Full side-by-side scores, feature matrix, and verdict.
| Feature | Ignition by Inductive Automation | Fanuc MT-Link i |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | ||
| PLC Integration Device connectivity |
✓ 300+ native drivers | — — |
| Open API External integration |
✓ Yes — Extensive | — — |
| Unlimited Licensing Cost model |
✓ Unlimited clients/tags/devices | — — |
| CNC Monitoring | ||
| Fanuc CNC Connectivity Native FOCAS protocol |
— — | ✓ Yes — OEM Native (FOCAS) |
| Third-Party Machine Connectivity OPC UA & MTConnect |
— — | ✓ Yes — OPC UA & MTConnect |
| Legacy CNC Support Older Fanuc controls |
— — | ✓ Yes — via Ethernet I/O converter |
| Machine State & Alarms Real-time CNC data |
— — | ✓ Yes |
| OEE Tracking Production effectiveness |
— — | ✓ Yes |
| Scalability Fleet size |
— — | ✓ 1 to 2,000 machines |
| Commercial Terms | ||
| Pricing License model |
— — | — No public pricing — custom quote |
| Deployment Architecture |
— — | ✓ On-premise |
| Hardware Ownership Equipment model |
— — | ✓ Licensed software — no SaaS |
| User Accounts Seat pricing |
— — | ✓ Site license |
Ignition is the right choice for organizations needing maximum integration breadth, unlimited licensing, and on-premise control — and that have the engineering resources to build custom monitoring applications on top.
Fanuc MT-Link i is the right choice for Fanuc-centric shops that want OEM-native FOCAS data with no middleware layer, and also need to pull in third-party machines via OPC UA or MTConnect. The legacy CNC support and 1-to-2,000-machine scalability make it viable across a wide range of mixed-equipment fleets.