GorkyCAD vs EPLAN: honest comparison for designers

Introduction

EPLAN Electric P8 is the de-facto standard for electrical design of industrial facilities in Europe. GorkyCAD Pro is a new web-based tool for electricians and designers. There's a chasm in price, architecture, and philosophy between them. But is the choice that clear-cut? We compare honestly.

Comparison criteria

We evaluated both systems across 15 criteria, grouped into 5 categories: cost, functionality, automation, platform/accessibility, and learning curve.

1. Cost

• EPLAN Electric P8: license from €3,000/year. With Pro Panel, API, P&ID modules — up to €6,000+/year. Deployment: training, server infrastructure, administration — from €10,000 one-time.
• GorkyCAD Pro: free plan for basic projects, Pro — 4 000 ₽/mo. No hidden modules. Deployment: open browser — start working.

Verdict: EPLAN is 30-50× more expensive. For a small design bureau or independent electrician, this is the deciding factor.

2. Functionality

EPLAN covers everything: circuit diagrams, cabinet layout (Pro Panel), hydraulics (Fluid), instrumentation (Preplanning), harnesses (Harness proD). An ecosystem for large manufacturers.

GorkyCAD focuses on the electrical designer's tasks: floor plan, single-line diagram, panel layout, BOM, calculations. For industrial multi-line design, GorkyCAD isn't there yet — and we admit it.

Verdict: EPLAN wins on breadth. GorkyCAD wins in its segment through speed and simplicity.

3. Automation

• EPLAN: powerful macros, C#/Python API, auto-routing, auto-numbering. But setup requires a qualified administrator.
• GorkyCAD: automatic diagram and BOM generation from floor plan, auto-selection of breakers and cross-sections, auto-placement of devices on DIN rails, AI assistant for standards checks. Everything works out of the box.

Verdict: EPLAN is more flexible for complex customization, GorkyCAD goes faster from zero to result.

4. Platform and accessibility

• EPLAN: Windows only. Requires powerful PC (16+ GB RAM, SSD, dedicated GPU). Network licensing via ePLAN License Manager. Annual updates, complex procedure.
• GorkyCAD: web app. Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, tablet. No installation. Weekly updates, transparent to user.

Verdict: GorkyCAD wins on accessibility. Open a project from any device, anywhere.

5. Learning curve

• EPLAN: productive work requires 1-3 months of training. EPLAN Certified Engineer (ECE) certification is expensive and time-consuming.
• GorkyCAD: "pick up and work" interface. Basic skills — 30 minutes. Full proficiency — 2-3 days.

Verdict: GorkyCAD is dozens of times faster to learn. For hiring new staff, this is critical.

When EPLAN is still needed

We'll be honest: EPLAN is irreplaceable when:

1. You design industrial cabinets with hundreds of devices and complex 3D layouts
2. Pro-level multi-user work with version control is required
3. End-to-end ERP/PLM integration (SAP, Teamcenter) is needed
4. Client requires documentation specifically in EPLAN format (Z13, AML)
5. Project includes hydraulics, pneumatics, and instrumentation simultaneously

In all other cases — especially residential, commercial, and small production sites — GorkyCAD gets the job done faster, cheaper, and more conveniently.

Summary table

The choice is not what's better "in general", but what's better for your tasks.