How to Choose the Right FactoryTalk View Studio License for Your HMI Project
FactoryTalk View Studio is a powerful software tool that allows you to create and manage human-machine interface (HMI) applications for your industrial operations. Whether you need a standalone machine-level HMI or a distributed supervisory-level HMI, FactoryTalk View Studio can help you design and deploy intuitive and informative graphical interfaces for your operators and technicians.
But how do you choose the right FactoryTalk View Studio license for your HMI project? In this article, we will explain the different types of licenses available and how they differ in terms of features, functionality, and cost.
FactoryTalk View Studio Enterprise
FactoryTalk View Studio Enterprise is the most comprehensive and versatile license option for FactoryTalk View Studio. It allows you to develop both FactoryTalk View Site Edition (SE) and FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (ME) applications. FactoryTalk View SE is a supervisory-level HMI software that provides an accurate real-time view of operations across multiple locations, while meeting the demands of multiple stakeholders[^2^]. FactoryTalk View ME is a machine-level HMI software that provides a reliable platform for monitoring and controlling individual machines or small processes[^2^].
With FactoryTalk View Studio Enterprise, you can create scalable and modular HMI applications that can run on various devices, such as desktop computers, industrial computers, panel PCs, thin clients, web browsers, and mobile devices. You can also leverage the integration with other FactoryTalk software products, such as FactoryTalk Historian, FactoryTalk Metrics, FactoryTalk Batch, FactoryTalk Alarms and Events, and more[^2^].
The main benefit of FactoryTalk View Studio Enterprise is that it gives you the flexibility to develop any type of HMI application that suits your needs. However, it also comes with a higher price tag than other license options. The list price for FactoryTalk View Studio Enterprise is $6,300 USD[^3^].
FactoryTalk View Studio for Machine Edition
FactoryTalk View Studio for Machine Edition is a more affordable and focused license option for FactoryTalk View Studio. It allows you to develop only FactoryTalk View ME applications. As mentioned earlier, FactoryTalk View ME is a machine-level HMI software that provides a reliable platform for monitoring and controlling individual machines or small processes[^2^].
With FactoryTalk View Studio for Machine Edition, you can create robust and user-friendly HMI applications that can run on various devices, such as PanelView Plus terminals, industrial computers, panel PCs, and mobile devices. You can also leverage the integration with other Rockwell Automation products, such as Logix controllers, Kinetix servo drives, PowerFlex drives, and more[^2^].
The main benefit of FactoryTalk View Studio for Machine Edition is that it offers a lower cost and simpler solution for machine-level HMI projects. However, it also has some limitations compared to FactoryTalk View Studio Enterprise. For example, it does not support distributed-server/multi-user applications, web clients, or OPC UA server interface[^2^]. The list price for FactoryTalk View Studio for Machine Edition is $1,800 USD[^3^].
Conclusion
FactoryTalk View Studio is a powerful software tool that allows you to create and manage human-machine interface (HMI) applications for your industrial operations. Depending on your project requirements and budget, you can choose between two license options: FactoryTalk View Studio Enterprise or FactoryTalk View Studio for Machine Edition.
FactoryTalk View Studio Enterprise is the most comprehensive and versatile license option that allows you to develop both supervisory-level and machine-level HMI applications. It also offers more features and functionality than FactoryTalk View Studio for Machine Edition. However, it also comes with a higher price tag.
FactoryTalk View Studio for Machine Edition is a more affordable and focused license option that allows you to develop only machine-level HMI applications. It also offers a simpler solution for machine-level HMI projects. However, it also has some limitations compared to FactoryTalk View Studio Enterprise.
To learn more about FactoryTalk View Studio and its license options, please visit https://