What is the purpose of this article?
This article outlines IoT and SCADA alternatives to retrieve data from sensors, PLCs, etc., process it, visualize it in an interactive way, and, if possible, send the information to a cloud service for remote monitoring.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


1. Node-RED

Node-RED is a programming tool based on Node.js that uses visual flows for easy implementation of data-processing applications. It is widely used for IoT and industrial applications, including integrating Rheonics sensors with MQTT brokers for remote monitoring or SCADA systems.

  • Flow-based visual programming interface.
  • Wide library of nodes for various communication protocols (Modbus, MQTT, OPC-UA, HTTP, etc.).
  • Easy integration with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc.).
  • Runs on lightweight hardware (Raspberry Pi, edge devices).
  • Open-source and community-supported.
To set up Node-RED and read data from a Rheonics sensor via Modbus to publish it to an MQTT broker for remote monitoring, refer to the following articles: Node-RED Setup and MQTT for Rheonics Sensors and Integrating Rheonics Sensors with Node-RED and MQTT for Remote Data Access.

Figure 1: Node-RED [1]

Figure 1: Node-RED [1]


2. Ignition

Ignition by Inductive Automation is a commercial SCADA platform that allows for process control, data tracking, and real-time analysis.

  • Connectivity with multiple protocols: OPC UA, Modbus, BACnet, MQTT (Sparkplug B), databases, and REST APIs.
  • Built-in Ignition Designer for HMI and dashboard creation.
  • Real-time data tracking, alarming, and analytics.
  • Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS).
To visualize Rheonics sensor data in Ignition SCADA using the Rheonics templates and MQTT, refer to the following articles: Rheonics sensor integration with Ignition SCADA and Integrating Multiple Rheonics Sensors via MQTT in Ignition SCADA.

Figure 2: Rheonics Ignition template [2]

3. Fuxa

Fuxa is an open-source, web-based HMI-SCADA dashboard platform that connects to industrial protocols and visualizes data in real time through customizable dashboards. It provides a browser-based editor for interface design [3].

  • Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, ARM architectures).
  • Connectivity with industrial and IoT protocols: OPC UA, Modbus, BACnet, Ethernet/IP, WebAPI, MQTT.
  • Real-time charts and alarm management.
  • Supports sending and receiving data from MQTT brokers.


Figure 3: Fuxa web based software [4]


4. CDP Studio

CDP Studio is a software platform for control, monitoring, and HMI development that allows users to perform real-time analysis of data and write code for the logic of the system's components [5].

  • Cross-platform (Windows, Linux).
  • Drag-and-drop Web UI creation.
  • Compatible with a wide range of communication protocols: CANOpen I/O, ExternalControl I/O, GPIO, I²C, MQTT, Modbus, NMEA, OPC UA, SNMP, UDP.
  • Allows integration with different hardware (PLCs, sensors, etc.).


Figure 4: CDP Studio [5]


5. ICS360 Fusion

ICS360 Fusion is a tool designed to collect, calculate, transform, and visualize data in dashboards. It uses a visual, flow-based programming approach similar to Node-RED.

  • Visual flow-based programming for data transformation and logic.
  • Dashboard creation.
  • Cross-platform (Windows, Linux).
  • Integrates data from various industrial and IoT sources.


Figure 5: ICS360 Fusion [6]


6. ThingsBoard

ThingsBoard is an open-source IoT platform for data collection, processing, visualization, and device management. It allows remote monitoring, offers its own open-source MQTT broker, and includes intuitive interfaces for dashboard creation. It supports both edge and cloud deployments, making it flexible for IoT systems [7].

  • Modular architecture with IoT Gateway, Edge, and Server components.
  • Built-in Rule Engine for data processing, which receives and routes incoming events.
  • Supports numerous communication protocols: MQTT, OPC-UA, Modbus, BLE, HTTP, CAN, BACnet, ODBC, SNMP.
  • Real-time dashboards and customizable widgets.
  • Open-source MQTT broker.
  • Enables remote monitoring and device management.


Figure 6: ThingsBoard Rule Engine [8]


Figure 7: ThingsBoard Dashboard [9]



7. Litmus IoT

Litmus IoT is an industrial integration tool that connects to devices and systems, processes real-time data, and integrates with different services. It supports real-time data processing with AI for predictive maintenance.

  • Connects to PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems, etc.
  • Supports multiple communication protocols: OPC UA, MQTT, Ethernet/IP, RS232, RS485, CAN.
  • Real-time monitoring and analytics.


Figure 8: ThingsBoard Dashboard [10]


8. Comparison

Table 1: SCADA Platforms

PlatformLicenseBest suited for
Node-REDOpen-sourceLightweight, flexible flow-based integrations on edge devices (e.g. Raspberry Pi) with Rheonics SRV/SRD sensors.
IgnitionCommercialFull SCADA deployments needing enterprise support. Has a test trial.
FuxaOpen-sourceFree browser-based HMI/SCADA with a visual dashboard editor.
CDP StudioCommercialProjects needing custom application logic alongside HMI design.
ICS360 FusionCommercialFlow-based programming approach and dashboard creation.
ThingsBoardOpen-source / CloudFull IoT platforms needing device management plus edge and cloud deployment.
Litmus IoTCommercialPredictive-maintenance use cases connecting directly to PLC/DCS/SCADA systems.


9. References