Eplan Copilot: AI on its way to become a reliable knowledge partner in engineering

Engineering is getting increasingly complex: the lines between disciplines are steadily blurring and the amount of information available is growing exponentially. Simultaneously, both time pressures and quality requirements incessantly continue to grow. This is where the real challenge lies: less in generating knowledge than in making it available at the right time and in the correct context. This is exactly where Eplan Copilot comes in.

Innovation on strong footing

“We were very deliberate about building a strong but, above all, secure foundation for our Copilot,” says Eplan CEO Sebastian Seitz. While AI is often used in everyday life without the necessary attention to data security, much different standards are necessary for engineering. “For industrial applications, reliable and certified architectures are required,” Seitz adds. That is why Eplan took an integrated approach in developing Copilot – with an eye towards stable and reliable long-term use. Aspects such as cloud integration, knowledge management and integration into existing systems and partner solutions were embedded into a sophisticated architecture right from the start. The goal from the outset was to create a solution that will prove its value in professional use.

Faster decisions: substantiated, context-sensitive and available at all times

After its launch during Eplan Next26, Eplan Copilot will take users on a step-by-step pathway through the entire functional depth of the Eplan Platform via intuitive, dialogue-based interactions. Instead of working their way through menus, functions or documentation, users can express their tasks in natural language. Copilot then provides context-sensitive answers, clear recommendations for action and step-by-step instructions that are understandable, precise and can be used immediately. As part of this first step, Copilot noticeably increases user efficiency by taking over or eliminating repetitive tasks.

Data quality ensures clear results

A key benefit is found in the quality and reliability of the information. Unlike many generic AI applications, Eplan Copilot is based on a data foundation that is consistent, structured and verified. This means that the AI serves as a robust source of information that users can rely on in their day-to-day engineering – a crucial factor for professional industrial use. That is why Eplan Copilot has been supplied with reliable, verified information and initial capabilities to support users with this knowledge. This is the foundation upon which Copilot will gradually be acquiring new capabilities that will eventually enable it to take over tasks that users find repetitive, such as running test cycles and creating bills of materials, connection lists and wiring lists, and much more.

Artificial intelligence connects

Copilot acts as a new interface layer between people and the Eplan Platform, bringing together knowledge, functions and real-world applications. It acts as a “co-thinking partner” that supports, guides and empowers – while engineers always remain the final decision-makers. One example of its benefits is the Parts Reference Lookup. If engineers would like to know in which projects they have used a product or component, they just need to enter the part number. The AI then searches the projects in the cloud and supplies direct links to the project pages where the respective parts are being used.

The goal is to create a mode of work that provides guidance and simplification instead of adding even more complexity. By taking this approach, Eplan clearly stands out from the AI market in general, which is often focused on short-term gains. The focus is not on quick results, but on long-term added value. Copilot’s development is based on stable platform structures, clear governance principles and a deep understanding of real-world engineering workflows. The result is a solution that is not experimental, but can already be used productively today – while at the same time is designed for long-term progression and evolution.

Playing it safe and secure with cloud deployment

Technologically speaking, Eplan is committed to scalability and integration. In contrast to isolated AI features in individual tools, Copilot can also be used as a central cloud service. Moving forward this means that data from customers and partners can also be integrated, which will be demonstrated at Eplan Next26 using the example of Rittal cooling units. At the same time, Copilot will gradually be integrating the entire Eplan ecosystem, from Data Portal to cloud services to project-specific applications. Special attention is naturally being paid to data security – no different than other Eplan solutions in this respect. Not just the data transmission path from the customer’s local environment to the AI is encrypted, the cloud itself also meets the highest security standards – as shown by certifications including ISO27001, TISAX, SOC-2 and MLPS 2.0. Eplan thus mitigates potential additional risks through its proven, professionally managed infrastructure.

AI and a look ahead

Eplan represents reliability and security – both as a company as well as in the use of the engineering software. The strategy is clear: companies should be empowered to derive the maximum possible customer benefit from the software. Consequently, Eplan Copilot will provide increasing levels of support. Through the continual expansion of its knowledge foundation and ongoing skills development, Copilot will take on the role of a pilot over time. So the vision for the future has already been formulated: from automated to autonomous engineering.