Key Concepts
Connection Target
Three connection types available:
| Local | Solution-defined connections | Testing existing configuration |
| TagProvider | Dynamic data sources | Connected tag providers |
| Remote | External sources | Discovery and exploration |
Connection Status
- Automatic connection establishment for field devices
- Real-time updates in Data Browser tree
- Manual query execution for SQL sources
Data Browser Window
| MQTT | Hierarchical tree | Subscribe (real-time) |
| OPC-UA | Hierarchical tree | Poll (1 second) |
| PLCs | Hierarchical tree | Poll (1 second) |
| SQL | DataGrid table | On query execution |
Typical Workflow
1. Data Discovery
Verify data consistency across:
- MQTT topics
- OPC-UA nodes
- PLC tags
- Database tables
2. Configuration
Create from discovered data:
- DataTemplates
- Local tags
- TagProviders
- Device connections
3. Validation
Monitor and test:
- Connection stability
- Data quality
- Update rates
- Value accuracy
Tool-Specific Features
MQTT Tools
| Mode | Client subscriber |
| Updates | Real-time via subscription |
| Export | Topics to tags |
See for details.
OPC Tools
| Mode | OPC-UA client |
| Updates | 1-second polling |
| Export | Nodes to tags |
See for details.
PLC Finder
| Discovery | Network scan |
| Updates | 1-second polling |
| Export | Controller tags |
See for details.
SQL Queries
| Mode | Query executor |
| Updates | Manual execution |
| Export | Column configurations |
See for details.
Export Options
To Solution Configuration
| MQTT | TagProvider | Dynamic connection |
| OPC | Device Channel | Communication setup |
| PLC | Device Points | Mapped addresses |
| SQL | Dataset | Query definitions |
Quick Actions
- Create Tags: Single-click tag creation
- Build Templates: Structure to DataTemplate
- Add Connection: Remote to solution
- Configure Points: Bulk mapping
Performance Considerations
Explorer Limitations
| Update Rate | 1 second fixed | Configurable |
| Parallel Requests | Single | Multiple |
| Method | Polling only | Poll/Subscribe |
| Volume | Limited display | Unlimited |
Runtime Capabilities
- Parallel request processing
- Subscribe mode (where supported)
- AccessType prioritization
- High-volume data handling
Best Practices
Discovery Phase
- Start local servers/simulators
- Verify network connectivity
- Test with small data sets
- Document findings
Configuration Phase
- Create templates before tags
- Use bulk import for large sets
- Organize with categories
- Test incrementally
Validation Phase
- Compare explorer vs runtime
- Monitor communication logs
- Verify data types
- Check update rates
Common Tasks
| Find PLCs | PLC Finder | Network scan |
| Browse OPC | OPC Tools | Connect and explore |
| Monitor MQTT | MQTT Tools | Subscribe to topics |
| Test queries | SQL Queries | Execute and review |
| Create tags | Any tool | Right-click export |
| Build templates | Any tool | Structure export |
Troubleshooting
Connection Issues
| Can't connect | Wrong address | Verify endpoint |
| No data shown | Security | Check credentials |
| Slow updates | Network | Test connectivity |
| Missing nodes | Permissions | Check server config |
Export Problems
| Tags not created | Name conflicts | Use unique names |
| Template incomplete | Selection | Select all levels |
| Connection fails | Settings | Verify parameters |