🚨 Production Line Stopped? Choose the Right HMI/SCADA Platform to Avoi

A tank pressure alarm goes off. Your only SCADA developer is out. Now what?

With 70% of manufacturers facing skilled labor shortages (Deloitte, 2024), your HMI/SCADA platform should empower your team—not leave you dependent on a single developer.

This guide compares three key options: code-based, no-code/low-code, and hybrid platforms. Let’s break them down and help you choose the right fit for your operations.

⚙️ What Are the Different Types of HMI/SCADA Platforms?

🧠 Code-Based Platforms

These systems require programming skills to build logic and dashboards. Ideal for complex, custom processes.

Best for: Custom workflows, ERP/MES integration
Tools: Ignition, FactoryTalk View SE, AVEVA System Platform
Pros: Total control, custom security, integration capabilities
Cons: Long deployment times, requires developers, higher maintenance costs

🧩 No-Code/Low-Code Platforms

Drag-and-drop tools and templates let teams build systems quickly without deep coding skills.

Best for: Rapid deployment, simple dashboards
Tools: HighByte, Tatsoft FrameworX, IX Developer
Pros: Fast setup, low skill barrier, lower cost
Cons: Limited customization, feature limitations, abstraction risks

🔀 Hybrid Platforms

Combines visual tools with optional scripting. Great for scalability and team flexibility.

Best for: Mixed-skill teams, long-term growth
Tools: AVEVA Edge, Siemens WinCC Unified, Ignition with Perspective
Pros: Best of both worlds, phased rollouts, adaptable
Cons: Medium cost, needs documentation, initial training required

💵 HMI/SCADA Cost Comparison

Platform Type	Initial Cost	Deployment Time	Skill Level Needed	Ongoing Costs
Code-Based	$50K–$200K+	2–6 months	Developers	Dev salaries or third-party support
No-Code/Low-Code	$10K–$50K+	1–4 weeks	Beginner–Intermediate	Subscription or feature add-ons
Hybrid	$20K–$100K	1–8 weeks	Mixed	Moderate support/training

Pro Tip: Request a 3–5 year Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) from vendors.

🏭 Real-World Use Cases

✅ Code-Based in Action – Pharma Plant

Used Ignition to control 200+ batch parameters and integrate ERP/MES.

Time: 6 months | Team: 2 developers

✅ No-Code in Action – Food Processor

Used HighByte to monitor refrigeration across 10 sites. Deployed in 2 weeks by non-technical staff.

✅ Hybrid in Action – Automotive OEM

Siemens WinCC Unified built 80% of dashboards using no-code tools and added Python for robotics.

✅ Quick 5-Question Decision Guide

Question	If YES...	If NO...
Is your process complex?	Code or Hybrid	No-Code
Lacking in-house developers?	No-Code or Hybrid	Code may be okay
Need deployment under 1 month?	No-Code	Code or Hybrid with planning
Need MES/ERP/API integration?	Code or Hybrid	Basic platforms may suffice
Is scalability a priority?	Hybrid	No-Code could work

🔐 Common Questions

Can no-code platforms handle industrial security?

Yes—most offer encryption, role-based access, and IEC 62443 compliance. Always confirm during evaluation.

Are code-based platforms becoming outdated?

No. They're essential for high-complexity setups. Hybrid platforms are just making development more accessible.

Cloud vs. On-Premise?

No-Code: Often cloud-first
Code-Based: Typically on-prem
Hybrid: Often supports both

💡 Final Take: Combine Tools Strategically

Use No-Code: Dashboards, mobile HMIs, remote monitoring