People often say they can’t afford automation. What’s your response to that?

Jochen Trautmann: As I see it, the question isn’t whether you can afford it, but rather whether you can afford not to automate. Only with the help of end-to-end automation can I cut down the amount of time spent on machining in panel building and switchgear manufacturing by up to 85 percent while simultaneously improving quality.

But SMEs are daunted by the outlay involved ...

Jochen Trautmann: You don’t need to embark on full automation straight away. It’s easier to start with the software. That always pays off. For instance, you can use tools such as Pro Panel from our sister company Eplan to plan the manufacture of your switchgear cleanly and conveniently, based on a digital twin.

What other ways can companies get started?

Jochen Trautmann: Digital assistance systems such as Eplan Smart Wiring and Smart Mounting can speed up wiring and installation processes – and make them safer, too. The switchgear manufacturer gets step-by-step instructions on their tablet, for instance, so they can see in 3D where and how wiring paths, rails, cable ducts and components need to be placed. This is really helpful, especially given the current skills shortage, since even unskilled staff can get started with ease.

How much sense does it make to automate individual process steps?

Jochen Trautmann: Semi-automatic solutions such as the Secarex cutting centre are a great way for smaller companies to get started, for example. What’s more, every cutting, crimping and sheath-stripping machine has open interfaces and can be integrated into an end-to-end automation line at some point in the future – so even a small investment can represent a step towards end-to-end automation.

How do you support customers who are thinking about an investment?

Jochen Trautmann: We offer ROI calculations that help them with their decision by showing them the point at which their investment in a milling centre or a fully automated wire processing machine will pay off. A Perforex Milling Terminal pays off from just 100 enclosures per year and a fully automated wire processing machine from 300 enclosures. In terms of value creation, wiring accounts for almost 50 percent of the workload, so it’s worth automating this first. The potential savings are huge – and not just for the industry giants.

There’s always a business risk, though, isn’t there?

Jochen Trautmann: Not necessarily. In Belgium, for instance, Rittal has started offering use of fully automated wire processing machines as a service for customers who are keen to avoid any risk. What’s more, specific projects can be tested and validated on our machines in the Rittal Application Center (RAC). That breaks down the psychological barrier to bigger investments. We support our customers from the start-up phase through to complete in-house production with the machine.