Ignition vs Rockwell FactoryTalk
Flexible Open Platform vs Rockwell-Centric Suite
Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk suite includes FactoryTalk View SE/ME, FactoryTalk Optix, and related products for SCADA/HMI. It's deeply integrated with Allen-Bradley PLCs but carries significant licensing costs and complexity for broader deployments.
TL;DR
Ignition provides a unified, open platform with unlimited licensing and web-based clients. FactoryTalk is best within the Rockwell ecosystem but requires multiple product purchases and per-client licenses for broader SCADA needs.
Feature Comparison
Architecture & Platform
| Feature | Ignition | Rockwell FactoryTalk | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Approach | Single unified platform for SCADA, MES, IIoT | Multiple products: View SE, View ME, Optix, Historian, etc. | Ignition |
| Client Technology | HTML5 web browser — no installation | View SE: Windows client / Optix: web-capable (newer) | Ignition |
| Server OS | Windows, Linux, macOS, Docker | Windows only | Ignition |
Licensing & Cost
| Feature | Ignition | Rockwell FactoryTalk | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing Model | Unlimited clients/tags in base license | Per-client, per-server, per-tag tiers | Ignition |
| 10-Client Deployment Cost | ~$3,290–$15,000 (depending on modules) | ~$35,000–$50,000+ (server + clients + tags) | Ignition |
| Trial Access | Free unlimited trial (2h reset), full features | Demo requires sales engagement | Ignition |
Development & Connectivity
| Feature | Ignition | Rockwell FactoryTalk | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allen-Bradley Support | Full native driver for all AB PLCs | Native, seamless (same company) | Tie |
| Multi-Vendor Support | 50+ drivers (Siemens, Schneider, Mitsubishi, etc.) | Primarily Allen-Bradley, OPC for others | Ignition |
| Scripting Language | Python/Jython | VBA (View SE) / .NET (Optix) | Ignition |
| Database Integration | Native SQL for any JDBC database | FactoryTalk Historian (separate license) | 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.
Rockwell FactoryTalk Pricing
Per-client and per-server licensing. FactoryTalk View SE Server ~$10,000+, each SE Client ~$2,500+. FactoryTalk Optix has new pricing tiers. Annual TechConnect support contract typically required.
Who Is It For?
Ignition is best for
- Multi-vendor industrial environments
- Projects requiring unlimited SCADA clients
- Organizations seeking web/mobile-first SCADA
- Cost-conscious deployments at scale
- Teams wanting Python-based development
Rockwell FactoryTalk is best for
- Allen-Bradley PLC-centric environments
- Companies standardized on Rockwell hardware
- PanelView HMI panel applications
- Tight integration with ControlLogix/CompactLogix
Why Choose Ignition over Rockwell FactoryTalk
Rockwell FactoryTalk — Honest Assessment
Rockwell FactoryTalk Strengths
- Seamless Allen-Bradley PLC integration
- Strong PanelView HMI hardware line
- FactoryTalk Optix brings modern web capabilities
- Large partner ecosystem in North America
Rockwell FactoryTalk Limitations
- Expensive per-client and per-server licensing
- Multiple products needed for full SCADA functionality
- FactoryTalk View SE still Windows-dependent
- Complex product portfolio creates confusion
- Limited multi-vendor PLC support
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ignition replace FactoryTalk View SE?
Yes. Ignition provides all the SCADA/HMI capabilities of FactoryTalk View SE with added benefits: unlimited web clients, cross-platform deployment, and Python scripting. Ignition's Allen-Bradley driver provides full native communication with ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and MicroLogix PLCs.
How much can we save by switching from FactoryTalk to Ignition?
Savings typically range from 50% to 80% on licensing costs alone. A 10-client FactoryTalk deployment can cost $35,000–$50,000+, while Ignition covers the same scope for $3,290–$15,000 with unlimited clients. Long-term savings increase further as you scale without per-client fees.
Does Ignition work well with Allen-Bradley PLCs?
Excellent. Ignition's native Allen-Bradley driver is one of the most mature and widely used. It supports ControlLogix, CompactLogix, MicroLogix, SLC, and PLC-5 platforms with full read/write capability and UDT support.
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Read comparisonReady to switch to Ignition?
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