Hello, I am currently working on a machine retrofit project and in search of HMI/SCADA software recommendations. While I have experience with C-More and Horner HMIs in the past, I now require more functionality for the current project and prefer software that can run on a Windows PC rather than proprietary hardware. The machine will be equipped with 1 or 2 PLCs and 1 on-machine HMI. I am aware of the wide variety of software available and am looking for something user-friendly and cost-effective (ideally priced between $0 to $5,000 for one HMI with less than 1500 tags). For the current project, two key requirements are essential. Firstly, the operator must be able to open a file selection window to access a cutlist over the network, which will then be loaded onto the HMI and subsequently transferred to the PLC. Additionally, I aim to incorporate basic visualizations on the HMI such as dynamically drawn simple shapes based on the dimensions provided by the cutlist. I would appreciate any insights or recommendations you may have regarding this matter. Thank you in advance! ~Jason
I highly suggest exploring the cutting-edge ignition technology.
When looking for a software solution like Inductive Automation Ignition, it's important to consider your specific needs and the size of your operation. While Ignition is commonly recommended for larger installations, there are also smaller editions available. Personally, I have a preference for Indusoft Web Studio, now known as Aveva Edge due to acquisitions and marketing. Before making a decision, it's essential to ask yourself a few key questions: 1. Which scripting or programming languages do you have experience with, such as Python, Visual Basic, or C++? 2. Will you require mobile device access or the ability to easily scale your display across multiple screens and computers? 3. In what format is your "cutlist" available? 4. Can you provide examples of the simple dimensioned shapes you need to visualize onscreen? Considering these factors will help you choose the right software for your specific requirements.
After testing the Ignition demo, I find it user-friendly yet powerful. While it is designed for large systems, our focus is on machine control HMIs for specific machines. We aim for flexibility and power, without the complexity and high cost associated with proprietary HMIs. 1. My programming knowledge is limited to some C++ and Python. 2. We do not require mobile access, possibly only utilizing two computers in the future. 3. The cutlist will be in text format and needs to be parsed by either the HMI or PLC. I am considering customizing the cutlist for JSON format. A sample cutlist file will be provided from the customer's design software. 4. Attached is a printout of the truss component saw we are retrofitting. I aim to display individual components visually, mirroring the current paper-based operation.
If you want to explore your options with inductive automation, don't hesitate to reach out to them for guidance. They offer the flexibility of purchasing a single license tailored to your specific needs, making installations cost-effective. While Ignition is ideal for large-scale projects, it is also suitable for smaller ones. Based on your description, it seems like Ignition could be a great choice for your project. Contact inductive automation today to learn more about how Ignition can benefit your specific requirements.
I have a quick update on the software choice for my project - I decided to go with Ignition Edge. While there was a bit of a learning curve, I was able to meet the customer's requirements and found the system to be impressive. Ignition offers a powerful solution that is user-friendly and not overly complicated to navigate.
Hey Jason, given your requirements, I'd suggest taking a look at Ignition by Inductive Automation. It offers a comprehensive set of modules that should cover your needs. With its tag-count based licensing system, it falls well within your budget. Plus, it operates a modern, web-based deployment model that should make file sharing over a network pretty straightforward. For visualizations, Ignition's built-in graphic tools are robust enough to handle basic shape drawing dynamically. It's designed to run on a PC and can communicate with almost any PLC. The user-friendly interface is a bonus. I've worked on a few projects with it and it never disappoints. They also offer a free trial just to test if it fits your needs.
Hi Jason, a software I'd suggest looking into is Wonderware System Platform from AVEVA. It's a really efficient, scalable, and easy-to-use SCADA system that fits into your budget. Their visualization tool, InTouch OMI, allows complex graphic capabilities (including your requirement of dynamic shapes), and it's Windows-based. File selection and transfer windows should be manageable through script functions. In my experience with using it, it's very operator-friendly. But remember, much will depend on the specific PLCs that you'll be using, so that's worth checking compatibility too. Good luck with your project!
Hi Jason, you might want to have a look at Inductive Automation's Ignition SCADA platform. It meets many of the requirements you mentioned. It is server-based software that runs on a Windows PC and is compatible with various different PLC brands. Ignition is highly customizable and offers features like dynamic drawing and file handling, which could be suitable for your cutlist application. Moreover, being modular in nature, it lets you select only the functionalities you need, allowing you to stay within your budget. It's also quite operator friendly thanks to its intuitive interface. They offer a free trial, so you can test it out and see if it matches with what you're looking for.
Hi Jason, based on your requirements, I would suggest considering Ignition by Inductive Automation. It offers a robust, full-featured HMI/SCADA software solution that will run on a Windows PC platform. You'll have no problem opening a file selection window or incorporating visualizations, and many find it to be quite user-friendly. You'll also appreciate its scalability and its flexibility to work with different PLCs. As for the price, Ignition operates on a server-based licensing model so you don't pay extra for more clients, screens, tags, or devices, which I think in your case, it should come below your $5000 budget. They also offer a free trial so you can evaluate if it suits your needs. Hope this helps!
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Answer: - Some recommended HMI/SCADA software options for a machine retrofit project with Windows PC compatibility include Ignition, FactoryTalk View, Wonderware, InduSoft Web Studio, and VTScada.
Answer: - Key considerations when selecting HMI/SCADA software for a machine retrofit project with Windows PC compatibility include functionality, user-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, compatibility with PLCs, ability to run on Windows PC, support for network file access, and visualization capabilities.
Answer: - Ideally, the price range for HMI/SCADA software for projects with less than 1500 tags is between $0 to $5,000 for one HMI.
Answer: - To enable the operator to access a cutlist over the network and transfer it to the PLC using HMI/SCADA software, you can look for software that supports file selection windows and network capabilities for data transfer between the HMI and PLC.
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