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Start new solutions with the Solution Creator.

Reference  Solution Solution Center → Creating | Managing | Server | Licensing | Upgrading


Creating Solutions (Reference) : Technical documentation for creating and configuring new FrameworX solutions.

Overview

A Solution represents is a complete application built using the platform. It stores all configuration data in a in FrameworX, stored as a single .dbsln file , containing all configuration data including tags, alarms, device settingsdevices, graphical displays, scripts, and more.When creating other modules. Creating a new solution , the system generates a new .dbsln generates this file with initial metadata like name and description. The remaining configuration is performed using the Designer tool., which you then configure using Designer.

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Creating a New Solution

To create a

new

solution,

in the Solutions Manager,

click

the

New...

button at the top of the solution list to start

in Solution Center to launch the New Solution Wizard.

Wizard

Step 1

-

: Product Features

Define the Product Series for your solution by selecting the

Select 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

    model for your solution:

    : Scalable models based on the number of communication points, enabling
    Product FamilyDescriptionUse Case
    UnlimitedAll features, unlimited tags/users/pointsEnterprise applications
    FrameworXScalable by communication points
    SCADA, MES,
    Advanced
    HMI applications
    EdgeHMISubset features by pointsMachine HMI, embedded devices
    EdgeGatewayBased on data connectionsData gateway applications

    Note: Configuration tools are free. Production deployment requires appropriate license matching your selected model.

    Step 2: Platform Selection

    PlatformDescriptionRequirements
    WindowsWindows-only features (Windows Auth, third-party libraries).NET Framework 4.8
    Multi-PlatformCross-platform (Linux, Docker).NET 8 on development and runtime machines

    Step 3: Name and Template

    1. Enter solution name
    2. Review save location (default: Documents\FrameworX\Solutions)
    3. Select template (optional - defaults to HeaderLayout)
    4. Click Create New Solution

    Solution Templates

    Templates provide preconfigured components and settings for faster development.

    Built-in Templates

    TemplateDescriptionBest For
    HeaderLayoutStandard header navigationDesktop applications
    TabLayoutTabbed interfaceMulti-screen applications
    MobileLayoutResponsive designMobile/tablet applications
    BlankNo pre-configurationCustom designs

    Adding Custom Templates

    Templates are standard .dbsln files stored in:

    Documents\FrameworX\Templates\

    To add templates:

    1. Copy .dbsln file to Templates folder
    2. File appears in wizard on next use
    3. Modify existing templates by editing files in folder

    Creating Templates

    1. Build solution with desired configuration
    2. Save .dbsln to Templates folder
    3. Optionally include:
      • Pre-configured tags and templates
      • Standard displays
      • Common scripts
      • Device configurations

    Solution Configuration

    After creation, solutions contain:

    ComponentLocationPurpose
    Solution SettingsSolution → SettingsProduct model, platform, metadata
    Unified NamespaceUNS moduleTag definitions and structure
    DevicesDevices moduleCommunication protocols
    DisplaysDisplays moduleUser interface screens
    ScriptsScripts moduleBusiness logic

    Solution Files

    File Structure

    File TypeExtensionDescription
    Solution.dbslnActive configuration database
    Backup.dbbackArchived solution
    Published.dbrunRead-only production version
    Legacy.tprojFactoryStudio 9.x format

    File Locations

    TypeDefault Path
    SolutionsDocuments\FrameworX\Solutions
    TemplatesDocuments\FrameworX\Templates
    BackupsDocuments\FrameworX\Backups

    Solution Creator Tool

    For bulk solution creation (e.g., deploying to multiple edge devices), use the Solution Creator utility.

    Use Cases

    • Mass deployment to edge devices
    • Creating variations from configuration files
    • Automated solution generation

    See Solution Creator (Reference) for details.


    Best Practices Checklist

    Naming Conventions

    • Use descriptive names without special characters
    • Include version or site identifier
    • Avoid spaces (use underscores)

    Template Selection

    • Start with appropriate template
    • Customize rather than starting blank
    • Save customized versions as new templates

    Platform Choice

    • Choose Windows only if Windows-specific features needed
    • Use Multi-Platform for future flexibility
    • Consider deployment environment early



    Troubleshooting

    IssueCauseSolution
    Template not appearingNot in Templates folderCopy .dbsln to correct location
    Can't create solutionNo write permissionsCheck folder permissions
    Platform option grayed outMissing .NET 8Install .NET 8 Desktop Runtime
    Wizard failsCorrupted templateRemove problematic template



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      , and a wide range of industrial applications.
  • EdgeMachine: Scalable models based on the number of communication points, with a subset of features typically required for HMI on machines and embedded devices.
  • EdgeConnect: Scalable models based on the data connections
  • For details about product families and licensing models, see the Product Series page.

    Info
    titleProduct 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

    Platform

    Description

    Windows

    Select if your application requires Windows-only components such as Windows Authentication or third-party libraries like Canary Historian.

    Multi-Platform

    Select for Linux or cross-platform environments. This option requires .NET 8 installed on the computer that will execute the solution and on the computer developing the application.

    Wizard Step 3 - Solution Name and template

    Define the name and review the location for saving your solution file, select a solution template and press the Create New Solution button.

    If you don’t select a template, the default HeaderLayout template will be applied automatically.

    AnchorSolution TemplatesSolution TemplatesSolution Templates

    Solution templates help you start faster by providing preconfigured components, settings, and modules. These templates can be customized to suit your specific application needs.

    Examples of templates include starter layouts for web-based, desktop, or mobile solutions. Some templates are included with the software, and you can also create or import your own.

    Adding New Templates

    The templates available when creating a new solution are standard solution files located in the user's Documents folder under Templates.

    To use a template received from a vendor or integrator, simply copy the .dbsln file into the Templates folder located in your Documents directory. You can also customize existing templates by opening and modifying the solution files in that folder.

    Solution Creator Tool

    When you need to create multiple solutions—such as deploying hundreds of edge devices based on configuration files—the platform provides a utility to automate and streamline this process.

    For details, see the Solution Creator (Reference) page.

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