# Need some ideas to start a project **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [January 15, 2023, 7:50am UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/need-some-ideas-to-start-a-project/68600 "2023-01-15T07:50:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Philippe-Olivier\_LeC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3bc359/32.png) [@Philippe-Olivier\_LeC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/Philippe-Olivier_LeC)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2023, 7:50am UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/need-some-ideas-to-start-a-project/68600/1 "2023-01-15T07:50:27Z")
Hello! I work in an injection molding factory, and I would like to set up Ignition to have access to maintenance-related data, since we have nothing of the sort (except production oriented data, of course). We have around 40 machines, most of which have their own product-handling equipment. So around 80 separate machines, each with their own few plcs of various manufacturers. I am new to Ignition, and trying to figure out how to build it up. I would like to start with one machine, to be able to see/monitor all its data, to eventually add all systems, so I want to be smart and not give myself trouble further along the way. I’m looking for advice about architecture. Would a single Gateway be enough to manage everything? In said gateway, should I build a different project for each machine? I’m a bit lost in all this! Thank you in advance for your time and help! ---
**Author:** ![JordanCClark](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/inductiveautomation/user_avatar/forum.inductiveautomation.com/jordancclark/32/83362_2.png) [@JordanCClark](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/JordanCClark)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2023, 11:17am UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/need-some-ideas-to-start-a-project/68600/2 "2023-01-17T11:17:56Z")
Hello, and welcome! This is a pretty open topic. Just a couple of thoughts... well three... five at most... - Tag structure. Use similar naming /folder structures / UDTs. In my example, we're organized by line number (3425, 3426...). When we need data we pull it by line. Read up in indirect tags, and you'll be a pro. - Document, document, document. Tags, db tables and columns. Perhaps flocharts for operations or data flows. The [Useful Tools thread](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/useful-tools-thread/34614) may be of help. - Since you're new to Ignition, I'll suggest going through [Inductive University](https://www.inductiveuniversity.com/)'s free training courses. - Use the forum. We have a lot of talented users here, and while we can be pedantic or sometimes downright annoying, we are-- as an old instructor of mine would say-- a veritable cesspool of information. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Philippe-Olivier\_LeC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3bc359/32.png) [@Philippe-Olivier\_LeC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/Philippe-Olivier_LeC)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2023, 4:23am UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/need-some-ideas-to-start-a-project/68600/3 "2023-02-24T04:23:29Z")
Hello and thanks for the answer! The Useful Tools thread will be useful, I went to check it out, and I am in the process of getting credentials from Inductive University at the moment, slowly but surely! Thank you for the tips, I will check indirect tagging as well. I understand the importance of a good structure, either in tags or folders, or anything really! I guess my question was more capabilities/efficiency-related. Should I build each system separately on different gateways, then link gateways through a server? Or could I use a single gateway to build each system as a project? What would be the more efficient way to do it, to avoid trouble when I reach the step of putting the whole thing together? I like the idea of making each system a "project" of its own on one gateway, but would said gateway allow me to build so many projects? Thanks again! ---
**Author:** ![justinedwards.jle](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/inductiveautomation/user_avatar/forum.inductiveautomation.com/justinedwards.jle/32/37854_2.png) [@justinedwards.jle](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/justinedwards.jle)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2023, 4:36am UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/need-some-ideas-to-start-a-project/68600/4 "2023-02-24T04:36:50Z")
> [@Philippe-Olivier\_LeC](#): > > Should I build each system separately on different gateways For only 80 machines all at the same plant, aside from redundancy, I don't see any reason for multiple gateways and projects. Each line or machine can be developed within separate windows within the same project.