Kepware Pricing for CNC Connectors: Real Numbers (2026)
Kepware Pricing for CNC Integrations: What Integrators Actually Pay in 2026
Kepware (KEPServerEX, owned by PTC) does not publish list pricing, which makes scoping a CNC project quote frustrating. This article compiles publicly reported numbers, partner-channel ranges, and project-cost patterns we've seen across integrator deployments. All figures are ranges — verify with your reseller before quoting a customer.
Quick Answer: Kepware Costs in Plain Numbers
For a representative 50-machine CNC project (mixed Fanuc, Siemens, Mazak), Kepware first-year licensing typically lands in the $30,000–$60,000 range for the connectivity layer alone. That's KEPServerEX server license + CNC driver suite (Focas, MTConnect, Siemens, Mitsubishi) + connection tier + 20% PSP. Dashboards, OEE, downtime classification — all built separately on top.
Smaller projects scale down but rarely below $7,000–$12,000 first-year for any meaningful CNC scope. Larger enterprise projects with 200+ machines and multi-site can reach $150,000+.
How Kepware Licensing Actually Works
The Server License (KEPServerEX)
The base server is a one-time perpetual license. Without drivers it's effectively useless — drivers determine what the server can talk to.
Driver Suites and How They're Bundled
Kepware groups drivers into suites: Manufacturing Suite, Process Suite, Building Automation, etc. The CNC-relevant drivers (Fanuc Focas, MTConnect, Mitsubishi MELSEC, Siemens TIA / S7) sit across Manufacturing Suite and individual driver SKUs. Suite pricing is meaningfully cheaper than buying drivers individually if you need three or more.
Connection Tiers
KEPServerEX prices by simultaneous connection count: typical tiers are 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, unlimited. A "connection" is one client/device session. On a CNC fleet, each machine usually counts as one connection; on PLC environments with multiple devices behind one server it can be more. This tier is usually the second-largest cost driver after drivers.
Annual Support and Maintenance (PSP)
PTC Service Program (PSP) for Kepware is approximately 20% of license fee per year. Required for software updates, technical support, and Focas/Heidenhain library upgrades. Skipping PSP is technically allowed but leaves you stuck on a frozen version.
What's a "Connection" in Kepware Terms?
This trips up most integrator quotes. A connection is one TCP/IP session between KEPServerEX and a downstream device. For most CNC machines: 1 machine = 1 connection. But:
- A single SINUMERIK with multiple OPC UA endpoints can use 1–2 connections.
- An MTConnect adapter aggregating multiple machines counts as 1 connection.
- A PLC with multiple subdevices counts as 1.
- Redundant connections (failover) count as 2.
For pure CNC counts you can estimate 1:1, but always verify with the reseller for edge cases.
Kepware Drivers Relevant for CNC Projects
Fanuc Focas Driver
Reads Fanuc Focas 1 and Focas 2. Covers spindle data, axis positions, alarms, modal codes, program info. Pricing typically falls within the Manufacturing Suite if bought together, or as a standalone driver SKU. Focas library distribution is included via PTC's agreement with Fanuc.
Siemens S7 / OPC UA Drivers
S7 driver covers SINUMERIK powerline (840D powerline, S7-300/400 PLCs underneath). OPC UA driver handles 828D, 840D sl, ONE. Modern Siemens projects use OPC UA. Both drivers are mature and stable.
Mitsubishi MELSEC Driver
Covers Mitsubishi PLCs (FX, Q, L, iQ-R, iQ-F) and CNC controllers via MELSEC. Strong, broadly deployed.
MTConnect Driver
Reads MTConnect agents — used for Mazak (SmartBox), Haas NGC, Okuma OSP (with adapter), and any other machine exposing MTConnect.
Allen-Bradley / Modbus / Generic
For CNC-adjacent equipment (chip conveyors, coolant systems, robots), the Allen-Bradley and Modbus drivers cover most cases.
Real Cost Scenarios
These are illustrative ranges based on partner-channel reports. Actual quotes vary by region, reseller, deal size, and bundling.
Scenario 1: 10-Machine Single-Site Fanuc Shop
10 Fanuc CNCs, single integrator, single dashboard layer.
| Component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| KEPServerEX server license | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Manufacturing Suite drivers (Focas) | $3,000–$5,000 |
| 10-connection tier | included or +$500–$1,500 |
| PSP (20%, year 1) | $900–$1,800 |
| Year 1 software total | $5,400–$10,800 |
| Custom dashboard build (200 hours @ $100) | $20,000 |
| Year 1 all-in | $25,400–$30,800 |
Scenario 2: 50-Machine Mixed-Brand Plant
20 Fanuc, 15 Siemens, 10 Mazak, 5 Heidenhain.
| Component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| KEPServerEX server license | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Manufacturing Suite + MTConnect + Heidenhain | $10,000–$18,000 |
| 50-connection tier | $5,000–$10,000 |
| PSP (20%, year 1) | $3,300–$6,100 |
| Year 1 software total | $19,800–$36,600 |
| Custom dashboard build (400 hours) | $40,000 |
| Heidenhain DNC option codes (5 × ~$2,000) | $10,000 |
| Year 1 all-in | $69,800–$86,600 |
Scenario 3: 200-Machine Multi-Site Enterprise
3 sites, mixed brands, central historian.
| Component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| 3× KEPServerEX servers + drivers | $30,000–$50,000 |
| Connection tiers (per site) | $15,000–$30,000 |
| PSP (20%, year 1) | $9,000–$16,000 |
| Site-to-cloud aggregation infrastructure | $20,000–$40,000 |
| Year 1 software/infra | $74,000–$136,000 |
| Custom dashboards + MES integration (1,200 hours) | $120,000 |
| Year 1 all-in | $194,000–$256,000 |
Hidden Costs Integrators Forget
Tag Modeling and Configuration Hours
KEPServerEX gives you tags. Mapping Focas function calls to a meaningful tag tree (Machine01.Spindle.Load, Machine01.Program.ActiveONumber, Machine01.Alarm.Active) is engineering work. Budget 4–10 hours per machine for the first 10 machines, declining to 1–2 hours/machine after the template is mature.
Building the Dashboard Layer Yourself
If the customer wants OEE, downtime classification, andon, shift reports — you build it. Power BI, Grafana, ThingWorx, custom React, all viable, all expensive. 200–600 hours typical for first version.
Server, OS, and Hardware
Windows Server license, sized industrial PC or VM, network switching/cabling.
Renewals and Version Upgrades
PSP at 20%/year forever. If you skip a year, reinstating typically requires paying back-PSP plus a reinstatement fee.
How Kepware Pricing Compares to MDCplus
Per-machine pricing models like MDCplus's eliminate the connection-tier cliff (where adding the 51st machine kicks you to the next price tier) and bundle dashboards into the product. On the 50-machine project above, MDCplus year-1 cost lands at a fraction of the Kepware all-in figure when dashboards are included. Run the numbers for your specific project in the cost calculator.
For the head-to-head feature comparison see MDCplus vs Kepware.
How to Reduce Kepware Costs Without Switching
If switching isn't on the table, three patterns help:
- Consolidate connections — use MTConnect adapters or aggregator devices to bring multiple machines under one connection.
- Stay on lower connection tiers longer — group cells onto separate KEPServerEX instances on cheaper hardware.
- Negotiate the Manufacturing Suite hard — list discounts of 15–30% are achievable for committed multi-year deals.
- Skip PSP only if you're frozen on a stable Focas version — risky; only viable for projects with no expansion plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kepware really expensive?
For CNC-heavy projects with built-in analytics expectations, yes — when you include dashboard build hours. For pure connectivity in a broader SCADA project, pricing is competitive.
Why doesn't PTC publish Kepware pricing?
Industry norm for industrial software — pricing varies by region, reseller, deal size, and bundle. Public list prices would constrain the channel.
Does Kepware charge per connection or per machine?
Per simultaneous connection. On most CNC fleets that's effectively per-machine, with edge cases noted above.
What's the cheapest way to get Kepware for a small project?
Check Kepware's "Edge" or trial editions for under-5-machine pilots. Beyond that, the server + Manufacturing Suite + appropriate connection tier is the standard path.
How does Kepware pricing compare to MDCplus on 50 machines?
MDCplus typically lands at a fraction of Kepware's all-in cost when dashboards are included. See MDCplus vs Kepware.
Can I bring Kepware to a customer who already has KEPServerEX?
Yes — and you can extend an existing license to support more machines. Always check whether the existing PSP is current.
Are Kepware drivers transferable between licenses?
License transfers are subject to PTC's terms — typically allowed within a customer organization, restricted across organizations.
Does Kepware include Focas library licensing?
Yes — PTC has a redistribution agreement with Fanuc covering the Focas library used by the Kepware driver. You don't need to license Focas separately. See OEM Protocol Licensing Guide.
Estimate Your Project Cost with MDCplus
If you're scoping a CNC project and want a fast comparable quote, request a demo and we'll provide a per-machine MDCplus number against your machine list. Or run your scenario through the cost calculator and see the side-by-side.
Related:
- CNC Connectivity Software for Integrators (Hub)
- MDCplus vs Kepware
- Build vs Buy Fanuc Connector
- Per-Machine vs Site Licensing
- CNC Project Cost Calculator
- ROI Calculator
About MDCplus
Our key features are real-time machine monitoring for swift issue resolution, power consumption tracking to promote sustainability, computerized maintenance management to reduce downtime, and vibration diagnostics for predictive maintenance. MDCplus's solutions are tailored for diverse industries, including aerospace, automotive, precision machining, and heavy industry. By delivering actionable insights and fostering seamless integration, we empower manufacturers to boost Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce operational costs, and achieve sustainable growth along with future planning.
Ready to increase your OEE, get clearer vision of your shop floor, and predict sustainably?
