Kiepe Electric is globally synonymous with innovative expertise in the field of traction, wire harness and system equipment for electrically-powered rail and road vehicles. The retrofitting of older vehicles with the latest technology, assembling and commissioning as well as the sale of electrical components complete the range of services provided. The global company with approximately 700 employees has been a subsidiary of Knorr- Bremse AG since 2017.
From design to maintenance
© Kiepe Electric GmbHIn order to consolidate different disciplines into one design tool, Kiepe opted for the software platform Engineering Base (EB) from AUCOTEC. It is used for design, documentation and maintenance and has replaced several systems with different databases. "The first major projects have shown that EB contributes much more consistency and efficiency to vehicle development," explained Markus Dorlöchter, Head of Rail Systems Engineering at Kiepe Electric.
The pressure to shorten design times and meet increasing demands due to continuously growing complexity is huge. With EB, the circuit diagram design and vehicle wiring departments work with a common database. "This reduces tool changes and shortens completion times," said Dorlöchter. The prerequisite for this is EB's cooperation principle with the versatile data model for cross-disciplinary multi-user capability. This was an important decision criterion, as was its user-friendly, intuitive handling.
New freedom
With EB, the documents can be generated from system development via production and vehicle documentation up to commissioning and maintenance. The openness of EB also facilitates the integration of workflows, tools and processes. "Connections and integration can be achieved rapidly and almost seamlessly," explained the Head of Engineering. Next integration: Creo 3D.
The option of working graphically or in lists and the ability to see all new information immediately in every view are an important advantage for Kiepe. Furthermore, the clarity of even highly complex circuit functions is regarded as particularly user-friendly.
Professional support
"AUCOTEC's project support is extremely professional," added Markus Dorlöchter who, thanks to EB, is looking forward to upcoming major projects. The platform will replace another database, and other departments will use EB, e.g. for assembly. "We have a lot planned for this future-proof system," concluded Dorlöchter.
