
AdvancedHMI
Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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What is AdvancedHMI
AdvancedHMI is a Windows-based HMI/SCADA software framework built on Microsoft .NET for creating operator interfaces and basic supervisory monitoring for industrial automation systems. It is commonly used by controls engineers and system integrators to build custom HMIs that communicate with PLCs and other devices through supported drivers. The product is distributed as an open-source project with a Visual Studio-centric development workflow, emphasizing customizable screens and code-level extensibility rather than a turnkey SCADA platform.
Open-source and customizable
AdvancedHMI is distributed as an open-source .NET project, which allows teams to inspect and modify the source code to fit specific machine or line requirements. This can reduce vendor lock-in for organizations that prefer to own and maintain their HMI application code. It also enables deep customization beyond what is typically available in configuration-only SCADA tools.
Strong fit for .NET teams
The development model aligns with Visual Studio and common .NET practices, which can be efficient for engineering teams already building Windows applications. Developers can integrate HMI screens with custom logic, libraries, and external systems using standard .NET patterns. This approach can be practical for bespoke OEM or in-house applications where code-first control is a priority.
PLC connectivity via drivers
AdvancedHMI includes communication components intended to connect to industrial controllers and devices through supported protocols/drivers. This enables real-time tag reads/writes for operator screens and basic supervisory functions. For smaller deployments, this can cover core HMI needs without requiring a full enterprise SCADA stack.
Not a turnkey SCADA suite
AdvancedHMI is primarily a framework for building HMIs rather than a fully packaged SCADA platform with extensive out-of-the-box modules. Capabilities often expected in larger SCADA products—such as centralized management, multi-site governance, and broad built-in integrations—may require additional development or third-party components. This can increase engineering effort for organizations seeking a ready-to-deploy SCADA environment.
Engineering effort and maintenance
Because solutions are typically built and maintained as custom applications, teams must plan for software lifecycle tasks such as version control, testing, deployment, and long-term maintainability. Upgrades and changes can require developer involvement rather than configuration-only updates. This can be a constraint for plants that rely on minimal IT/OT software development resources.
Ecosystem and support model
As an open-source project, support is generally community-driven rather than delivered through enterprise SLAs. Availability of certified training, validated reference architectures, and vendor-backed support options may be limited compared with commercial SCADA offerings. Organizations with strict support and compliance requirements may need to establish internal support processes.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| AdvancedHMI Base Package | $0.00 (perpetually free) | Full HMI/SCADA software (Visual Studio solution, drivers, controls). Open-source/free to use and distribute; no license keys/dongles. Hardware (e.g., 15" Industrial Panel PC Gen3) sold separately on vendor site (example listed at $1,750). |