Ignition vs AVEVA
Modern SCADA vs Legacy Industrial Software
AVEVA (formerly Wonderware) is one of the most established names in industrial software, offering InTouch HMI and System Platform for SCADA/HMI applications. While it has a large installed base, its architecture and licensing model reflect its legacy roots.
TL;DR
Ignition offers unlimited licensing, modern web-based clients, and a unified platform architecture — while AVEVA relies on per-client licensing, Windows-dependent clients, and a fragmented product portfolio requiring multiple purchases.
Feature Comparison
Architecture & Platform
| Feature | Ignition | AVEVA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Client Architecture | Web-based (HTML5) — runs on any browser, any device | Windows thick-client (InTouch) — requires installation | Ignition |
| Server OS Support | Windows, Linux, macOS | Windows only | Ignition |
| Mobile Access | Native mobile-responsive Perspective module | Limited — requires third-party or custom solutions | Ignition |
| Unified Platform | SCADA, MES, IIoT, Reporting in one platform | Separate products for each function | Ignition |
Licensing & Cost
| Feature | Ignition | AVEVA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Client Licensing | Unlimited clients included | Per-client license required | Ignition |
| Tag Count | Unlimited tags included | Tag-based tiers, additional cost for more | Ignition |
| Pricing Model | One-time purchase, optional annual support | Mix of perpetual + AVEVA Flex subscription | Ignition |
| Trial / Evaluation | Free 2-hour trial, unlimited resets, full features | Requires sales engagement for evaluation | Ignition |
Development & Ease of Use
| Feature | Ignition | AVEVA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scripting Language | Python/Jython — widely known, easy to learn | VBScript (InTouch) / C# (.NET) | Ignition |
| Development Speed | Rapid drag-and-drop with real-time preview | Moderate — more complex configuration | Ignition |
| Database Integration | Native SQL support for any JDBC database | Primarily AVEVA Historian, limited SQL flexibility | Ignition |
| Training Resources | Inductive University — 900+ free video courses | Paid training, AVEVA Learning portal | Ignition |
Scalability & Connectivity
| Feature | Ignition | AVEVA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Site Architecture | Enterprise Administration Module (EAM) for centralized management | System Platform — capable but complex licensing | Tie |
| Edge Computing | Ignition Edge — lightweight, affordable edge solution | AVEVA Edge (formerly InTouch Edge) — separate product | Ignition |
| Industrial Protocols | OPC-UA, Modbus, MQTT, Siemens, AB, DNP3, BACnet, and more | OPC, Modbus, Wonderware SuiteLink, DDE | Ignition |
| Cloud Deployment | Fully cloud-deployable (AWS, Azure, GCP) | AVEVA Connect cloud platform — additional cost | Ignition |
Pricing Comparison
Ignition Pricing
One-time server license starting at $3,290 with unlimited clients, tags, and connections. No per-client fees, no recurring costs. Free trial with full features.
AVEVA Pricing
Per-client and per-tag licensing. InTouch starts around $3,000–$5,000 per client. System Platform requires additional licenses. AVEVA Flex subscription model adds recurring costs. Total cost escalates quickly with scale.
Who Is It For?
Ignition is best for
- Companies wanting modern, scalable SCADA architecture
- Projects requiring unlimited clients without extra licensing
- Organizations moving to web-based and mobile interfaces
- Multi-site deployments with centralized management
- Teams seeking rapid development with Python scripting
AVEVA is best for
- Companies with large existing Wonderware installations
- Organizations heavily invested in the AVEVA ecosystem
- Projects requiring specific AVEVA industry templates
- Teams with deep Wonderware expertise already in place
Why Choose Ignition over AVEVA
AVEVA — Honest Assessment
AVEVA Strengths
- Large installed base and industry recognition
- Deep integration with Schneider Electric hardware
- Extensive industry-specific templates
- Mature historian (AVEVA Historian)
AVEVA Limitations
- Per-client licensing increases costs at scale
- Windows-dependent — no native web or mobile clients
- Fragmented product portfolio (InTouch, System Platform, Historian are separate)
- Complex licensing model difficult to predict
- Slower innovation cycle compared to modern platforms
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ignition replace AVEVA Wonderware InTouch?
Yes. Ignition's Perspective and Vision modules provide all the HMI/SCADA capabilities of InTouch, with the added benefit of web-based clients, unlimited licensing, and cross-platform support. Many organizations have successfully migrated from InTouch to Ignition.
How does Ignition pricing compare to AVEVA?
Ignition is significantly more cost-effective at scale. A full Ignition platform license starts at $3,290 with unlimited clients and tags. AVEVA requires per-client licenses ($3,000–$5,000 each), separate product purchases, and potentially AVEVA Flex subscription fees. For a 10-client deployment, Ignition can cost 5–10x less than an equivalent AVEVA setup.
Is it difficult to migrate from Wonderware to Ignition?
Migration complexity depends on the size and complexity of your existing Wonderware installation. As a certified Premier Ignition integrator, OperaMetrix provides full migration services including assessment, planning, development, and commissioning. Most migrations can be completed in phases to minimize downtime.
Does Ignition support Wonderware SuiteLink protocol?
Ignition does not natively support SuiteLink, which is a proprietary AVEVA protocol. However, Ignition supports OPC-UA and OPC-DA, which can communicate with AVEVA systems through standard OPC servers. This enables coexistence during migration phases.
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Read comparisonReady to switch to Ignition?
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