Building solutions follows a four-pillar methodology from data modeling to production.

Platform → Architecture | Technology  | Solution | Pillars | FrameworX |  Editions 

The Four Pillars (Concept): Building solutions follows a four-pillar methodology that ensures scalability, maintainability, and performance. This structured approach guides you from initial data modeling through to final deployment, with each pillar building upon the previous to create a complete industrial application.

The Four-Pillar Methodology:

  • Pillar 1: Unified Namespace (Data Foundation)
  • Pillar 2: Process Modules (Industrial Operations)
  • Pillar 3: Application Modules (Business Operations)
  • Pillar 4: Operator UI (User Interaction)

On this page:

The Four Pillars Overview

 Unified Namespace

Process Modules

Application Modules

Operator UI Modules

Tags

Asset Tree

UserTypes (UDTs)

Devices

Alarms

Historian

Databases

Reports

Scripts

Security

Displays

Clients

Data FoundationIndustrial OperationsBusiness OperationsUser Interaction


The Four Pillars in Action

  • Connect & Collect → Pillars 1 and 2
  • Process & Store → Pillars 2 and 3
  • Analyse & Visualize: → Pillars 3 and 4


Pillar 1: Unified Namespace (Foundation)

The Unified Namespace (UNS) is your solution's data foundation - a single source of truth for all real-time and configuration data.

Tag Structure 

Asset Tree

UserTypes

  • Define naming conventions
  • Create tag hierarchy
  • Set data types and ranges
  • Configure engineering units
  • Mirror physical/logical structure -
  • Organize by area/process/equipment -
  • Create navigable hierarchy -
  • Enable asset-based navigation
  • Create equipment templates
  • Define standard objects
  • Build reusable components
  • Ensure consistency

→ Unified Namespace Concept


Pillar 2: Process Modules (Industrial Operations)

Process modules connect your solution to the physical world, collecting data from field devices and managing industrial operations.

Device Communications

Alarm Management

Historian

  • Configure channels and protocols 
  • Setup nodes and devices
  • Map points to tags
  • Optimize scan rates
  • - Define alarm areas and groups
  • - Configure conditions and limits
  • - Setup notifications -
  • Implement ISA-18.2 standards
  • Configure data storage
  • Set collection rates
  • Define retention policies 
  • Plan for growth

→ Process Modules Concept

Pillar 3: Application Modules (Business Operations)

Application modules add business logic, data processing, and integration capabilities to transform raw data into actionable information.

Datasets

Reports

Scripts

  • Connect to SQL databases 
  • Create queries and views
  • Setup synchronization
  • Manage transactions
  • Design report templates
  • Configure schedules
  • Setup distribution
  • Export formats (PDF//XML/JSON)
  • Write calculation logic
  • Implement workflows
  • Create data validation
  • Automate processes

→ P3: Application Modules (Concept)

Pillar 4: Operator UI (User Interaction)

The UI layer presents information to operators, managers, and stakeholders through interactive displays and dashboards.

Operations  UI

Dashboards

Clients Access

  • Process graphics
  • Control panels
  • Navigation structure
  • Alarm summaries
  • KPI visualization
  • Analytics views
  • Mobile layouts
  • Executive summaries
  • Security & Profiles
  • RESS Layouts
  • Rich & Smart clients (.NET)
  • Multi-monitor setup

→ Operator UI Modules Concept


Solution Ready to Run

Solution ready to Run, validate, apply security, and deploy.

Runtime

DevOps

Deployment

  • Test with Execution Profiles
  • Development Environment (Lab)
  • Validation Environment (FAT)
  • Production Environment (SAT)
  • Protect Configuration
  • Secure Scripts and IP
  • Defile Users & Roles
  • Track Changes
  • Single file deployment
  • Publish to FDA & regulated area
  • Container for Edge & Cisco Routers
  • Setup Version Control & Maintenance 

? Runtime (Concept)
→ DevOps & Version Control (Reference)
→ Deployment (Reference) 

Why This Methodology Works

Benefits of the Four-Pillar Approach

BenefitDescriptionImpact
Structured DevelopmentClear sequence of implementation50-70% reduction in rework
ScalabilityFoundation supports growthEasy expansion without redesign
MaintainabilityOrganized architectureSimplified troubleshooting
ReusabilityTemplate-based approach40% faster development
Best PracticesIndustry-proven patternsReliable solutions

Next Steps

  • Get Started: Download [Solution Templates]
  • Deep Dive: Explore each pillar's detailed guide
  • Learn More: Review [Best Practices] documentation
  • Get Help: Access [Training Resources]


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