Top 4 Ways to Integrate SCADA and MES to ERP Systems

"Can you integrate our ERP system with SCADA/MES application?" This is most frequent question clients ask us when starting any new SCADA or MES project, and for good reason. There are several benefits to integrating your ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system into SCADA or MES including real-time production adjustments, more efficient scheduling, change order efficiency, and accurate demand forecasts.

Often, we’re also asked if we can build an application to directly tie-in to all the functionality of their ERP. In the immortalized words of Bob the Builder, “Can we build it? Yes, we can!” This post will introduce you to the top four ways that Vertech approaches ERP integration.

Our Top 4 ERP Integration Approaches

1. Set up an API (REST or SOAP)

Setting up a REST or SOAP API provides a direct network connection between the ERP and the SCADA/MES for real-time, bi-directional information exchange.

Pros

• Allows for immediate response between systems.
• Functions can be called remotely.
• Send and receive data from the ERP directly with little to no building in the SCADA system.

Cons

• Requires constant mutual up-time between both systems.
• Requires an experienced engineer to implement due to the heavier amount of scripting involved.

2. Stored Procedure or “View"

A stored procedure or “view” is installed in the ERP database for the SCADA/MES application to read and/or modify a specified subset of data from the ERP system.

Pros

• Views are more secure as they're not able to be written to, only viewed.
• Stored procedures offer less risk since they're maintained in SQL rather than Ignition.

Cons

• Must be proficient in SQL and database scripting.
• If using view, it will be read-only with no ability to write to it.

3. Shared Database Table 

A database table is established as a common communication point. The ERP system and the SCADA/MES system use this table to exchange information.

Pros

• No need for constant up times on both systems - transactions are retrieved as systems restart.

Cons

• Must poll for new data.
• Strongly contingent on the capability of your remote network connection.

4. Export CSV File (Flat File)

The ERP writes a .csv file to a common location. The SCADA/MES software regularly looks for new files containing needed information. This can work both ways.

Pros

• Ability to change CSV file as desired.
• There is little to no connectivity to your ERP.

Cons

• It's an extremely manual process to import the CVS file into your SCADA view.
• Large amounts of risk come with importing a CSV file into an ERP, and many times, it's not even possible.

In a recent article titled "The Top 10 ERP Systems for 2025,” Third Stage Consulting Group listed the current top ten ERP systems in use today as:

1. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations
2. Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP
3. SAP S/4HANA
4. Infor CloudSuite
5. Oracle NetSuite
6. Epicor Kinetic
7. Workday and Salesforce Partnership
8. IFS
9. Acumatica
10. Odoo

Most of our clients use one of these ERPs or something very similar, and ALL of them can be integrated with SCADA/MES software. Our experienced team can help you choose the right method for your situation and work with your IT team to implement a solution.