Overview

   The Solution Lifecycle describes how solutions move from development through  production using three integrated workspaces:


Key Concepts


Workspaces

Solution Center

  • Entry point for all operations
  • Solution management hub
  • License control center
  • Launch point for Designer and Runtime



Runtime

  • Execution environment
  • Real-time operations
  • Client services
  • Performance monitoring

Designer

  • Configuration workspace
  • Module development
  • Build and validation
  • Launch point for Runtime

Solution Development Flow

1. Solution Center

2. Designer Environment

PillarPurposeModules
Data FoundationDefine data modelUnified Namespace, Assets, Tags, UDTs
Industrial OperationsConnect to fieldDevices, Alarms, Historian
Business OperationsProcess dataDatasets, Reports, Scripts
User InteractionPresent informationSecurity, Displays, Clients

3. Runtime Environment


Project Development Stages

Create  → Develop → Validate → Deploy → Operate → Maintain
                     ↑                                                                         ↓
                     ↑——————  Update/Enhance ——————— ←

Each stage uses a specific execution profile that controls runtime behavior:

StageEnvironmentExecution ProfileKey Events and Characteristics 
CreateSolution Centern/a SolutionDB file created
DevelopDesignerDevelopment Profile• Full editing, simulators
• Full diagnostics and logs
ValidateDesigner / RuntimeValidation Profile• Limited editing, test modules
• Performance metrics logs
DeployRuntime / DeployProduction Profile• Live equipment
• Minimal overhead
MaintainDesigner / RuntimeAccording to task

• Designer DevOps & Track Changes tools
• Runtime Diagnostics and Hot reload tools

Execution Profile Concept

Execution profiles allow the same solution configuration to behave differently based on environment:

AspectDevelopmentValidationProduction
DatabasesLocal SQLiteTest SQL ServerEnterprise SQL
SecurityMinimalTest credentialsFull authentication
DiagnosticsFull loggingPerformance metricsMinimal overhead
Data SourcesSimulatorsTest devicesLive equipment
ChangesOnline editsRestrictedProtected

Moving Between Stages

Development → Validation

  1. Complete initial configuration in Designer
  2. Test locally with Development profile
  3. Export solution configuration
  4. Import to validation environment
  5. Switch to Validation profile
  6. Begin formal testing

Validation → Production

  1. Complete all testing
  2. Obtain sign-offs
  3. Publish read-only version
  4. Deploy to production servers
  5. Switch to Production profile
  6. Monitor go-live closely

Solution Configuration Workflow

  1. Define Data Model (Pillar 1)

  2. Connect Field Devices (Pillar 2)

  3. Add Business Connections and Logic (Pillar 3)

  4. Add Security and Build  Operator UI (Pillar 4)


Solution Management

Single File Architecture

All configuration stored in one .dbsln file:

Benefits

Multi-User Collaboration

Version Control Integration


Best Practices Checklist

Development Guidelines

Progression Rules

Change Management


Solution Lifecycle Links

Explanation - to understand concepts

Modules / Solution Lifecycle

Tutorials - to learn by doing

Tutorials /  Solution Lifecycle Tutorials

How-to Guides - to accomplish specific tasks

How-to Guides / Solution Lifecycle How-to Guide

Reference - technical details

Technical Reference /  Solution Lifecycle / Reference




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