What is WebVisu?
WebVisu is a feature integrated in the Codesys runtime that allows creating visualisation and supervision screens accessible from any web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) without installing additional software on the client side. The PLC itself acts as a web server and serves the user interface directly from its memory.
In practice, this means you can supervise and operate a machine or installation from any PC, tablet or smartphone connected to the network, simply by opening a URL such as http://192.168.1.100:8080/webvisu.htm. No SCADA, no additional licences, no intermediate server.
WebVisu vs traditional SCADA
| Feature | WebVisu (Codesys) | Traditional SCADA (Ignition, WinCC) |
|---|---|---|
| Licence cost | ✅ Included in Codesys runtime | ❌ Licence per tag or per client |
| Client software | ✅ Browser only | ❌ SCADA client or thin client |
| Dedicated server | ✅ Not required (PLC serves) | ❌ Requires SCADA server |
| Data historian | ❌ Limited (PLC memory) | ✅ Full historical database |
| Alarm management | ⚠️ Basic | ✅ Advanced with ACK, groups, escalation |
| Multi-PLC centralised | ❌ Per individual PLC | ✅ Centralises multiple devices |
| Reporting and KPIs | ❌ Not included | ✅ Reports, OEE, dashboards |
Ideal use cases for WebVisu
- Individual machines: an injection moulding machine, a filler, a pump group. The operator needs to see machine status and adjust parameters.
- Small and medium installations: a water treatment plant with 1-2 PLCs, a boiler room, a photovoltaic installation. WebVisu provides remote supervision accessible from the manager's phone without a SCADA server.
- Remote maintenance access: the technician can access the PLC visualisation from anywhere with VPN access to the plant network, without installing specific software.
- OEMs and machine builders: integrating WebVisu in a machine allows offering the end customer a supervision interface without adding SCADA licence costs to the product.
At Bluemation we use WebVisu in projects where the client needs remote supervision without the complexity or cost of a full SCADA. Contact our team to discuss your project.