Generating documentation at the touch of a button

Industrial automation specialist Festo has introduced a new software tool that enables customers to generate complete Eplan projects for individually configurable products using a single type code – saving time and reducing human error.

Called Schematic Solution, the new tool has been introduced to make it easier for machine builders, OEMS and design engineers to introduce highly configurable components and deliver a fully digitised solution.



Previously, generating comprehensive documentation for an individually configurable product such as a valve terminal, could be a lengthy and complex task.

The type code of the valve terminals first had to be broken down into the component parts before they could be used to find the individual macros within the Eplan library.

The individual macros then had to be linked again into a complete set of documentation.

At any step of the manual process errors could be made and it was particularly difficult to ensure any modifications were captured across all areas of the design and documentation package.

Thanks to Festo’s new Schematic Solution software tool, this is no longer the case.

The new software tool enables the automatic creation of a fully configured Eplan project using just the specific type code. So, what used to take hours and was prone to errors can now be achieved reliably in just a few minutes.

The documentation produced from this single source includes detailed electrical schematics, pneumatic circuit drawings, mechanical CAD information and comprehensive back links to the Festo catalogue for detailed product information.

The service is currently available for the CPX automation platform, including the MPA, VTSA and VTUG valve terminal series, and also the revolutionary Festo VTEM Motion Terminal whose pneumatic functions are controlled using software apps.

Festo is continuously extending Schematic Solution to other products in its portfolio.

Commenting on the latest software support tool, Festo’s Eplan specialist Tamara Seivwright-Blake says: “Festo automation product macros for Eplan design and documentation software have been a popular design office tool for many years.

“Now increasing digitalisation is leading to the development of more configurable components, whose customisable functionality is placing new demands on documentation.

“Schematic Solution is a powerful software tool offered by Festo to support its customers entering the digital age.”

Concludes Seivwright-Blake: “With the introduction of Schematic Solution, Festo is not only making documentation creation more efficient and accurate, but also driving digitalisation in the area of circuit diagram software – another example of supporting our customers throughout the Digital Journey toward the implementation of Industry 4.0.”

Festo App World is the central online platform for purchasing and downloading Festo apps and digital services such as Schematic Solution.