Rapid SCADA

What Is Rapid SCADA?

Rapid SCADA is an open-source platform for building industrial monitoring and control systems. The software supports device communication, data collection, and control functions. For larger implementations, it can serve as the core for developing custom SCADA and MES solutions. It runs on servers, embedded computers, and in the cloud, with individual nodes exchanging data with each other and interacting with external databases.

What Is Rapid SCADA Best For?

A key Rapid SCADA capability is its table view configuration, which lays out historical channel data in a grid rather than a custom screen. Each table item opens a chart of the associated channel, and a dedicated button brings up a dialog for sending a command directly from the same view.  

How Much Does Rapid SCADA Cost?

Rapid SCADA pricing starts at $490 for the Standard plan for up to 1,000 channels. Other plans include:

• Rapid SCADA Community: Free
• Rapid SCADA Standard:
  • Up to 5,000 channels: $690
  • Up to 10,000 channels: $920
• Rapid SCADA Enterprise: Custom pricing based on the number of channels
• Rapid SCADA Embedded: $95

Organizations should also consider the following additional expenses:

• Additional Modules And Plugins: Around $49–$280/module, depending on functionality
• Additional Drivers: Additional communication drivers may increase the overall software cost. For example, the Modbus Slave Driver costs $280, while the Telegram Driver costs $49
• Reporting: The Auto Report Application is priced at $550 for business users
• Technical Support: Extended technical support costs $230 for 6 months or $395 for 12 months 

Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.

Rapid SCADA Integrations

Rapid SCADA supports integration with external systems and databases, including:  

• Microsoft SQL Server
• MySQL
• PostgreSQL
• Oracle

How Does Rapid SCADA Work?

Here's how you can access the platform and start configuring your system:

• Log in to Rapid SCADA administrator with your project credentials to access the configuration database
• Set up devices and communication lines in Communicator, configuring drivers such as Modbus, OPC, or SNMP
• Define channels in the configuration database to specify which data points are collected and where they're archived
• Build views, including table views and mimic diagrams, to display live and historical data through the web interface
• Deploy the server and Webstation to keep the project running and give operators browser-based access from any device

Who Is Rapid SCADA For?

The platform is used across various industries and by professionals, such as:

• Engineers
• Programmers
• Utilities
• Manufacturing

Rapid SCADA Use Cases

Based on our analysis of Rapid SCADA's capabilities, we've identified the scenarios where this software performs strongest:

Connecting Mixed-Vendor Equipment Through OPC

Plants running equipment from several different manufacturers often struggle to get everything talking to one monitoring system. Rapid SCADA addresses this through its OPC client, built into the Communicator application, which supports both OPC DA for reading and writing current device data and OPC AE for receiving alarm and event notifications. This makes it a practical fit for facilities that already run OPC servers from their existing automation vendors and want a single SCADA layer on top of them.

Teams Handling Recurring Regulatory Or Billing Reports

Energy accounting, utility billing, and regulated industries can benefit from Rapid SCADA’s Auto Report application when they need to deliver recurring reports on a fixed schedule. The application automatically generates reports based on operational information, including hourly, minute-level, event, and elastic reports, and can distribute them via email.

Standardizing On Modbus For New Or Cost-Sensitive Installations

Smaller integrators and energy or utility projects that need to connect multiple meters or field devices through serial or TCP-based connections can benefit from Rapid SCADA’s broad device connectivity. Rapid SCADA is a strong option for integrators working with Modbus-based industrial devices, as it supports Modbus RTU, ASCII, and TCP modes.  

Organizations Exposing Web Access To Remote Teams Or Third Parties

Utilities, water treatment plants, and other operators that provide off-site access to engineers, head office staff, or external integrators can benefit from Rapid SCADA’s security controls. The platform uses brute-force protection, login CAPTCHA, and HTTPS/SSL encryption to help secure remote Webstation access, while user activity logging allows IT and operations teams to track system access.

Is Rapid SCADA Right For You?

If you're looking for a platform that can handle both ready-to-use monitoring systems and highly customized SCADA/MES projects, Rapid SCADA is a strong option. Its flexible architecture makes it easier for engineering teams to adapt the platform to different equipment, processes, and project requirements. Because Rapid SCADA is released under the Apache License 2.0, engineering and security teams can review its source code for greater transparency. Furthermore, it secures its web components with HTTPS and SSL encryption, adds brute-force attack protection and a login CAPTCHA, monitors active connections, encrypts stored passwords, and logs user activity.

Still doubtful if Rapid SCADA is the right fit for you? Connect with us at (661) 384-7070 for further guidance.