Using Data Templates

Understanding Using Data Templates

Data Templates are essential for creating tags with defined attributes and organizing them into hierarchical structures representing assets or information models in FactoryStudio projects. Utilizing Data Templates allows users to access tag attributes and manage their data more efficiently. This section will provide an in-depth understanding of the importance and benefits of using Data Templates in your projects.

Data Templates Configuration

Templates are the foundation for creating new tag types based on data structures, utilizing existing built-in types and previously defined templates. The process of creating a tag template is straightforward and detailed in the "Creating Templates" section.

Creating Templates

Templates allow you to create new tag types based on a data structure using existing built-in types and previously defined Templates.

To create a tag template:

• Go to Unified Namespace → Data Templates.
• Click New.
• The "Create New Tag Template" dialog will open.
• In the "New Name" field, enter a name for the tag type. In the Description, enter a description of the tag. Click OK. The Templates tab displays with the name of the new template at the top of the tab.
• Click the insertion row to create a new attribute for this tag template.

• Enter or select information, as needed. The properties are the same ones for Tags. See Creating and Editing Tags above.

• To delete a template, select it from the User Custom Type drop-down list, then click Delete Item.
• On the Objects tab, you can now use this new template in the Type column.

Assets Templates

Asset Templates are a vital aspect of FactoryStudio, allowing users to create reusable data structures and logically organize tags into hierarchical representations of equipment or information models. This organization helps to enhance data management and improve overall system efficiency.

Building Custom Data Types

Custom Data Types, or User-Defined Types (UDTs), can be created to represent complex data structures in the Unified Namespace. These UDTs can include multiple tag attributes, allowing users to model various properties of an asset, such as its current state, operational parameters, and historical data. Building custom data types ensures a more accurate and comprehensive representation of assets and their associated tag attributes.

Working Using Data Templates

Creating and Editing Data Templates

FactoryStudio gives users the ability to create, edit, or import Data Templates. In creating a template, it is imperative to define the relevant tag attributes such as data types, initial values, and any necessary metadata. These attributes form the foundation of your tags and shape their behavior in the system. The steps to create a Data Template are:

1. Navigate to Unified Namespace → Data Templates.
2. Click on 'New'. This will open the 'Create New Tag Template' dialog box.
3. In the 'New Name' field, input a name for your tag type. Provide a concise and descriptive tag in the 'Description' field.
4. After clicking 'OK', your new template will appear at the top of the 'Data Templates' tab.
5. You can now add attributes to your tag template by clicking on the insertion row.

To edit a template, select the template you wish to modify from the User Custom Type dropdown list. You can then adjust the tag attributes as required.

Using Data Templates in Projects

Data templates streamline the creation of tags by supplying predetermined attributes. By employing these templates, users can efficiently manage data by upholding a logical and hierarchical structure representing assets or informational models.

To implement a Data Template in your project:

1. Navigate to the 'Tags' tab and click on 'New Item' to create a new tag.
2. In the 'Type' dropdown row, select the desired template. If a tag has already been created, select the desired template from the 'Type' column.
3. The tag will inherit the attributes from the chosen template.

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