> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://infosys.selmotech.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://infosys.selmotech.com/selmo-solution/selmo-solution-en/selmo-documentation/onboarding/how-do-i-read-this-documentation.md).

# How do I read this documentation?

**Goal:** Take away fear\
**Content:**

* Document is **not linear** to read
* Separation of:
  * Concept
  * structure
  * Application
  * Reference
* Explanation of the terms used & presentation logic

## How do I read Selmo?

This documentation is **not a linear guide** and **not a tutorial**.\
It is a **reference for thinking, modeling and understanding**.

This chapter helps you to **read Selmo correctly** – without overwhelm and without false expectations.

***

### 1. What you should know when reading

Selmo describes machines **not via code**, but via a **formal behavior model**.

This means:

* Contents build logically on each other
* many chapters can be read independently
* each topic exists **only once**
* Repetitions are deliberately avoided

> **If a term is unclear, look it up in the glossary.**

***

### 2. Two lines of thought – one content

This documentation can be read in two ways:

#### 2.1 Analytical – from the problem (“Why?”)

This path explains:

* why classical machine logic reaches limits
* which requirements arise from that
* why Selmo is structured the way it is

Recommended chapters:

* Introduction & Attitude
* Problem & Attitude
* Diagnosis, HMI & Documentation

👉 Ideal for:

* Decision makers
* Project managers
* Safety & audit responsible persons

***

#### 2.2 Synthetic – toward the model (“How?”)

This path explains:

* how Selmo structures machines
* how behavior is modeled
* how operation, safety and diagnosis arise

Recommended sequence:

1. **Sequence**
2. **Zone**
3. **Bit-Control**
4. **hardware zone**
5. **Manual & automatic operation**
6. **CMZ**

👉 Ideal for:

* Automation technicians
* Commissioning engineer
* Developers

***

### 3. What Selmo consciously does not explain

This documentation explains **not**:

* how PLC code is written
* how an HMI is designed
* how hardware is safely shut down
* how projects are managed organizationally

Selmo describes:

> **What a machine does,**\
> **when it does it**\
> **and why it is allowed to.**

***

### 4. How you should read a chapter

Each reference chapter follows the same internal structure:

1. **Why does this concept exist?**\
   (Problem & Motivation)
2. **What exactly is it?**\
   (clear definition)
3. **How does it fit in?**\
   (relationship to other elements)
4. **How does it act in operation?**\
   (behavior, reactions)
5. **What are typical mistakes?**\
   (experiential knowledge)

If you recognize this structure, you'll find your way quickly.

***

### 5. Recommended entry points by goal

#### I want to understand processes

→ **Sequence**

#### I want to classify technology and signals

→ **Zone**

#### I want to understand monitoring & logic

→ **Bit-Control**

#### I want to understand operation & start logic

→ **hardware zone**

#### I want to understand safe operation

→ **Manual & automatic operation**

#### I want to understand safety & integrity

→ **CMZ**

***

### 6. How Selmo is “correctly” understood

Selmo is **not** understood when you:

* read only individual chapters
* look for abbreviations
* immediately think of code

Selmo is understood when you:

* think in states
* explicitly formulate expectations
* describe behavior instead of signals
* seek responsibility in the model

> **Selmo is not a tool –**\
> **it is a way of thinking.**

***

### 7. One last note

If a chapter seems “strict” or “unusual” to you, that's not by chance.

Selmo enforces:

* Clarity
* Unambiguity
* Responsibility

This is exhausting –\
but it is the prerequisite for explainable machines.

> **Do not read Selmo quickly.**\
> **Read Selmo precisely.**


---

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