Message Definitions act as templates when adding messages to a Channel. By using message definitions the user is able to re-use the same connection information in multiple channels.
For example, if the same data is required from the same equipment located in several different work cells then the user can just create a message definition that specifies where to collect the data from on the equipment. Then when the user wants to connect a piece of equipment to a bus stop they just need to specify the hostname of the equipment, select the message definition to use and connect the message definition fields with the shopfloor equipment tags.
The message definition contains the following information:
● Data direction: Upload (from shopfloor to bus stop) or Download (from bus stop to shopfloor).
● Message Fields: Contain the class type (for location within B2MML structure) and data type.
1. Select the OT Bus Stop tab.
2. Click Messages.
A list of the existing message types is shown.
3. Click Add.
A new window opens.
4. Enter a name for the message definition.
5. Select a message direction:
o Upload from equipment.
o Download to equipment.
6. Enter a description in the default language.
7. Select the Fields tab.
8. Click Add.
A new window opens.
9. Select a Class Type. This is the type of data that is going to be collected and allows non-standardised data from the shop floor to be standardised within the B2MML structure.
10. Select a Data Type. This specifies the data format.
11. Enter a Name.
12. If required enter an Index for the message field. The index is required if more than one equipment is included in the message.
13. Enter a Description in the default language.
14. Click OK.
The field is added to the message definition.
15. Click Save.
The message definition is saved.