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Creating Solutions (Reference) : Technical documentation for creating and configuring new FrameworX solutions.

A Solution is a complete application built in FrameworX, stored as a single .dbsln file containing all configuration data including tags, alarms, devices, displays, scripts, and other modules. Creating a new solution generates this file with initial metadata, which you then configure using Designer.


Creating a New Solution

To create a solution, click New... in Solution Center to launch the New Solution Wizard.

Step 1: Product Features

Select the product family and model for your solution:

Product FamilyDescriptionUse Case
UnlimitedAll features, unlimited tags/users/pointsEnterprise applications
FrameworXScalable by communication pointsSCADA, MES, HMI applications
EdgeHMISubset features by pointsMachine HMI, embedded devices
EdgeGatewayBased on data connectionsData gateway applications

Note: Configuration tools are free. Production deployment requires appropriate license matching your selected model.

Step 2: Platform Selection

PlatformDescriptionRequirements
WindowsWindows-only features (Windows Auth, third-party libraries).NET Framework 4.8
Multi-PlatformCross-platform (Linux, Docker).NET 8 on development and runtime machines

Step 3: Name and Template

  1. Enter solution name
  2. Review save location (default: Documents\FrameworX\Solutions)
  3. Select template (optional - defaults to HeaderLayout)
  4. Click Create New Solution

Solution Templates

Templates provide preconfigured components and settings for faster development.

Built-in Templates

TemplateDescriptionBest For
HeaderLayoutStandard header navigationDesktop applications
TabLayoutTabbed interfaceMulti-screen applications
MobileLayoutResponsive designMobile/tablet applications
BlankNo pre-configurationCustom designs

Adding Custom Templates

Templates are standard .dbsln files stored in:

Documents\FrameworX\Templates\

To add templates:

  1. Copy .dbsln file to Templates folder
  2. File appears in wizard on next use
  3. Modify existing templates by editing files in folder

Creating Templates

  1. Build solution with desired configuration
  2. Save .dbsln to Templates folder
  3. Optionally include:
    • Pre-configured tags and templates
    • Standard displays
    • Common scripts
    • Device configurations

Solution Configuration

After creation, solutions contain:

ComponentLocationPurpose
Solution SettingsSolution → SettingsProduct model, platform, metadata
Unified NamespaceUNS moduleTag definitions and structure
DevicesDevices moduleCommunication protocols
DisplaysDisplays moduleUser interface screens
ScriptsScripts moduleBusiness logic

Solution Files

File Structure

File TypeExtensionDescription
Solution.dbslnActive configuration database
Backup.dbbackArchived solution
Published.dbrunRead-only production version
Legacy.tprojFactoryStudio 9.x format

File Locations

TypeDefault Path
SolutionsDocuments\FrameworX\Solutions
TemplatesDocuments\FrameworX\Templates
BackupsDocuments\FrameworX\Backups

Solution Creator Tool

For bulk solution creation (e.g., deploying to multiple edge devices), use the Solution Creator utility.

Use Cases

  • Mass deployment to edge devices
  • Creating variations from configuration files
  • Automated solution generation

See Solution Creator (Reference) for details.


Best Practices Checklist

Naming Conventions

  • Use descriptive names without special characters
  • Include version or site identifier
  • Avoid spaces (use underscores)

Template Selection

  • Start with appropriate template
  • Customize rather than starting blank
  • Save customized versions as new templates

Platform Choice

  • Choose Windows only if Windows-specific features needed
  • Use Multi-Platform for future flexibility
  • Consider deployment environment early



Troubleshooting

IssueCauseSolution
Template not appearingNot in Templates folderCopy .dbsln to correct location
Can't create solutionNo write permissionsCheck folder permissions
Platform option grayed outMissing .NET 8Install .NET 8 Desktop Runtime
Wizard failsCorrupted templateRemove problematic template

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