P1:Unified Namespace (
Concept) is the first pillar on the Four Pillars methodology, it provides a centralized real-time data repository with hierarchical organization for all solution data. As the first pillar in the Four-Pillar methodology, it creates a standardized method for accessing and managing tags, assets, and external data sources.
→ Tutorial | Concept | How-to Guide | Reference
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Key Concepts
| Concept | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Tag | Process variable representing real-time and historical data | Tank01.Level, Pump01.Status |
| Asset Tree | Hierarchical representation of solution data | /Plant/Area1/Line1/Equipment |
| UserType (UDT) | Reusable data structure with variables and references | Motor template with Speed, Current, Status |
| TagProvider Services | Direct interaction with variables in remote systems | OPC UA server, MQTT broker connections |
| Enumeration | Named integer values with messages and colors | 0=Stopped, 1=Running, 2=Fault |
| Runtime Database | In-memory real-time database managing UNS data | TServer.exe process |
What the UNS Does
The Unified Namespace serves as your solution's data backbone:
| Data Organization | System Integration |
|---|---|
|
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Configuration Workflow
| Step | Action | Tool (Designer UI) | Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Define UserTypes | Create reusable structures | UNS → UserTypes | Template Editor |
| 2. Build Asset Tree | Organize hierarchy | UNS → Asset Tree | Asset Browser |
| 3. Create Tags | Define variables | UNS → Tags | Tag Editor, DataExplorer |
| 4. Configure Enumerations | Set discrete values | UNS → Enumerations | Enumeration Editor |
| 5. Add TagProvider Services | Connect external data | UNS → TagProvider Services | TagProvider Services |
| 6. Map Remote Data | Link to Asset folders | UNS → Asset Tree | Asset Mapping |
| Info | ||
|---|---|---|
| ||
The DataExplorer tool streamlines UNS creation by enabling:
This tool reduces manual configuration time by 50-70% when building your tag structure during the Foundation phase. → Learn more in the DataExplorer How-to Guide |
Runtime Behavior
Data Loading and Management
When solution execution starts, the Unified Namespace definition loads into the in-memory real-time database (TServer.exe process). This database enables event-driven data exchange between all solution modules with millisecond precision.
Data Access Methods
Modules access Unified Namespace variables through two primary methods:
| Direct Tag Access (Local Tags) | Asset Method Access: Using the Asset() function |
|---|---|
Using tag names
When connecting the tag with the field device
|
TagProvider TagDiscovery Service
|
Features Highlights
Advanced Data Types
- SQL-compatible types - Full database data type support
- .NET entities - Images, JSON, DataTables in single tags
- Dynamic structures - Tri-dimensional arrays, lists, collections
- Type-safe references - Dynamic tag assignments with validation
Hierarchical Organization
- Asset folders - Logical grouping matching equipment
- Nested templates - Composition and inheritance support
- Reusable components - Template-based design patterns
- Clear data paths - Intuitive navigation through hierarchy
External System Integration
- Protocol support - ControlLogix, OPC-UA, MQTT SparkPlugB
- Database connectivity - SQL, CanaryLabs, InfluxDB, OSIsoft PI
- Remote applications - Other FrameworX solutions
- Dynamic browsing - Real-time discovery of data structures
Real-time Performance
- Event-driven updates - Millisecond timestamp precision
- In-memory database - High-performance data access
- Publish-subscribe model - Efficient module communication
- Store-and-forward - Reliable handling during disconnections
Common Implementation Patterns
ISA-95 Model Implementation
| evel | Asset Structure | Typical Tags |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | /Company | KPIs, Financial metrics |
| Site | /Company/Site1 | Production totals, Energy usage |
| Area | /Company/Site1/Area1 | Area production, Quality metrics |
| Line | /Company/Site1/Area1/Line1 | Line speed, Product counts |
| Cell | /Company/Site1/Area1/Line1/Cell1 | Equipment status, Process values |
Naming Convention Best Practices
| Code Block | ||
|---|---|---|
| ||
Standard Format: [Area]_[Equipment]_[Component]_[Signal] Examples: WTP_PUMP01_MOTOR_RUNNING WTP_PUMP01_MOTOR_SPEED_SP WTP_TANK01_LEVEL_PV BLDG_HVAC_AHU01_TEMP_SP if using UDT SP is BLDG_HVAC_AHU01_TEMP.SP |
| Code Block | ||
|---|---|---|
| ||
Standard Format: [Area]/[Equipment]/[Component][Signal].[Attribute] Examples: WTP/PUMP01/MOTOR/RUNNING WTP/PUMP01/MOTOR/SPEED.SP WTP/TANK01/LEVEL.PV BLDG/HVAC/AHU01/TEMP.SP |
| Code Block | ||
|---|---|---|
| ||
Standard Format: [Area]/[Equipment]/[ComponentUDT].[Signal] Examples: WTP/PUMP01/MOTOR.RUNNING WTP/PUMP01/MOTOR.SPEED.SP WTP/TANK01/LEVEL.PV BLDG/HVAC/AHU01.TEMP.SP |
Development Efficiency Tools
- Bulk operations - Import/export via Excel, CSV
- Search and filter - Quick tag location and editing
- Template library - Reusable component repository
- Cross-reference - Find tag usage across modules
- Version tracking - Built-in change management
| Info |
|---|
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Next Steps
- [UNS (How-to Guide)] - Step-by-step configuration
- [UNS (Reference)] - Complete technical documentation
- [P2: Process Modules] - Connect to field devices
In this section...
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