Juniper - Next Steps

Date: 2025 09-September 17

Project Summary: The Juniper Pipeline

Project Name: Juniper

Objective: To revolutionize the creation of Emerson Ovation plant graphics by establishing a modern, repeatable, and scalable pipeline.

The Problem: The current process for creating Ovation graphics is a time-consuming, manual, and proprietary process that limits creativity and prevents the use of modern design and data-rich assets.

The Solution: Juniper is a three-part, API-first pipeline that acts as a "translation layer" between modern design environments and the Ovation platform.

  1. The Extractor (1_asset_extractor.py): This Python script extracts data from a variety of engineering file formats (like CAD, GIS, and P&ID) and translates them into a single, structured, and open JSON format. This JSON serves as the "single source of truth."

  2. The Renderer (3_svg_renderer.js): A front-end web component that uses the D3.js library to read the JSON data and visually render the plant graphics as a modern, interactive SVG file. This is where a designer's skills can be fully utilized.

  3. The Translator (2_svg_to_ovation_translator.py): This is the core engine, a Python script that reads the SVG output and translates it into the proprietary Ovation .src file, complete with a clean, dimensionally accurate geometry.

The Vision: Juniper will free plant graphics from the constraints of legacy software, empowering designers and engineers to create dynamic, data-rich visualizations that improve operator safety, efficiency, and situational awareness. It is an open-source project that will foster a community of contributors who are passionate about modernizing industrial control systems.

Your Marching Orders: Next Steps

Based on our discussions and the project's roadmap, here are your immediate priorities:

  1. Finalize the MVP (Minimum Viable Product):

    • Ensure the 1_asset_extractor.py script can reliably convert a simple CAD or GIS file (e.g., DXF or Shapefile) into the intermediate JSON format.

    • Verify that the 3_svg_renderer.js component can accurately read and display all the information in that JSON.

    • Build a complete, working example that you can show to others, as outlined in "The Quick Win" phase.

  2. Launch the GitHub Repository:

    • Create the repository with a clear README.md and the initial project files.

    • Include the demo assets so anyone can clone the repo and immediately see the project in action.

    • Explicitly state that the project is in a very early stage and that contributions are welcome.

  3. Produce the Launch Content:

    • Record and edit the 90-second YouTube video. The focus should be on the compelling visual transformation from a static image to a dynamic one.

    • Prepare the posts for the Ovation Users Group website, leveraging the messaging we've developed for different audiences.

  4. Begin Community Engagement:

    • Actively monitor the GitHub issues and discussion forums. Your presence and prompt responses are critical for attracting early contributors.

    • Start thinking about the first "easy win" feature for a new developer to work on and document it clearly.

Your main goal is to get a working, compelling demo into the public domain as quickly as possible. This will be the foundation upon which you build the community and secure the project's long-term success.