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Key Concepts and Terms

Tag

A process variable representing real-time and historical data, created locally or accessed remotely.

Asset Tree

A hierarchical representation of the

solution data, containing variables and data templates that match sensor readings, physical equipment, setpoints, recipes, management data, and all the variables necessary to implement and operate an application.

Data Template (UDT)

A user-defined data structure that includes variables

Data Templates (UDT)

and references to other templates, creating a hierarchical data structure

.

TagProvider Connection

Enables

External TagProviders

direct interaction with variables in remote systems

without creating specific tags, enhancing data access within the Unified Namespace.

Tags

A tag represents real-time and historical data variables that modules can read, write, and subscribe to. Tags can be created locally within the solution or remotly accessed via ExternalTags Sources connectivity. Additional metadata, known as tag attributes (e.g., last update time, quality status, description), are automatically generated when creating a tag.  

Enumeration

Defines

• Devices Module: Maps tag values to field equipment like PLC registers.
• Datasets Module: Links tags to SQL database tables and queries.
• Scripts Module: Performs analytics and calculations using tags.
• Historian Module: Creates a time-series archive of tag values.
• Displays Module: Enables operator displays to independently show values corresponding to tags, regardless of their data source.

Enumerations

potential values or ranges for a variable, mapping messages and colors to each state

.

Runtime Database

An in-memory real-time database

for Unified Namespace data

, ensuring efficient

data management during solution execution.

Understanding the Unified Namespace 

Module

Features

• Real-time Elements: The system has The system includes a built-in, real-time, event-driven, in-memory database , that manages the tags, assets, and events in within the application. 

• Real-time Tag Types: A Unlike typical HMI-SCADA system has only systems with basic tag types, such as numeric and messages. As the system also targets IT and MES systems, it goes far beyond, supporting this platform supports advanced real-time entities that match all the SQL types and many .NET Framework entities, including Images JSON objects and a complete DataTable DataTables in a single real-time tag.  

• Dynamic Arrays and References: The system offers built-in support for supports tri-dimensional dynamic arrays, lists, and type-safe reference tags with dynamic assignments, creating reusable components on for displays, symbols, reports, calculation and at any part of your solution.  , calculations, and other solution parts.

Tags vs TagProvider Connection

It’s important to distinguish between these two concepts:

The decision to create Tags and the Devices Module to map its data, or to use TagProvider Connections, is discussed at the page Devices Module and TagProviders.

The key concept is that there are two very distinct ways to interface with external data, each with its own limitations and benefits. According to your requirements, one approach or the other will clearly be the best way to set up. For various solutions, it is likely that your Unified Namespace will have some data in local tags, mapped to devices, and some data dynamically driven by remote systems using the TagProvider Connection.

→ See more about TagProvider Connections

Configuring the Unified Namespace

Configuration Workflow

The Unified Namespace’s Asset Tree is where you build your data definitions. From this central

Configuring the Unified Namespace 

Configuration Workflow

The Solution Designer is interface where you can build your models.  This is found in the Unified Namespace.

From this centra point, you can create or import Tag definitiontags, organize the hierarchy, and monitor the current values of your variables. 

When you start a new Solution, two folders will be generated.

• The "BaseTags" folder is where all new Tags are created by default.

• The "ExternalTags" folder is where all new External TagProviders connections are added by default. 

The typical process on creating the model is:

1. Creating Data Templates for Assets

2. Creating and Organizing Tags and Folders. You can also use dynamic Tag definition from external data sources using the External TagProviders features. 

Values of Tags will be read from physical Devices, like PLC's or field devices, or used in Displays, Scripts and other modules. But those configurations are executed in each module and not in the data model.

Data Templates

Data Templates provide a way to create custom data structures that allow you to define reusable Tag configurations. They can be used to create hierarchical structures representing assets or information models.  They can also streamline data management and improve system efficiency. For example, a template could be created for a specific type of equipment, with tags for its operational parameters and status information. 

→ Read more about Data Templates.

Configuring the Asset Tree

• Create a new folder: Folders allow you to organize, group and create hierarchies for your assets. Click the new Asset Folder icon to create one or right click the Asset Tree.
• Create new Tags: After selecting a folder, use the New Tag toolbar button or right-click menu, to create a new tag inside that folder.
• Move Tags to selected folders: Just drag tags from the BaseTags folder — or other location — to the desired placement level at the tree.
• Insert Remote Assets: If there is a ExternalTags connection defined, you can insert specific assets from the external system in the asset tree.

→ Read more about Assets Tree.

*The maximum number of tags is different based on product license. To determine max tags, follow this formula --> 
(ProductModel * 20) + 5000 = maximum number of tags allowed in the solution.

Tags

Tag Objects represent real-time variables and their associated historical data within the Unified Namespace, managing and editing these objects ensures seamless integration with other modules and systems.

Managing Tags Allows You To:

solution, the Asset Tree includes a built-in “RootTags” folder for all root-level tags, improving visualization for large tag sets.

Typical configuration process:

1. Creating Data Templates: Define reusable tag data structures.
2. Creating Tags and AssetFolders: Organizing your data.
3. Creating TagProviders: Add links to folders for external data.

Editing the AssetTree

• Create a new folder: Organize and group assets using the new Asset Folder icon Image Added or right-click menu from the Root or parent node.
• Create new Tags: Select a folder and use the New Tag toolbar Image Added button or right-click menu.
• Move Tags: Drag tags to the desired folder.
• Create TagProviders: Use the toolbar icon New TagProvider Image Added or the menu command File > New > TagProvider Connection.
• Link Remote Data: Right-click a folder and use the context menu command  "Link Data from TagProvider", or use the toolbar iconImage Added.

→ Read more about Asset Tree.

Defining Data Templates

Data Templates allow you to create custom data structures for reusable tag configurations, streamlining data management and improving system efficiency by defining hierarchical structures that represent assets or information models.

→ Read more about Data Templates.

Defining Tags

The page Unified Namespace → Tags allows you to:

• Create, modify, and delete tag objects.

• Use built-in tools for search and filtering.

• Bulk-edit.

• Create, Modify and Delete Tag Objects. 
• Import and Export Tag Objects
• Use Built-In Tools for Search and Filtering
• Bulk-Edit

→ Read more about Tags.

Defining Enumerations

Enumerations are sets of named integer values used to represent representing discrete options or states. By assigning meaningful names to integer values, you will improve , improving code readability and reduce reducing errors.   An example of this is a set of named states for a pump, such as "Off", "On", and "Fault", with corresponding integer values of For example, a pump’s states like “Off”, “On”, and “Fault” with values 0, 1, and 2.

To Create Enumerations

1. Go

1. to Unified Namespace → Enumeration.
2. Click

1. ‘New’ on the

1. grid toolbar.
2. Open the

1. ‘Create New

1. Enumeration’ pop-up window.
2. Enter the

1. name of the

1. enumeration and click ‘OK’.
2. Add

1. properties to the enumeration set, such as

1. ‘On’ and ‘Off’ with default values.

→ Read more about Enumerations.

External TagProviders

The External TagProviders is a tool that allows you to access Data Models definitions from external systems.  You can also access those variables and structures in any module directly, without having to create any local definition of Tags inside your solution.

This feature is available for:

• InfluxDB

• MQTT SparkPlugB

• AB Rockwell - ControlLogix/CompactLogix Devices

• OPC UA 

• CanaryLabs

• Server to Server communication

• GE Proficy Historian

• SQLDatabase

Using TagProvider Connections

To incorporate data from TagProviders into the Asset Tree:

1. Select or create an AssetFolder.
2. Right-click the folder and execute the command “Link Data from TagProvider”.

The Unified Namespace → TagProvider Connections  page allows reviewing the list of defined TagProviders or browsing external data contents.

→ Read more about → Read more about External TagProviders.

Working with the Unified Namespace

Runtime Execution

When the solution execution starts, the Unified Namespace definition is loaded into an in-memory real-time database, implemented by the TServer.exe process. During execution, the This real-time database provides enables event-driven data exchange of tag and asset values between various modules, like such as alarms and displays. → "Runtime (Startup)."

Accessing Assets in Scripts and Expressions

The platform's various modules, Modules like Alarms and Displays , can access any variable from the Unified Namespace using its full name or path. For example, to access a tag when creating an operator display, use "Tag" “Tag” to access available tags. A tag property called Temperature “Temperature” from a data template tag named Machine 1 “Machine1” would have the full path: Tag.Line.Machine1.Temperature 

This information is also accessible to other applications using the built-in MQTT broker or its native ability to act as an OPC Server.

RemoteAssets Methods

RemoteAssets methods allow interaction with assets remotely. They provide functions to map and unmap entire assets.  They also refresh readings of the registered elements:

RegisterElementToTag: Maps an entire RemoteAsset to a tag, requiring a template with the same structure as the asset.
@Client.RegisterElementToTag(string assetName, string tagName, [bool readOnly=false])

RefreshRemoteTags: Performs a new reading on the registered elements.
@Client.RefreshRemoteTags()

UnregisterElementToTag: Removes the RemoteAsset from the registered list.
@Client.UnregisterElementToTag(string assetName)

UnregisterAllAssets: Removes all RemoteAssets from the registered list.
@Client.UnregisterAllAssets()

Advanced Unified Namespace Topics

Runtime Attributes

The Tag has attributes and methods that can be used in .NET scripts, and other system modules. The Unified Namespace Runtime Attributes page lists all options available.

.

You can also access values using the Asset() method syntax. For example, if you place the tag defined in the previous example inside a folder called Line1, the path for that value would be:

Asset("/Line1/Machine1.Temperature")

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BestPractices BestPractices

Best Practices and Troubleshooting

Best Practices and Recommendations

To maximize the benefits of the Unified Namespace, follow these best practices:

Organization of the Data Structure

• Organize tags into a clear hierarchy with folders and templates for easier navigation and understanding.
• Plan data structures carefully, considering the relationships between assets, tags, and templates.
• Use templates for reusable data structures, reducing redundancy.
• Seamlessly integrate external data sources using TagProviders.
• Use consistent naming conventions for tags to simplify navigation and troubleshooting.

Status Monitoring 

• Add specific displays and scripts to regularly monitor system performance and connection status.
• Implement alarm conditions for critical connection losses.

Common Issues and Solutions

Some common issues while working with the Unified Namespace include:

Inconsistency or

Missing Data from External Systems:

• Ensure that

• the external application

• maintains the Unified Namespace, including variable names and structure.
• Refer to the UNS

• TagProviders Connections section for diagnosing

• connection issues.

• For device communication drivers, the

• tag name will always

• display correctly in the Unified Namespace, but its value

• depends on the connection with the remote device.
• Refer to the Devices (Field Communication) section

• in the documentation for

• setup and

• diagnostic information.
• This

• applies to any external data source

• , such as remote SQL

• databases or custom scripting using external APIs.

Inconsistency or

Missing Data After Importing:

• Ensure that import files (Excel, CSV,

• etc.) are properly formatted

• with the required columns

• and compatible data types

• .

In this section:

Performance issues

Here are some key areas to review when improving performance: 

• Target Solution: Structure and organize solutions efficiently to improve performance.
• Driver Communication: Use the Monitor Page and Runtime - Diagnostics to monitor driver communication.
• Displays: Avoid overloading displays with excessive information.
• Optimization and Grouping: Use only necessary tags, group them logically, and reuse assets when possible.
• Modular Templates: Design modular templates to reduce redundancy and streamline management.

Best Practices

To get the most out of the Unified Namespace, follow these best practices:

Organization of the data structure

• Organize tags into a clear hierarchy with folders and templates for easier navigation and understanding.
• Plan data structures carefully, considering relationships between assets, tags, and templates.
• Use templates for reusable data structures, reducing redundancy.
• Integrate external data sources seamlessly using ExternalTags Sources.
• Use consistent naming conventions for tags to simplify navigation and troubleshooting.

Status Monitoring 

• Add specific displays and scripts to monitor system performance and connection status regularly.
• Implement alarm conditions for critical connection losses.

What's Next?