First, attend/ sign-up for a LabVIEW seminar/ hands-on (check it out with your local NI representatives)
As for the equipment control, you should gain control over the RS232/ GPIB Bus. RTFM (Read The Friendly Manual) on remote-programming.
Also, you may wanna look out for some simulation examples either on NI'website or Search Examples through your LabVIEW
>> Goto
Help> Examples..> Demonstration > Process Control
Hope the above gives you a little bit hints. And, may others have benefitial advise for you too.
Good luck
B.regards
ian.f k
ian@ianfung.net