Embracing Intelligent Schematics for Electrical Design

The last time industry embraced a widespread change for design and documentation of electrical schematics, the personal computer replaced the drafting board.

Intelligent schematics are the next evolution in electrical design.

There are many benefits to this technology. The largest advantage being a unified platform for design and collaboration—a tool that can create designs faster with fewer errors, cut the need for peer review, reduce change orders, and foster design re-use. This change is worth exploring.

Change in any organization is difficult; change is even more challenging when replacing an engineering system.

The question to ask is, what is the cost of not changing?

The measure of status quo is no longer a financial one. Factors like being able to find and maintain willing employees, getting new employees productive, partnering with an organization to get the most out of your investment, and having a tool that is adaptable across many business units are key factors in success.

Lightning Fast Design

At a glance—design at breakneck speed when you:

  • Use libraries for symbols, parts, and wires
  • Automate device tagging and wire numbering
  • Assemble correct and dynamic reporting

Fewer Errors

At a glance—no more checking and re-checking when you:

  • Automate clerical error checking
  • Complete and correct clerical tasks the first time
  • Reduce peer review time
  • Decrease engineering change documentation
  • Make design changes easier

Upcycling Electrical Schematics

At a glance—enable your engineers to:

  • Catalog an entire library of electrical sub-assemblies
  • Use the search tool to find sub-assemblies
  • Have a common library accessible for the department

Embracing the Future

Parametric design has been a staple of mechanical design for many years. Now is a great time to look at these toolsets that solve problems for electrical engineering departments. The usage of controls and electronics in all products is increasing and with that comes added workload to already thin departments. The right toolset combined with a company that’s going to partner with you for success is something to ignore no longer. A modern intelligent schematic design package will set your company up to attract the best engineering talent, maximize engineering budgets, continuously improve, and leverage designs in new ways.

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Meet the Author

Clare Schaeffer

As Applications Engineering Director with a background in Electrical Engineering, Clare leverages SOLIDWORKS Electrical to save her customers time. She's had experience in the “trenches” as a design engineer for new product development, including circuit boards, prior to joining GSC. She has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Valparaiso University and is a certified SOLIDWORKS (CSWS-MD) and Electrical Specialist (CSWS-E).

view all posts by Clare Schaeffer

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