Overview
A Solution represents a complete application built using the platform. It stores all configuration data in a .dbsln file, including tags, alarms, device settings, graphical displays, scripts, and more.
When creating a new solution, the system generates a new .dbsln file with initial metadata like name and description. The remaining configuration is performed using the Designer tool.
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Creating a New Solution
To create a new solution, in the Solutions Manager, click the New... button at the top of the solution list to start the New Solution Wizard.
Wizard Step 1 - Product Features
Define the Product Series for your solution by selecting the product family and the product model.
The software platform technology powers four product options:
- Unlimited: Unlimited tags, unlimited users, unlimited communication points, and all platform features.
- FactoryStudio: Scalable models based on the number of communication points, enabling SCADA, MES, Advanced HMI, and a wide range of industrial applications.
- EdgeMachine: Scalable models based on the number of communication points, with a subset of features typically required for HMI on machines and embedded devices.
- EdgeConnect: Scalable models based on the data connections
For details about product families and licensing models, see the Product Series page.
Product Models and Licenses
Solution Configuration tools are available free of charge, but a license is required to deploy your solution in a production environment.
The Product Family and Model (number of points) selected when creating a new solution should reflect the intended license you plan to acquire for production installation.
You still can change those settings after creating the solution, in the Designer tool under Solution Settings.
Wizard Step 2 - Platform
Platform | Description |
|---|---|
Windows | Select if your application requires Windows-only components such as Windows Authentication or third-party libraries like Canary Historian. |
Multi-Platform | Select for Linux or cross-platform environments. This option requires .NET 8 installed on the computer that will execute the solution and on the computer developing the application. |
Wizard Step 3 - Solution Name and template
Define the name and review the location for saving your solution file, select a solution template and press the Create New Solution button.
If you don’t select a template, the default HeaderLayout template will be applied automatically.
Solution Templates
Solution templates help you start faster by providing preconfigured components, settings, and modules. These templates can be customized to suit your specific application needs.
Examples of templates include starter layouts for web-based, desktop, or mobile solutions. Some templates are included with the software, and you can also create or import your own.
Adding New Templates
The templates available when creating a new solution are standard solution files located in the user's Documents folder under Templates.
To use a template received from a vendor or integrator, simply copy the .dbsln file into the Templates folder located in your Documents directory. You can also customize existing templates by opening and modifying the solution files in that folder.
Solution Creator Tool
When you need to create multiple solutions—such as deploying hundreds of edge devices based on configuration files—the platform provides a utility to automate and streamline this process.
For details, see the Solution Creator page.
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