Top 12 HMI/SCADA Selection Criteria for 2025

Selecting the right HMI/SCADA software is a decision that can impact your operations for the next 10+ years. With today’s systems supporting everything from real-time analytics to cloud integration, your choice matters more than ever.

This guide walks through 12 critical selection criteria to help you identify the best HMI/SCADA solution for your application, whether you’re in food processing, water treatment, energy, or general manufacturing.

Use this as a reference checklist during your evaluation process, and please don't hesitate to contact us if you require personalized recommendations.

1. Scalability & Modularity

Can the system grow with your plant? Look for software that supports everything from single-machine HMIs to enterprise-wide SCADA platforms. Modular licensing and architecture allow you to start small and scale over time.

2. Ease of Use: Code vs. No-Code

No-code platforms simplify deployment and reduce long-term maintenance costs. Unless you require deep customization, opt for configurable software that your team can manage without ongoing support from an integrator.

3. Alarm Management Tools

Advanced alarm features, such as prioritization, suppression, shelving, and ISA 18.2 support, enhance safety and responsiveness. Alarming should also integrate with notifications and historical tracking.

4. Data Logging & Historian Capabilities

Look for efficient data compression, storage, and retrieval features. OPC UA HDA support is a plus, especially for OT/IT integration. A solid historian makes trend analysis and reporting much easier.

5. User Interface & Visualization

Modern HMI/SCADA platforms should offer web-based and mobile-ready graphical user interfaces (GUIs), drag-and-drop tools, and support for trends, gauges, alarm widgets, and rich graphics. Avoid systems that still rely heavily on legacy scripting like VBA.

6. Tag Management & Modeling

Efficient tag management is essential for large systems. Support for ISA-95, hierarchical structures, and Unified Namespace (UNS) simplifies development and analytics. Systems that link graphic objects to structured tag models save time and reduce errors.

7. Data Analytics & Insight Generation

Does the platform support real-time and historical analytics? Look for rules-based logic, templates, and the ability to apply analytics to tag models. The best platforms enable smart alarms, predictive maintenance, and KPI dashboards.

8. Reporting & Notifications

Automated reports and real-time alerts via SMS, email, or integrations with third-party systems help keep your team informed. Built-in reporting tools should support relational and historian data sources.

9. Integration: Southbound & Northbound Connectivity

Southbound protocols, such as MODBUS, Ethernet/IP, and BACnet, ensure connections with field devices. Northbound protocols, such as OPC UA, MQTT, and REST APIs, enable enterprise integration. Choose software that supports both IT and OT standards.

10. Standards Compliance

Look for support of key industry standards: OPC UA, ISA 18.2, ISA 95, ISA 62443 (cybersecurity), 21 CFR Part 11 (pharma), and BTL certification (BACnet). These are vital for interoperability, regulatory compliance, and long-term flexibility.

11. Vendor Support & Field Proven Track Record

Your software vendor should offer responsive technical support, clear documentation, and long-term viability. Bonus if the platform is OEM-endorsed or recommended by your automation hardware provider.

12. Cost & Licensing Model

Beyond the initial price, evaluate the total cost of ownership: support fees, update access, hardware needs, and integrator involvement. Newer licensing models (OpEx subscriptions) may better fit your budget than traditional CapEx licenses.

Free Download: HMI/SCADA Selection Checklist

Want the full list of 35+ criteria? Download our printable evaluation checklist to guide your team through vendor comparisons.

→ Download the Checklist (PDF)

Up Next

In the next post in our series, we’ll dive deeper into one of the most debated decisions: should you choose a code-based or no-code HMI/SCADA platform?

→ Coming Soon: Code vs. No-Code: Which HMI/SCADA Platform Is Right for You?

Need help comparing vendors or planning a modernization project? Talk to our team—we’ll help you find a solution that fits your application, industry, and goals.