Introduction to the Datasets Module
Datasets Module is designed for data exchange with SQL databases and text files from a diverse set of sources. Essentially, the Datasets Module drives bi-directional real-time communication between all modules and the SQL databases.
On this Page:
Key Concepts and Terms
- DatasetDB: Connection settings created by the Dataset Module to communicate with an external database.
- DatasetQuery: Logical name associated with the configuration for SQL query statements with a Database, and its properties and methods for running queries.
- DatasetTable: Logical name created to hold configuration settings to access specific tables in a connected database, mapping tags to table columns for operations.
- DatasetFile: Logical name defining parameters for reading and writing files in ASCII, Unicode, or XML formats.
Configuration Workflow
Datasets Module Configuration Workflow | |
|---|---|
Action | Comments |
Define database connections | Create the DatasetDB connection mapping out the databases you solution is going to use |
Prepare Queries | Paste our queries, or use the built-in SQL Query Editor, or the VisualQueryBuilder, to define your queries. |
Use the Queries | Onde defined, the queries can be used on Displays, Reports and Scripts |
Runtime Execution
Providing Query Results
The Datasets Module enables the solution to interact with SQL databases seamlessly,acting as a Service to other modules.
The data retrieved from databases can be utilized in various ways throughout your solution. For example:
- In the Displays Module: Visualization tools like DataGrids can present query results on screens and dashboards, creating custom views of the data that are accessible and easy to understand for your users.
- In the Scripting Module: Custom scripts can reference query results and trigger specific actions, such as sending notifications, updating tags, or performing calculations, thereby implementing complex logic based on database data.
- Devices: Sending data from field equipments to a SQL database, or applying settings from the database to the field equipments.
Visualization and Interaction
During runtime, the DataGrid component connects with the server to disapxlsy queries and DataTable tags.
Features Highlights
- SQL Query Support: Effortlessly extract, manipulate, and transform data from diverse sources using efficient SQL queries.
- Integration with External Data Sources: Seamlessly collect and analyze data from various external sources like SQL databases and CSV files.
- Visual Query Editor: Easily create and edit advanced SQL queries without needing extensive SQL knowledge, simplifying the process.
- Distributed Architecture: Supports simultaneous requests and provides flexibility in processing data on either the client or server side.
- Stored Procedures Execution: Allows for advanced data manipulation and analysis directly within the platform.
- Real-Time Execution: Execute SQL queries with real-time data, enabling parameter customization and timely analysis of generated data.
Built-in Embedded SQL
Every system comes with a fully functional embedded SQL Lite database at no additional cost, requiring no setup. This offers several benefits:
- Secure Project Configuration: It serves as a secure repository for your entire project configuration.
- Historian Database: Suitable for small to medium systems, it can function as a historian database for logging tags, alarms, and events (up to 10GB of data).
- Store and Forward: For large systems, it serves as a local Store and Forward location, - stepping in when the remote database is unavailable.
- Storage for Local Data: It's an ideal system for storing local runtime settings, retentive information, local recipes, schedules, tables, and queries needed for report preparation.
Multiple Database Connections
Our projects support multiple databases, seamlessly integrating with SQL and other database technologies such as ADO.NET, ODBC, OleDB, and more.
SQL Statement Editor
Our editor enhances code editing by offering Intellisense and helpful code suggestions, making the process faster and more efficient.
Secure Data Gateway
Our platform offers a built-in data gateway that's firewall-friendly, ensuring secure data query routing from clients without requiring direct access to the database.