Project Design

Connections require at least three transfer objects: a data source, a data destination, and a trigger that initiates the transfer. You can include any number of sources and destinations in the connection, which can also be controlled in multiple steps. It is also possible to define multiple triggers. The triggers can be linked with AND or OR, meaning they trigger the transfer if either one or all conditions are met.

The required transfer objects (“sources and destinations,” “triggers”) can be found in the tool palette on the right side of the window.

Within the configuration area, you can edit, rename, and delete transfer objects using the context menu (right-click).

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Note: To define the connection, all required plug-ins must be configured.

If you need many connections with similar structures, it’s best to create them using Templates and Instances instead of designing each connection from scratch.

1. Create a new connection.
2. Give your connection an appropriate name.
3. In the “Transfer Objects” tool palette, select the type of your source (e.g., “OPC UA/DA” if you want to read data from an OPC server).
4. Place the source in the configuration area using drag-and-drop.
5. Double-click to open the source.
6. Enter the required properties. The properties of the individual transfer objects are explained in the following sections.
   1. Selecting the OPC connection
   2. Alternatively: Enter the data points or open the tag browser
   3. Import data points into the transfer object by double-clicking.
7. Confirm by clicking OK.

1. Similarly, create a data destination (e.g., a database) and define its properties (detailed instructions).

   1. Select the DB object from the “Transfer Objects” toolbar.
   2. Place it in the configuration area.
   3. Double-click to open the transfer object.
   4. Select the database connection.
   5. Select the type of transfer object. Since the database serves as the transfer destination here, choose either “Insert” or “Update” (of an existing record). Now: Insert.
   6. Select the table you want to write to.
   7. Select the columns you want to write to. Use “Ascending” and “Descending” to keep the layout organized.
   8. Confirm by clicking “OK.”

   Tip: You can copy and paste in the transfer object design view.

1. Now simply drag connection arrows between the entries in the source and those in the destination. To do this, click on the entry in the source, hold down the mouse button, and drag it over the destination entry. Then release the mouse button (drag & drop) (top image). Done (bottom image).

1. You can delete a connection arrow by right-clicking on the arrow and selecting “Delete.” At this point, you also have the option to delete multiple connection arrows at once. To do so, click the “Delete Multiple” entry and select an option.
2. 1. Select a trigger from the “Transfer Objects” tool palette.
   2. Place the trigger in the project configuration area.
   3. Double-click the trigger to open it.
   4. Configure the trigger.

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Tip: Press Shift to drag all columns from one transfer object to a single column of another transfer object.