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.
To create a solution, click New... in Solution Center to launch the New Solution Wizard.
Select the product family and model for your solution:
| Product Family | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | All features, unlimited tags/users/points | Enterprise applications |
| FrameworX | Scalable by communication points | SCADA, MES, HMI applications |
| EdgeHMI | Subset features by points | Machine HMI, embedded devices |
| EdgeGateway | Based on data connections | Data gateway applications |
Note: Configuration tools are free. Production deployment requires appropriate license matching your selected model.
| Platform | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Windows-only features (Windows Auth, third-party libraries) | .NET Framework 4.8 |
| Multi-Platform | Cross-platform (Linux, Docker) | .NET 8 on development and runtime machines |
Templates provide preconfigured components and settings for faster development.
| Template | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| HeaderLayout | Standard header navigation | Desktop applications |
| TabLayout | Tabbed interface | Multi-screen applications |
| MobileLayout | Responsive design | Mobile/tablet applications |
| Blank | No pre-configuration | Custom designs |
Templates are standard .dbsln files stored in:
Documents\FrameworX\Templates\To add templates:
After creation, solutions contain:
| Component | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Solution Settings | Solution → Settings | Product model, platform, metadata |
| Unified Namespace | UNS module | Tag definitions and structure |
| Devices | Devices module | Communication protocols |
| Displays | Displays module | User interface screens |
| Scripts | Scripts module | Business logic |
| File Type | Extension | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Solution | .dbsln | Active configuration database |
| Backup | .dbback | Archived solution |
| Published | .dbrun | Read-only production version |
| Legacy | .tproj | FactoryStudio 9.x format |
| Type | Default Path |
|---|---|
| Solutions | Documents\FrameworX\Solutions |
| Templates | Documents\FrameworX\Templates |
| Backups | Documents\FrameworX\Backups |
For bulk solution creation (e.g., deploying to multiple edge devices), use the Solution Creator utility.
See Solution Creator (Reference) for details.
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Template not appearing | Not in Templates folder | Copy .dbsln to correct location |
| Can't create solution | No write permissions | Check folder permissions |
| Platform option grayed out | Missing .NET 8 | Install .NET 8 Desktop Runtime |
| Wizard fails | Corrupted template | Remove problematic template |