Creating a project's structure
When a new project is started, there's usually a good idea of the direction the project will take, such as whether control elements for equipment such as pumps will be added, what parameters will be created, and how data will be sent to and from a SCADA system. This information makes up most of the project, with logic and control only possible once the required assets and parameters have been established.
It is generally a good idea to enforce a workflow or project structure when developing with TIA Portal (or any PLC vendor). Being able to map out exactly where actions such as data exchange take place and where control logic takes place helps visualize a project, especially if the project that's being developed is large.
Data management
Data management is important in TIA Portal and Siemens has taken a very strong approach to ensure that the data and program cannot be compromised in an online environment (due to modifications...