Information on how platform features support each phase of the solution lifecycle.

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Solution Lifecycle → Concept | How-to Guide | Reference

Overview

Solution Lifecycle (Reference): information on how FrameworX platform features support each phase of the solution lifecycle.

  • Solution Center
  • Designer
  • Runtime

DevOps & Version Control isn't one component, it a series of features in various module to enable that task.

Development Workflow

Solution Development Stages

InitiateDesignBuildDeploySupport
  • Requirements
  • Scope
  • Resources
  • Architecture
  • UNS design
  • Standards
  • Configuration
  • Testing
  • Integration
  • Installation
  • Commissioning
  • Training
  • Maintenance
  • Optimization
  • Updates


Platform UI Components

Three Essential Workspaces


Platform Components Key Features

UI EnvironmentPurposeKey Functions
Solution CenterSolution Management
  • Create/open solutions
  • License management
  • Server configuration
  • Launch Designer and Runtime
DesignerSolution Configuration
  • UNS Configuration
  • Process Modules Design
  • Application Modules Design
  • Operator UI Design
Runtime

Solution Execution

  • Real-time data processing
  • Client connections
  • Module execution
  • Performance monitoring

Platform Components Primary Use

The Solution Lifecycle uses these integrated FrameworX components:

ComponentPlatform FeaturesPrimary Use
Solution CenterSolution management, templates, licensingProject creation and management
DesignerConfiguration IDE, diagnostics, Track ChangesDevelopment and testing
RuntimeExecution profiles, Build & Publish, monitoringValidation and production
DevOps & Version ControlGit integration, change tracking, audit trailChange management and deployment

Quick Reference Tables

Development Time Estimates

Solution SizeTagsDevelopment Time (*)Team Size
Small<1,0001-2 weeks1 person
Medium1,000-10,0004-8 weeks2-3 people
Large10,000-50,0003-6 months3-5 people
Enterprise>50,0006-12 months5+ people

(*) About the Development Time estimates

Best Practices Checklist

DO:DON'T:

?(tick) Start with UNS design

?(tick) Use naming conventions

?(tick) Create UDTs first

?(tick) Test each pillar

?(tick) Document decisions

?(tick) Use version control

?(error) Start with displays

?(error) Skip testing phases

?(error) Hardcode values

?(error) Ignore standards

?(error) Build without UDTs

?(error) Deploy without backup

Project Planning with Four Pillars

Requirements Template by Pillar

Map requirements to FrameworX architecture:

PillarRequirements FocusPlatform Configuration
P1: UNS FoundationData points needed<br>Equipment hierarchy<br>Naming standardsTags to create<br>Templates (UDTs) to design<br>Asset tree structure
P2: Process ModulesField devices to connect<br>Alarm conditions<br>Historical data needsDevice channels & protocols<br>Alarm items & groups<br>Historian tables & retention
P3: Application ModulesBusiness logic required<br>Database integration<br>Reporting needsScript tasks & classes<br>Dataset connections<br>Report templates
P4: Operator UIUser roles & screens<br>Client deployment<br>Mobile accessDisplay pages & navigation<br>Security configuration<br>Client types

Stakeholder Mapping

StakeholderFrameworX InteractionAccess Level
OperatorsRuntime displays, alarm managementClient access
EngineersDesigner configuration, diagnosticsEngineering license
ManagersDashboards, reportsView-only access
IT SupportSolution Center, Runtime monitoringAdmin access

Testing with Platform Tools

UNS Integrity Verification

Verify foundation first:

  1. Designer Test Mode (F5)
    • Validate tag structure and values
    • Test templates and instances
    • Verify asset tree navigation
  2. Property Watch
    • Monitor real-time tag updates
    • Check quality and timestamps
    • Validate calculations
  3. Diagnostics Tools
    • Runtime → Diagnostics for data inspection
    • Cross-reference verification
    • Module status monitoring

Execution Profile Testing

Test across environments using built-in profiles:

ProfileUsePlatform Features
DevelopmentInitial testingLocal databases, full diagnostics, simulation
ValidationSystem testingTest servers, limited clients, performance monitoring
ProductionLive operationProduction databases, redundancy, optimized logging

Configure in Runtime → Execution Profiles

Deployment Using Platform Features

Build & Publish System

  1. Development Build
    • Runtime → Build & Publish
    • Create .dbsln for testing
    • Include debug information
  2. Production Publish
    • Create read-only .dbrun file
    • Version numbering
    • Release notes
  3. Deployment Package
    • Solution file
    • Execution profile
    • Client configurations

Backup & Recovery

Platform features for deployment safety:

  • Solution Backup: Before any deployment
  • Automatic Backups: Configurable schedule
  • Version History: Through Git integration
  • Rollback Capability: Previous .dbrun versions

Quality Gates

Platform Checkpoints

GatePlatform VerificationTool Location
Build SuccessSolution compiles without errorsRuntime → Build & Publish
No Unused ObjectsClean configurationTrack Changes → Unused Objects
References ValidAll cross-references verifiedTrack Changes → Cross-Reference
Test Mode PassRuns without errorsDesigner → Test Mode (F5)
Performance CheckMeets requirementsRuntime → System Monitor

Change Management

Platform Change Tracking

Change TypePlatform TrackingAccess Location
Configuration changesTrack Changes logTrack Changes → Recent Changes
User actionsAudit trailBuilt into all modules
Version historyGit exportSolution → Export (if enabled)
Build versionsBuild historyRuntime → Build & Publish

Recommended Workflow

  1. Enable Git Integration
    • Automatic JSON export
    • Version control ready
    • Diff-friendly format
  2. Use Track Changes
    • Monitor all modifications
    • Impact analysis before changes
    • Audit trail for compliance

Support & Maintenance

Platform Diagnostic Tools

Issue TypeFrameworX ToolLocation
Communication problemsModule InformationRuntime → Diagnostics
Performance issuesSystem MonitorRuntime → System Monitor
Configuration errorsOutput windowDesigner (bottom panel)
Tag issuesProperty WatchRuntime → Diagnostics
Historical data gapsHistorian statusRuntime → Module Information

Maintenance Features

  • Online Configuration: Changes without stopping runtime
  • Hot Updates: Apply modifications to running system
  • Remote Diagnostics: Connect Designer to remote runtime
  • Automatic Recovery: Self-healing connections

Best Practices Checklist

Leverage Platform Features

  • Use Execution Profiles for environment management
  • Enable Track Changes for audit trail
  • Implement Git integration for version control
  • Use Build & Publish for controlled deployments
  • Monitor with built-in diagnostics

Avoid Common Pitfalls

  • Skipping Test Mode validation
  • Not using execution profiles
  • Ignoring Track Changes warnings
  • Deploying without Build & Publish
  • Missing backup before deployment

See Also

Child Pages

Related Topics


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