. This AI solution is designed to simplify tasks and make engineering processes more efficient. A nice detail: EPLAN activated the AI Copilot live on May 20 at 3:00 PM. The new feature for comparing items within the database was also perceived as particularly practical. Discontinued items can be identified more quickly and replaced directly with new alternatives. Especially in control cabinet manufacturing and automation, this can help avoid delays and improve data quality.

Learn more about automation

Why the presented solutions are relevant for SPIE AUTOMATION customers
SPIE AUTOMATION develops high-quality solutions and products related to electrical design and control cabinet manufacturing, so all the solutions presented were fundamentally interesting for our team. Digital data quality, intelligent part selection, cloud-based availability information, and AI-supported engineering processes can help make workflows even more stable and economical. This offers clear potential, especially in control cabinet manufacturing: fewer media discontinuities, better transparency, more efficient planning, and stronger standardization.

Exchange within the SPIE Group
A key added value of EPLAN Next26 was the exchange with colleagues from other SPIE companies. Discussions became concrete with Marcel Luttmann from SPIE Building Technology Automation & Traffic GmbH. In the future, he will support SPIE AUTOMATION in making control cabinet manufacturing even more digital, efficient, and cost-effective, primarily using EPLAN Pro Panel and Smart Wiring. Additionally, there is the possibility of sharing personnel resources during high-demand periods. True to the #OneSPIE spirit, this is a great impulse for closer cooperation within the SPIE world.

A concrete approach for collaboration also emerged with Harald Schwarz from SPIE Dürr Austria GmbH regarding the construction of future control cabinets, which was previously outsourced. This is a valuable opportunity to offer our customers and partners services and products from a single source and to bundle our expertise even more effectively.

To control cabinet manufacturing

Standardization as a central future topic
“My personal highlight was the panel discussion on standardization,” reports Maik Voss, Team Leader of Electrical Design at SPIE AUTOMATION. “The CEOs of EPLAN, Rittal, Siemens, and Phoenix Contact came together to talk about common standards and their importance for the future. I also had the chance to meet Sean Patrick Mulherrin, an absolute luminary in the EPLAN cosmos.”

The topic of standardization is crucial for the industry. Without it, many digitalization approaches remain fragmented. Uniform data, coordinated processes, and compatible systems are the foundation for truly efficient integration of engineering, manufacturing, and commissioning.

Conclusion: Wow factor and high practical utility
EPLAN Next26 had a real wow factor for our colleagues because the solutions presented directly address current challenges in engineering and control cabinet manufacturing. In addition to the official program, there was plenty of time for personal networking. The joint dinner at the beer garden on the first day was a highlight, attended by many SPIE colleagues as well as Andreas Schmid and Hendrik Albertz from EPLAN.

Trade fair visitors at the EPLAN stand
Fig.: Numerous demos and info stands invited discussion. © SPIE AUTOMATION
Design engineer in front of a control cabinet
Fig.: Team Leader Maik Voss in front of a control cabinet. © SPIE AUTOMATION
People dancing in front of a stage
Fig.: Fun and relaxation at sunset were provided. © SPIE AUTOMATION

In general, I always think it’s great to meet and get to know employees and colleagues from our group. The exchange about how other units work and which other areas we’re active in is also always very exciting. For future collaboration, I see mutual learning—from shared challenges and the different approaches to solving them, or innovations we can share with one another. But it’s not just collaboration on a “knowledge level”; it’s also about being able to act as an in-house supplier to support projects—or vice versa.

Marcel Luttmann | Head of Department, Control Cabinet Design
SPIE Building Technology Automation & Traffic GmbH

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