---
title: "Tulip solution architecture overview"
slug: "tulip-solution-architecture-overview"
updated: 2025-11-04T17:24:18Z
published: 2025-11-04T17:24:18Z
canonical: "support.tulip.co/tulip-solution-architecture-overview"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.tulip.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Tulip solution architecture overview

*Learn about fundamental concepts about solution design and architecture, with additional resources for each.*

---

## App solution design

App solution design is the methodical approach to building applications within the Tulip platform that **address specific operational requirements**. This process starts with analyzing workflows and system integrations, then mapping out data structures, user interactions, and logic flows.

Well-designed apps emphasize simplicity, adoptability, human-centric approach, and productivity focused for scalable and efficient digital operations.

![App Solution to Physical Mapping](https://cdn.document360.io/7c6ff534-cad3-4fc8-9583-912c4016362f/Images/Documentation/App%20Solution%20to%20Physical%20Mapping.png)

#### Relevant articles

- [Design a Tulip solution](/r230/docs/design-a-tulip-solution)
- [Tulip solution credo](/r230/docs/tulip-solution-credo)

#### Tulip University course

- [Tulip solution design](https://university.tulip.co/tulip-solution-design)

## Data models

Tulip data models allow developers to **define and manage structured data** within the platform using Tables, as well as other features.

A data model supports relational links, access control, and integration, to provide a consistent way to represent key business entities and ensure scalable, reliable data handling across applications.

![Table Model Ex](https://cdn.document360.io/7c6ff534-cad3-4fc8-9583-912c4016362f/Images/Documentation/Table%20Model%20Ex.png)

#### Relevant articles

- [Common data model](/r230/docs/common-data-model)
- [Example: Use the common data model for discrete use cases](/r230/docs/example-common-data-model-for-discrete)
- [Example: Use the common data model for pharma use cases](/r230/docs/example-common-data-model-for-pharma)

#### Tulip University course

- [Tulip common data model](https://university.tulip.co/tulip-common-data-model)
- [Common data model: General manufacturing tables](https://university.tulip.co/tulip-common-data-model-general)
- [Common data model: Pharma tables](https://university.tulip.co/common-data-model-pharma-tables)

## Integration to transactional business systems (e.g. ERPs)

Integrations between Tulip and transactional business systems (e.g., ERPs) enable **seamless data exchange and process automation**. Tulip supports integration methods including connectors, REST APIs, and middleware solutions to facilitate real-time or scheduled communication with external systems.

These integrations allow users to automate workflows, maintain data consistency, and extend operational visibility by bridging frontline activities with core business processes. Proper integration design ensures reliability, security, and scalability in enterprise environments.

![Five Options.svg](https://cdn.document360.io/7c6ff534-cad3-4fc8-9583-912c4016362f/Images/Documentation/Five%20Options.svg)

#### Relevant articles

- [Architecture basics for integrating Tulip to a transactional business system](/r230/docs/architecture-fundamentals-of-integrating-tulip-to-a-transactional-business-system)

#### Tulip University course

- [Build and use HTTP connectors in apps](https://university.tulip.co/http-connectors)
- [SQL connectors](https://university.tulip.co/sql-connectors)
- [Feature deep-dive: Table API](https://university.tulip.co/feature-deep-dive-table-api)

## Integration to machines and devices

Integrations to machines and devices enable **direct connectivity between the Tulip platform and shop floor equipment**. Using protocols such as OPC UA, MQTT, and Tulip’s device drivers, users can collect real-time data from machines and devices, create app logic based on states or outputs, and send commands to equipment.

These integrations facilitate automation, improve data accuracy, and help unify machine data with operator workflows for enhanced visibility and control.

![2025 Tulip - Connectivity to Machines & Devices 3.svg](https://cdn.document360.io/7c6ff534-cad3-4fc8-9583-912c4016362f/Images/Documentation/2025%20Tulip%20-%20Connectivity%20to%20Machines%20&%20Devices%20%283%29.svg)

#### Relevant articles

- [Connect to machines and devices](/r230/docs/connect-to-hardware)

#### Tulip University course

- [Machine monitoring in Tulip](https://university.tulip.co/machine-monitoring-in-tulip)
- [How to connect machines to an OPC UA server](https://university.tulip.co/how-to-connect-machines-to-an-opc-ua-server)
- [Getting started with the Edge IO](https://university.tulip.co/getting-started-with-the-edge-io)

---

Did you find what you were looking for?

You can also head to [community.tulip.co](https://community.tulip.co/?utm_source=intercom&utm_medium=article-link&utm_campaign=all) to post your question or see if others have solved a similar topic!