Key Takeaways
- 3 licensing models: perpetual, server+client, subscription (web SCADA).
- The licence is only part of TCO; hardware, maintenance and integrators add up.
- For multi-site facilities, web SCADA usually has the lower 5-year cost.
- Protocol support, remote access and self-built screens are critical.
- Try it free with your own data before you buy.
"Which is the best SCADA software?" has no single answer. The right question is: which SCADA has the lowest five-year total cost for your facility while fully meeting its needs? This article compares SCADA licensing models, hidden costs and selection criteria.
3 Licensing Models in SCADA Software **1. Perpetual licence (classic SCADA):** The software is bought once. Price usually rises with tag count and number of clients. Annual maintenance and updates are charged separately.
2. Server + client licence: A SCADA server is installed on site. Each monitoring screen or remote access needs an extra client licence.
3. Subscription (web/cloud SCADA): A monthly or annual fee. Server, backup and updates are included. Access is through the browser, so there is no client installation.
Costs That Don't Show on the Price Tag The licence fee is only part of the total cost. When comparing quotes, ask: - **Server hardware and Windows licence:** Classic SCADA needs a computer on site. - **Tag expansion:** Does adding a new sensor require a licence upgrade? - **Remote access:** Who sets up VPN, static IP and firewall, and at what cost? - **Integrator dependence:** Do you call the integrator every time you add a chart to a screen? - **Backup and disaster recovery:** What happens to historical data if the server fails? - **Updates and security patches:** Who does them, and how often?
How to Calculate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) 5-year TCO = licence + hardware + installation/integration + annual maintenance × 5 + per-change service fees + remote access infrastructure.
Classic SCADA is expensive in year one and continues with maintenance and change fees. Web SCADA starts cheaper and spreads cost across the subscription. For multi-site, frequently changing or remotely monitored facilities, the five-year cost of web SCADA usually comes out lower.
7 Criteria When Choosing SCADA Software 1. **Protocol support:** Modbus RTU/TCP, OPC UA, MQTT. It must talk to your existing PLCs and analyzers. 2. **Remote access:** Secure browser and mobile access without a VPN. 3. **Can users build their own screens:** Drag-and-drop dashboards and a P&ID editor. 4. **Alarms and escalation:** SMS, email, mobile notifications, shift-based routing. 5. **Scalability:** How does the price change as you add tags and sites? 6. **Security:** Role-based access, two-factor login, encrypted connections. 7. **Trial period:** A free test with your own data.
Which SCADA for Which Facility? - **Single site on a closed network, critical process control:** Classic on-premise SCADA may fit. - **Multiple locations (pump stations, solar plants, branches):** Web SCADA is clearly ahead. - **Monitoring-heavy, remote setpoint changes:** Web SCADA is both cheaper and faster to deploy. - **Hybrid:** Local control in the field (PLC), web SCADA on top for central monitoring.
SolarTools Web SCADA SolarTools is a web-based SCADA that runs in the browser. It connects to your existing devices via Modbus, OPC UA and MQTT. You build P&ID diagrams and dashboards yourself. Alarms, reports and remote setpoint management live on the same platform. Server, backup and updates are included. Compare plans on our [pricing page](/fiyatlandirma) and try it free for 14 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best SCADA software?
There is no single best SCADA. Classic SCADA suits critical process control on a closed network; web SCADA suits multi-site and remotely monitored facilities. Decide by five-year total cost of ownership and protocol compatibility.
What determines SCADA software pricing?
In classic SCADA, price usually rises with tag count, client count and driver packs, plus separate annual maintenance. In web SCADA you pay a monthly or annual subscription that includes server, backup and updates.
Is web SCADA secure?
A properly built web SCADA uses encrypted connections, role-based access and two-factor login. Control stays in the PLC on site; the web layer is used for monitoring and authorised commands. This is often easier to manage than classic SCADA access opened through a VPN.
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