From Eplan to Elecworks: How Is the Future of Electrical Design Software Shaping Up?
Author: Wang, Technical Director at Trace Software International, France
The taste of spring is gone, but it was once sweet.
Summer has arrived, and its heat is here to stay.
No longer do we fear the complexity of mechatronics—Elecworks for PTC Creo is now here.
Since I first entered the world of electrical design, I've often wondered why this field hasn't been taken as seriously as mechanical design. I always believed that a major transformation was coming. But over the years, my dreams remained unfulfilled, and I still don’t think electrical design can match the maturity of mechanical design today.
Why isn’t electrical design valued enough?
Because China is a manufacturing giant, and because electrical design is more complex than mechanical design.
Electrical design is about turning abstract control logic into tangible systems. Everything is invisible, which makes it hard for outsiders to understand or master. It's like climbing a mountain with no clear path. In contrast, mechanical software uses 3D models that can simulate real-world objects in full detail. This allows companies to plan product appearances without physical samples, and from a production perspective, it enables virtual testing before actual manufacturing. This reduces trial and error, saving time and resources. As a result, most companies have far more mechanical engineers than electrical ones.
Despite the challenges, we still carry the word "electrical" in our minds. We believe in its potential, and our dreams haven’t faded yet.
Superworks, an electrical design tool developed based on AutoCAD, made a big impact in its time. Although its user base has declined over the years, we can't ignore its past contributions. Many local tools were wiped out by piracy, making it all the more tragic.
In the history of electrical design software, Eplan played a crucial role. It introduced object-oriented design and database integration, changing the way electrical design was done. While many saw only the ability to generate reports, the real value was the shift from drawing to data management. This brought new possibilities to the industry.
If we say Eplan sparked the spring, it's not an exaggeration.
Time has a way of moving on, and while we celebrate achievements, we also face the inevitable decline of products. Every product has its life cycle.
After reaching maturity, the hardest part is self-renewal. Once at the peak, improvements become slower and costlier. To stay relevant, continuous R&D is essential—this applies to electrical design software as well.
Software must adapt to market demands, evolve accordingly, and build flexibility to meet future needs.
A fresh breeze from France is helping Eplan break through its limits. The rise of Elecworks has shifted the direction of electrical design software in a meaningful way.
Though it still follows object-oriented design and database management, Elecworks has brought new hope to the industry.
As Newton said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.â€
Elecworks, developed by Trace Software, stands on the shoulders of SolidWorks. In 2013, Dassault signed an agreement with Trace Software, introducing SolidWorks Electrical (an OEM version of Elecworks) as a true mechatronics solution. Dassault promoted it globally, and in the following year, Eplan launched Pro Panel, enabling mechatronic design with Eplan P8.
Eplan embraced the change.
In 2016, Trace Software announced that Elecworks for PTC Creo had achieved seamless integration, marking another step forward. Standing on both Dassault’s and PTC’s shoulders, Trace Software reached new heights. After all, PTC is a much larger player than SolidWorks.
How will Eplan respond?
Elecworks is still growing, while Eplan has already reached maturity.
Summer is in full swing—some see struggle, others see opportunity.
From a consumer perspective, we hope both Eplan and Elecworks continue to innovate, as their progress ultimately benefits end-users.
Some compare Eplan to Apple—focused on control and consistency. Elecworks, on the other hand, is more like Android—open, flexible, and integrated. Whether one wins or loses doesn’t matter as much as choosing the right path for your company’s growth.
Let the summer fire burn brighter than ever!
ftth drop cable,ftth cable,drop cable ftth,optical fiber drop cable,outdoor ftth drop cable
Guangzhou Jiqian Fiber Optic Cable Co.,ltd , https://www.jqopticcable.com