Datasets Module Overview

The Datasets module enables bi-directional real-time communication between your solution and SQL databases, managing data exchange with various database platforms and file formats.




Key Concepts

  • *DatasetDB*: Connection configuration for external databases
  • *DatasetQuery*: SQL query configuration with execution properties and methods
  • *DatasetTable*: Table mapping configuration linking tags to database columns
  • *DatasetFile*: File I/O parameters for ASCII, Unicode, or XML formats

What It Does

  • Connects to multiple SQL databases simultaneously
  • Executes queries and stored procedures in real-time
  • Maps database tables to tags for automatic synchronization
  • Reads and writes data files in various formats
  • Provides query results to displays, scripts, and reports
  • Manages Store and Forward for database reliability

Configuration Workflow

Datasets Module Configuration Workflow

Step

Action

Description

Define Connections

Create DatasetDB

Configure database connection strings and settings

Prepare Queries

Build SQL statements

Use Query Editor or Visual Query Builder

Map Tables

Configure DatasetTables

Link tags to database columns for sync

Configure Files

Setup DatasetFiles

Define file formats and locatio


Runtime Behavior

Query Execution

The module acts as a service provider, executing queries on-demand from other modules. Supports both client-side and server-side processing for distributed architectures.

Data Integration

  • *Displays*: DataGrids show query results in real-time
  • *Scripts*: Access query results for custom logic and automation
  • *Devices*: Exchange data between field equipment and databases
  • *Reports*: Generate reports from database queries

Built-in SQLite Database

Every system includes an embedded SQLite database providing:

  • Secure project configuration storage
  • Historian for small/medium systems (up to 10GB)
  • Local Store and Forward buffer
  • Storage for runtime settings and recipes

Features Highlights

  • *Multiple Database Support* - Connect to SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL simultaneously
  • *Visual Query Builder* - Create complex queries without SQL knowledge
  • *SQL Editor with IntelliSense* - Code completion and syntax highlighting
  • *Stored Procedures* - Execute database procedures with parameters
  • *Real-time Query Execution* - Dynamic parameters and live data updates
  • *Secure Data Gateway* - Firewall-friendly routing without direct database access
  • *Store and Forward* - Automatic buffering when databases are unavailable
  • *Cross-platform Support* - ADO.NET, ODBC, OleDB connectivity
  • *Distributed Architecture* - Client or server-side query processing
  • *File Integration* - Read/write CSV, XML, and text files