Data Foundation

Centralized real-time data repository with hierarchical organization for all solution data.

Modules → Data Foundation | Tutorial | How-to Guide

Overview

The Unified Namespace (UNS) is your solution's data foundation — a single source of truth for all real-time and configuration data. All other modules connect to the UNS to read and write process variables.

The Unified Namespace is Pillar 1 in the Four Pilars Configuration methodology. 

Data Foundation Overview

The Unified Namespace (UNS) is your solution's data foundation — a single source of truth for all real-time and configuration data. All other modules connect to the UNS to read and write process variables.

Key Concepts


TagProcess variable with value, type, quality, and timestamp
UserTypeReusable data structure template (User-Defined Type)
EnumerationNumber-to-text mapping (e.g., 0="Off", 1="On")
TagProvider ServiceConnection to external data sources (MQTT, OPC UA, etc.)
Asset TreeHierarchical view of Tags organized by path
FolderOrganizational container within the Tag hierarchy

What It Does

The Data Foundation provides:

  • Centralized data storage — All process variables in one namespace
  • Hierarchical organization — Folders and paths mirror physical/logical plant structure
  • Reusable templates — UserTypes define consistent data structures
  • External integration — TagProviders bring external data into the namespace dynamically
  • Real-time access — All modules subscribe to tag changes via event-driven architecture

Configuration Workflow


1Plan structureDefine naming conventions and hierarchy
2Create UserTypesBuild reusable templates for equipment
3Create FoldersOrganize by area, line, or function
4Create TagsDefine process variables with types
5Configure TagProvidersConnect external data sources (optional)

Runtime Behavior

Data Access

At runtime, all modules access the UNS through the real-time tag database (TServer.exe):

// Direct tag access
@Tag.Line1.Machine1.Temperature

// Asset function (equivalent)
Asset("Line1/Machine1/Temperature")

// Tag properties
@Tag.Motor1.Speed.Value
@Tag.Motor1.Speed.Quality
@Tag.Motor1.Speed.Timestamp

Event-Driven Updates

When a tag value changes:

  1. Change triggers event in TServer
  2. All subscribed modules receive notification
  3. Displays update, alarms evaluate, historian logs

Data Explorer Tool

The DataExplorer streamlines UNS creation by enabling:

  • Discovery — Browse MQTT brokers, OPC servers, PLCs, SQL databases
  • Import — Create tags and templates from discovered structures
  • Validate — Test connections before adding to production

This tool reduces manual configuration time significantly when building tag structures.

→ Learn more in the

Feature Highlights

  • Full .NET type support — Integer, Double, DateTime, DataTable, arrays, and more
  • UserType inheritance — Build complex equipment models
  • Dynamic TagProviders — Access external data without pre-defining tags
  • Built-in namespaces — System status via Server, Client, Alarm, Device namespaces
  • Memory optimization — Properties allocated only when configured
  • Retentive values — Persist tag values across restarts

Data Foundation Links

Explanation - to understand concepts

→ Platform Overview / Technology / Real-Time Tag Database

→ Platform Overview / Technology / Native Unified Namespace

Tutorials - to learn by doing

→ Tutorials / Data Foundation / UNS Tutorial

How-to Guides - to accomplish specific tasks

→ How-to Guides / Data Foundation / UNS How-to Guide

Reference - technical details

→ Technical Reference / Platform Modules / Unified Namespace Reference

→ Technical Reference / Platform Modules / Object Model Quick Reference


Next Steps