Proficy HMI/SCADA
That Actually Works

HMI (Human-Machine Interface) software provides a graphical interface for operators to interact with individual machines and processes — dashboards, controls, and alarm displays. SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) extends this by aggregating data from across a facility or multiple sites, enabling centralized supervision and historical analysis. In Proficy, iFIX and CIMPLICITY serve both functions — they are full HMI/SCADA platforms. Most manufacturers need both HMI screens at the machine level and SCADA-level visibility across lines or sites. Rain Engineering helps you determine the right architecture for your operation before any software is installed.

Both are certified Velotic Proficy HMI/SCADA platforms. iFIX is best suited for single-site and distributed deployments where operator productivity, high-performance HMI screens, and alarm management are the primary drivers — common in discrete and process manufacturing. CIMPLICITY is the enterprise-grade platform for multi-site, high-availability environments — including utilities, large manufacturers, and operations requiring zero-downtime upgrades via its Active Update feature. Rain Engineering is certified on both and recommends based on your specific operation, not default preference.

Proficy iFIX is a Velotic HMI/SCADA software platform used to monitor, control, and visualize industrial processes in real time. It provides operators with clear dashboards, intelligent alarming, and supervisory control over plant floor equipment — from individual machines to full plant-wide deployments. Key capabilities include High-Performance HMI screen design, distributed SCADA architecture, ISA 18.2 alarm management, role-based security, and native integration with Proficy Historian. Rain Engineering configures iFIX to HPHMI standards so operators can identify and respond to issues faster — not just see data.

In manufacturing, SCADA software is used for supervisory control of production lines, real-time process monitoring, alarm management, data acquisition, and integration with enterprise systems like ERP and MES. SCADA gives operations managers and engineers a single view of what’s happening on the floor — and the controls to respond to deviations before they become downtime events. Common applications include batch manufacturing coordination, assembly line monitoring, energy and utility oversight, quality monitoring, and OEE tracking.

Initial implementations typically deliver first actionable data in Week 2 for standard configurations. Full go-live timelines vary based on the number of devices, lines, sites, and integration requirements — but Rain Engineering’s approach is designed to minimize disruption to production. We use a phased approach: architecture and connectivity first, screen design second, alarm rationalization and integration third. Complex multi-site or enterprise deployments run 8–21 weeks. We provide a detailed project timeline during our initial assessment call.

Yes — CIMPLICITY’s Active Update feature (released in 2025) allows system upgrades to be applied to a running CIMPLICITY environment without requiring a production shutdown. This addresses one of the most common barriers to SCADA modernization: the cost and risk of planned downtime for software updates. Rain Engineering is trained on Active Update implementation and can help you plan and execute upgrades that previously would have required a two-week maintenance window.

The right choice depends on your operational scale, availability requirements, and deployment model. iFIX is the preferred choice for single-site operations, discrete manufacturers, and applications where operator productivity and HPHMI design are the priority. CIMPLICITY is the preferred choice for multi-site operations, enterprise-scale deployments, utilities, and organizations that need zero-downtime upgrades. Rain Engineering offers a free Platform Assessment — a structured discovery session where we evaluate your operation and make a recommendation before any purchase decision.