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Dev to Production Workflow

Overview

FrameworX 10.1 follows a modular, scalable architecture designed for industrial applications from small single-machine interfaces to enterprise-wide systems. Understanding the platform architecture helps you design robust solutions, optimize performance, and plan for growth. This guide explores the core components, data flow, and deployment patterns that make FrameworX a powerful industrial application platform.

FrameworX is  more than just software tool,

It's the enabling field-proven architecture and methodology to deploy applications managing critical assets, from large distributed systems to standalone edge apps. It unlocks the sophistication, performance and openness of latest technologies, yet keeping a simple configuration, and a clear cost with advantageous Total Cost of Ownership.

Reference Link: 
    Solutions Guidebook (examples of solution architecture in production)


Solution Development Workflow

Specification to Solution Flow 

Configuration Workflow

(1) Define Your Data

(2) Setup Industrial Process Modules

Unified Namespace (Local UNS)

SQL Database Connections and Queries

DataExplorer

Scripts and Business Logic

Extended UNS using Direct Binding

Reports, data pub (PDF, CSV, HTML, XML & JSON



(3)  Setup Application Modules (4) User Interface Design

Devices, Field Connections

Symbol Library extensions

Alarms, Events, and Audit-trail

Unified Designer (Canvas & Responsive Dashboard)

Historian, time-series data

Layouts, Desktop (.NET), Web &r Mobile (WebAssembly)



Solution Deployment Workflow

Development to Production Flow

Tools  Interaction





Complete Solution Lifecycle


== > Link to Development to Production Best Practices and Industry Standard pages. 



Stage 1: Initiate (Planning)

Project Definition - Scope Development

Define clear boundaries and objectives:

  • Project Scope Document
    • Business Objectives
      • ROI Targets
      • Efficiency Goals
      • Compliance Requirements
    • Technical Requirements
      • I/O Count
      • User Count
      • Integration Points
      • Performance Targets
    • Constrains
      • Budget
      • Timeline
      • Resources
      • Technology
    • Success Criteria
      • Acceptance Tests
      • Performance Metrics
      • Deliverables

Stakeholder Analysis

StakeholderRoleRequirementsConcerns
OperationsEnd UsersIntuitive interface, reliable operationEase of use, training
MaintenanceSupport StaffDiagnostic tools, documentationTroubleshooting, updates
ManagementDecision MakersReports, KPIs, ROICost, timeline, benefits
ITInfrastructureSecurity, integration, standardsCompliance, compatibility
EngineeringTechnical DesignFlexibility, features, performanceTechnical debt, scalability

Requirements Gathering

Functional Requirements Checklist

  • Process control requirements
  • Data acquisition needs
  • Alarm management requirements
  • Reporting specifications
  • User interface requirements
  • Integration requirements
  • Security requirements
  • Performance requirements

Data Collection Worksheet Example

Source: PLC-01
Protocol: Modbus TCP

IP Address: <protected from public documents>

Scan Rate: 1 second

Point Count: 250 

DataTypes: 

Holding Registers: 150
Coils (digital): 100 

Stage 2: Design (Architecture)

System Architecture Design

Architecture Decision Matrix

ComponentOption 1Option 2DecisionRationale
DeploymentStandaloneDistributedDistributedMultiple sites
DatabaseSQLiteSQL ServerSQL ServerScale requirements
RedundancyNoneHot-StandbyHot-StandbyCritical process
ClientsRich onlyRich + WebRich + WebRemote access
HistorianLocalEnterpriseEnterpriseCorporate reporting

Network Architecture



Data Architecture

Tag Naming Convention

Standard: [Area]_[Equipment]_[Component]_[Signal]

Examples:
WTP_PUMP01_MOTOR_RUNNING
WTP_PUMP01_MOTOR_SPEED_SP
WTP_TANK01_LEVEL_PV
BLDG_HVAC_AHU01_TEMP_SP

UNS Structure
??? WTP (Water Treatment Plant)
?   ??? PUMP01
?   ?   ??? MOTOR
?   ?   ?   ??? RUNNING
?   ?   ?   ??? SPEED_SP
?   ?   ?   ??? SPEED_PV
?   ?   ??? VALVE
?   ?       ??? OPEN_CMD
?   ?       ??? POSITION
?   ??? TANK01
?       ??? LEVEL_PV
?    

UDT Design - UNS Data Template 

UDT: MOTOR_VF0
UDT: Motor_VFD
Properties:
  - Name: String
  - Location: String
  - RatedHP: Float
Members:
  Commands:
    - Start_CMD: Boolean
    - Stop_CMD: Boolean
    - Speed_SP: Float (0-100%)
  Status:
    - Running: Boolean
    - Faulted: Boolean
    - Speed_PV: Float
    - Current: Float
    - Temperature: Float
  Alarms:
    - OverCurrent: Boolean
    - OverTemp: Boolean
    - CommLoss: Boolean
  Statistics:
    - RunHours: Double
    - StartCount: Integer
    - LastStartTime: DateTime

Display Architecture

Navigation Hierarchy

Main Menu
??? Overview
?   ??? Plant Overview
??? Areas
?   ??? Area 1
?   ?   ??? Process Overview
?   ?   ??? Equipment
?   ?   ??? Trends
?   ??? Area 2
?   ??? Area 3
??? Utilities
?   ??? Power Monitoring
?   ??? Compressed Air
?   ??? Steam System
??? Reports
?   ??? Production
?   ??? Quality
?   ??? Maintenance
??? Administration
    ??? Setpoints
    ??? Recipes
    ??? User Management


Stage 3: Build (Development)

Development Workflow

Sprint Planning (Example of a 2-Week Sprints)

Sprint 1: Foundation
??? Day 1-3: Create tag database
??? Day 4-6: Build UDTs
??? Day 7-9: Configure devices
??? Day 10: Testing & review

Sprint 2: Process Logic
??? Day 1-3: Alarm configuration
??? Day 4-6: Scripts development
??? Day 7-9: Historian setup
??? Day 10: Testing & review

Sprint 3: Visualization
??? Day 1-3: Template displays
??? Day 4-6: Process graphics
??? Day 7-9: Dashboards
??? Day 10: Testing & review

Sprint 4: Integration
??? Day 1-3: Database connections
??? Day 4-6: Reports
??? Day 7-9: External interfaces
??? Day 10: Testing & review

Configuration Management

Version Control Strategy

Repository Structure:
/FrameworX-Project
??? /Documentation
?   ??? Requirements.docx
?   ??? Design.docx
?   ??? UserManual.docx
??? /Solution
?   ??? MyProject.dbsln
?   ??? /Exports
?       ??? Tags_v1.0.xml
?       ??? Displays_v1.0.xml
??? /Scripts
?   ??? Calculations.cs
?   ??? Reports.sql
??? /Graphics
?   ??? P&ID.svg
?   ??? Logos.png
??? /Tests
    ??? UnitTests.cs
    ??? TestProcedures.xlsx

Change Management Process

Change Request ? Impact Analysis ? Approval ? Implementation ? Testing ? Deployment
       ?              ?               ?            ?              ?           ?
   Document       Assess Risk     Get Signoff   Make Change    Validate   Release


Testing Strategy

Test Levels

LevelScopeResponsibilityTools
Unit TestingIndividual componentsDeveloperDesigner test mode
Integration TestingModule interactionsDeveloperRuntime test
System TestingComplete solutionQA TeamTest scripts
Acceptance TestingBusiness requirementsCustomerTest procedures

Test Documentation - Test Case Template

Test ID: TC 001

Feature: Pump Control

Preconditions:

  • Pump in Auto mode
  • Tank level at 50&

Steps:

  1. Set Tank Setpoint to 75%
  2. Verify pump starts
  3. Monitor speed increases

Expected Result:

  • Pump running indication ON
  • Speed ramps to calculated data
  • No alarms generated
Actual Result:


Stage 4: Deploy (Production)

Deployment Planning

Pre-Deployment Checklist

  • All tests passed
  • Documentation complete
  • Backup created
  • Licenses verified
  • Training completed
  • Support plan ready
  • Rollback plan prepared
  • Maintenance window scheduled

Deployment Sequence

Deployment Sequence
1. Pre-Deployment (T-1 Week)
   * Final testing in staging
   * User training
   * Documentation review

2. Deployment Day (T-0)
   * 00:00 - System backup
   * 01:00 - Install software
   * 02:00 - Import configuration
   * 03:00 - Configure devices
   * 04:00 - Test communications
   * 05:00 - Verify operations
   * 06:00 - Go live

3. Post-Deployment (T+1 Day)
   * Monitor performance
   * Address issues
   * Gather feedback


Commissioning Process

System Commissioning Steps


System Comissoning Step
1. Hardware Ready
2. Software & License Installation
3. Configuration load
4. I/O Checkout 
5. Device Testing
6. Function Testing   ==> Loop 4, 5, 6 as needed
7. Performance Testing
8. Customer Acceptance
9. Production Release

Commissioning Documentation

DocumentPurposeResponsibility
I/O ListVerify all pointsControls Engineer
Loop SheetsTest each control loopTechnician
Alarm ListVerify alarm functionsOperations
Interlock MatrixTest safety interlocksSafety Engineer
Performance LogRecord system metricsSystem Integrator

Stage 5: Support (Maintenance)

Support Structure

Support Tiers

Support Ties
Tier 1: Operations
* Basic troubleshooting
* Restart procedures
* Known issue resolution

Tier 2: Maintenance
* Configuration changes
* Device troubleshooting
* Performance tuning

Tier 3: Engineering
* Complex problems
* System modifications
* Root cause analysis

Tier 4: Vendor
* Software bugs
* License issues
* Advanced support

Maintenance Activities

Preventive Maintenance Schedule

FrequencyTasksResponsibility
DailyCheck system status, Review alarms, Monitor performanceOperations
WeeklyBackup solution, Review logs, Check disk spaceMaintenance
MonthlyArchive data, Update documentation, Performance analysisEngineering
QuarterlySecurity review, Disaster recovery test, Training updateManagement
AnnuallyLicense renewal, Major updates, System auditAll teams

Continuous Improvement

Performance Monitoring

KPI Dashboard Example
KPI Dashboard Example

  System Uptime:       99.8%         
  Avg Response Time:   187ms         
  Alarm Rate:          12/hour       
  Data Loss:           0.00%         
  User Satisfaction:   4.5/5         

Improvement Opportunities:
- Reduce alarm rate (target: <10/hr)
- Optimize response time (<100ms)
- Increase automation (reduce manual tasks)



Tools and Templates

Project Management Tools

FrameworX Native Tools

ToolPurposeDescription
Track Cross-ReferenceGovernancemonitor governance of all places a object is used.
Track RecentChangesVersion Controllight, built-in, record of latest used phases
Track  Unused objectsOptimizationIdentify objects potentially not in use
Track VersionControlVersion ControlKeep automated VersionID to all modules, tables and objects. Global VersionID for entire solution. 
Build, backup flagBackup/Restore pointCrete a backup copy of product current stage
Publish Lock production versionFDA compliance, lock solution file version

Third-party recommend tools

ToolPurposeComments
JIRA//Azure DevOpsTask trackingcritical for maintenance  and product phases
Git/SVNVersion controlAdd comparing version, in top of built-in FrameworX TrackChanges tools
ConfluenceDocument managementAll phases
Teams/SlackCommunicationAll phases


Standard Templates

Available Templates

  • Project Charter
  • Requirements Specification
  • Design Document
  • Test Plan
  • Deployment Guide
  • Training Materials
  • Support Procedures
  • Change Request Form

Quality Gates

Gate Reviews

Gate Review
Gate 1: Design Review
* Requirements complete?
* Architecture approved?
* Risks identified?
* Resources available?
    *
    * Pass
Gate 2: Development Review
* Code complete?
* Testing done?
* Documentation ready?
* Performance met?
    *
    * Pass
Gate 3: Deployment Review
* Customer approval?
* Training complete?
* Support ready?
* Rollback plan?
    *
    * Pass
Production Release

Best Practices

Do's and Don'ts

DO:

  • ? Follow naming conventions consistently
  • ? Document all decisions and changes
  • ? Test thoroughly at each stage
  • ? Include operators in design reviews
  • ? Plan for 20-30% growth
  • ? Use version control
  • ? Create reusable components

DON'T:

  • ? Skip testing to save time
  • ? Ignore user feedback
  • ? Hardcode values
  • ? Forget security considerations
  • ? Deploy without backups
  • ? Assume requirements won't change
  • ? Neglect documentation

Risk Management

RiskProbabilityImpactMitigation
Scope CreepHighHighClear change control process
Integration IssuesMediumHighEarly testing, vendor support
Performance ProblemsMediumMediumLoad testing, optimization
User ResistanceMediumMediumTraining, involvement, support
Hardware DelaysLowHighEarly ordering, alternatives

Workflow Optimization

Automation Opportunities

Manual Tasks → Automated Solutions
?????????????????????????????????
Tag Creation → Excel Import
Alarm Config → Template Application
Report Gen → Scheduled Tasks
Testing → Automated Scripts
Deployment → Scripted Installation
Backup → Automated Schedule

Collaboration Tips

TeamBest Practices
Cross-FunctionalRegular sync meetings, shared workspace
Remote TeamsVideo calls, screen sharing, cloud tools
Customer InteractionDemos, prototypes, feedback sessions
Vendor CoordinationClear specifications, regular updates

Key Concepts

Planning and Design

Before you start developing a project, take time to plan and design the system. This includes defining the scope of the project, creating a functional specification, and determining the requirements for the user interface, data collection, and alarm management.

Modularization

Modularization is an important best practice in FactoryStudio. It involves breaking down the project into smaller, more manageable modules that can be developed and tested independently. This approach makes it easier to debug and maintain the project, as well as reuse modules across different projects.

Version Control

Using version control software is essential when working on projects. This allows you to track changes, revert to previous versions, and collaborate with other team members more effectively. Git is a popular version control system that integrates well with FactoryStudio.

Documentation

Creating documentation for your projects is crucial for ensuring that other team members can understand and maintain the project over time. Make sure to document the project structure, module dependencies, data sources, and other important aspects of the project.

Testing and Debugging

Testing and debugging are essential steps in the development process. Make sure to thoroughly test each module and the system as a whole before deploying it. Debugging tools such as breakpoints, watches, and log files can help you identify and fix issues quickly.

Security

Security is a critical consideration when building automation and SCADA systems. Make sure to follow best practices for network security, password management, user access control, and data encryption. FactoryStudio includes built-in security features such as user authentication and role-based access control.

Troubleshooting

Ideally, you can troubleshoot problems even before they happen in the field. Always review the troubleshooting topics on each module to ensure your solution is not at risk of being affected by the issues described in that item.

Performance Optimization

Optimizing the performance of your projects can help ensure that they run smoothly and efficiently. Consider using techniques such as caching, indexing, and data compression to improve performance. Also, make sure to monitor system performance regularly to identify and address any issues.

Next Steps

After Understanding Workflow

  1. Download Templates
  2. Review Examples
  3. Get Training

AI Assistant Data

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  "page": "Solution Workflow",
  "type": "Process Guide",
  "purpose": "Define systematic approach to solution development",
  "stages": [
    {
      "name": "Initiate",
      "duration": "1-2 weeks",
      "deliverables": ["Requirements", "Scope", "Project Charter"]
    },
    {
      "name": "Design",
      "duration": "2-4 weeks",
      "deliverables": ["Architecture", "Standards", "Specifications"]
    },
    {
      "name": "Build",
      "duration": "4-12 weeks",
      "deliverables": ["Configuration", "Code", "Documentation"]
    },
    {
      "name": "Deploy",
      "duration": "1-2 weeks",
      "deliverables": ["Installation", "Training", "Go-Live"]
    },
    {
      "name": "Support",
      "duration": "Ongoing",
      "deliverables": ["Maintenance", "Updates", "Improvements"]
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    "Testing phases",
    "Deployment planning",
    "Support structure"
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  "tools": [
    "Project management",
    "Version control",
    "Testing frameworks",
    "Documentation systems"
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</details>


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