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Overview

FrameworX serves diverse professionals across the industrial automation spectrum. This guide provides tailored learning paths for Control Engineers, IT Professionals, and System Integrators, helping you focus on the most relevant features and capabilities for your role. Each path includes specific tutorials, exercises, and real-world scenarios designed to accelerate your proficiency.


Select Your Professional Profile

Quick Assessment - Which Path Is Right for You?

Answer these questions to identify your optimal learning path:

QuestionControl EngineerIT ProfessionalSystem Integrator
Primary BackgroundPLC/DCS/SCADADatabases/Networks/SecurityProject Delivery/Architecture
Main FocusField devices & HMIEnterprise integrationComplete solutions
Typical ToolsLadder logic, HMI softwareSQL, Active Directory, APIsMultiple platforms
Key ConcernsReliability, real-time controlSecurity, data integrityScalability, standards

Path 1: For Control Engineers

Your Profile

Traditional automation professionals with experience in PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems. You focus on reliable control, operator interfaces, and field device integration.

Learning Objectives

By completing this path, you will:

  • ? Connect and configure industrial devices
  • ? Design effective operator interfaces
  • ? Implement alarm management strategies
  • ? Create control logic and calculations
  • ? Build trending and historical displays

Week 1: Foundation for Control Engineers

Day 1-2: Device Communication Mastery

Morning: Understanding FrameworX Drivers

Exercise 1: Driver Selection
1. Open Designer → Devices
2. Review available drivers:
   - Allen-Bradley (EtherNet/IP)
   - Siemens (S7)
   - Modbus (TCP/RTU)
   - OPC UA
3. Document which drivers match your PLCs

Afternoon: Configure Your First PLC

Lab: Connect to Allen-Bradley ControlLogix
??? Step 1: Create Channel
?   - Protocol: Allen-Bradley ControlLogix
?   - Connection: Ethernet
?   - Timeout: 3000ms
??? Step 2: Add Node
?   - IP Address: [Your PLC IP]
?   - Slot Number: 0
??? Step 3: Import Tags
?   - Use automatic tag import
?   - Map to UNS namespace
??? Step 4: Verify Communication
    - Check status indicators
    - Monitor update rates

Day 3-4: HMI Design Fundamentals

Creating Operator Displays

Standard Display Components:
???????????????????????????????????????
? Header (Title, Time, Alarms)       ?
???????????????????????????????????????
?                                     ?
?     Main Process Graphic            ?
?     (P&ID representation)           ?
?                                     ?
???????????????????????????????????????
? Navigation Bar                      ?
???????????????????????????????????????

Exercise: Build Motor Control Faceplate

  1. Create new symbol "MotorControl"
  2. Add elements:
    • Status indicator (Running/Stopped)
    • Start/Stop buttons
    • Speed display (if VFD)
    • Fault indicator
    • Local/Remote mode
  3. Link to Motor UDT
  4. Test in runtime

Day 5: Alarm Configuration

Alarm Philosophy Implementation

PriorityColorResponse TimeExample
Critical (1-200)RedImmediateSafety shutdown
High (201-400)Orange10 minutesProcess upset
Medium (401-600)Yellow30 minutesEfficiency loss
Low (601-999)BlueNext shiftMaintenance required

Lab: Configure Process Alarms

Tank Level Alarms:
??? HiHi Alarm (95%) - Priority 250
??? Hi Alarm (85%) - Priority 400
??? Lo Alarm (15%) - Priority 400
??? LoLo Alarm (5%) - Priority 250

Settings per alarm:
- Deadband: 2%
- Delay On: 5 seconds
- Delay Off: 3 seconds
- Auto Acknowledge: No

Week 2: Advanced Control Topics

Day 1-2: Control Logic Implementation

Script Development for Control Engineers

csharp

// Example: Pump Control Logic
public void PumpControl()
{
    // Read process values
    float tankLevel = @Tag.Tank01.Level;
    float setpoint = @Tag.Tank01.Setpoint;
    bool pumpAvailable = @Tag.Pump01.Available;
    
    // Control logic
    if (pumpAvailable)
    {
        if (tankLevel < (setpoint - 5))
        {
            @Tag.Pump01.StartCmd = true;
            @Tag.Pump01.Speed = CalculateSpeed(tankLevel, setpoint);
        }
        else if (tankLevel > (setpoint + 2))
        {
            @Tag.Pump01.StartCmd = false;
        }
    }
    
    // Alarm generation
    if (!pumpAvailable && tankLevel < 10)
    {
        @Tag.Alarms.LowLevelNoPump = true;
    }
}

private float CalculateSpeed(float level, float sp)
{
    // PID calculation or curve
    float error = sp - level;
    return Math.Max(30, Math.Min(100, error * 5));
}

Day 3-4: Trending and Historical Analysis

Creating Effective Trends

Trend Configuration:
??? Time Axis
?   ??? Real-time (last hour)
?   ??? Historical (date range)
?   ??? Resolution (1 sec - 1 day)
??? Y-Axes
?   ??? Primary (0-100%)
?   ??? Secondary (0-150°F)
?   ??? Auto-scale option
??? Pens
    ??? Pen 1: Flow (Blue, Primary)
    ??? Pen 2: Pressure (Green, Primary)
    ??? Pen 3: Temperature (Red, Secondary)

Exercise: Build Trending Display

  1. Create new display "ProcessTrends"
  2. Add trend object
  3. Configure 4 pens for related process values
  4. Add time navigation controls
  5. Include data export button

Day 5: Performance Optimization

Optimizing for Control Applications

AreaBest PracticeImpact
Scan RatesMatch process dynamicsReduce network load
Display UpdatesLimit animationsImprove client performance
Alarm DeadbandsPrevent chatteringReduce alarm floods
Script EfficiencyAvoid loops in expressionsLower CPU usage

Control Engineer Toolkit

Essential Components Library

Standard Objects to Create:
??? Motors
?   ??? Motor_Simple (On/Off)
?   ??? Motor_VFD (Variable Speed)
?   ??? Motor_Reversing (Forward/Reverse)
??? Valves
?   ??? Valve_OnOff
?   ??? Valve_Control (Analog)
?   ??? Valve_3Way
??? Process Equipment
?   ??? Pump_Centrifugal
?   ??? Tank_Level
?   ??? Heat_Exchanger
??? Instruments
    ??? Transmitter_Analog
    ??? Switch_Digital
    ??? Controller_PID

Communication Quick Reference

PLC BrandRecommended DriverTypical Settings
Allen-BradleyEtherNet/IPSlot 0, RPI 100ms
SiemensS7 TCPRack 0, Slot 2
Modbus DevicesModbus TCPPort 502, Unit ID 1
SchneiderModbus TCPPort 502, Holdings
OmronFINSPort 9600, Node 1

Troubleshooting Guide for Control Engineers

ProblemCheckSolution
PLC won't connectIP address, subnetVerify network settings
Tags not updatingPoint mappingCheck addresses match PLC
Alarms floodingDeadband, delaysAdjust alarm settings
HMI slowGraphics complexitySimplify animations
Trends gapsHistorian settingsCheck storage configuration

Path 2: For IT Professionals

Your Profile

IT professionals managing industrial systems integration, cybersecurity, databases, and enterprise connectivity. You bridge the IT/OT gap.

Learning Objectives

By completing this path, you will:

  • ? Implement secure authentication systems
  • ? Integrate with enterprise databases
  • ? Deploy web-based solutions
  • ? Configure REST APIs and web services
  • ? Establish cybersecurity best practices

Week 1: Foundation for IT Professionals

Day 1-2: Database Integration

SQL Database Connectivity

sql

-- Example: Production Database Schema
CREATE TABLE ProductionData (
    ID INT IDENTITY(1,1) PRIMARY KEY,
    Timestamp DATETIME NOT NULL,
    ProductCode VARCHAR(50),
    Quantity INT,
    Quality FLOAT,
    LineID INT,
    OperatorID VARCHAR(50)
);

CREATE TABLE BatchRecords (
    BatchID VARCHAR(50) PRIMARY KEY,
    StartTime DATETIME,
    EndTime DATETIME,
    Recipe VARCHAR(100),
    Status VARCHAR(20)
);

Exercise: Configure Database Connection

  1. Navigate to Datasets → Connections
  2. Add SQL Server connection:
    Server: SQLServer01
    Database: Production
    Authentication: Windows
    Pool Size: 10
  3. Create real-time query:

    sql

    SELECT TOP 100 * 
    FROM ProductionData 
    WHERE Timestamp > DATEADD(hour, -1, GETDATE())
    ORDER BY Timestamp DESC

Day 3-4: Web Deployment

Setting Up Web Clients

Web Server Configuration:
??? IIS Setup
?   ??? Install IIS with WebSocket support
?   ??? Configure application pool
?   ??? Set up SSL certificate
??? FrameworX Web Config
?   ??? Enable web server
?   ??? Set ports (HTTP/HTTPS)
?   ??? Configure authentication
??? Client Access
    ??? URL: https://server/frameworkx
    ??? Test on multiple browsers
    ??? Verify responsive design

Lab: Deploy Secure Web Access

  1. Generate SSL certificate
  2. Configure HTTPS binding
  3. Enable Windows authentication
  4. Test from remote browser
  5. Monitor performance

Day 5: Security Implementation

Security Architecture Setup

Security Layers:
???????????????????????????????????
? Network Security                ?
? • Firewall rules               ?
? • VLAN segmentation           ?
???????????????????????????????????
             ?
???????????????????????????????????
? Application Security            ?
? • Authentication (AD/LDAP)     ?
? • Role-based access            ?
? • Audit logging                ?
???????????????????????????????????
             ?
???????????????????????????????????
? Data Security                   ?
? • Encryption at rest           ?
? • TLS in transit              ?
? • Backup encryption           ?
???????????????????????????????????

Week 2: Advanced IT Topics

Day 1-2: Enterprise Integration

REST API Implementation

javascript

// Example: REST API Client Configuration
const apiConfig = {
    baseURL: 'https://frameworkx-server/api',
    endpoints: {
        tags: '/tags',
        alarms: '/alarms',
        historical: '/historian'
    },
    authentication: {
        type: 'Bearer',
        token: 'your-api-token'
    }
};

// GET current tag values
async function getTagValues(tagNames) {
    const response = await fetch(`${apiConfig.baseURL}/tags`, {
        method: 'POST',
        headers: {
            'Authorization': `Bearer ${apiConfig.authentication.token}`,
            'Content-Type': 'application/json'
        },
        body: JSON.stringify({ tags: tagNames })
    });
    return response.json();
}

Exercise: Create ERP Integration

  1. Design data exchange schema
  2. Configure REST endpoints
  3. Implement authentication
  4. Schedule data sync
  5. Add error handling

Day 3-4: Cloud Deployment

Azure/AWS Integration

yaml

# Docker Compose for Cloud Deployment
version: '3.8'
services:
  frameworkx:
    image: frameworkx:10.1
    ports:
      - "9000:9000"
      - "443:443"
    environment:
      - DB_CONNECTION=Server=azure-sql.database.windows.net
      - STORAGE_ACCOUNT=https://storage.blob.core.windows.net
      - IOT_HUB=frameworkx-hub.azure-devices.net
    volumes:
      - ./config:/app/config
      - ./data:/app/data

Day 5: Performance & Monitoring

System Monitoring Setup

powershell

# PowerShell Monitoring Script
$server = "FrameworX-Server"
$metrics = @{
    CPU = (Get-Counter "\Processor(_Total)\% Processor Time").CounterSamples.CookedValue
    Memory = (Get-Counter "\Memory\Available MBytes").CounterSamples.CookedValue
    Disk = (Get-Counter "\PhysicalDisk(_Total)\% Disk Time").CounterSamples.CookedValue
    Network = (Get-Counter "\Network Interface(*)\Bytes Total/sec").CounterSamples.CookedValue
}

# Send to monitoring system
Send-MetricsToSplunk -Server $server -Metrics $metrics

IT Professional Toolkit

Security Checklist

  • Network segmentation implemented
  • Firewalls configured
  • SSL certificates installed
  • Active Directory integrated
  • Role-based access configured
  • Audit logging enabled
  • Backup strategy implemented
  • Disaster recovery tested
  • Penetration testing completed
  • Security policies documented

Database Optimization Guide

TaskQueryPurpose
Index Analysissp_helpindex 'TableName'Identify missing indexes
Query PerformanceSET STATISTICS TIME ONMeasure execution time
MaintenanceDBCC CHECKDBDatabase integrity
BackupBACKUP DATABASE TO DISKRegular backups

Integration Patterns

Pattern 1: ERP Integration
ERP → REST API → FrameworX → Production

Pattern 2: Cloud Analytics
FrameworX → MQTT → IoT Hub → Analytics

Pattern 3: Reporting
FrameworX → SQL → Power BI → Dashboards

Path 3: For System Integrators

Your Profile

System integrators delivering complete solutions from design through deployment. You manage projects, implement standards, and ensure successful delivery.

Learning Objectives

By completing this path, you will:

  • ? Design scalable architectures
  • ? Implement industry standards
  • ? Manage multi-site deployments
  • ? Create reusable templates
  • ? Deliver complete solutions

Week 1: Foundation for System Integrators

Day 1-2: Architecture Planning

System Sizing Calculator

Tag Count Estimation:
??? Digital Inputs: 500
??? Analog Inputs: 200
??? Digital Outputs: 300
??? Analog Outputs: 100
??? Calculated Tags: 400
??? Total: 1,500 tags

Performance Requirements:
??? Scan Rate: 1 second
??? Client Count: 25
??? History: 1 year
??? Availability: 99.5%

Recommended Architecture:
??? Server: Dual Xeon, 32GB RAM
??? Storage: 500GB SSD RAID
??? Network: Redundant Gigabit
??? Backup: Hot-standby

Exercise: Design Multi-Site Architecture

  1. Define site requirements
  2. Plan network topology
  3. Specify hardware
  4. Design redundancy
  5. Document architecture

Day 3-4: Template Development

Creating Reusable Solutions

Template Structure:
ProjectTemplate/
??? Standards/
?   ??? NamingConvention.docx
?   ??? ColorStandards.xml
?   ??? AlarmPhilosophy.docx
??? UDTs/
?   ??? Motors.xml
?   ??? Valves.xml
?   ??? Instruments.xml
??? Graphics/
?   ??? Symbols.library
?   ??? Templates.displays
?   ??? Navigation.menu
??? Scripts/
?   ??? Calculations.cs
?   ??? Reports.sql
??? Documentation/
    ??? UserManual.docx
    ??? QuickStart.pdf

Day 5: Project Delivery Methods

Implementation Methodology

Project Phases:
??????????????????????????????????
? Phase 1: Discovery (1 week)    ?
? • Requirements gathering        ?
? • Site survey                  ?
? • Risk assessment              ?
??????????????????????????????????
? Phase 2: Design (2 weeks)      ?
? • Architecture design          ?
? • Standards development        ?
? • Review & approval            ?
??????????????????????????????????
? Phase 3: Development (4 weeks) ?
? • Configuration                ?
? • Programming                  ?
? • Testing                      ?
??????????????????????????????????
? Phase 4: Deployment (1 week)   ?
? • Installation                 ?
? • Commissioning                ?
? • Training                     ?
??????????????????????????????????

Week 2: Advanced Integration Topics

Day 1-2: Standards Implementation

ISA Standards Compliance

StandardApplicationImplementation
ISA-88Batch ControlRecipe management, phases
ISA-95MES IntegrationLevel models, B2MML
ISA-18.2Alarm ManagementPhilosophy, rationalization
ISA-101HMI DesignDisplay hierarchy, colors
ISA-99CybersecurityZones, conduits

Day 3-4: Performance Optimization

Large System Optimization

Optimization Strategies:
??? Database
?   ??? Partitioning by date
?   ??? Index optimization
?   ??? Archive old data
??? Communication
?   ??? Protocol efficiency
?   ??? Compression
?   ??? Load balancing
??? Processing
?   ??? Distributed computing
?   ??? Edge processing
?   ??? Caching
??? Client
    ??? Lazy loading
    ??? View optimization
    ??? CDN usage

Day 5: Solution Validation

Testing & Validation Procedures

Test Categories:
??? Functional Testing
?   ??? I/O verification
?   ??? Control logic
?   ??? Alarm functions
??? Performance Testing
?   ??? Load testing
?   ??? Stress testing
?   ??? Endurance testing
??? Security Testing
?   ??? Penetration testing
?   ??? Access control
?   ??? Audit trails
??? Acceptance Testing
    ??? User acceptance
    ??? Performance criteria
    ??? Documentation review

System Integrator Toolkit

Project Management Templates

  • Statement of Work (SOW)
  • Functional Specification
  • Design Specification
  • Test Procedures
  • Training Materials
  • Handover Documentation

Estimation Guidelines

ComponentHours per Unit
Tag Configuration0.1 hour/tag
Display Development4-8 hours/display
Device Integration2-4 hours/device
Alarm Configuration0.2 hour/alarm
Testing20% of development
Documentation15% of development
Training2 days minimum

Quality Assurance Checklist

  • Requirements traced to implementation
  • All I/O points verified
  • Alarms tested and documented
  • Performance requirements met
  • Security measures implemented
  • Backup/recovery tested
  • Documentation complete
  • Training delivered
  • Support handover complete

Certification Paths

Available Certifications

CertificationTarget AudiencePrerequisitesExam Topics
FrameworX Certified DeveloperAll pathsBasic trainingConfiguration, displays, basic scripting
FrameworX Control SpecialistControl EngineersFCD + experienceAdvanced control, PLC integration
FrameworX IT SpecialistIT ProfessionalsFCD + IT backgroundSecurity, databases, web deployment
FrameworX Solution ArchitectSystem IntegratorsFCD + project experienceArchitecture, standards, deployment

Next Steps for All Paths

Continue Learning

  1. Hands-On Practice - Build sample projects
  2. Community Forum - Join discussions
  3. Advanced Training - Specialized courses
  4. Certification - Validate your skills
  5. Real Projects - Apply knowledge

Resources by Path

ResourceControl EngineersIT ProfessionalsSystem Integrators
Priority DocsDevice configs, HMI designSecurity, APIsArchitecture, standards
Key ExamplesPLC integration, faceplatesDatabase, web appsTemplates, multi-site
Forum SectionsDevices, displaysIntegration, securityArchitecture, deployment
Advanced TopicsCustom drivers, scriptingCloud, enterpriseStandards, optimization

AI Assistant Data

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      "focus": "PLCs, HMI, SCADA, field devices",
      "duration": "2 weeks",
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