This guide walks you through the complete solution lifecycle from development through production deployment. Learn to manage versions, migrate between environments, and maintain solution integrity across all stages.

Prerequisites:

  • Understanding of three workspaces (Solution Center, Designer, Runtime)
  • Familiarity with execution profiles
  • Basic knowledge of solution architecture


Solution Lifecycle Overview

The Three Stages


Development     →
  • Create
  • Configure
  • Debug



Validation        →
  • Test
  • Configure
  • Validate



Production      
  • Deploy
  • Monitor
  • Maintain


The Three Workspaces


Solution Center   →
  • Create/Manage
  • License
  • Launch




Designer         →
  • Configure
  • Build
  • Test



Runtime.         
  • Execute
  • Monitor
  • Operate



↓



Solution Configuration  
     Database (.dbsln)


Development Stage

Initial Development

Creating the solution:

  1. Solution Center → New Solution
  2. Select appropriate template
  3. Configure in Designer
  4. Use Development profile

Development environment characteristics:

  • Local SQLite databases
  • Full diagnostic logging
  • Simulation data enabled
  • Unrestricted editing
  • Test mode available

Development Workflow

  1. Configure modules progressively:
    • Define tags and templates
    • Setup device connections
    • Create displays
    • Add business logic
  2. Test incrementally:
    • Use Test Mode (F5)
    • Verify each module
    • Check integrations
    • Monitor performance
  3. Version control:
    • Regular backups
    • Track changes
    • Document modifications
    • Tag development versions

Validation Stage

Moving to Validation

Preparation steps:

  1. Complete development features
  2. Build solution (F6)
  3. Export/backup development version
  4. Create validation environment

Validation profile setup:



Database: Test SQL Server
Historian: Limited retention
Security: Test credentials
Clients: Limited access



Database: Test SQL Server
Historian: Limited retention
Security: Test credentials
Clients: Limited access


Database: Test SQL Server
Historian: Limited retention
Security: Test credentials
Clients: Limited access