# Newbie Help **URL:** \ **Category:** Archived Topics\ **Created:** [February 21, 2009, 10:12pm UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/newbie-help/1010 "2009-02-21T22:12:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Sam\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Sam\_P](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/Sam_P)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2009, 10:12pm UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/newbie-help/1010/1 "2009-02-21T22:12:52Z")
Hi, I am trying to evaluate SQL & PMI for use as a site wide data aquisition system to collect OEE information. I have used other products like Citect, RSview32, etc but have never used python. I have loaded the demo application and have it running, I have also looked at the videos and downloaded manuals. I am still having a little trouble getting started on a new project as I am only just grasping the concepts. Are there any step by step manuals? I am looking for info re creating a project from scratch generating your own symbols, etc Thanks ---
**Author:** ![nathan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c5a1d2/32.png) [@nathan](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/nathan)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2009, 4:36am UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/newbie-help/1010/2 "2009-02-22T04:36:22Z")
The [FactoryPMI videos](http://www.inductiveautomation.com/support/videos/?category=5) should be good to cover specific topics. I’d first look at: Web launching, [FPMI property binding and expressions](http://www.inductiveautomation.com/support/videos/?category=6), SQLTags, navigation, and scripting. The manual is a good resource. I would start with the “designer” section and read under “concepts”. If you haven’t already, sign up for a web demo. They’ll be happy to show capabilities and briefly go over implementation. Another good starting point is the [skeleton project](http://www.inductiveautomation.com/products/factorypmi/goodies/?id=14) from the “goodies” download section. I think you’ll be able to get rolling quickly once you get started. We’re happy to answer any specific questions on the forum. As to the (Python) scripting - you probably will not need to use it much beyond the GUI “builders”. There’s a disproportionate number of scripting questions on the forums because it’s more difficult, albeit often not necessary. ---
**Author:** ![Carl.Gould](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/inductiveautomation/user_avatar/forum.inductiveautomation.com/carl.gould/32/7262_2.png) [@Carl.Gould](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/Carl.Gould)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2009, 11:36pm UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/newbie-help/1010/3 "2009-02-22T23:36:37Z")
Like Nathan said, the live web demo is a great way to get oriented - and don’t worry about a ‘hard sell’ or anything - thats not what its about. Plus you’ll get introduced to some support staff and have a chance to chat about your project’s architecture and design which should help you get started. ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Sam\_P](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/Sam_P)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2009, 8:56am UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/newbie-help/1010/4 "2009-02-23T08:56:21Z")
Nathan & Carl, Thanks for the info. I am waiting to hear back from a collegue, working at Nexans Canada that is apparently implementing your product, before I sign up for a demo.