Data Templates refer to the feature that enables users to extend the platform's predefined data types by defining custom types with properties according to their business needs. It offers flexibility for modeling solution-specific data structures that standard types can't represent. Templates can represent machine data, equipment status, vessels, or other asset attributes within an industrial plant. They are configured within the software platform and employed like any other data type to create tags. It allows for a tailored representation of real-world assets or process information, enhancing the accuracy and relevance of the data model.

On this page:

Overview

Data Templates facilitate the creation of tags with predefined attributes, organizing them into hierarchical structures that represent assets or information models. To employ a Data Template in a project, users need to 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 required throughout the project.

Data Templates Configuration

Creating Templates

Templates allow you to create new tag types based on a data structure using existing built-in types and previously defined Templates.

To create a tag template:

  • Go to Unified Namespace → Data Templates.
  • Click New.
  • The "Create New Tag Template" dialog will open.
  • In the "New Name" field, enter a name for the tag type. In the Description, enter a description of the template. Click OK. The Templates tab displays with the name of the new template at the top of the tab.


To create a new attribute for this Data Template, type into the first row of the table next to it and press enter after adding all the information. The properties here are the same ones for Tags. See Creating and Editing Tags for more information. 

To delete a template, select it from the User Custom Type drop-down list, then click Delete Item.


Using Data Templates

Data templates streamline the creation of tags by supplying predetermined attributes. By employing these templates, users can efficiently manage data by upholding a logical and hierarchical structure representing assets or informational models.

To implement a Data Template in your project:

  1. Navigate to the 'Tags' tab and click on 'New Item' to create a new tag.
  2. In the 'Type' dropdown row, you can select the desired template. If a tag has already been created, select the desired template from the 'Type' column.
  3. The tag will inherit the attributes from the chosen template.

In this section: