Digitalization in Mechanical Engineering: skemdit in Use at Niehoff User report
In the mechanical engineering sector, there is an increasing focus on efficiency, speed, and reliable documentation in control cabinet construction. Many companies are looking for solutions that not only allow them to create electrical schematics but also enable them to use these schematics efficiently in digital form during manufacturing, commissioning, and service. b_digital GmbH has developed the PDF editor skemdit specifically for this purpose—software designed to meet the unique requirements of the mechanical and plant engineering industry. This case study shows how Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH & Co. KG has modernized its processes using this solution.
MASCHINENFABRIK NIEHOFF GMBH & CO. KG
Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH & Co. KG is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of wire drawing machines for the cable and wire industry. The company covers the entire process chain for the production of wires, strands, and cables—from individual machines to turnkey systems.
Founded in 1951, the family-owned company, headquartered in Schwabach (Bavaria), now operates internationally: With more than 1,000 employees and branches in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, Niehoff ensures close customer relationships worldwide and a high standard of service.
The Task
Niehoff was looking for a solution to bring its work with circuit diagrams in-house to a modern, digital level. The goal was to implement a PDF tool that would enable fast and secure editing of circuit diagrams directly on the production floor—without media breaks and without paper.
The Challenge
One unique feature was the CAD system used: it generates so-called smart PDFs, which could not be edited immediately in skemdit as usual. However, through close collaboration between b_digital GmbH and Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH, a solution was developed that enables skemdit to be used seamlessly with these documents as well.
The service
Niehoff received the first trial licenses as early as spring 2021. Employees were trained as key users and subsequently supported the internal rollout.
A total of 40 licenses, including the skemdit.sps extension, were initially implemented. With this extension, input and output bits can be visualized directly in the circuit diagram—a particular advantage for commissioning teams and maintenance personnel, who can thus perform I/O checks and troubleshooting much more quickly.
The software was rolled out in phases at three locations:
- Schwabach (Headquarters)
- Marktoberdorf
- Nymburg, Czech Republic
Conclusion: By the end of 2024, Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH & Co. KG will be using skemdit in three plants with a total of over 150 licenses.
This makes Niehoff one of the mechanical engineering companies actively driving the adoption of digital documentation—a path that many companies in the industry are currently following.
The origin of skemdit
b_digital GmbH originally developed skemdit to address a very practical need: a control cabinet manufacturer in North Rhine-Westphalia wanted to make working with electrical schematics more efficient and digital. There was a noticeable gap between eCAD and assembly—at the time, there was no software on the market that filled this gap. The result: skemdit—the PDF editor specifically designed for electrical schematics.
Today, the solution is used by numerous machine builders looking to modernize their processes in manufacturing, commissioning, and service.
The Benefits of skemdit for Mechanical Engineers
• Practical software designed for real-world use
• Paperless and audit-compliant workflows
• Significantly reduced process costs
• Quickly identify changes in plans
• Shorter turnaround times for audits
• High-quality documentation
• Direct, expert support from b_digital
• Training for key users to ensure a quick project launch
• Ongoing development of skemdit