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As a control engineer working with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems, this guide helps you navigate FrameworX documentation efficiently.

Start Here

Core Concepts to Understand

Platform Overview

• [Architecture] - Understand system topology and deployment
• [Technology Foundation] → [Vendor-Native Drivers vs OPC UA] - Critical for device connectivity
• [The Four Pillars] - Focus on P2: Process Modules

Essential Tutorials

Quick Start Guide

Control engineers need to connect devices, build operator interfaces, and manage alarms. This path guides you through FrameworX documentation specific to your role.

Week 1: Foundation & Connectivity

Day 1-2: System Overview

Start Here:Get Connected Quickly

• [First Solution - 5 min] - Quick system overviewBuild working demo
• [Connect to a Modbus Device Solution Center Tutorial] - Most common starting pointProject management basics
• [Designer [P2: Process Modules / Industrial Operations Tutorial] - Your primary learning path

Key How-to Guides

Daily Tasks

• [Devices Module (How-to Guide)] - Step-by-step device configuration
• [Alarms Module (How-to Guide)] - Alarm setup and management
• [Historian Module (How-to Guide)] - Data logging configuration
• [Displays Module (How-to Guide)] - Building operator screens

Technical References

Device Communication

• [Devices Module (Reference)] - Complete driver documentation
• [Connectors Library] - Browse 100+ native drivers
• Communication protocols you likely need:
  • Allen-Bradley EtherNet/IP
  • Siemens S7
  • Modbus TCP/RTU
  • OPC UA

Standards Compliance

Relevant to control engineering:

• main workspace

Day 3-5: Device Connection

Essential Tutorials:

• [Devices Connection Tutorials] - YOUR PRIMARY FOCUS
  • Start with Modbus or your specific PLC type
  • Import tags directly from PLCs
• [Add Tags to UNS Tutorial] - Organize imported tags
• [Cisco IR1101 Container Tutorial] - If deploying to edge routers

Quick Reference:

• [Connectors Library] - Find your PLC driver
• [Devices Module (Reference)] - Detailed configuration

Week 2: Operator Interface

Build HMI Displays

Core Tutorials:

• [Displays Design Tutorials] - CRITICAL PATH
  • Canvas displays for P&ID graphics
  • Dashboard displays for KPIs
• [Runtime Tutorial] - Test your displays

Design Guidelines:

• [Canvas Displays vs Dashboards] - Choose display type
• [ISA-101 HMI Standards] - Industry best practices

Week 3: Alarms & Data

Alarm Configuration

Required Learning:

• [Alarms and Audit-Trail Tutorial] - Complete alarm setup[ISA-95 Implementation] - Equipment hierarchy
• [ISA-18.2 Alarm Management] - Alarm standards
• [IEC 61131-3] - Programming languages support

Common Tasks Quick Links

Setting Up PLCs

1. Review [Connectors Library] for your PLC brand
2. Follow [Devices Module (How-to Guide)]
3. Check [Device Communication Troubleshooting]

Building HMIs

1. Start with [Displays Module (Concept)]
2. Use [Canvas Displays vs Dashboards] to choose approach
3. Apply [HMI Design Best Practices]

Implementing Alarms

1. Read [Alarms Module (Concept)] for philosophy
2. Configure using [Alarms Module (How-to Guide)]
3. Follow [ISA-18.2 Alarm Management] standards

Recommended Learning Sequence

Week 1: Connectivity

• Connect your first PLC
• Import tags to UNS
• Verify communication

Week 2: Visualization

• Build basic displays
• Create motor/valve symbols
• Test runtime operation

Week 3: Alarms & History

• Configure process alarms
• Set up data logging
• Build trending displays

Week 4: Integration

• Add control logic
• Implement calculations
• Complete your first project

Community Resources

• [Community Forum - Devices Section] - Device-specific questions
• [Sample Projects] - Control system examples
• [Symbol Library] - Pre-built HMI components

Need Help?

Common Issues:

• PLC won't connect → [Device Troubleshooting Guide]
• Tags not updating → [UNS Configuration Guide]
• Display performance → [Optimization Best Practices]

Support Channels:

• Follow standards

Historical Data

Tutorials:

• [Historian Module Tutorials] - Configure data logging
• Build trending displays from logged data

Week 4: Advanced Integration

Control Logic & Calculations

Select Based on Need:

• [Scripts and Data Enrichment Tutorial] - For complex logic
• [Datasets SQL Query Tutorial] - If integrating with MES/ERP
• [Python and .NET Integration Tutorial] - For custom algorithms

Production Reporting

• [Reports Generation Tutorial] - Shift/batch reports
• [Security and Compliance Tutorial] - User permissions

Technology Options for Modern Control

Edge Computing

For Remote Sites:

• [Cisco IR1101 Container Tutorial] - Deploy in routers
• [MQTT Broker and Client Tutorial] - Lightweight protocol

Advanced Analytics

Optional Enhancement:

• [Edge AI with ML.NET Tutorial] - Anomaly detection
• [Edge AI with MCP Tool Tutorial] - AI assistance

Your Typical Workflow

1. Connect PLCs → Devices Connection Tutorials
2. Import Tags → Add Tags to UNS Tutorial
3. Build Displays → Displays Design Tutorials
4. Configure Alarms → Alarms and Audit-Trail Tutorial
5. Setup History → Historian Module Tutorials
6. Test System → Runtime Tutorial

Skip These (Not Your Focus)

• Business logic heavy tutorials (unless needed)
• Web development topics
• Database administration

Quick Links by PLC Brand

Allen-Bradley Users:

• [EtherNet/IP Connector]
• [ControlLogix Tag Import]

Siemens Users:

• [S7 Protocol Guide]
• [TIA Portal Integration]

Modbus Devices:

• [Modbus TCP/RTU Setup]
• [Register Mapping Guide]

Common Control Engineering Tasks

Need Help?

Can't Connect? → Check [Device Troubleshooting] Display Issues? → See [HMI Optimization] Alarm Floods? → Review [Alarm Rationalization]