This catchy statement was the subtitle of the annual EPLAN Day, held on May 23rd in Arnhem. We reflect on the event with Daniel van der Woude, the EPLAN Genius 2025 and Engineering Manager at PIA Service BV.
What can you tell us about the annual EPLAN Day?
Daniel: “For the fifth year in a row, EPLAN has organized a day for its users that combines knowledge and expertise into an engaging event with EPLAN at the center. At PIA Service, we always attend with our entire hardware department so that we all stay up to date and have a fun day together.”
Why is it important to stay up to date?
Daniel: “At PIA Service, we use several EPLAN features intensively. We’ve gained in-depth knowledge of those modules through hands-on experience. However, EPLAN also offers other applications that create new opportunities for us—ones we’re eager to implement to further digitize our design process.
One example is Cable ProD, which we are now learning to use for determining cable routing outside of our panels. This allows us to prefab cables to length and add coding. At events like this, you discover new features added to the software that help us move forward. It’s incredibly valuable and inspiring!”
What makes you an EPLAN Genius?
Daniel: “At the end of the day, there’s a quiz involving all 500 attendees. The questions focus on EPLAN and its detailed applications. I’ve participated in previous years and made it to the top five twice. This year, I won—and now I get to call myself EPLAN Genius for a year!”
How does this impact your daily work?
Daniel: “At PIA Service, I lead a team of young engineers. We are heavy users of EPLAN, and we work daily to further digitize our internal processes. Within PIA Service, we have a group of five EPLAN Certified Engineers and four Manufacturer Technical Representatives who design panels according to UL 508A and UL 698A standards.
We’re still looking to expand our EPLAN team. We’re searching for an engineer who’s eager to become an EPLAN Certified Engineer and work for a top-tier EPLAN user.”
Are you going to win the Genius competition again next year?
Daniel: “We work every day to get the most out of EPLAN, and in doing so, I keep my own knowledge up to date. However, other EPLAN users – especially my direct team members – are also constantly improving and are eager to reach the podium. It’s a fun competition, and I’d be delighted to be positively surprised by a teammate. How great would it be if the new EPLAN engineer we recruit ends up being trained so well that they make it to the podium as a Genius?”
Feeling inspired and want to contact Daniel? Email him at: info@piaservice.nl
Questions about other topics like projects or UL engineering?
- On LinkedIn: Jeroen van der Linden | LinkedIn
- By Email: JvdL@piaservice.nl
