CKS Elektrotechniek, a renowned panel builder specializing in intelligent and innovative electrotechnics, has recently automated its wire processing using Rittal’s Wire Terminal. This advanced wire processing machine, combined with Eplan’s Pro Panel software, has enabled CKS Elektrotechniek to reduce production time by up to 70%. The Wire Terminal not only offers high-quality production but also, thanks to extensive support before, during, and after installation by Rittal and Eplan, allows CKS Elektrotechniek to confidently take new steps in its digital transformation.
Located in Dilsen-Stokkem and known for its expertise in electrical power distribution, engineering, and assembly, CKS Elektrotechniek has experienced significant production growth in recent years. To meet the increasing demand and the need for production optimization, the family-owned company had previously invested in a CNC machine for sheet metal processing of cabinet systems and in Pro Panel, the engineering software from Rittal’s sister company Eplan, for designing these enclosures. The investment in Rittal’s Wire Terminal for automating wire processing marks a significant leap forward in their evolution toward becoming a ‘factory of the future’.
CKS Elektrotechniek: 70% Faster Production
“Our employees are specialists in their field, but until recently, we were entirely dependent on manual operations for producing cables,” says Els Willems, hardware engineer at CKS Elektrotechniek. “Due to a large incoming order of serial work, we looked into how we could handle our wire processing more efficiently. An initial demonstration of the Wire Terminal’s capabilities at the Rittal Application Center in Lokeren immediately convinced us. The quality, ergonomic design, and quiet operation make this machine the perfect addition to our production. The seamless integration with the Pro Panel software, which we were already using, gave us an extra reason to take this step. This allows us to guarantee both quality and smooth service while reducing our production time by 70%.”
Synergy
For CKS Elektrotechniek, the perfect synergy between Rittal’s Wire Terminal and Eplan’s advanced engineering software was a decisive factor. “CKS Elektrotechniek strives for a complete digital transformation,” explains Igor Stevens, senior account manager at Eplan. “Together with CKS Elektrotechniek, we examined how digital and hardware tools could optimize their business processes. We quickly realized that an investment in Rittal’s Wire Terminal would help them better meet their customers’ needs.”
With Eplan Pro Panel, the company designs complete control cabinets in 3D down to the smallest details.”The big advantage of this solution is that Eplan and Rittal are sister companies, ensuring that Eplan’s software and Rittal’s machines are perfectly aligned,” says Dries Alders, key account manager at Rittal. “With the push of a button, engineers send design data from Pro Panel to the Wire Terminal. Based on that data, the machine can prepare and finish the wiring with the chosen termination. Wires are produced consistently and with high quality, allowing CKS Elektrotechniek’s staff to focus on other aspects of assembly and production. The wires are fully finished when they come out of the Wire Terminal and are sorted in the order of assembly in the cabinet. This translates into ease of use, enabling even less technically trained personnel to wire panels.”
Support
In addition to the quality of the Wire Terminal, Rittal’s flexibility also appealed to CKS Elektrotechniek. “The experts at Rittal are always accessible. It’s clear that they go the extra mile for us and assist us with advice and support. Moreover, when we temporarily cannot use our own Wire Terminal due to maintenance work, we can always rely on the Wire Terminal at the Rittal Application Center for our production. Communication with Rittal and Eplan is always open and smooth. We feel more like colleagues than customers because we are helped so quickly. We receive local support in Belgium from experts who are part of a global player. That gives confidence,” concludes Wim Weyers, engineering manager at CKS Elektrotechniek.
