Choosing HMI/SCADA Software

There are many factors that should be considered when choosing HMI/SCADA software. The goal of industrial software is to optimize operations by giving operators visiblity of their process data. But how do you get there? When evaluating, consider platforms that offer the appropriate size, cost and features to find your perfect SCADA software solution. Consider how SCADA software integrates disparate systems into a single, intuitive dashboard and how well the SCADA software can communicate with the individual machines or your MES. For a quick product comparison, review our AVEVA Edge vs. Inductive Automation Ignition Chart.

8 key considerations when choosing HMI/SCADA software

1 Scalability

Depending on your needs (i.e. tag count, multiple sites, etc.) industrial software platforms should be adaptable and compatible with small systems up to large enterprise plants.

2 Ease of Use

Consider what it takes to set up your system. Does the platform offer configuration wizards? How much scripting is required? Is there ample documentation or guidance?

3 Security

It is estimated that cybercrime damages will reach $6 trillion by 2021. Choose a provider that is well-established, has a cyber security team, and offers added security like integration with Microsoft Active Directory.

4 Cost

Though cost should not be a deciding factor it is an important one. Be wary of add-on modules and if they are covered in version upgrades.

5 Interoperability

Perhaps the most important factor in deciding which platform to use. Choose vendor agnostic and multiple communication drivers to give you the most flexibility with your systems.

6 Graphics and Templates

Platforms that provide a multitude of graphics and templates save you time and cost.

7 Support

Don't underestimate the value of support. Look for support that provides access to local experts, knowledge centers, and free version upgrades.

8 Compatibility

Does your vendor offer backwards compatibility? Be careful of vendors that drastically switch up programming leaving you with the only option of "rip and replace".

AVEVA Edge vs. Ignition Chart

Features	AVEVA Edge	AVEVA Edge	AVEVA Edge	Inductive Automation	Inductive Automation	Inductive Automation
Features	100 Tag IoTView	500 Tag Embedded View	Unlimited Clients & Tags	Ignition Basic	Ignition Pro	Ignition Ultimate
Price	$205	$535	$19,490	$11,900	$19,350	$28,750
Platform	Single	Single	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Tags	100	500	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Vision Clients	1	1	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Perspective Clients	1	1	Unlimited	Additional Cost	Unlimited	Unlimited
OPC UA Server	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Tag Historian	Additional Cost	Limited	Limited	✔	✔	✔
Symbol Factory	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Alarm Notifcation		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Allen-Bradley Drivers	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Siemens Driver	✔	✔	✔	Additional Cost	✔	✔
Additional Native Drivers	7	250+	250+	4	4	4
Reporting	✔	✔	✔	Additional Cost	✔	✔
SQL Bridge		✔	✔	Additional Cost	✔	✔
Voice Notification		Additional Cost	Additional Cost	Additional Cost	Additional Cost	✔
SMS Notification		Additional Cost	Additional Cost	Additional Cost	Additional Cost	✔
Sequential Functions Charts				Additional Cost	Additional Cost	✔
Statistical Process Functionality (SPC)		✔	✔
OPC COM DA+HAD			✔	Additional Cost	Additional Cost	✔
DNP3 Realtime Driver				Additional Cost	Additional Cost	✔
Development/Designers	Additional Cost	Additional Cost	✔	✔	✔	✔
Migration Ready	✔	✔	✔	Limited	Limited	Limited
MES Functionality		✔	✔	Additional Cost	Additional Cost	Additional Cost
Import FactoryTalk ME/SE, PanelMate, or PanelBuilder32		Additional Cost	✔
Recipe Management	✔	✔	✔	Limited	Limited	Limited
Remote Management	Additional Cost	Additional Cost	Additional Cost
Annual Support	✔	✔	✔	24%	24%	24%

Subscription available	✔	✔	✔
						*Inductive website 04/20

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