Growing technical demands, mounting work pressure, and a lack of scalability pushed SIDE to the limits of what was feasible with manual processes. Repetitive tasks, bottlenecks, and a lack of consistency hindered further growth. The company found the solution in the systematic digitization and automation of its value chain in collaboration with Eplan and Rittal - from engineering to manufacturing.
Overview
- Project
- SIDE
- Location
- L’Ametlla del Vallès, Spain
- Challenge
Strong business growth with limited personnel resources
High workload due to manual processes and 2D tools
Repetitive tasks led to wasted time and bottlenecks
Lack of end-to-end digitalization from engineering to manufacturing
High standards for quality, precision, and international standards
Need for traceability and error reduction
Rising customer expectations and cost pressure
Ensuring competitiveness at the European and global levels
- Solution
Introduction of an end-to-end digital engineering process
Use of Eplan Electric P8 for schematic design
Use of Eplan Pro Panel for 3D control cabinet design
Standardization and automation of workflows
Digital transfer of engineering data directly to production
Automated control cabinet machining with machines from Rittal Automation Systems: Perforex Milling Terminal, Secarex Cutting Center, Wire Terminal for fully automated wire assembly
Significant reduction in engineering and processing times
Higher productivity with consistent quality
Error-free production thanks to verified, consistent data
Close, long-term technology partnership including training and knowledge transfer
Thanks to Eplan and Rittal, we have doubled our output with the same team, but without comprising on quality.
Starting Point: Manual Processes as a Barrier to Growth
“We were working with manual processes and 2D tools, faced constant bottlenecks, and lost time due to repetitive tasks,” says Managing Director Judit Birosta, describing the initial situation. At the same time, customer demands for quality, traceability, and compliance with international standards were rising. With the previous way of working, further growth was virtually impossible.
Solution: End-to-end digitalization with Rittal
SIDE therefore re-analyzed all processes and opted for end-to-end digital engineering with Eplan, as well as automated manufacturing solutions from Rittal and Rittal Automation Systems. “Eplan and Rittal are true technology partners for us. They helped us redefine workflows, train our employees, and make digitalization sustainable through continuous technical collaboration,” explains Technical Director Carles Taberné.
Result: Greater efficiency, same quality
The effects are clearly measurable. “We have reduced engineering hours by up to 30 percent and processing time by 80 percent—that is, from one day to about 20 minutes,” says Taberné. Errors have practically disappeared thanks to working with consistent, verified data, while productivity and on-time delivery have increased significantly.
Added value: Growth without additional resources
“Thanks to digitalization, we were able to double our output with the same team without compromising on quality,” summarizes Judit Birosta. For SIDE, the integrated solution comprising Eplan and Rittal now forms the foundation for remaining competitive, continuing to grow, and reliably meeting rising customer demands.