Designer is the configuration workspace where you build solutions. All modules are configured here - tags, devices, alarms, scripts, displays, and more. It includes Test Mode for debugging without deployment and supports multiple users working on the same solution simultaneously.

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Key Concepts

ConceptDescriptionImpact
Unified WorkspaceSingle environment for all configurationNo need to switch between tools
Object Model.NET-based classes with inherited propertiesAccess methods without custom code
IntelliSenseContext-aware auto-completion everywhereFaster, error-free configuration
Test ModeIn-Designer runtime executionValidate without deployment
Modular ArchitectureIsolated module changesChanges won't break other modules
Multi-User SupportConcurrent engineering capabilityTeam collaboration on same solution


What Designer Does

ConfigurationDevelopment ToolsTesting & Validation
Define tags and data modelsIntelliSense everywhereExecution Profiles
Configure field devicesReal-time validationOnline configuration
Setup alarms and historianCross-reference trackingSimulation tools
Create scripts and logicRefactoring supportError checking
Design displays and UIImport/export capabilitiesPerformance monitoring
Manage security settingsVersion controlBuild validation

Workspace Layout

File Edit Insert View Action Tools Settings Windows Help 

(shortcuts)

(Last open documents)

(Search)

(Main toolbar)

Solution
Runtime 
Unified Namespace
Devices
Alarms
Historian
Datasets
Reports
Scripts
Security
Displays
Data Explorer
Track Changes

(Pillar Filter)

Solution / Settings (Selected Page)



Workspace 

Selected Page UI


Tatsoft FrameworX  10.1

[Output] [Find Results]               <profile> offline config


How It Fits in the Solution Lifecycle

Designer is the configuration workspace in the Solution Lifecycle:

  1. Solution Center - Create and manage solutions
  2. Designer ← You are here (Configure all modules)
  3. Runtime - Execute and monitor

Designer produces the configuration that Runtime executes. Test Mode lets you validate behavior before publishing to production.


Solution Development Workflow

Following the Four Pillars methodology, Designer guides you through a structured configuration process:

PhasePillarConfiguration TasksDesigner Areas
1. FoundationP1: UNS• Create tags
• Define UserTypes
• Build Asset Tree		UNS → Tags, Templates, Assets
2. IntegrationP2: Process• Setup devices
• Configure alarms
• Enable historian		Devices, Alarms, Historian
3. LogicP3: Application• Create scripts
• Setup datasets
• Build reports		Scripts, Datasets, Reports
4. VisualizationP4: Operator UI• Design displays
• Create symbols
• Configure clients		Displays, Symbols, Layouts


Module Organization

Module Organization by Four Pillars

Pillar 1: UNS Foundation - Define Your Data

Pillar 2: Process Modules

Unified Namespace (Local UNS) - Tags & UDTs

Devices, Field Connections: 100+ connectors

DataExplorer Tools

Alarms, Events, and Audit-trail

Extended UNS using TagProvider Services

Historian, time-series data



Pillar 3: Application Modules Pillar 4: Operator UI

SQL Database Connections and Queries

Symbol Library extensions

Scripts and business logic (C#, VB.NET, Python 3)

Displays (Canvas & Dashboard) & UI Security 

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

Layouts,  Client deployment settings


Object Model Power

All configured objects inherit from .NET classes, providing native functionality without custom coding:


Tag.DateTimeExample.Value.DayOfWeek  // Returns Monday, Tuesday, etc.
Tag.DateTimeExample.Value.AddDays(7)  // Date arithmetic


Script.Task.Example1.LastCPUTime      // CPU usage tracking
Script.Task.Example1.LastExecutionTime // Performance metrics


This means you get hundreds of methods and properties automatically - no coding required!


Feature Highlights

Development Productivity

  • IntelliSense everywhere - Auto-completion for tags, objects, properties
  • Real-time validation - Red borders and tooltips for errors
  • Refactoring support - Rename with automatic reference updates
  • Cross-reference tools - Find all uses instantly
  • Keyboard shortcuts - Standard editing (Ctrl+S, F5, etc.)

Unified Configuration

  • Single environment - All modules in one interface
  • Consistent UI patterns - Same experience across modules
  • Context menus - Right-click relevant operations
  • Drag-drop support - Between panels and modules
  • Quick navigation - Jump to Home, Tags, Draw, Runtime

Testing and Validation

  • Test Mode - Run without leaving Designer
  • Online configuration - Modify running solutions
  • Simulation tools - Test without field devices
  • Build validation - Automatic error checking
  • Performance monitoring - Real-time resource usage


What's Next

  • [Runtime (Concept)] - Execute your solution
  • [P1: Unified Namespace (Concept)] - Start with data foundation
  • [Designer (How-to Guide)] - Step-by-step configuration

Unified configuration workspace for building complete industrial solutions following the Four Pillars methodology.

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