Tags, Unified Namespace

Purpose and Key Concepts

The main objective of a Unified Namespace is to consolidate relevant data into a single, coherent structure, promoting greater interoperability and data clarity. By streamlining data access, it accelerates the implementation of analytics applications, monitoring systems, and other solutions, ultimately leading to reduced maintenance efforts and improved overall performance. Additionally, the Unified Namespace enhances data context and comprehension, empowering users to easily navigate and understand the information they need.

The key data modeling concepts to organize an Unified Namespace include:

Tags

Tag is the basic building blocks of a Unified Namespace, representing individual data points or variables in your system.

Organizing Tags with Assets Templates

A Template allows the creation of reusable data structures and organizing your Tags into Assets, a hierarchical and logical representation of an equipment or information model.

Using TagProviders for External Data Definitions

A Tag Provider is a powerful tool for integrating data from external sources and systems, allowing you to incorporate their data into your Unified Namespace seamlessly.

Tags

In the context of this platform, the term "tag" refer to real-time variables and their associated historical data.

Tags are accessible for read, write and subscription by the various Modules. For example, the Devices Module can map the value of the Tag with field equipments , such as PLC registers; or the Datasets Module can connect tags with SQL databases tables and queries;  or the Scripts Module can perform calculation and analytics with the tags. The Historian Module allows you have a time-series archive of the Tag Values. The graphical Operator Displays shows values mapping to the Tags, independently of the data source for its value.

The Tags can be created in the project FactoryStudio project (Local Tags) or you can use remote tags, which definitions  are dynamically accessed using the TagProvider connectivity. 

Tag Attributes are are additional pieces of information or metadata automatically presenting when creating tags. Examples of attribute includes the Tag's last update time, quality status, and its description.

Templates 

Templates are user defined data structures, also known as UDTs (User Data Types).That data structure can variables of any type, as well include reference to other templates, creating an hierarchical data structure.

Typically, the equipments on the field will have various variables for realtime monitoring. Instead of creating one Tag to each variable, it is possible to create a Template with those variables, then create one Tag with that Template type.  

When creating Tags based on Templates, each variable is the template is referred as a Property. Example of Template is a simple PID information, with the properties ProcessValue, Setpoint and ControlValue. 

Assets 

Assets refer to the physical equipment in the production environment, which is related to a group of Tags representing the real-time state of that equipment.

The definition of Assets in data model is easily accomplish by creating tags based on the Templates, so they share the that common definition for a set a variables.

You can also Folders to further organize the Tags and Assets in the Unified Namespace in an hierarchical representation of your process.

How the Unified Namespace Operates

Real-time Database, Event-driven data exchange

FrameworX applications are organized around the real-time data Unified Namespace. The functional Modules, such as Alarms, Scripts, or Graphical Displays, runs independently using the centralized Data Model to exchange the real-time information, using event-driven data exchange.

Modular configuration and scalability

Building a Unified Namespace

The e User Interface to build your models is in the Project Designer tools, under the  section Tags - Unified Namespace.

From that centralized interface, you can create or import Tag definition, organize the hierarchy and monitor the current values of your variables. 

When you start a new Project, there already 2 folders pre-defined in the model.

• The "Root Tags" folder is where all new Tags are created by default.
• The "Tag Providers" foder is where all new TagProvider connections are added by default. 

The typical process on creating the model is Creating Data Templates for Assets, Creating and Organizing Tags and Folders. Optionally you can use dynamic Tag definition from external data sources using the TagProvider features. 

Typically many of the values of Tags will be read from physical Devices, like PLC's or field devices <<Add link to modulus tutotial that shall be include in Devices module>> , or used in Scripts and other modules, but that configuration is executed in those other modules, not in the data model.

One great advantage in working with Unified Namespace is exactly being agnostic on the various data sources that can be concurrently consuming or publishing values to your model.

Creating Tags and Folders

<< add simple way to create a tag and folder using the Top toolbar, and point for the child page for more 

Creating Data Templates for Assets

<add basic explanation and example and point to child>>

Creating links to TagProvider external data

<add basic explanation and example and point to child>>

Monitor your data

<add basic explanation on the monitor page, and on the Tag Browsing tools and data explorer tools>>

Working with the Unified Namespace

Runtime Execution

When you start the execution of your project, the Unified Namespace definition in loaded into a in memory Real-Time Database. The .NET process in the computer implementing that in FactoryStudio is named TServer.exe

During the execution the Realtime Database, or just called Runtime, provides an event-driven data exchange of the values of Tags and Assets between various modules, like Alarms and Displays.

The chapter << Execute >> has detailed information on how to start and stop the execution of the project. 

The chapter << Runtime Environment >> has detailed information on all aspects and process in place when running the solution.

Integration with Other Modules

The various modules,  like Alarms, Displays can easily access any variable from the Unified Namespace just but its full name or path. 

For example, you can show the temperature of a machine1 in bargraph or text output in an operator Display, just selecting  Tag.Line.Machine1.Temperature, or the name and path you assigned the that variable in when defining your data model. 

<< Add link to child page with expiation about Asset viewr

The information on the Unified Namespace is also accessible to other application, using FrameworX bulit-in MQTT broker, or its native ability to act as OPC Server.

Third-party applications can also access that data using Integration APIs.

Advanced Features and Options

Troubleshooting and common issues

Some common issues that may arise while working with the Unified Namespace include:

Inconsistency or missing data from external systems:

When using TagProviders, FactoryStudio ins dependent on the external application to provide and maintain that section of the Unified Namespace, including the variables names and its structure. Refer the TagProvider section of the manual on how to diagnose connections with external systems. 

When mapping Tags to Device Communication drivers, the Tag Definition is the FactoryProject, so the Tag name will always show property in the Unified Namespace, but its value in depending on the connection with the remote device. Rfer the Devices section on the documentation for information on setup and diagnose connections with field devices. 

This concept applies to any external data source being used by the system, like remote SQL database or custom scripting using external APIs.

Performance issues

<<Talas about target projects,  talks about drivers, talk about displays >> but always pointing to other module when makes sense, and describing here in this chapter what you can correct in the configuration this section of the product only.

Optimize the organization of tags, assets, and templates to reduce unnecessary data overhead and improve system performance. << Need to evolve this >>

Best Practices and Recommendations

To get the most out of the Unified Namespace, follow these best practices:

Organization of the data structure

• Organize tags into a clear hierarchy, using folders and templates, to make it easier for users to find and understand the information they need.
• Plan your data structure carefully, considering the relationships between assets, tags, and templates.
• Leverage templates to create reusable data structures, reducing redundancy and streamlining data management.
• Organize tags and assets hierarchically, making it easier for users to navigate and understand the data.
• Use TagProviders to integrate external data sources, ensuring a seamless exchange of information between systems.

Status Monitoring 

Add your project, specific Displays and Scripts to regularly monitor and report the system performance, and connection status with the external data sources. 

Implement Alarm conditions when critical connections are lost.

Accessing Tag Attributes

The Tag has attributes and methods that can be used in .NET scripts, and other system modules. 

This section describes only some commonly used properties.

Child Pages for the section:

Assets Templates:
Building Custom Data Types

Creating and editing Data Templates

Using Data Templates in Projects

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1. Assets Templates: Asset Templates allow users to create reusable data structures and organize tags into hierarchical, logical representations of equipment or information models. These templates help streamline data management and improve system efficiency by reducing redundancy and simplifying the process of accessing tag attributes.

2. Building Custom Data Types: Custom data types, also known as User-Defined Types (UDTs), can be created to represent complex data structures in the Unified Namespace. UDTs can include multiple tag attributes, allowing users to model various properties of an asset, such as its current state, operational parameters, and historical data. Building custom data types helps ensure a more accurate and comprehensive representation of assets and their associated tag attributes.

3. Creating and Editing Data Templates: To create a new Data Template, navigate to the Project Designer tools and select the "Tags - Unified Namespace" section. From there, users can create, edit, or import Data Templates for use in their projects. When creating a template, it's essential to define the relevant tag attributes, such as data types, initial values, and any required metadata. Once a template is created, it can be edited to update tag attributes or modify the template structure as needed.

4. Using Data Templates in Projects: Data Templates can be used in projects to create tags with the defined attributes and organize them into hierarchical structures that represent assets or information models. By using Data Templates, users can easily access tag attributes and manage their data more efficiently. To use a Data Template in a project, simply create a new tag and select the appropriate template type. The tag will then inherit the defined attributes from the template, allowing users to access and manipulate these attributes as needed throughout the project.
   
   Assets Templates:
   Building Custom Data Types

   Asset templates in [Software Name] enable users to build custom data types based on a specific data structure. These custom data types use existing built-in types or previously defined templates as the foundation, allowing users to create more complex and tailored data structures suited to their project's needs.

   Creating and Editing Data Templates
   Users can create, edit, or import Data Templates for use in their projects. When creating a template, it's essential to define the relevant tag attributes, such as data types, initial values, and any required metadata. Once a template is created, it can be edited to update tag attributes or modify the template structure as needed.

   Using Data Templates in Projects
   Once a custom data type is created, it can be used in projects for organizing and managing tags. To use data templates in projects, follow these steps:
   Step 1: On the Objects tab within the software, navigate to the "Type" column for the desired tag.

   Step 2: From the drop-down list, select the newly created custom data type. The software will automatically apply the data structure and attributes of the custom data type to the tag.

   Step 3: Continue using the custom data type for relevant tags throughout the project, ensuring consistency and efficient organization

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Objects:
Creating and Editing Tags

Main Configuration Properties

Optional Configuration Properties

Tag Value Formatting

Importing Tag Definitions

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Introduction
This document provides comprehensive guidance on managing tags in FactoryStudio by covering essential topics such as creating and editing tags, configuring tag properties, formatting tag values, and importing tag definitions. The instructions and information provided are tailored to help users effectively utilize the software and ensure a smooth user experience.

Objects: Creating and Editing Tags
In FactoryStudio, tags can be created and edited using various methods, such as:

Creating and Editing Tags
To create or edit tags, navigate to the Project Designer tools and select the "Tags - Unified Namespace" section. From there, you can create new tags or edit existing ones, assigning them to specific data types or templates. When creating a tag, ensure you define the relevant attributes, such as data source, initial values, and any required metadata. Existing tags can be edited to update their attributes or modify their relationships with other tags or assets as needed.

Main Configuration Properties
Main configuration properties are essential for defining a tag's characteristics. The key properties include:

a. TagName: A unique identifier for the tag.
b. Type: The data type of the tag (e.g., Integer, Digital).
c. Address: The address or location of the tag in the PLC or data source.

To import tags, ensure that these properties are correctly defined in the source file (Excel or CSV).

Optional Configuration Properties
Optional configuration properties offer additional customization for tags. These properties can be edited after importing the tags into the project. Examples of optional properties include:

a. Alarm configurations: Settings related to alarms triggered by tag values.
b. Historian settings: Configurations for data logging and archiving.
c. Other project-specific attributes: Custom properties specific to the project requirements.

Tag Value Formatting
Tag value formatting allows you to display the tag values in a more readable and meaningful format. This includes setting:

a. Data types: Integer, Digital, etc.
b. Units: Appropriate units for the tag values, such as temperature or pressure.
c. Precision: The number of decimal places to display for the tag value.

Proper formatting ensures that the tag values are displayed accurately and are easily understood by users.

Importing Tag Definitions
To import tag definitions into a project, you can use several methods, such as:

a. Copy-pasting from other projects or Excel
b. Importing from CSV files (individual or extended)
c. Using the Import Tag Wizards
d. Utilizing the EngWrapper API

After importing the tags, you can organize them using the Asset Modeling feature, which enables you to create a hierarchical structure for your project's tags.

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Tag Providers:
Integrating External Data Sources

Introduction to Tag Providers

Types of Tag Providers

Connecting to External Data Sources

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Tag Providers: Introduction
Tag providers in FrameworkX serve as intermediaries between the software and external data sources, facilitating the exchange of data and enabling the software to access, process, and display information from various sources. By configuring and connecting to tag providers, users can efficiently integrate and manage data from different devices, systems, or protocols within the software.

Types of Tag Providers
In [Software Name], there are several types of tag providers, each catering to specific data source requirements and communication protocols. Examples of tag providers include:

a. OPC UA: A popular and widely-used tag provider that supports the OPC Unified Architecture (UA) communication protocol for industrial automation systems.
b. Modbus: A tag provider that facilitates communication with devices using the Modbus protocol, commonly found in industrial control systems.
c. Custom Tag Providers: Proprietary or user-defined tag providers that cater to specific communication protocols, data sources, or project requirements.

Selecting the appropriate tag provider depends on the data source's communication protocol, system compatibility, and project requirements.

Connecting to External Data Sources
To connect to external data sources in [Software Name], follow the steps below:
Step 1: Identify the appropriate tag provider based on the communication protocol of the external data source (e.g., OPC UA, Modbus, Custom).

Step 2: In the software, navigate to the tag provider configuration section and create a new tag provider instance. Provide necessary information such as the provider's name, communication settings, and any required authentication credentials.

Step 3: Configure the tag provider's settings to ensure proper communication with the external data source. This may include specifying the IP address, port number, or other communication parameters specific to the data source or protocol.

Step 4: Test the connection between the tag provider and the external data source. If the connection is successful, the software will be able to access and process the data from the external source.

Step 5: Import the tag definitions from the external data source using the methods described in the previous document (e.g., copy-pasting from other projects or Excel, importing from CSV files, using the Import Tag Wizards, or utilizing the EngWrapper API).

Step 6: Organize and manage the imported tags within the software using features such as Asset Modeling or custom templates.

Conclusion
Integrating external data sources with tag providers in [Software Name] enables users to efficiently manage and process data from various systems within the software. By following the guidelines outlined in this document, users can successfully configure and connect to tag providers, ensuring seamless integration and enhanced software functionality.

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Editing and Viewing Assets

Assets allow to organize the tags of your project into a hierarchy.

For an example on how the Asset tree can be used the projects, go to Self-aware Asset Displays

The Tag Namespace

In this section...