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The Four Pillars Overview

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Why Follow This Methodology?

Benefits of the Four-Pillar Approach

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pillar 1: Unified Namespace (Foundation)

Purpose

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

What to Build

Implementation Steps

Step 1: Plan Your Namespace
??? Define naming standards (Area_Equipment_Signal)
??? Document tag requirements
??? Plan for 20% growth

Step 2: Create Base Tags
??? System tags (heartbeat, status)
??? Communication tags
??? Calculation tags

Step 3: Build UDTs
??? Motor (Running, Speed, Current, Hours)
??? Valve (Open, Close, Position, Fault)
??? Tank (Level, Temperature, Pressure)
??? PID (SP, PV, CV, Mode)

Step 4: Organize Assets
??? Plant
   ??? Area1
      ??? Line1
      ??? Line2
          ??? Area2

[

Best Practices

• Naming Convention Example: WTP_PUMP01_RUNNING
  • WTP = Water Treatment Plant
  • PUMP01 = Equipment ID
  • RUNNING = Signal name
• Use consistent abbreviations
• Plan for expansion (reserve number ranges)
• Document everything

Detailed UNS Guide →]

Pillar 2: Process Modules (Industrial Operations)

Purpose

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

What to Build

Implementation Steps

Step 1: Setup Devices
??? Create Channel (Protocol, Port, Timeout)
??? Add Nodes (IP, Device ID)
??? Map Points to Tags

Step 2: Configure Alarms
??? Create Areas (Plant sections)
??? Define Groups (Equipment types)
??? Set Conditions (Limits, Deviation)
??? Configure Notifications

Step 3: Enable Historian
??? Select Storage Location
??? Create Tables
??? Configure Tag Collection
??? Set Compression

Connection Architecture

Field Level        Communication        UNS & Operation
???????????         ???????????          ???????????
?  PLCs   ?         ? Drivers ?          ?  Tags   ?
???????????         ???????????          ???????????
?  RTUs   ? ??????? ?Protocols? ???????  ? Alarms  ?
???????????         ???????????          ???????????
? Sensors ?         ?Providers?          ?Historian?
???????????         ???????????          ???????????

[

Best Practices

• Start with slow poll rates, optimize later
• Group similar devices on same channel
• Use event-driven updates when available
• Test each connection thoroughly
• Document IP addresses and settings

Detailed Process Modules Guide →]

Pillar 3: Application Modules (

Business Logic)

Purpose

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

What to Build

ScriptsImage Added	DatasetsImage Added	ReportsImage Added
Write calculation logic Implement workflows Create data validation Automate processes	Connect to SQL

databasesReporting

databases  Create queries and views Setup synchronization

Business Logic

• Write calculation scripts
• Implement control logic
• Create data validation

Manage transactions

Design report templates Configure schedules Setup distribution

Implementation Steps

Step 1: Database Setup
??? Configure Connections
??? Create Tables/Views
??? Build Queries
??? Test Transactions

Step 2: Script Development
??? Calculation Tasks
??? Control Logic
??? Data Processing
??? Error Handling

Step 3: Report Creation
??? Design Templates
??? Configure Data Sources
??? Set Schedules
??? Test Distribution

Data Flow

Raw Data → Scripts → Calculations → Database → Reports
   ↓          ↓           ↓            ↓          ↓
  Tags     Process    Transform      Store    Distribute

Common Implementations

[Detailed Application Modules Guide →]

Pillar 4: User Interface (

Visualization)

Purpose

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

What to Build

Implementation Steps

Step 1: Display Architecture
??? Create Navigation Structure
??? Design Template Displays
??? Build Process Graphics
??? Implement Standards

Step 2: Display Development
??? Overview Displays
??? Detail Displays
??? Control Faceplates
??? Alarm Displays

Step 3: Dashboard Creation
??? KPI Dashboards
??? Analytics Views
??? Mobile Layouts
??? Executive Reports

Step 1: Display Architecture
??? Create Navigation Structure
??? Design Template Displays
??? Build Process Graphics
??? Implement Standards

Step 2: Display Development
??? Overview Displays
??? Detail Displays
??? Control Faceplates
??? Alarm Displays

Step 3: Dashboard Creation
??? KPI Dashboards
??? Analytics Views
??? Mobile Layouts
??? Executive Reports

Display Hierarchy

Plant Overview
    ↓
Area Overview
    ↓
Process Display
    ↓
Equipment Detail
    ↓
Faceplate Popup

Design Principles

• Follow ISA-101 HMI standards
• Use consistent color philosophy
• Implement situational awareness
• Minimize animation
• Optimize for target resolution

[Detailed Operator UI Guide →]

Solution Ready to Run (Secure & Deploy)

Purpose

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

What to Do

[Detailed Solution Runtime Guide →]

Why This Methodology Works

Benefits of the Four-Pillar Approach

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Starting with displays - Without proper data structure

Skipping UDTs - Leading to tag sprawl

Direct device-to-display binding - Creating maintenance nightmares

Ignoring naming conventions - Causing confusion later

Building monolithic solutions - Instead of modular architectureDetailed User Interface Guide →

Solution Templates

Quick Start Templates

Industry Templates

Manufacturing Template

• Production tracking
• OEE calculations
• Downtime analysis
• Quality management
• Inventory tracking

Utilities Template

• SCADA infrastructure
• Telemetry systems
• Regulatory reporting
• Load management
• Outage management

Building Automation

• HVAC control
• Lighting management
• Energy monitoring
• Access control
• Tenant billing

Explore All Templates →

Best Practices Checklist

Design Phase

• Define clear naming conventions
• Create reusable UDTs
• Plan for 20-30% growth
• Document all decisions
• Review with stakeholders

Development Phase

• Follow the four-pillar sequence
• Test each component thoroughly
• Use version control
• Regular backups
• Code reviews for scripts

Deployment Phase

• Complete testing before production
• Train all users
• Document operational procedures
• Establish support processes
• Monitor performance

Maintenance Phase

• Regular backups
• Performance monitoring
• Security updates
• User feedback
• Continuous improvement

Development Workflow

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Solution Development Stages

Platform UI Components

Three Essential Workspaces

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Quick Reference Tables

Development

Next Steps

After Understanding the Methodology

1. Deep Dive into Each Pillar
   • Unified Namespace Details
   • Process Modules Guide
   • Application Modules Guide
   • User Interface Guide
2. Explore Examples
   • Solution Examples
   • Industry Templates
   • Architecture Patterns
3. Get Hands-On
   • Build a sample solution
   • Follow a tutorial
   • Modify a template

Quick Reference

Four Pillars at a Glance

Time Estimates

Note: Those are order of magnitude references. Specific requirements & workflow & user review process need to be accounted for.

AI Assistant Data

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  "page": "Building Solutions",
  "type": "Methodology Guide",
  "purpose": "Explain the four-pillar solution building approach",
  "pillars": [
    {
      "name": "Unified Namespace",
      "order": 1,
      "purpose": "Data foundation",
      "components": ["Tags", "Assets", "UDTs"]
    },
    {
      "name": "Process Modules",
      "order": 2,
      "purpose": "Field integration",
      "components": ["Devices", "Alarms", "Historian"]
    },
    {
      "name": "Application Modules",
      "order": 3,
      "purpose": "Business logic",
      "components": ["Scripts", "Datasets", "Reports"]
    },
    {
      "name": "User Interface",
      "order": 4,
      "purpose": "Visualization",
      "components": ["Displays", "Dashboards", "Clients"]
    }
  ],
  "workflow": {
    "phases": ["Planning", "Development", "Deployment"],
    "duration": "1-12 months depending on size",
    "approach": "Sequential pillar implementation"
  },
  "bestPractices": [
    "Follow pillar sequence",
    "Create reusable components",
    "Document everything",
    "Test thoroughly",
    "Plan for growth"
  ]
}

</details>

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Quick Start Templates

(*) About the Development Time estimates

Best Practices Checklist

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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