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This guide walks you through the complete solution lifecycle from

...

development through production deployment

...

What You'll Learn:

  • Plan and scope your project
  • Design the architecture
  • Build using the Four Pillars
  • Deploy to production
  • Maintain and support

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<ac:structured-macro ac:name="info"> ac:rich-text-body Time Estimate

  • Small System: 4-6 weeks
  • Medium System: 8-12 weeks
  • Enterprise: 16-24 weeks </ac:rich-text-body> </ac:structured-macro> </ac:layout-cell> </ac:layout-section> </ac:layout>

Quick Start Workflow

Follow this high-level workflow, then dive into detailed procedures for each stage:

1. INITIATE (1-2 weeks)
   ??? Define Requirements
   ??? Identify Stakeholders
   ??? Create Project Charter

2. DESIGN (2-4 weeks)
   ??? Architecture Planning
   ??? Data Model Design
   ??? Standards Definition

3. BUILD (4-12 weeks)
   ??? P1: Configure UNS
   ??? P2: Setup Process Modules
   ??? P3: Add Application Logic
   ??? P4: Create User Interface

4. DEPLOY (1-2 weeks)
   ??? Production Installation
   ??? Commissioning
   ??? Training

5. SUPPORT (Ongoing)
   ??? Monitoring
   ??? Maintenance
   ??? Optimization

Stage 1: Initiate Your Project

Step 1.1: Define Project Scope

Prerequisites: Business objectives, budget constraints

  1. Create Project Charter
    Project Name: _____________
    Business Objective: _____________
    Success Criteria: _____________
    Constraints: _____________
    Timeline: _____________
  2. Document Technical Requirements
    • I/O Count: _____ points
    • User Count: _____ concurrent
    • Data Sources: _____ systems
    • Performance: _____ ms response
  3. Identify Stakeholders <table> <tr><th>Role</th><th>Name</th><th>Responsibility</th></tr> <tr><td>Sponsor</td><td>___</td><td>Approval</td></tr> <tr><td>Operations</td><td>___</td><td>Requirements</td></tr> <tr><td>IT</td><td>___</td><td>Infrastructure</td></tr> </table>

Validation: All stakeholders sign off on scope document

Step 1.2: Gather Requirements

  1. Collect Data Source Information
    For each PLC/Device:
    - Protocol: _____________
    - IP Address: _____________
    - Point Count: _____________
    - Scan Rate: _____________
  2. Define Functional Requirements
    • Process control needs
    • Alarm requirements
    • Reporting specifications
    • Integration points
    • Security requirements

Deliverable: Requirements Specification Document

Stage 2: Design Your Architecture

Step 2.1: System Architecture

  1. Select Deployment Model
    [ ] Standalone - Single server
    [ ] Distributed - Multiple servers
    [ ] Cloud - Azure/AWS
    [ ] Hybrid - Mixed deployment
  2. Design Network Topology
    • Production Network: _____________
    • Control Network: _____________
    • DMZ Configuration: _____________
  3. Plan Database Architecture
    Development: SQLite (default)
    Production: [ ] SQL Server [ ] PostgreSQL [ ] Oracle
    Historian: [ ] Local [ ] Enterprise [ ] Cloud

Step 2.2: Data Architecture

  1. Define Naming Convention
    Standard: [Area]_[Equipment]_[Signal]
    Example: WTP_PUMP01_RUNNING
  2. Design UDT Templates

    yaml

    Motor_Template:
      - Running: Boolean
      - Speed_SP: Float
      - Speed_PV: Float
      - Fault: Boolean
  3. Plan Asset Structure
    Plant
    ??? Area1
    ?   ??? Line1
    ?   ??? Line2
    ??? Area2

Deliverable: Architecture Design Document

Stage 3: Build Your Solution

Step 3.1: Configure Foundation (P1)

  1. Create Tag Structure
    a. Open Designer → UNS → Tags
    b. Click New Tag
    c. Enter: Name, Type, Initial Value
    d. Set Engineering Units
    e. Configure Min/Max ranges
  2. Build UserTypes (UDTs)
    a. Navigate to UNS → UserTypes
    b. Click New Type
    c. Add Members:
       - Commands (Start, Stop)
       - Status (Running, Faulted)
       - Values (Speed, Current)
    d. Save Template
  3. Organize Asset Tree
    a. Go to UNS → Asset Tree
    b. Create Folders for Areas
    c. Add Equipment nodes
    d. Link to Tags/UDTs

Step 3.2: Setup Process Modules (P2)

  1. Configure Device Communications
    a. Devices → Channels → New
    b. Select Protocol (Modbus, OPC UA, etc.)
    c. Configure Connection:
       - IP: _____________
       - Port: _____________
       - Timeout: 3000ms
    d. Add Nodes → Map Points
    e. Test Communication
  2. Setup Alarms
    a. Alarms → Groups → New Group
    b. Add Alarm Items:
       - Tag: Select from UNS
       - Condition: HiHi, Hi, Lo, LoLo
       - Limits: Set values
       - Priority: 1-999
    c. Configure Notifications
  3. Enable Historian
    a. Historian → Storage → Configure
    b. Select Location (SQL Database)
    c. Create Storage Groups
    d. Add Tags to collect
    e. Set collection rates

Step 3.3: Add Application Logic (P3)

  1. Create Scripts

    csharp

    // Scripts → Tasks → New
    // Name: Calculate_KPI
    // Trigger: Timer (60 seconds)
    
    public void RunTask()
    {
        // Calculate OEE
        float availability = Tag.RunTime / Tag.PlannedTime;
        float performance = Tag.ActualRate / Tag.TargetRate;
        float quality = Tag.GoodParts / Tag.TotalParts;
        Tag.OEE = availability * performance * quality;
    }
  2. Configure Datasets

    sql

    -- Datasets → DBs → New Connection
    -- Datasets → Queries → New
    SELECT 
        ProductID,
        BatchNumber,
        Quantity,
        Timestamp
    FROM Production
    WHERE Timestamp > @StartTime

Step 3.4: Build User Interface (P4)

  1. Create Main Navigation
    a. Displays → New Display
    b. Name: MainMenu
    c. Add Navigation buttons:
       - Overview
       - Areas
       - Reports
       - Admin
  2. Design Process Graphics
    a. Create display per area
    b. Add equipment symbols
    c. Bind to tags:
       - Drag tag to object
       - Configure animation
    d. Add navigation buttons

Validation: Test all displays in Test Mode (F5)

Stage 4: Deploy to Production

Step 4.1: Pre-Deployment Checklist

  • All tests passed
  • Documentation complete
  • Backup created (.dbback file)
  • Licenses verified
  • Training materials ready
  • Rollback plan prepared

Step 4.2: Installation Procedure

  1. Backup Current System (if exists)
    Solution Center → Backup
    Save to: Backup_YYYYMMDD.dbback
  2. Install Software
    a. Run FrameworX installer
    b. Select components
    c. Enter license
    d. Configure services
  3. Deploy Solution
    a. Copy .dbsln to server
    b. Open Solution Center
    c. Import solution
    d. Select Production profile
    e. Start Runtime

Step 4.3: Commissioning

  1. I/O Checkout
    For each signal:
    - [ ] Force value at source
    - [ ] Verify in FrameworX
    - [ ] Document in loop sheet
  2. Functional Testing
    • Test each control loop
    • Verify alarm functions
    • Check interlock logic
    • Validate calculations
  3. Performance Validation
    • Response time: < 500ms
    • CPU usage: < 60%
    • Memory: < 70%
    • Network: < 50%

Sign-off: Customer acceptance signature

Stage 5: Support & Maintenance

Step 5.1: Setup Monitoring

  1. Configure Diagnostics
    Runtime → Diagnostics → Enable:
    - [ ] Performance counters
    - [ ] Error logging
    - [ ] Audit trail
  2. Create KPI Dashboard
    • System uptime
    • Response times
    • Alarm rates
    • Data quality

Step 5.2: Maintenance Schedule

<table> <thead> <tr><th>Frequency</th><th>Tasks</th><th>Procedure</th></tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td><strong>Daily</strong></td> <td>System check</td> <td>Review alarms, check status</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Weekly</strong></td> <td>Backup</td> <td>Solution Center → Backup</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Monthly</strong></td> <td>Archive</td> <td>Export historian data</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Quarterly</strong></td> <td>Review</td> <td>Performance analysis</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Step 5.3: Common Troubleshooting

Issue: Communication Loss

  1. Check network connectivity
  2. Verify device status
  3. Review error logs
  4. Restart communication service

Issue: High CPU Usage

  1. Check script execution times
  2. Review polling rates
  3. Optimize queries
  4. Adjust priorities

Tools and Templates

Project Management Tools

FrameworX Built-in:

  • Track Changes (version control)
  • Cross-Reference (dependency tracking)
  • Build Flag (backup points)
  • Publish (production lock)

Recommended Third-party:

  • JIRA/Azure DevOps (task tracking)
  • Git/SVN (source control)
  • Confluence (documentation)

Downloadable Templates

  • [Project Charter Template]
  • [Requirements Checklist]
  • [Test Plan Template]
  • [Commissioning Sheets]
  • [Training Materials]

Best Practices Summary

DO:

? Follow naming conventions consistently ? Test at each stage ? Document all decisions ? Plan for 20-30% growth ? Use version control ? Create reusable components

DON'T:

? Skip testing to save time ? Hardcode values ? Deploy without backups ? Ignore user feedback ? Neglect documentation

Next Steps

After completing this lifecycle:

  1. Review Advanced Topics
    • [Performance Optimization →]
    • [Security Hardening →]
    • [Redundancy Setup →]
  2. Explore Templates
    • [Industry Solutions →]
    • [Standard Libraries →]
  3. Get Support
    • [Training Courses →]
    • [Community Forum →]
    • [Technical Support →]

. Learn to manage versions, migrate between environments, and maintain solution integrity across all stages.

Prerequisites:

  • Understanding of three workspaces (Solution Center, Designer, Runtime)
  • Familiarity with execution profiles
  • Basic knowledge of solution architecture



Solution Lifecycle Overview

The Three Stages


Development     →
  • Create
  • Configure
  • Debug



Validation        →
  • Test
  • Configure
  • Validate



Production      
  • Deploy
  • Monitor
  • Maintain



The Three Workspaces


Solution Center   →
  • Create/Manage
  • License
  • Launch




Designer         →
  • Configure
  • Build
  • Test



Runtime.         
  • Execute
  • Monitor
  • Operate





Solution Configuration  
     Database (.dbsln)



Development Stage

Initial Development

Creating the solution:

  1. Solution Center → New Solution
  2. Select appropriate template
  3. Configure in Designer
  4. Use Development profile

Development environment characteristics:

  • Local SQLite databases
  • Full diagnostic logging
  • Simulation data enabled
  • Unrestricted editing
  • Test mode available

Development Workflow

  1. Configure modules progressively:
    • Define tags and templates
    • Setup device connections
    • Create displays
    • Add business logic
  2. Test incrementally:
    • Use Test Mode (F5)
    • Verify each module
    • Check integrations
    • Monitor performance
  3. Version control:
    • Regular backups
    • Track changes
    • Document modifications
    • Tag development versions

Development Sprint Planning

Organize work in sprints:

  • Sprint 1: UNS Foundation (P1)
  • Sprint 2: Process Modules (P2)
  • Sprint 3: Application Modules (P3)
  • Sprint 4: User Interface (P4)
  • Sprint 5: Integration & Testing

Validation Stage

Moving to Validation

Preparation steps:

  1. Complete development features
  2. Build solution (F6)
  3. Export/backup development version
  4. Create validation environment

Validation profile setup:

Panel

Database: Test SQL Server
Historian: Limited retention
Security: Test credentials
Clients: Limited access

Validation Testing

Functional testing:

  • All features work as designed
  • Data flows correctly
  • Alarms trigger properly
  • Reports generate accurately

Performance testing:

  • Load testing with real data volumes
  • Stress testing communications
  • Client connection limits
  • Resource utilization

Integration testing:

  • External system connections
  • Database operations
  • Third-party interfaces
  • Redundancy failover

Testing Levels

  • Unit Testing - Individual components
  • Integration Testing - Module interactions
  • System Testing - Complete solution
  • Acceptance Testing - Business requirements

Validation Checklist

? All modules configured ? Scripts compile without errors ? Displays render correctly ? Communications stable ? Alarms functioning ? Historical data recording ? Security implemented ? Performance acceptable


Production Stage

Production Deployment

Pre-deployment:

  1. Complete validation sign-off
  2. Create production backup
  3. Document configuration
  4. Prepare rollback plan

Deployment steps:

  1. Publish solution:
    Runtime → Publish
    Version: 1.0.0
    Type: Read-only (.dbrun)
  2. Transfer to production:
    • Copy .dbrun file
    • Install on production server
    • Configure production profile
  3. Production profile:
    Database: Production SQL
    Historian: Full retention
    Security: Active Directory
    Redundancy: Enabled

Production Startup

  1. Stop any running solutions
  2. Load production solution
  3. Select Production profile
  4. Start with monitoring
  5. Verify all modules active
  6. Check client connections
  7. Confirm data flow

Version Management

Version Numbering

Standard format: Major.Minor.Build

  • Major: Significant changes
  • Minor: Feature additions
  • Build: Bug fixes

Example progression:

1.0.0 - Initial production
1.1.0 - Added reporting module
1.1.1 - Fixed alarm bug
2.0.0 - Major upgrade

Creating Versions

Development versions:

  • Auto-increment build number
  • Tag with date/time
  • Include developer notes

Production versions:

  1. Go to Runtime → Publish
  2. Set version number
  3. Add release notes
  4. Create .dbrun file
  5. Archive with documentation

Migration Procedures

Development to Validation

  1. Export from Development:
    • Build solution
    • Create backup
    • Document changes
  2. Import to Validation:
    • Load in test environment
    • Switch to Validation profile
    • Update connection strings
    • Test all functions

Validation to Production

  1. Prepare solution:
    • Final build
    • Publish read-only
    • Create deployment package
  2. Deploy to production:
    • Schedule maintenance window
    • Backup current production
    • Install new version
    • Verify operation
    • Monitor closely

Rollback Procedures

If issues occur:

  1. Stop current solution
  2. Load previous .dbrun
  3. Start with last known good
  4. Investigate issues offline
  5. Plan corrective action

Backup and Recovery

Backup Strategy

Development backups:

  • Daily automatic
  • Before major changes
  • Keep 30 days

Production backups:

  • Continuous replication
  • Daily full backup
  • Weekly archives
  • Monthly long-term

Backup Methods

Manual backup:

  1. Solution Center → Select solution
  2. File → Export → Backup
  3. Choose location
  4. Include resources

Automatic backup:

batch

TBackup.exe /solution:"Production" /output:"D:\Backups" /daily

Recovery Procedures

From backup:

  1. Solution Center → Import
  2. Select .dbback file
  3. Choose restore location
  4. Verify integrity
  5. Update configuration

From published version:

  1. Locate .dbrun file
  2. Copy to production
  3. Start with profile
  4. Verify operation

Change Management

Change Control Process

  1. Request: Document change need
  2. Review: Assess impact
  3. Approve: Get authorization
  4. Implement: Make change in Dev
  5. Test: Validate in Test
  6. Deploy: Move to Production
  7. Verify: Confirm operation

Online Changes

Changes safe for production:

  • Tag value modifications
  • Display updates
  • Report adjustments
  • User permissions

Changes requiring restart:

  • Device configurations
  • Database connections
  • Module additions
  • Port changes

Change Documentation

Track for each change:

  • Date and time
  • Person responsible
  • Modules affected
  • Reason for change
  • Test results
  • Rollback plan

Best Practices

Development Phase

(tick) Use meaningful naming conventions

(tick) Comment complex logic

(tick) Test edge cases

(tick) Document assumptions

(tick) Regular commits

Validation Phase

(tick) Test with production data volumes

(tick) Verify all integrations

(tick) Check error handling

(tick) Validate performance

(tick) Document test results

Production Phase

(tick) Monitor continuously

(tick) Maintain change log

(tick) Regular backups

(tick) Plan maintenance windows

(tick) Keep documentation current

General Guidelines

(tick) Never edit production directly

(tick) Always have rollback plan

(tick) Test changes thoroughly

(tick) Document everything

(tick) Maintain version history



This guide covered the complete solution lifecycle from initial development through production deployment, including version management, migration procedures, and best practices for maintaining solution integrity throughout all stages

...

.