Imports custom plugins.
Reference → Solution → Designer → Settings and Tools → Settings | Categories | Import Tags | Import Plugin | Export | History
Import Plugin allows you to add pre-built, self-contained solution components (plugins) into your current solution. Plugins can contain tags, displays, scripts, and other configuration objects.
Access: Solution → Import Plugin
Plugin Interface
Import Controls
| Control | Function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Browse | Select plugin file | .plugin or .dbplugin files |
| Preview | View plugin contents | Before import |
| Options | Import settings | Override behavior |
| Import | Execute import | Adds to solution |
| Cancel | Abort operation | No changes |
Plugin Information Display
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Plugin identifier | HMI_Standards_v2 |
| Version | Plugin version | 2.1.0 |
| Author | Creator | Engineering Team |
| Description | Purpose and contents | Standard HMI templates |
| Created | Creation date | 2024-01-15 |
| Platform | Compatibility | Multiplatform |
Plugin Contents
Supported Objects
| Object Type | Imported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tags | Yes | Including templates |
| Displays | Yes | With all graphics |
| Scripts | Yes | Classes and tasks |
| Symbols | Yes | Custom symbols |
| Images | Yes | Embedded resources |
| Reports | Yes | Report definitions |
| Datasets | Partial | Structure only |
| Devices | Optional | Configuration only |
Dependencies
| Dependency Type | Handling |
|---|---|
| Internal | Automatically resolved |
| External Tags | Warning if missing |
| Templates | Created if needed |
| Categories | Created if missing |
| Symbols | Imported with plugin |
Import Process
Step 1: Plugin Selection
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Browse to file | Loads plugin metadata |
| Validate plugin | Checks compatibility |
| Display info | Shows plugin details |
Step 2: Conflict Resolution
| Conflict Type | Options | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicate Name | Skip/Replace/Rename | Skip |
| Version Conflict | Keep/Update | Keep current |
| Template Mismatch | Merge/Replace | Merge |
| Category Missing | Create/Skip | Create |
Step 3: Import Options
| Option | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Preserve IDs | Keep original IDs | Never (automatic) |
| Update Existing | Overwrite objects | Updating plugin |
| Create Backup | Backup before import | Always recommended |
| Import History | Track in history | Always enabled |
Plugin Types
Standard Plugins
| Type | Contents | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| HMI Templates | Displays, layouts | UI standards |
| Equipment Models | Tags, templates | Asset definitions |
| Communication | Device configs | Standard protocols |
| Reports Pack | Report templates | Standard reports |
| Script Library | Functions, classes | Reusable code |
Industry Plugins
| Industry | Typical Contents |
|---|---|
| Water/Wastewater | Pump controls, SCADA displays |
| Oil & Gas | Pipeline monitoring, tank farms |
| Manufacturing | OEE, production tracking |
| Building Automation | HVAC, lighting controls |
| Power Generation | Grid monitoring, load management |
Version Management
Version Compatibility
| Plugin Version | Solution Version | Compatible |
|---|---|---|
| Same major | Same major | Yes |
| Older major | Newer major | Usually |
| Newer major | Older major | No |
| Any | Same platform | Check |
Update Process
| Step | Action | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Check version | Compare to installed | History page |
| Backup solution | Create safety copy | Export |
| Update plugin | Import new version | Import Plugin |
| Verify changes | Review modifications | History |
Plugin Registry
Installed Plugins
Tracked in Solution History:
| Information | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Plugin Name | Identification |
| Version | Version tracking |
| Install Date | When imported |
| Objects Added | What was imported |
| Update Available | Newer version exists |
Plugin Sources
| Source | Description | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Local Files | On disk | Browse |
| Network Share | Shared folder | UNC path |
| Plugin Library | Company repository | Configured path |
| Vendor | Third-party | Download |
Creating Plugins
Plugins are created using Export:
| Step | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Select objects | Check items | Marked for export |
| Set metadata | Name, version, author | Plugin info |
| Export as plugin | Choose plugin format | .plugin file |
| Document | Add description | Usage guide |
Best Practices
Before Import
- Backup solution
- Review plugin contents
- Check version compatibility
- Verify dependencies
- Test in development
During Import
- Use preview feature
- Handle conflicts carefully
- Document changes
- Keep import log
- Monitor errors
After Import
- Verify functionality
- Test all features
- Update documentation
- Train users
- Track version
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Can't import | Wrong version | Check compatibility |
| Objects missing | Dependencies | Import dependencies first |
| Conflicts | Duplicate names | Use rename option |
| Plugin corrupted | Bad file | Get new copy |
| Update fails | Objects modified | Manual merge needed |
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