Ignition by Inductive Automation
Ignition is an industrial application platform that connects your entire enterprise by combining SCADA, MES, and IIoT capabilities into a single web-based solution for real-time data management and control.
GX Works3
GX Works3 is a comprehensive configuration and programming software designed to simplify the setup, maintenance, and operation of Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC iQ-R and iQ-F series programmable logic controllers.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Ignition by Inductive Automation | GX Works3 |
|---|---|---|
| Website | inductiveautomation.com | mitsubishielectric.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | One_time |
| Starting Price | Free | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2003 | 1921 |
| Headquarters | Folsom, USA | Tokyo, Japan |
Overview
Ignition by Inductive Automation
Ignition is a powerful industrial application platform designed to help you bridge the gap between your plant floor and your IT department. You can manage everything from SCADA and MES to IIoT and reporting within a single, unified environment. Because it is web-based, you can deploy an unlimited number of clients and tags without worrying about rising costs, allowing your entire team to access critical data from any device with a browser.
You can build custom industrial applications using a drag-and-drop designer that simplifies complex development tasks. It solves the problem of fragmented data by connecting to virtually any PLC, database, or device through open standards like OPC UA and MQTT. Whether you are managing a single facility or a global enterprise, you can scale your system instantly to meet changing production demands.
GX Works3
GX Works3 is the latest generation of system design and programming software from Mitsubishi Electric, specifically built for the MELSEC iQ-R and iQ-F series. You can manage your entire automation lifecycle—from initial system design and hardware configuration to complex programming and long-term maintenance—within a single, integrated environment. The software focuses on reducing engineering costs by providing a highly intuitive, graphics-based configuration tool that lets you visualize your hardware setup instantly.
You can choose from multiple programming languages like Ladder, Structured Text, and Function Block Diagram to suit your specific project needs. The platform includes a powerful simulation engine, allowing you to test your code and hardware logic in a virtual environment before deploying to the factory floor. This helps you catch errors early, reduce commissioning time, and ensure your industrial processes run smoothly from day one.
Overview
Ignition by Inductive Automation Features
- Unlimited Licensing Add as many tags, clients, and screens as you need without paying extra for every new connection or user.
- Perspective Module Build mobile-responsive industrial applications using CSS3 and HTML5 to monitor your plant floor from any smartphone or tablet.
- Real-Time Status Control Monitor your processes in real-time and send control commands back to your machines instantly through a secure web interface.
- Historical Data Logging Store massive amounts of process data in your preferred SQL database to analyze trends and improve long-term efficiency.
- Python Scripting Create advanced logic and custom functionality using standard Python scripting to solve unique engineering challenges on your floor.
- MQTT & IIoT Support Connect your edge devices to the cloud efficiently using lightweight MQTT protocols for superior data transmission in remote areas.
- Alarm Notification Configure custom alerts via email, SMS, or voice calls so your team can respond to critical issues immediately.
- Reporting Engine Generate professional PDF reports automatically to share production metrics and compliance data with stakeholders across your organization.
GX Works3 Features
- Module Configuration. Drag and drop hardware components to create a visual representation of your system while the software handles internal addressing automatically.
- Integrated Simulation. Test your program logic and monitor device states in a virtual PLC environment without needing any physical hardware on your desk.
- Multi-Language Support. Write your code using Ladder, Structured Text, or Function Block Diagrams, and even mix different languages within the same project.
- Global Label Management. Create and share labels across different program parts and even other software like GT Works3 to ensure data consistency.
- System Monitor. Troubleshoot your system in real-time with detailed diagnostic tools that highlight errors and provide suggested solutions for quick recovery.
- Safety Configuration. Set up and manage your safety CPU and remote I/O modules within the same interface to simplify your safety logic implementation.
Pricing Comparison
Ignition by Inductive Automation Pricing
- Free for personal use
- Up to 10,000 tags
- Includes Perspective module
- Web-based designer
- Community forum support
- Everything in Maker, plus:
- Commercial usage rights
- Unlimited tags and clients
- SQL database integration
- OPC UA server connections
- Standard support options
GX Works3 Pricing
Pros & Cons
Ignition by Inductive Automation
Pros
- Unlimited licensing model prevents unexpected cost increases
- Web-based deployment makes remote monitoring very simple
- Excellent cross-platform compatibility with Windows and Linux
- Active community and free online training resources
- Highly flexible for building custom dashboards
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced Python scripting
- Initial configuration requires solid networking knowledge
- Module-based pricing can be confusing at first
- Requires significant server resources for large deployments
GX Works3
Pros
- Intuitive graphical interface simplifies complex hardware configuration
- Powerful simulation tools reduce on-site commissioning time
- Seamless integration with other Mitsubishi Electric automation hardware
- Extensive library of pre-built function blocks saves time
- Robust diagnostic tools make troubleshooting significantly faster
Cons
- Large installation size requires significant disk space
- High initial license cost for small shops
- Learning curve when transitioning from older GX Works2