Digital control cabinet documentation with skemdit at Blumenbecker Automatisierungstechnik user report
Blumenbecker Automatisierungstechnik GmbH, based in Beckum with subsidiaries in China (PRC), India, Poland, and the United States, is part of the internationally active Blumenbecker Group. The company specializes in the implementation of industrial automation projects. Consulting, project planning, engineering, programming, switchgear manufacturing, as well as testing, installation, and commissioning are among the services offered by over 300 employees worldwide.
Accurate documentation, efficient processes, and seamless collaboration among all parties involved play a crucial role in this.
Starting point: Large circuit diagrams, time-consuming
In his day-to-day work, Blumenbecker regularly deals with very extensive circuit diagrams; documents running 400 to 500 pages are not uncommon. In the past, this meant spending an enormous amount of time searching through paper documents, making notes, and constantly locating the relevant pages. A large portion of his working hours was spent on organizational tasks rather than on the actual technical work.
The desire for a digital alternative was therefore only natural: a solution that would make it possible to manage schematic documentation more efficiently, clearly, and in a modern way.
How skemdit works: Everything is digital, everything is traceable
With the introduction of skemdit, Blumenbecker completed a full transition from paper-based to digital circuit diagram documentation.
Today, changes to circuit diagrams no longer need to be manually marked with a pen, dated, and initialed, then copied and forwarded. Instead, everything is done digitally:
- Pages can be added or deleted as needed
- Edits are fully documented digitally
- Every change is clearly traceable: You know who made what changes and when.
- Even changes that have been undone remain transparently documented
This means that illegible plans, outdated printouts, and lost information are a thing of the past.
Improved daily workflow: Efficient, organized, fast
Thanks to skemdit, our daily work routine has changed dramatically. Paper files, drawing tools, and other supplies are no longer necessary. Instead, our workspace consists of a laptop and a monitor—with direct access to all relevant documents, including assembly diagrams.
Direct digital communication is particularly valuable:
Any errors identified or suggested changes can be forwarded immediately to team leaders or staff members via screenshot. Decisions are made in no time—without delays or interruptions.
The result:
- Significantly faster coordination processes
- Fewer interruptions in the workflow
- Greater focus on the actual work
“I’ve been using skemdit for many years now. Today, I can say: Without skemdit, I feel like I’m only half a wireman.”
Andreas Berndt, Control panel wiring
Key Features for Everyday Use
One of the most frequently used features is multi-user mode:
Multiple employees can work on a schematic at the same time—a major advantage given the ever-increasing size of systems and growing project complexity. In addition, administrators can enter changes simultaneously without disrupting work processes.
Furthermore, skemdit can be customized to suit individual work styles and customer-specific requirements.
Measurable Benefits: Time Savings and Transparency
The greatest time savings come from digital searches.
Components, contacts, or opportunities can be found in a fraction of a second—including all related pages and links. Where Post-its, bookmarks, or tedious page-turning were once necessary, a single mouse click is all it takes today.
Even complex lead pipelines involving numerous contacts can be displayed and managed quickly and clearly. This saves time, reduces errors, and improves the quality of work.
An unexpected positive effect
One particularly positive effect only became apparent over time:
Today, all employees use skemdit consistently. At first, there were reservations about the digital workflow, especially among more experienced colleagues. These reservations have completely disappeared.
Today, everyone uses skemdit—and no one wants to do without it anymore.
A clear recommendation based on real-world experience
At Blumenbecker, skemdit comes highly recommended. The software works reliably, regardless of where it is used, and can open any PDF file. It is flexible, robust, and always available for everyday use—exactly what is needed in an industrial setting.