IoT & Connectivity Tips

Challenges Manufacturers of factory equipment often rely on manual processes to maintain adequate supply levels of consumables in equipment at customer sites. But a clipboard-and-pen process for ordering supplies are error prone, and can quickly grow wrought with problems that often go unreported until they affect assembly line production, resulting in unexpected costs—such as overnight shipping charges—and risking downtime, which ultimately leads to customer dissatisfaction. Solution One such manufacturer implemented ThingWorx to connect to equipment installed at customer sites, and created a custom web application using ThingWorx Foundation to remotely monitor supply levels. ThingWorx Industrial Connectivity provides the bi-directional connection to send data that is displayed in graphs on the web application created using ThingWorx Mashup Builder. Features of ThingWorx Analytics were used to generate alerts before maintenance problems affected production. Outcomes The manu

Use the Edge MicroServer (EMS), Foundation, and Analytics to engineer a Smart, Connected Products play for the Automotive segment. NOTE: Complete the following guides in sequential order. The estimated time to complete this learning path is 240 minutes. 1. Use the Edge MicroServer (EMS) to Connect to ThingWorx Part 1Part 2Part 32. Use the EMS to Create an Engine Simulator Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 43. Engine Simulator Data Storage Part 1Part 24. Build an Engine Analytical Model Part 1Part 2Part 35. Manage an Engine Analytical Model Part 1Part 26. Engine Failure-Prediction GUI7. Enhanced Engine Failure Visualization Part 1Part 2Part 3

Use Rockwell Automation's Connected Components Workbench to connect an Allen-Bradley PLC for use with the ThingWorx Platform. This Learning Path will guide you through installation of Rockwell Automation and ThingWorx applications, connecting ThingWorx to the Allen-Bradley PLC, and how to configure, monitor, and control the PLC from ThingWorx. NOTE: Complete the following guides in sequential order. The estimated time to complete this learning path is 240 minutes. This learning path assumes that ThingWorx has already been installed 1, Install Rockwell Connected Components Workbench2. Install ThingWorx Kepware Server3. Connect to an Allen-Bradley PLC4. Create An Application Key5. Model an Allen-Bradley PLC6. Visualize an Allen-Bradley PLC Part 1Part 2

Guide ConceptStep 1: Learning Path OverviewStep 2: SignupStep 3: DownloadStep 4: InstallStep 5: Next Steps  Install a Connected Components Workbench to program an Allen-Bradley PLC Guide Concept In this guide, you'll install Rockwell Automation's Connected Components Workbench, which facilitates programming of an Allen-Bradley PLC. You'll learn how to Create a Rockwell Automation AccountDownload software from Rockwell Automation's websiteInstall Connected Components Workbench NOTE: The estimated time to complete this guide is 60 minutes   Step 1: Learning Path Overview Welcome to the Rockwell Automation Learning Path! This first guide explains the steps to get up and running with Rockwell's Connected Components Workbench, a software program to facilitate connecting to and configuring Programmable Logic Controllers, i.e. PLCs. PLCs are commonly used in factories and other automation scenarios to control minor aspects, such

Utilize Foundation and the Edge MicroServer (EMS) to connect and monitor remote Medical Devices for service-applications. NOTE: Complete the following guides in sequential order. The estimated time to complete this learning path is 180 minutes. 1. Create An Application Key2. Use the Edge MicroServer (EMS) to Connect to ThingWorx Part 1Part 2Part 33. Setup a Raspberry Pi as an IoT DevicePart 1Part 2Part 3Part 44. Medical Data Storage and Display Part 1Part 2Part 3

Build, customize, and deploy IoT applications with ThingWorx. NOTE: Complete the following guides in sequential order. The estimated time to complete this learning path is 270 minutes. 1. Create Your Application UI Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 52. Basic Mashup Widgets Part 1Part 2Part 33. Define Your UI Style Part 1Part 24. Object-Oriented UI Design Tips5. Deploy an Application6. How to Display Data in Charts Part 1Part 2Part 3

Configure and connect industrial devices and systems in any environment. NOTE: Complete the following guides in sequential order. The estimated time to complete this learning path is 180 minutes. 1. Configure Permissions Part 1Part 22. Choose a Connectivity Method3. Use REST API to Access ThingWorx Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 44. Java SDK Tutorial Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 55. C SDK Tutorial Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4

Send data from MXChip development board to ThingWorx with Azure IoT hub NOTE: Complete the following guides in sequential order. The estimated time to complete this learning path is 90 minutes. 1. Connect MXChip to Azure IoT2, Create An Application Key3. Connect Azure IoT DevicesPart 1Part 24. Create A Thing Shape

Utilize the power of ThingWorx to secure, connect, log, analyze, and see what is happening in your highly structured and secure system. NOTE: Complete the following guides in sequential order. The estimated time to complete this learning path is 240 minutes. 1. Securing Resources and Private DataPart 1Part 22. Connecting External Databases and Model Part 1Part 2Part 33. Low Level Device ConnectionPart 1Part 2Part 34. Tracking Activities and Statistics 

Build robust, secure, full-featured edge integrations and gateways for any platform using C, .NET, Java (supporting Android development).  Tutorials are available for the C and Java SDK's by clicking the relevant link below.  C SDKThe C SDK is the basis for ThingWorx Edge SDKs and the Edge MicroServer (EMS). You can compile C SDK applications on any platform and even run it without an operating system. Using the C SDK for your application means least amount of RAM, processing power, and disk space, frequently requiring less than 200 kilobytes. The C SDK is also the only SDK that is distributed as source code.   Java SDKThe Java SDK is especially useful if you are integrating with an application that uses a Java-based API. While applications based on the Java SDK tend to use more RAM, processing power, and disk space than a C SDK equivalent application, they typically take less time to develop. To use it, you will need a platform with a supported Java Virtu

Here's a short list of vocabulary terms used throughout the ThingWorx documentation. ATermDefinitionalertA declarative way to create an event in ThingWorx that is triggered when a defined value or limit is reached or exceeded. All properties in a Thing shape, Thing template, or Thing can have one or more alert conditions defined. Alert types are specific to the data type of the property; the following base types can be used for alerts: Boolean, Datetime, Infotable, Integer, Location, Number, and String.alert historyA comprehensive table that records all information when an alert is triggered. The data is stored until it is removed manually.alert processing subsystemSubsystem that manages the alert history stream. See Subsystem.alert summaryCompiles data from the last reset of the server to the current state. You can view, acknowledge, and sort (by acknowledged or unacknowledged) alerts on the Alert Summary page.AlwaysOnProprietary binary protocol for communication between edge dev

UTermDefinitionuserAn account that can be used to access ThingWorx (design time and/or run time).user groupA collection of users to provide a common level of security-access. Allows you to categorize users of the ThingWorx system. User groups can contain users and groups. All permission settings and overrides are cumulative. The ThingWorx default security policy is restrictive. When you create a new group or user, the account will not have any rights in ThingWorx until you assign them.user management subsystemSubsystem that manages session and password hash settings. See Subsystem. VTermDefinitionvalue stream processing subsystemSubsystem that manages value stream storage and retrieval. See Subsystem.value streamA storage table for time-series information about a Thing's property values. Querying a Value Stream returns the value of the specified property.virtual ThingA modeled Thing defined in Edge that is represented as a remote Thing in the ThingWorx Platform.visibilityA simple

Step 5: Create EventStep 6: Test ModelStep 7: Next Steps  Step 5: Create Event Events are automatic analysis jobs which are submitted based on a pre-defined condition.In this step, we'll configure an Analysis Event which will execute automatically whenever there is a datachange in our simulated engine. On the ThingWorx Composer Analytics tab, click ANALYTICS MANAGER > Analysis Events. Click New.... In Source, search for and select AMQS_Thing.In Event, select DataChange.In Property, select FlipFlop.In Provider Name, select Vibration_Provider.In Model Name, select the published Model. Click Save.  Map Event Data Map the Properties of AMQS_Thing, to the fields required to evoke an Analysis Job. Select the previously-created Event, and click Map Data.... Click Inputs Mapping. In Source Type, select Thing.In Source, search for and select AMQS_Thing. On the left, select s1_fb1, one of the sub-fields of AMQS_Thing's Info

GUIDE CONCEPTStep 1: Choosing StorageStep 2: Value Streams  Explore the Value Stream, Stream, Data Table, and Info Table storage methods.  GUIDE CONCEPT This guide will introduce Values Streams, Streams, Data Tables, and Info Tables. Value Streams and Streams are methods of storage for time-series data, while Data Tables and Info Tables are methods of storage for non-time-series data. You will learn how to create and utilize these mass data storage methods. YOU'LL LEARN HOW TO Differentiate between data storage methodsCreate a Data Shape to format a Stream, Data Table, and Info TableCreate a Value Stream and Stream to store Time-Series DataCreate a Data Table and Info Table to store non-Time-Series DataUse built-in methods to log data to a Value Stream or Info TableCreate custom Services which log data to a Stream or Data TableConfirm data storage value changes via a built-in Service or Grid Widget NOTE:  The estimated time to comp

Step 3: Streams  Step 3: StreamsMass data is typically stored in a structure functionally similar to a spreadsheet.Each separate column of the spreadsheet is exclusively one type of data (with each field directly beneath it holding different entries of that same type), while the rows determine the specific entry.Combine a column’s “type” with the row’s “index”, and you have the particular piece of data about which you care.ThingWorx mass data storage functions in roughly the same way. However, ThingWorx does have one differentiation from many spreadsheet implementations.In ThingWorx, the type that defines each column is not held internally to the data structure itself. Instead, it is abstracted out as a Data Shape.A Data Shape is the definition of what each column contains.A Stream requires a Data Shape in order to define its structure.Create Data ShapeOn th

Step 3: Streams (cont.)Step 4: Data Tables  Step 3: Streams (cont.)Store to StreamNow that the Stream, the Thing (and its Properties), and the Thing's Service are all in place, we can execute the Service (along with some Property changes) to demonstrate that the values are getting archived externally to the Stream.At the top, click Properties and Alerts.Note the previously-created Index_Property and Value_Property. For Index_Property's Value column, click the "pencil" icon for Set value of property. In the slide-out on the right, enter 1. At the top-right, click the "Check" button for Set.For Value Property, click the "Pencil" icon for Set value of property. In the slide-out on the right, enter 10. At the top-right, click the "Check" button for Set.At the top, click Save. With the Thing's Properties set to new values, you can now call your custom Service to store those values to the exte

Step 4: Data Tables (cont.)Step 5: Info TablesStep 6: Next Steps Step 4: Data Tables (cont.)Set PropertiesWe now have the Thing with Properties that we want logged, the Service to do said logging, and the Data Table to where the values will be stored At the top, click Properties and Alerts.Note Data_Table_Test_Thing’s Index_Property and Value_Property. On the Index_Property line under the Value column, click the "Pencil" icon for Set value of property. In the slide-out on the right, enter 1. At the top-right, click the "Check" button for Set.On the Value_Property line under the Value column, click the "Pencil" icon for Set value of property.In the slide-out on the right, enter 10. At the top-right, click the "Check" button for Set.At the top, click Save.  Store to Data TableAt the top, click Services. On the Add_Data_Table_Entry_Service line under

GUIDE CONCEPTStep 1: IntroductionStep 2: Create PrerequisitesStep 3: Enter Sample DataStep 4: Test Monitoring Services Use the statistical calculation Thing Shape to execute useful analysis services GUIDE CONCEPT This project will introduce the Statistical Monitoring Thing Shape. This guide demonstrates using Descriptive Analytics from ThingWorx Predictive Analytics to perform common statistical monitoring analysis on time-series data. You will learn to use the Statistical Monitoring ThingShape's built-in services to return the number of values in a data set that are: above or below a threshold, inside or outside a defined range, or following a trend that is: increasing, decreasing, or alternating.   YOU'LL LEARN HOW TO Create a Thing with the Statistical Monitoring Thing ShapeCreate a Property and Value Stream to record changes in Property valuesUse Services that perform Standard Analytical Monitoring NOTE: The estimated time to comple

Step 5: Additional ServicesStep 6: Next Steps Step 5: Additional Services The Trend, Range, and Threshold Services are some of the Services the Statistical Monitoring ThingShape offers. Below is a table of additional included Services. Links to guides for using services like these to build complete IoT applications are found in the next step. CalculationService NameDescriptionConsecutive Points Based On a RangeGetNumberOfConsecutivePointsBasedOnARangeCalculate the number of points in the largest group of consecutive points meeting the range criteria.Consecutive Points Based On a ThresholdGetNumberOfConsecutivePointsBeyondAThresholdCalculate the number of points in the largest group of consecutive points meeting the threshold criteria.Number of Points with Percentage Change Out of RangeGetNumberOfPointsWithChangeRateOutOfRangeMonitor for how many pairs of consecutive points in a series have a numerical percentage change outside the defined range. If the first value i

Guide ConceptStep 1: Configure ConnectionStep 2: Add UserStep 3: Create a ModelStep 4: Configure Asset PropertiesStep 5: Next Steps  Configure ThingWorx Advisors to remotely monitor your connected assets. Guide Concept This project will introduce ThingWorx Advisors. Following the steps in this guide, you will learn how to add users, create a model to store data, and configure asset Properties. We will show you how ThingWorx Advisors let you remotely monitor equipment without writing any code. You'll learn how to Configure ThingWorx AdvsorsConnect ThingWorx Advisors to ThingWorx Kepware ServerCreate assets in ThingWorx and tie them to data items in Kepware Server NOTE: The estimated time to complete this guide is 60 minutes   Step 1: Configure Connection This step shows how to open Controls Advisor, and configure the communication with ThingWorx Kepware Server. Open Controls Advisor Click on Hosted Server In

Guide ConceptStep 1: Persistence Provider OptionsStep 2: Next Steps  Select the right database to use with your ThingWorx installation. Guide Concept When you develop an application with ThingWorx, you must save the configuration data that defines the data model and the user interface. You also need to store the dynamic data that is generated by devices at runtime (such as temperature or location). ThingWorx uses the term Persistence Provider to refer to any type of service that saves application data, usually it is a database. When your application moves into production you must choose and configure a Persistence Provider that meets your requirements.  You'll learn how to Pros and cons of different databases that can be used as persistence providers for ThingWorxThe database best suited to certain applicationsWhere to find detailed information about the Persistence Providers NOTE: The estimated time to complete this guide is 30 minutes

Guide ConceptStep 1: Clustering OverviewStep 2: ThingWorx Active-Active ArchitectureStep 3: Next Steps  Learn how ThingWorx can be deployed in a clustered environment Guide Concept Web applications have increased reliability and performance by using a "pool" of independent servers called a cluster. It is important to understand what benefits the different methods of clustering provide, and what the different methods can mean for your system. ThingWorx Foundation can be deployed in either an Active-Active clustered architecture or a standard single-server deployment. This guide describes the benefits of an Active-Active clustered architecture over other clustering methods and provides a system administrator with resources to navigate the different architecture options.  You'll learn how to Overview of different server clustering techniquesPros and cons of the different clustering configurations that can be used with ThingWorxWhere to find detailed

Guide ConceptStep 1: Completed ExampleStep 2: FunctionalityStep 3: Create EventsStep 4: Services Interface  Automate business processes with Services, Events and Subscriptions. Guide Concept This project will introduce Services, Events, and Subscriptions inside of the ThingWorx platform.Following the steps in this guide, you will be able to expand your data model using Services, Events, and Subscriptions. We will teach you how to make a more robust and enjoyable experience for users simply by using the resources inside of the ThingWorx Composer. You'll learn how to Create Events, Services and Subscriptions in ComposerUtilize the ThingWorx Edge SDK platforms with Services, Subscriptions, and Events NOTE:  The estimated time to complete this guide is 60 minutes  Step 1: Completed Example This guide references the attached EventsServicesSubscription.zip. The sample application is based on a company needing to make deliveries. The

Step 4: Implement New FeaturesStep 5: Next Steps  Step 4: Implement New Features The SMT Assembly Line Data Model was built around a sample manufacturing facility that tracks critical data points, including diagnostic information for: motherboardsassembly machinesassembly line performance To make informed decisions based on the diagnostic and performance data, you can add features that will increase analytics capabilities. In this optional step, we'll add a Line Chart to see the performance of any given assembly machine. Once completed, we can create Services that will be used to make calculations on the data we have generated from the assembly line. For a final challenge, you can create a service that will compare data points to identify what works best in an assembly machine, a larger internal queue, or more placement heads. Setup New Mashup Create a Mashup that is Responsive and name it SMTTimeSeriesMashup.Click the Layout tab and add a c

GUIDE CONCEPTStep 1: Examples and StrategyStep 2: Creating Security GroupsStep 3: Configuring PermissionsStep 4: Next Steps Learn how to create or update your system to be more secure GUIDE CONCEPT ThingWorx allows for a layer of security within your company or organization to be utilized for authentication and user management. These concepts and steps will allow you to focus on development of your application while still allowing the ability to utilize the power of ThingWorx! We will teach you how to enable and configure ThingWorx to perform your security needs. YOU'LL LEARN HOW TO Securing data and private informationUse services, alerts, and subscriptions to handle processes without human interactionHandling group and organization permissions NOTE:  The estimated time to complete this guide is 60 minutes.  Step 1: Examples and Strategy Download the attached FoodIndustry.zip users and extract/import the contents. T