Frequently Asked Questions About AI-Based Schematic Digitization
Answers to the most important questions about the technology, requirements, results, and the digitization process – specifically for engineering firms, plant manufacturers, and plant operators.
What exactly does the AI-based digitization do?
Our proprietary AI analyzes PDF schematic pages and automatically identifies IEC symbols, device tags, labels, and wiring. It then generates a fully editable EPLAN Electric P8 project – not a static image, but a full project that can be used productively.
Which PDF documents are suitable for digitization?
The schematic pages must have originally been created in EPLAN. This is the prerequisite for our AI to reliably recognize the IEC symbols and structure. The scan quality may vary – even older scans with lower resolution can generally be processed.
What is the advantage compared to manual redrawing?
AI-assisted digitization is many times faster than manually redrawing schematics in EPLAN. Especially when dealing with large volumes of documentation – such as when taking over legacy systems or carrying out modernization projects – this makes a crucial difference in both costs and project duration.
Is digitization still cost-effective even for thousands of pages?
Yes. The high degree of automation of our AI significantly reduces the cost per page. This makes projects with several hundred or even thousands of schematic pages – as commonly found among plant operators – for the first time economically viable to be digitized.
What exactly will I receive as the result?
You will receive an EPLAN project backup (*.zw1) that can be imported directly into EPLAN Electric P8 and further edited. All recognized IEC symbols, device tags, wiring, and labels are included as editable objects – not as embedded graphics.
Is the symbol logic preserved during digitization?
Yes. The AI not only recognizes the visual representation of the symbols, but also transfers their logical function into the EPLAN project. Switches, contactors, fuses, and other IEC symbols are created as functional EPLAN objects with the correct assignment.
What happens to macros (e.g. PLC cards)?
Macros – such as PLC cards from Siemens, ABB, or other manufacturers – are currently not digitized by the AI. However, they can be downloaded directly from the respective manufacturer and inserted into the EPLAN project. The remaining IEC symbols on the same page are automatically recognized and digitized as usual.
Are graphical representations such as front views supported?
No. Graphical representations drawn with lines – such as front views of PLC cards or mechanical sketches – are not IEC schematic symbols and are therefore not digitized automatically. Pure schematic pages with IEC symbols are processed in full.
How are handwritten annotations (redline markups) handled?
Handwritten annotations such as redline markups cannot currently be digitized automatically and require manual post-processing. During the initial assessment, we communicate transparently to what extent redline markups are present in the submitted documents and what additional effort this will involve.
What documents do you need for an initial assessment?
Please send your scanned PDF schematic pages directly via the contact form – ideally the entire project, or at least 10 to 20 pages that are representative of the scan quality and structure. Based on these documents, a well-founded assessment can be made regarding the degree of automation, the manual post-processing required, and the expected timeframe. A brief project description is also helpful.
How quickly is digitization carried out?
The processing time depends on the project scope, scan quality, and the proportion of content requiring manual post-processing (e.g. redline markups, macros). However, thanks to the AI-assisted process, digitization is significantly faster than conventional redrawing. After the initial assessment, you will receive a specific timeframe.
Can the result be integrated into my existing base project?
Yes. The digitized schematic pages can be integrated directly into your existing EPLAN base project – using your plot frame and your company-specific standards. If no base project is available, a standalone EPLAN project will be created.
Is the schematic logic professionally reviewed?
Internal quality assurance includes the correct recognition and assignment of symbols, device tags, and connections. A full professional review of the schematic logic is not part of the digitization process and must be carried out within your own project context before productive further use.
Where will my data be processed?
All data processing takes place exclusively within the EU – on our own systems in Germany as well as in EU data centers. The submitted documents are used solely for the requested digitization. Access is restricted to authorized personnel only.
Is there a self-service solution?
A self-service platform in the form of an app is currently in preparation: upload PDF files, start AI-based digitization, and import the results directly into EPLAN. Access will initially be available as part of a closed beta for a limited number of selected companies.
Who is the closed beta intended for?
The closed beta is aimed at engineering firms, plant manufacturers, and plant operators with recurring digitization needs. A prerequisite is that EPLAN licenses and the corresponding in-house expertise are already in place, since quality assurance and completion of the AI-generated result (e.g. macros, mounting plate views, redline markups) must be carried out independently within your own EPLAN environment. The closed beta is also relevant for companies that want to offer schematic digitization as a service to their own customers in the future.
Have your schematic documentation assessed
Send your PDF schematic pages directly via the contact form – ideally the entire project or a representative selection.
You will receive a free initial assessment of feasibility, degree of automation, and timeframe.