Configuration Basics

Creating Project

Configuration of Rapid SCADA is performed on a project basys. A project is a set of files in various formats that are stored in the project directory. To create and edit projects, use the Administrator application. When Administrator starts, the Start Page opens, which contains the buttons to create a new or open an existing project (see Figure 1).

Start page
Figure 1. Start page
Project creation form
Figure 2. Project creation form

Pay attention to the Template field on the project creation form (see Figure 2). The template defines the initial configuration that is added to the project. Another existing project can be used as a template.

Project Structure

The structure of the Rapid SCADA project is displayed in the project explorer, which is located on the left side of the main Administrator window. The project consists of the following main parts (see Figure 3):

  • The Configuration Database consists of tables. It is a general structured description of the automated system. The detailed settings refer to the corresponding applications.
  • The Views section contains view files that are displayed by the Webstation application, and report configuration files. Views examples are mimic diagrams, tables, maps and dashboards.
  • Server application settings.
  • Communicator application settings.
  • Webstation web application settings.
Project structure
Figure 3. Project structure

An instance is a set of Rapid SCADA applications running the same project and installed on the same computer.

A single project can include multiple instances that exchange data. The Administrator application can connect to remote servers, so configuration and control of Rapid SCADA can be carried out by an engineer using one workstation.

Configuration Sequence

Starting to work with Rapid SCADA, it is recommended to follow the general configuration sequence described below. Having obtained some experience, better understanding the dependencies between the applications, the sequence can be varied to increase efficiency.

  1. Create a new or open an existing project in the Administrator application.
  2. Add objects, communications lines and devices into the configuration database. To create communication lines and devices it is recommended to use wizards that are opened using the and buttons located on the Administrator's toolbar.
  3. Check that the added communication lines and devices are present in the Communicator settings. If necessary, create them by selecting the Synchronize menu item from the context menu of the Communication Lines node in the project explorer.
  4. Configure device polling in Communicator.
  5. Create channels in the configuration database. It is recommended to use the wizard opened by the button.
  6. Create views and specify them in the Views table of the configuration database.
  7. Upload the project for execution by the button.