Access configuration tools for solutions.

Reference → Solution →  Designer → Workspace | Settings | Data Explorer

Solution Settings & Tools (Reference): The Solution module provides centralized configuration for solution-wide settings and tools for managing solution components.

Related Topics:


Navigation Pages

PageTypePurpose
SettingsConfigurationGlobal solution parameters
CategoriesConfigurationOrganization labels
Import TagsToolTag import wizards
Import PluginToolPlugin integration
ExportToolBackup and plugin creation
HistoryToolEvent tracking and audit

Key Concepts

Target Platform

Defines the operating system and framework:

PlatformFrameworkUse Case
Windows Only.NET Framework 4.8Windows-specific features
Multiplatform.NET 8Linux and cross-platform

Product Family and Model

Licensing configuration for production:

AspectPurposeImpact
Product FamilyLicense typeFeature availability
Product ModelPoint limitsTag count restrictions

Categories

Metadata labels for organizing applications:

  • Applied across all configuration tables
  • Used for filtering and grouping
  • Associated with default symbols

Plugins

Self-contained solution components:

  • Reusable across solutions
  • Include tags, displays, scripts
  • Version controlled
  • Update managed

Typical Workflow

Initial Setup

  1. Verify Settings - Check Target Platform and Product Model
  2. Define Categories - Create organizational structure
  3. Import Tags - Bring in existing definitions
  4. Add Plugins - Include reusable components

Development

  1. Use Categories - Apply to new objects
  2. Export Regularly - Create backups
  3. Track History - Monitor changes
  4. Update Plugins - Keep components current

Deployment

  1. Validate Settings - Confirm production configuration
  2. Export Solution - Create deployment package
  3. Review History - Check recent changes

Common Tasks

TaskLocationPurpose
Change platformSettingsSwitch Windows/Linux
Set licenseSettingsConfigure Product Model
Organize objectsCategoriesApply labels
Import from CSVImport TagsBulk tag creation
Add componentsImport PluginReuse standards
Backup solutionExportSave complete copy
Create pluginExportMake reusable parts
Review changesHistoryAudit trail

Data Storage

Configuration Location

All settings stored in .dbsln file:

SettingTableEncrypted
SettingsSolutionSettingsYes
CategoriesCategoriesYes
Plugin InfoPluginRegistryYes
HistorySolutionHistoryYes

Temporary Folders

Solution-Data/
??? Designer/     # UI settings
??? Runtime/      # Execution cache
??? Git/          # Export files
??? Backup/       # Build backups

Integration Points

With Other Modules

ModuleIntegrationPurpose
UNSTag importDefine data model
DevicesImport wizardsConfigure channels
All modulesCategoriesOrganization
All modulesExport/PluginPackaging

External Systems

SystemViaPurpose
CSV FilesImport TagsBulk configuration
ControlLogixImport wizardPLC integration
GitExportVersion control
Other solutionsPluginsReuse

Best Practices Checklist

Settings Management

  • Set Target Platform early
  • Match Product Model to license
  • Configure Python path if needed
  • Set Culture Info for localization

Category Usage

  • Define before creating objects
  • Use consistent naming
  • Apply to all object types
  • Associate with symbols

Plugin Management

  • Version control plugins
  • Document plugin contents
  • Test before updating
  • Keep update history

Export Strategy

  • Regular full backups
  • Export before major changes
  • Create plugins for standards
  • Use Git integration

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

ProblemCauseSolution
Can't import tagsWrong formatCheck CSV headers
Plugin failsVersion mismatchUpdate plugin
Export too largeMany imagesExclude images
History missingNot enabledEnable in settings

Validation

CheckMethodExpected
Platform correctSettings pageMatches target
License validSettings pageMatches production
Categories definedCategories pageAll needed labels
Plugins currentHistory pageNo updates pending

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