The Data View of the Project Editor is the place where you can manage all the sources that you want HELIO to request data from.

The Data Source Explorer on the left side let’s you add data sources for your current HELIO Runtime. They will be the origins where. The HMI Data Explorer on the right side is the data that is actually available in your current project.

The Two Strategies for Defining Data in HELIO

First of all it is important to understand that there are two different strategies for defining data in a HELIO project.

“PLC-First” Strategy

How?

• Import Existing PLC Data into the HMI Data Explorer
• Augment the HMI Data with additional metadata

When?

• A solid data model for the PLC already exists.
• You don't need to adjust your HMI model to reach desired states and outcomes within your HMI.

Related Guides

Connecting HELIO to Your PLC Data Source

Importing Data From Data Sources Into Your Project

“HMI-first” Strategy

How?

• Define HMI Data first.
• Link it to PLC data sources later

Use when:

• The PLC and its data model have not been defined, yet.
• You need design the data model together with PLC experts of your team. HELIO can then be a communication tool for quickly sketching out the data model and using it with the help of the Placeholder Mode inside the Content View.

Related Guides

All Guides

Working with Data Sources

Working with PLC Data Sources

• Connecting HELIO to Your PLC Data Source

Strategies for Getting Data Into Your HMI

Importing Data

Importing Data From Data Sources Into Your Project

Defining and Linking HMI Data

Defining HMI Data Variables and Linking them to Data Sources

Restricting Access

Restricting and Allowing Access to Data Variables