Overview
Solutions refer to the applications developed on the software platform. Their purpose is to store all configuration information for your application. The solution saves its configuration in a file with the ".dbsln" extension. It is a database file that stores all configuration items of an application, such as Tags, Alarms, Device configurations, graphical displays, scripts, etc.
You open the solution file in the Solutions Manager and edit it through the Designer tool. The Solutions Manager allows you to create new solutions, or open existing ones to Edit, View as a read-only file, or Run.
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Creating New Solutions
To create a new solution, in the Solutions Manager, click the New... button at the top of the solution list to start the New Solution Wizard.
Wizard Step 1 - Product Features
Define the Product Series for your solution by selecting the product family and the product model.
The software platform technology powers four product options:
- Unlimited: Unlimited tags, unlimited users, unlimited communication points, and all platform features.
- FactoryStudio: Scalable models based on the number of communication points, enabling SCADA, MES, Advanced HMI, and a wide range of industrial applications.
- EdgeHMI: Scalable models based on the number of communication points, with a subset of features typically required for HMI on machines and embedded devices.
- EdgeGateway: Scalable models based on the number of communication points, with features for data collection in the field, including various protocols, data logging, and scripting.
You can select the FrameworX product when creating solutions for unlimited communication points and unlimited users.
Product Models and Licenses
Solution Configuration tools are available free of charge, but a license is required to deploy your solution in a production environment.
The Product Family and Model (number of points) selected when creating a new solution should reflect the intended license you plan to acquire for production installation.
You still can change those settings after creating the solution, in the Designer tool under Solution Settings.
Wizard Step 2 - Platform
Define the target platform for your solution by selecting Windows or Multi-platform.
A Target Platform is where you intend to deploy your solution for execution in production. Here are the options, with guidance for selection:
Windows: Use this option if Windows Authentication is required or if Canary Historian or any other product or library that requires Windows will be used on the same computer.
Multi-Platform: This solution will execute on any device compatible with .NET 8.
Wizard Step 3 - Solution Name and template
Define the name and review the location for saving your solution file. Then, you can select a solution template and press the Create New Solution button. If no template was selected, the HeaderLayout template will be used by default.
Editing and Viewing Solutions
To edit a solution, go to Solution Manager and select a solution from the Solution List. Then, at the top of the Solution List, click the Edit... button to open the solution for editing in the Designer.
The Edit button allows modifications to the solution. If security constraints are enabled, you may need to use the Logon button in the toolbar before editing.
The View button opens a read-only version of the solution configuration, which is useful if you simply want to execute or check its configuration.
Many solutions can be opened simultaneously.
To enable concurrent users, your solution server must be licensed for multiple engineers. See Licensing and Activation for more information.
Opening in View mode
If the solution file is locked or another local instance of the solution is open, it will open in Read-Only View mode. In this mode, you can still run or export the configuration but cannot make edits.
Solutions on Remote Computers or Devices
Select Local or Remote Computers: By default, the system will display solutions from the last location or from your local computer first. You can modify the list of visible solutions by going to the Solution Server page.
For Remote Computers: If the remote computer has the Web Server enabled and you are using a Windows computer, you can view the solutions on the remote computer via the URL.
Select the Desired Solution: You can use the search box or modify the visualization options to find and select the solution you need.
Running Solutions
You can run a Solution by:
Using the Run button in Solution Management.
Starting the execution manually after you open the solution for editing at the Designer tool (Runtime → Startup → Start).
For more information, see Runtime (Solution Execution).
Solution Templates
Solution templates can greatly accelerate the development process by providing pre-configured settings and modules. They offer a useful starting point for building your application and can be customized to fit your specific needs. When selecting a template, consider the functionality required and the type of application you are building. Examples of available templates include web applications, mobile apps, and desktop applications.
Pre-built solution templates help you get started quickly by providing the foundational structure for your solutions. Some templates are included with the software installation.
You can add, modify, or create additional templates by editing the solution files in the Templates folder.
Adding New Templates
The templates available when creating a new solution are standard solution files located in the user's Documents folder under Templates.
If you receive a new template from your vendor or integrator, copy it to that folder. You can also modify existing templates in that directory by editing the solution files.
To create a new template, simply create a solution and save it in the Templates folder within the Documents directory. For example, you might use a path like: Documents\<productName>\Templates.
Configuring the New Solution
The platform supports multi-user and multi-project organization, allowing for the simultaneous editing and running of multiple projects. All modules are integrated into a unified user interface: the Solution Designer.
Change project settings using the Solution Designer, a comprehensive and user-friendly environment that handles all setup and testing tasks, from tag definition and communications to drawing user interface displays.
Check Designer (IDE Overview) for tips about common configurations and overall information about its settings.
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