You should use an API when you want to have an integration among Tulip and other software systems or access/change information in an App through a Connector, like creating a tulip table query or retrieving information about a station.
Connectors enable real-time connectivity between your Tulip solution and a transactional system (e.g. an ERP). The output of a Connector Function can be used in Tulip Apps, Automations, and Functions.
HTTP Connectors utilize HTTP API endpoints.
SQL Connectors can enable connectivity with certain SQL databases.
MQTT Connectors can connect to MQTT brokers for machine monitoring.
Tulip Tables
Tulip Tables are a global location to store your production data. Tables are made up of Records (rows). A single can be accessed from multiple apps or stations at the same time.
Machine
A Machine is a digital representation of a physical datasource. Machines have Attributes that are updated through an OPC-UA Connector or the Tulip API.
Station
Stations are a digital representation of a physical place or device in your facility. Stations are 1:1 with Interfaces (display devices) running Tulip Player, but Stations can also be assigned Edge Devices, Tulip Vision Camera Configurations, Machines,and more.
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