Platform Diagrams Overview

Platform Diagrams provide SCADA-like one-line diagram functionality to visualize your electrical systems, power distribution networks, and IoT infrastructure. Create interactive diagrams that display real-time data directly on your system architecture drawings.

Introduction

After you've Connected your devices, Collected data through the Edge Server, Stored it in the Timescale database, and Analyzed it with Platform Explorer, you can Visualize your system architecture with Platform Diagrams. This powerful visualization tool allows you to create one-line diagrams similar to traditional SCADA systems, showing the physical and logical relationships between your devices, assets, and infrastructure.

Platform Diagrams are particularly valuable for:

• Electrical power distribution systems
• Generator and utility monitoring
• Equipment interconnection visualization
• Control system architecture documentation
• Real-time operational status displays

Video Tutorial

Watch this comprehensive overview to understand the full capabilities of Platform Diagrams:

Follow along with the video walkthrough above, or continue reading for detailed information on diagram features and best practices.

Diagram Capabilities

Platform Diagrams offer sophisticated visualization capabilities for technical systems:

One-Line Diagram Functionality

• Create electrical one-line diagrams showing power flow
• Display device variables directly on diagram elements
• Real-time data updates on diagram components
• Interactive elements that link to detailed device views

Custom Symbol Library

• Pre-built symbols for common electrical equipment
• Generators, transformers, circuit breakers, and more
• Customizable symbols for your specific equipment
• Import custom SVG graphics for specialized components

Live Data Integration

• Overlay real-time device data on diagram elements
• Color-coded status indicators based on variable values
• Animated elements showing power flow or system status
• Alarm indicators on affected diagram components

Multiple Diagram Types

• Electrical distribution diagrams
• Mechanical system layouts
• Process flow diagrams
• Network topology views
• Custom infrastructure visualizations

Getting Started

To create your first diagram:

Step 1: Navigate to Diagrams

From the ControlCom Connect platform, navigate to Visualize > Diagrams in the main menu.

Step 2: Create a New Diagram

Click the "Create Diagram" button and provide:

• Diagram name
• Diagram type (electrical, mechanical, process, etc.)
• Optional description
• Canvas size and orientation

Step 3: Add Components

Build your diagram by adding components:

• Select symbols from the component library
• Position components on the canvas
• Connect components with lines showing relationships
• Label components with descriptive names

Step 4: Link Data Sources

Connect diagram components to live data:

• Associate components with devices or assets
• Map device variables to component displays
• Configure display formats and units
• Set color thresholds for visual status indicators

Step 5: Configure Interactivity

Make your diagram interactive:

• Add click actions to open device details
• Configure tooltips showing additional information
• Set up drill-down navigation to related diagrams
• Enable alarm overlays for critical conditions

Step 6: Save and Share

Save your diagram and share it with team members based on their roles and permissions.

Key Features

Diagram Editor

Canvas Tools

• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
• Snap-to-grid for precise alignment
• Zoom and pan for detailed editing
• Undo/redo functionality
• Copy/paste components

Component Management

• Extensive library of pre-built symbols
• Create custom component templates
• Group components for easier manipulation
• Layer management for complex diagrams
• Component rotation and scaling

Connection Tools

• Straight, angled, and curved connection lines
• Auto-routing between components
• Connection labels and annotations
• Color-coded lines for different types (power, data, control)
• Arrow heads and line styles

Real-Time Visualization

Live Data Display

• Show current device variable values on components
• Update frequency configurable per diagram
• Support for all variable types (NUMBER, STRING, BOOLEAN)
• Automatic unit conversion and formatting

Status Indicators

• Color-coded components based on thresholds
• Animated elements for dynamic states
• Connection status visualization
• Power flow direction indicators

Alarm Integration

• Visual indicators for active alarms
• Flashing or highlighting of affected components
• Alarm count badges on equipment symbols
• Quick navigation to alarm details

Diagram Types and Templates

Electrical One-Line Diagrams

• Standard electrical symbols (IEEE/IEC)
• Generator and utility connections
• Circuit breaker and switch positions
• Load distribution visualization
• Voltage and current displays

Facility Layouts

• Building floor plans with device locations
• Equipment room layouts
• Data center rack diagrams
• Campus-wide infrastructure views

Process Diagrams

• Equipment interconnections
• Material flow paths
• Control signal routing
• Instrumentation displays

Best Practices

Follow these guidelines to create effective diagrams:

Design Standards

• Follow Industry Standards: Use IEEE or IEC standard symbols for electrical diagrams to ensure universal understanding
• Consistent Symbol Usage: Use the same symbols for the same types of equipment throughout your diagrams
• Clear Labels: Label all components with equipment IDs or descriptive names
• Logical Flow: Arrange components to show logical flow (top-to-bottom or left-to-right)
• Color Conventions: Establish and follow color conventions (e.g., red=alarm, green=normal, gray=offline)

Information Hierarchy

• Essential Data First: Display the most critical information prominently on diagram components
• Progressive Disclosure: Use drill-down capabilities for detailed information rather than cluttering the main view
• Readable Text: Ensure text is readable at typical zoom levels
• Appropriate Detail: Match the level of detail to the diagram's purpose (overview vs. detailed view)

Performance Considerations

• Diagram Complexity: Keep diagrams focused; create multiple linked diagrams rather than one massive diagram
• Update Frequency: Balance real-time updates with system performance; use 1-5 second refresh for critical displays
• Image Optimization: Optimize custom graphics to reduce load times
• Browser Compatibility: Test diagrams on target display devices and browsers

Use Case Examples

Electrical Distribution System

• Main utility feed and transfer switches
• Generator connections and control
• Distribution panels and circuit breakers
• Load monitoring and power quality
• Real-time voltage, current, and power displays

Generator Monitoring

• Generator symbology showing operating status
• Fuel level and runtime indicators
• Load bank connections
• Control panel integration
• Alarm indicators for maintenance needs

Data Center Infrastructure

• UPS systems and battery banks
• PDU and power distribution
• Cooling system status
• Network connectivity
• Environmental monitoring points

Building Management

• HVAC system layouts
• Lighting control zones
• Access control points
• Emergency systems
• Energy management displays

Integration with Other Features

Dashboards and Diagrams

• Use dashboards for high-level metrics and KPIs
• Use diagrams for detailed system architecture and interconnections
• Link diagrams from dashboard widgets for drill-down analysis
• Combine both for comprehensive monitoring solutions

Alarms and Alerts

• Diagram components highlight when associated devices have active alarms
• Quick navigation from diagram to alarm details
• Historical alarm overlay showing problem areas
• Alarm acknowledgment directly from diagrams

Reports

• Include diagram snapshots in generated reports
• Document system configuration changes
• Compliance reporting with system architecture
• Export diagrams for external documentation

Next Steps

Now that you understand Platform Diagrams, you can:

• Create Dashboards for complementary data visualization
• Generate Reports that include diagram snapshots in the Report stage
• Configure Alarms to highlight issues directly on your diagrams
• Use Platform Explorer (Analyze stage) to investigate data shown on diagrams
• Integrate diagram data via the API with external systems

For detailed information on specific diagram component types and advanced customization options, refer to the individual diagram feature documentation pages.