Top Free & Open-Source SCADA & Industrial Automation Software

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are the backbone of industrial automation. They collect, visualize, and control data from PLCs, sensors, and production equipment, making them essential for monitoring real-time operations and ensuring uptime. Open-source SCADA software has matured to the point where manufacturers can deploy reliable, customizable systems without vendor lock-in.

1. OpenSCADA (part of Eclipse SCADA / ScadaBR lineage)

Best for: broad industrial deployments with open protocols.
OpenSCADA is part of the Eclipse IoT ecosystem and supports OPC, Modbus, SNMP, and IEC standards. It includes data logging, HMI, scripting, and alarm management modules. Modular and highly extendable for different PLC environments.
License: GPLv2 / Open Source.
Used by: integrators in Europe for utilities, energy, and manufacturing monitoring.

2. ScadaBR

Best for: web-based SCADA for small to mid-size factories.
Built on Java and using Mango M2M as its base, ScadaBR supports Modbus RTU/TCP, OPC, and SNMP out of the box. Includes visualization, alarms, and historical trends. Easy to configure for real-time dashboards.
License: GPL / Open Source.
Used by: Brazilian and EU industrial integrators; open deployments in energy and automotive supply lines.

3. RapidSCADA

Best for: industrial automation, HVAC, and process control.
RapidSCADA is a full-featured open SCADA system with a web interface, trend logging, and Modbus/OPC integration. Windows and Linux compatible with rich plugin ecosystem. Suitable for manufacturing, utilities, and infrastructure.
License: AGPLv3 / Open Source.
Used by: industrial automation firms in Eastern Europe and Asia; numerous energy projects.

4. Ignition Edge (Community / Maker Edition)

Best for: entry-level digitalization and edge connectivity.
Inductive Automation offers a free "Maker Edition" of Ignition Edge for non-commercial use. It provides modern HMI, data collection, and MQTT connectivity for small production setups. The paid version scales to full enterprise SCADA.
License: Freemium / Community Edition.
Used by: small-scale manufacturers, educational automation labs.

5. FreeSCADA

Best for: basic SCADA with .NET/Windows environments.
An older open-source SCADA supporting Modbus and OPC servers. While less active, still useful for lightweight visualization and control in research or prototype setups.
License: GPL / Open Source.
Used by: universities and industrial automation students for learning and testing.

6. OpenPLC + HMI Integration

Best for: integrated open PLC + SCADA environments.
OpenPLC is an open-source PLC runtime and development environment supporting IEC 61131-3 languages. Combined with tools like Node-RED or Grafana, it can act as a low-cost SCADA alternative for automation R&D and training setups.
License: GPLv3 / Open Source.
Used by: automotive R&D labs, robotics educators, and training centers worldwide.

7. Node-RED

Best for: rapid prototyping of control and automation logic.
Node-RED, developed by IBM and part of the JS Foundation, provides a flow-based programming interface for connecting PLCs, APIs, and data sources. Not a full SCADA, but frequently used as its backbone for data routing, visualization, and control logic.
License: Apache 2.0 / Open Source.
Used by: integrators and OEMs for building lightweight automation and IIoT systems.

8. OpenHAB (industrial edge adaptation)

Best for: facility and environmental automation linked to production.
While originally designed for smart buildings, OpenHAB’s modular design and MQTT/Modbus bindings make it suitable for light industrial automation or energy control layers in manufacturing.
License: Eclipse Public License / Open Source.
Used by: industrial energy and utilities teams as auxiliary control layer.

9. MySCADA (Community Edition)

Best for: modern HTML5-based SCADA interface.
MySCADA offers a free community version with a web and mobile HMI editor. Supports Modbus, Siemens, and Ethernet/IP. Easy to deploy on Raspberry Pi or edge servers for smaller cells or educational setups.
License: Freemium / Community.
Used by: integrators in discrete automation demos and training labs.

10. PyScada

Best for: Python developers integrating control and analytics.
PyScada is a Python-based open-source SCADA with Modbus and MQTT connectivity. Highly extensible and integrates well with Grafana or InfluxDB for analytics. Perfect for research and pilot projects.
License: GPLv3 / Open Source.
Used by: R&D environments and small industrial labs experimenting with open automation stacks.

Free SCADA Comparison Table

SCADA Recommendations

For industrial-grade open SCADA, OpenSCADA and RapidSCADA remain the most proven and actively supported. They offer full-stack functionality for production monitoring and can integrate with MES or CMMS systems.

For smaller manufacturers or educational use, ScadaBR and MySCADA Community Edition provide modern interfaces and low deployment barriers.

If your team focuses on custom automation logic or IIoT integration, Node-RED, PyScada, and OpenPLC offer flexibility unmatched by closed SCADA suites.

By 2025, open and hybrid SCADA platforms are no longer niche. From automotive assembly to food processing and energy plants, these systems give integrators full control over architecture, data ownership, and customization. When paired with MES or IIoT layers like ThingsBoard or Fledge, they form the foundation for scalable, transparent industrial automation without the licensing overhead of traditional SCADA vendors.

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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.