Harwin’s New Cable Configurator Debuts at Electronica 2024

Harwin has introduced an innovative Cable Configurator at Electronica 2024, showcasing their commitment to streamlining cable assembly design for engineers. This advanced tool, developed in partnership with Cadenas, a leading software provider in strategic parts management, brings an intuitive, user-friendly experience directly to engineers’ fingertips.

The new Cable Configurator is designed to significantly reduce the time and effort engineers spend on assembly designs, providing them with a solution that supports rapid, accurate configuration with minimal hassle. By integrating real-time 3D rendering and seamless configuration options, Harwin’s latest tool offers both functionality and speed, ensuring efficient and precise designs.

Overview of the Cable Configurator’s Capabilities

The Harwin Cable Configurator transforms the process of cable assembly design by offering a highly intuitive, user-friendly interface that simplifies and accelerates the workflow for engineers. Traditionally, cable assembly required engineers to manage multiple orders for connectors and cables, handle complex manual assembly, and undergo lengthy testing phases. The Cable Configurator changes this entirely by allowing users to create complete, ready-to-use cable assemblies directly within the tool.

Developed with Cadenas, the configurator is fully integrated with Harwin’s automated processes, creating a seamless pipeline from design to delivery. This integration allows engineers to configure and finalise cable designs quickly, with configurations automatically processed through Harwin’s existing manufacturing and ordering systems. By removing the need for manual assembly steps, the tool ensures that each configuration is fully compatible with the specified application requirements, enhancing both accuracy and efficiency.

Key benefits for engineers include the ability to generate “right-first-time” configurations that drastically reduce the time needed for assembly and eliminate common errors in cable design. By providing pre-validated configurations, the tool not only reduces the need for extensive testing but also ensures that products can be delivered with shorter lead times, empowering engineers to focus on other critical aspects of product development.

Key Features and Advantages

The Harwin Cable Configurator is packed with features that enhance usability and ensure engineers can develop precise, application-ready configurations with minimal effort. By offering advanced visualisation, ease of navigation, and comprehensive output options, the tool enables a streamlined design experience tailored to the needs of engineers working with cable assemblies.

Real-Time 3D Rendering and Configuration

One of the standout features of the Harwin Cable Configurator is its real-time 3D rendering capability, which provides users with an interactive visualisation of their cable assemblies as they design. This feature allows engineers to view their configurations from multiple angles, offering a clear and accurate representation of the final product. Real-time 3D rendering helps users immediately see how design adjustments impact the assembly, ensuring precision and confidence in the configuration before committing to an order.

Ease of Use

The configurator’s interface is designed to be highly intuitive, allowing engineers to easily navigate through the design process. Users can select key design parameters—such as connector types, cable lengths, and assembly options—with just a few clicks. The tool simplifies each stage, reducing the chance of error and allowing engineers to focus on creating optimal configurations without the need for extensive training or technical knowledge.

Comprehensive Outputs

Upon completing a configuration, users gain access to a full suite of output options. The tool provides technical drawings, a detailed bill of materials (BOM), and the option to request a quote. These comprehensive outputs ensure that engineers have everything they need to proceed with procurement and assembly, making it easier to move quickly from design to deployment. Dedicated product specialists from Harwin are also available to confirm pricing and lead times, providing added support and assurance.

The Partnership with Cadenas

The development of the Harwin Cable Configurator was made possible through a close collaboration with Cadenas, a leader in strategic parts management and configuration software. This partnership has brought together Harwin’s expertise in high-reliability interconnects with Cadenas' advanced software capabilities, resulting in a tool that is both powerful and user-friendly.

At the core of this collaboration is a strategic focus on full integration with Harwin’s existing manufacturing and ordering systems. By embedding the configurator directly into Harwin’s automated processes, engineers are able to design, configure, and order cable assemblies without interruption or need for manual intervention. This integration streamlines the entire process, from initial design to delivery, making the tool an invaluable resource for engineers looking to optimise their workflow.

The Harwin-Cadenas partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation and customer-centric design, ensuring that the Cable Configurator meets the demands of today’s fast-paced engineering environments. The configurator’s alignment with Harwin’s internal systems further supports faster turnaround times and high-precision assemblies, enhancing both reliability and convenience for users.

User Benefits: Simplifying the Engineering Workflow

The Harwin Cable Configurator is designed with a focus on enhancing engineering efficiency and simplifying the cable assembly process. By reducing time-consuming tasks and providing flexible configuration options, the tool streamlines the workflow for engineers, allowing them to dedicate more time to other critical aspects of product development.

Time-Saving Elements

The configurator significantly reduces the time engineers spend on cable assembly design and troubleshooting. By providing “right-first-time” configurations and eliminating the need for manual assembly and testing, the tool accelerates the design process, enabling engineers to achieve optimal results quickly and with greater accuracy.

Single or Double-Ended Configurations

To accommodate a variety of project requirements, the Cable Configurator offers options for both single and double-ended cable assemblies. This flexibility allows engineers to create configurations tailored to specific applications, ensuring that the assemblies meet precise functional needs without requiring additional modifications or adjustments.

Fast Delivery

Thanks to its integration with Harwin’s automated manufacturing and ordering systems, the configurator supports exceptionally short lead times. Once a design is finalised, orders can be processed and delivered swiftly, helping engineers keep up with tight project timelines and ensuring that assemblies are ready for immediate use.

Reverse Engineering

The Cable Configurator also supports reverse engineering, giving users the flexibility to generate configurations and request quotes for existing cable assembly solutions. This feature is particularly useful for engineers who need to replicate or improve upon previous designs, providing an efficient way to obtain the necessary components and pricing details for established configurations.

Expert Insights

Peter Schneid, VP of Marketing at Harwin, highlights the positive impact of the Cable Configurator on engineering efficiency, noting its potential to transform the workflow for professionals tasked with developing cable assemblies. "The Harwin Cable Configurator will make the job of engineers tasked with developing cable assemblies as simple as possible, freeing them up to spend time on other elements of their product development," Schneid explains. This focus on ease of use and seamless integration supports engineers in creating configurations that are accurate and ready-to-use, significantly reducing the manual workload involved.

Harwin’s commitment to delivering intuitive, fully integrated digital tools is evident in the Cable Configurator’s design and functionality. Developed in partnership with Cadenas, the configurator reflects Harwin’s dedication to enhancing the customer experience through innovation and precision. By embedding this tool into their automated processes, Harwin provides engineers with a solution that not only simplifies design but also accelerates the overall product development cycle, empowering engineers to meet project demands efficiently and confidently.

In-Person Demonstrations at Electronica 2024

Attendees at Electronica 2024 have the opportunity to experience the Harwin Cable Configurator firsthand through live demonstrations at Harwin’s booth (A2.335). These demonstrations allow visitors to see the configurator in action, showcasing its capabilities in real-time and highlighting how the tool simplifies the cable assembly design process for engineers.

In addition to the Cable Configurator, Harwin will also be presenting a suite of other digital tools aimed at streamlining product selection and supporting application development. These tools are designed to help engineers quickly identify and configure the most suitable components for their projects, further enhancing Harwin’s commitment to providing efficient and innovative solutions for the electronics industry.

Additional Information and Contact Details

For more details about Harwin’s participation at Electronica 2024, including information on product showcases and live demonstrations, please visit the Harwin Electronica 2024 event page.

For press inquiries, please reach out to the following contacts:

• Ben Green
  Head of Marketing Communications, Harwin
  Email: bgreen@harwin.com
• Mallory Robertson
  Account Director, Grand Bridges Marketing
  Email: Mallory@grandbridges.com