It can mean implementing integrated components, such as historian databases, alarm management, reporting, analytics, workforce collaboration and cloud connectivity. These technologies can work together to support daily workflows and long-term growth. It’s also important to select an industrial software platform purpose-built to support all stakeholders.
By implementing a consistent architecture and development environment, teams can avoid the inefficiencies and risks of juggling multiple systems and vendors.
Clear licensing for scalable growth
One of the biggest roadblocks to a control system’s ability to scale with a company is the traditional licensing process based on tag counts or server limits. This often makes planning difficult and scaling expensive. Fortunately, manufacturers now have more options to access modern platforms that offer flexible user-based or subscription models that align with real-world usage and budgeting needs.
This kind of licensing allows users to scale applications up or down as needed. For example:
- Edge licenses: These are ideal for frontline teams needing local HMI and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) connectivity for individual machines or production lines.
- Supervisory licenses: These are perfect for centralized SCADA across multiple sites, promoting visibility and standardization across departments.
As systems expand, these licenses can adapt to preserving past development efforts while enabling new functionality.
Easier deployment is the new standard
Deployment should be as flexible as the software itself. Whether running at the edge, in the control room, on mobile devices, in the cloud or all of the above, modern software should support any combination without added complexity.
With vendor-hosted cloud options, users benefit from simplified updates, enhanced security and a reduced maintenance burden. In addition, integration with systems like ERP (enterprise resources planning) or MES (manufacturing execution systems) ensures that data flows smoothly throughout the organization, bridging the gap between operations and enterprise systems.
Richer visualization for smarter operations
While traditional HMI/SCADA capabilities, such as trends and graphics, remain important, they’re now considered standard. The real value lies in the data and what teams can do with it.