Combining Open-Source PLC and Web SCADA for Edge Automation

A Flexible, Cost-Effective Control Solution for the Industrial Edge

As industrial systems move closer to the edge, traditional automation architectures are being challenged. Conventional PLC + SCADA systems are often:

• Expensive to license and scale

• Rigid in architecture

• Difficult to integrate with IT systems and cloud platforms

At the same time, edge computing demands openness, flexibility, and connectivity.

By combining an Open-Source PLC runtime with a Web-based SCADA system, industrial users can build a modern edge automation solution that is lightweight, scalable, and future-proof.

1. Why Open-Source PLC at the Edge?

Traditional PLCs are reliable, but they come with limitations:

• Vendor lock-in

• Fixed hardware and I/O expansion

• Closed development environments

Open-source PLC solutions (such as OpenPLC-based runtimes) change this model.

Key Advantages of Open-Source PLC

• IEC 61131-3 programming support
  (Ladder, Structured Text, Function Blocks)

• Runs on ARM-based embedded computers

• Hardware-agnostic — not tied to a single vendor

• Easy integration with Linux, Docker, and modern IT tools

• No licensing fees, ideal for scalable deployments

When deployed on an ARM edge controller, the PLC logic runs closer to the field devices, reducing latency and improving reliability.

2. Web SCADA: Visualization Without Boundaries

Traditional SCADA systems often rely on:

• Heavy desktop clients

• Proprietary protocols

• Expensive runtime licenses

Web-based SCADA platforms remove these barriers.

Why Web SCADA?

• Browser-based access — no client installation

• Real-time dashboards using HTML5

• Cross-platform (PC, tablet, mobile)

• Easy remote monitoring

• Cloud and edge friendly

Operators, engineers, and managers can access the system anytime, anywhere, using a standard web browser.

3. The Power of Combining PLC + Web SCADA

Individually, Open-Source PLC and Web SCADA are powerful.
Combined, they create a complete edge automation stack.

What This Combination Delivers

• Real-time control at the edge

• Instant visualization via web dashboards

• Remote access and maintenance

• Easy integration with cloud platforms

• Lower total cost of ownership (TCO)

4. Ideal Use Cases for Edge Automation

This architecture is especially suitable for:

🏭 Industrial Automation

• Small to mid-scale production lines

• Distributed machines

• Retrofit projects

⚡ Energy & Utilities

• PV power stations

• Energy management systems

• Substation monitoring

🌾 Smart Agriculture

• Environmental monitoring

• Irrigation control

• Remote data visualization

🏢 Smart Buildings

• HVAC control

• Lighting automation

• Energy optimization

5. Why ARM-Based Embedded Computers Are the Perfect Host

Modern ARM industrial embedded computers provide the ideal platform for this solution.

Key Benefits

• Low power consumption

• Fanless, industrial-grade design

• Rich interfaces (Ethernet, RS485, GPIO, CAN)

• Linux ecosystem support

• Long lifecycle availability

Running PLC logic + Web SCADA on the same edge device simplifies system architecture and reduces hardware costs.

6. Open, Scalable, and Future-Ready

By adopting open technologies, users gain:

• Freedom from vendor lock-in

• Faster innovation cycles

• Easier customization

• Seamless IT/OT convergence

With support for MQTT, REST APIs, OPC UA, and cloud platforms, this solution fits naturally into Industry 4.0 and Industrial IoT architectures.

7. Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Build Edge Automation

The combination of Open-Source PLC and Web SCADA represents a new generation of automation solutions:

• Open instead of closed

• Flexible instead of rigid

• Edge-ready instead of centralized

For system integrators, OEMs, and industrial users, this approach delivers professional-grade control, modern visualization, and lower costs — all on a compact ARM-based edge platform.

Edge automation doesn’t have to be complex or expensive.
With open-source PLC and Web SCADA, it just works.