Introduction
When it comes to industrial automation and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, choosing the right visualization and data management platform is crucial. Two of the most popular solutions in the market today are PI Vision (by OSIsoft, now part of AVEVA) and Ignition (by Inductive Automation). Each platform has unique features and strengths, making them ideal for different industrial needs.
In this blog, we’ll compare PI Vision and Ignition based on key factors such as data integration, usability, flexibility, cost, and scalability, helping you decide which one best fits your requirements.
1. Overview of PI Vision and Ignition
PI Vision
PI Vision is a web-based visualization tool for OSIsoft’s PI System, a widely used data historian and real-time industrial data management system. It provides intuitive dashboards and trend analysis tools, making it easy for operators and engineers to access and analyze real-time and historical data.
Key Features:
- Web-based interface for easy accessibility
- Integration with PI System for real-time and historical data visualization
- Customizable dashboards and trends
- Role-based security and access control
- Mobile-friendly for on-the-go monitoring
Ignition
Ignition is a SCADA and IIoT platform that provides real-time control, data visualization, and connectivity across industrial environments. Unlike PI Vision, Ignition is a full-stack SCADA system that supports data acquisition, control, HMI, alarms, and analytics.
Key Features:
- Unlimited licensing model (tags, clients, and devices)
- Web-based and mobile-responsive design
- Advanced HMI, SCADA, and MES capabilities
- Extensive data integration with databases, PLCs, and IIoT devices
- Built-in scripting and customization with Python
2. Data Integration and Connectivity
PI Vision
PI Vision is designed specifically to work with the PI System. It seamlessly integrates with:
- PI Data Archive
- PI Asset Framework (AF)
- Other OSIsoft products
However, integration with third-party databases, control systems, and cloud platforms often requires additional connectors and custom scripting.
Ignition
Ignition is built to connect with a wide range of industrial and enterprise systems, including:
- PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Modbus, etc.)
- Databases (SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle)
- MQTT brokers for IIoT
- Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
If your system requires diverse connectivity, Ignition has a clear advantage.
3. Usability and Customization
PI Vision
PI Vision offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to create dashboards and trends without extensive coding knowledge. However, deeper customization is limited unless users leverage PI AF and custom scripting.
Ignition
Ignition offers extensive customization through Python scripting, SQL queries, and Java-based extensions. While it has a steeper learning curve, it provides unmatched flexibility for designing custom HMIs, dashboards, and automation solutions.
4. Scalability and Deployment
PI Vision
- Best suited for organizations already using the PI System.
- Can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud.
- Scaling often requires additional licensing costs.
Ignition
- Highly scalable and modular.
- Can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or at the edge.
- Unlimited licensing model makes it cost-effective for large-scale deployments.
5. Cost and Licensing
PI Vision
- Requires a PI System license, which can be costly for small and mid-sized operations.
- Additional costs for connectors and integrations.
- Licensing based on concurrent users and data points.
Ignition
- Offers unlimited licensing for tags, clients, and devices.
- One-time cost with optional modules for additional functionality.
- Generally more cost-effective for growing and enterprise-scale operations.
6. Ideal Use Cases
| Feature | PI Vision | Ignition |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | PI System users needing data visualization | Full SCADA & IIoT applications |
| Data Connectivity | Primarily PI System | Broad connectivity with PLCs, databases, cloud |
| Customization | Low (drag-and-drop) | High (Python, scripting, SQL) |
| Licensing | Per user, per data point | Unlimited tags, clients, devices |
| Scalability | Moderate | High |
7. Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose PI Vision if you are already using OSIsoft’s PI System and need a simple, web-based visualization tool for real-time data.
- Choose Ignition if you need a full SCADA solution with extensive customization, broad connectivity, and cost-effective scalability.
Conclusion
Both PI Vision and Ignition are powerful tools, but their use cases differ significantly. If you need SCADA, advanced automation, and IoT integration, Ignition is the better choice. If your focus is visualizing PI System data with minimal customization, PI Vision is the way to go.
At IoTech Controls, we help businesses integrate SCADA and IIoT solutions to maximize efficiency and digital transformation. Whether you choose PI Vision or Ignition, we can guide you in selecting and implementing the right system for your needs.
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🌐 Website: https://iotechcontrols.com/
📞 Call Us: 864-824-4468
