The Four-Pillar Methodology
Building a FrameworX solution follows a logical progression through four integrated pillars. Each pillar builds upon the previous, creating a complete industrial application.
Foundation → Integration → Logic → Visualization
Start with data modeling, connect to field devices, add business logic, then create user interfaces.
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.
Key Components
Component | Description | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
Tags | Real-time data variables | Process values, setpoints, calculations |
Asset Tree | Hierarchical data organization | Plant structure, equipment groups |
User Data Types | Reusable data templates | Motor, valve, PID loop templates |
TagProviders | External data connections | OPC servers, databases, cloud services |
Best Practices
- Design your tag structure before connecting devices
- Use consistent naming conventions
- Create UDTs for repeated equipment types
- Organize assets to match your process
Pillar 2: Process Modules (Connect & Collect)
Purpose
Process modules connect your solution to the physical world, collecting data from field devices and managing industrial operations.
Core Modules
Module | Function | Typical Configuration |
|---|---|---|
Devices | Field communication | Channels → Nodes → Points mapping |
Alarms | Event management | Areas → Groups → Items → Notifications |
Historian | Time-series storage | Storage locations → Tables → Tag mapping |
Integration Flow
- Configure communication channels
- Define device nodes
- Map points to UNS tags
- Set up alarm conditions
- Configure historian collection
Pillar 3: Application Modules (Store & Process)
Purpose
Application modules add business logic, data processing, and integration capabilities to transform raw data into actionable information.
Module Capabilities
Module | Primary Use | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
Scripts | Custom logic and automation | Tasks, classes, expressions, multi-language |
Datasets | Database integration | SQL queries, stored procedures, real-time sync |
Reports | Data exchange and documentation | PDF generation, Excel export, scheduled delivery |
Common Implementations
- Production calculations and KPIs
- Database logging and retrieval
- Shift reports and batch records
- Integration with ERP/MES systems
Pillar 4: User Interface (Analyze & Visualize)
Purpose
The UI layer presents information to operators, managers, and other stakeholders through interactive displays and dashboards.
Visualization Options
Type | Target Users | Deployment |
|---|---|---|
Displays | Operators, Engineers | Control rooms, plant floor |
Dashboards | Managers, Analysts | Offices, meeting rooms |
Mobile Apps | Field technicians, Supervisors | Tablets, smartphones |
Client Technologies
- Rich Clients - Full-featured .NET applications
- Web Clients - HTML5 browser-based access
- Mobile Clients - iOS and Android apps
Module Dependencies and Interactions
Understanding module relationships helps build robust solutions:
- Tags are used by all other modules
- Devices populate tag values
- Alarms monitor tag conditions
- Historians record tag changes
- Scripts manipulate tag values
- Displays visualize tag data
Solution Building Checklist
Foundation Phase
% Define tag naming standards
% Create Asset Tree structure
% Build User Data Types
% Configure TagProviders
Integration Phase
% Set up device communications
% Map device points to tags
% Configure alarm areas and groups
% Set up historian storage
Logic Phase
% Create calculation scripts
% Configure database connections
% Build report templates
% Test data flows
Visualization Phase
% Design operator displays
% Create management dashboards
% Configure navigation
% Deploy clients
Quick Start Templates
Template | Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Basic HMI | Tags, Displays, Navigation | Simple machine control |
SCADA System | Devices, Alarms, Historian, Displays | Process monitoring |
MES Integration | Datasets, Scripts, Reports, Dashboards | Production tracking |
IIoT Gateway | MQTT, TagProviders, Cloud connectivity | Edge computing |
Next Steps
- Unified Namespace - Start with data modeling
- Process Modules - Connect to field devices
- Application Modules - Add business logic
- User Interface - Create visualizations