Video: Fast, Reliable SCADA Integration: Using ControlByWeb with Ignition via Modbus TCP 

Bridging Industrial Control and Visualization 

Industrial automation thrives on reliable communication between control hardware and SCADA platforms. ControlByWeb offers flexible I/O devices and controllers trusted across industries, while Ignition by Inductive Automation is a powerful SCADA solution used globally for data visualization, HMI design, and control system development. 

This article demonstrates just how fast it is to integrate ControlByWeb devices with Ignition using Modbus TCP, a standard industrial protocol. Whether you’re a SCADA engineer, systems integrator, OEM, or facility manager, this guide helps you connect and scale without custom drivers or complex setup. 

OPC UA Module Includes a Modbus TCP Driver

ControlByWeb 400 Series devices include native Modbus TCP client/slave support. On the Ignition side, the built-in OPC UA module includes a Modbus TCP driver, meaning you can connect to CBW hardware in just a few steps. 

With their intuitive web interface and native Modbus registers, these ControlByWeb devices are ideal for direct integration into Ignition. 

Watch Tarka from D-J Engineering explain this process here: 

Step-by-Step Ignition Integration Guide 

1. On the ControlByWeb Device 

1. Log in to the device’s web interface 
2. Navigate to Settings > Modbus 
3. Enable Modbus TCP 
4. Set a static IP address 

2. On the Ignition Platform 

1. Log in to the Ignition Gateway 
2. Navigate to Config > Devices > Add New Device 
3. Select “Modbus TCP” as the device type 
4. Enter: 
   • Name for the connection 
   • IP Address of the CBW device 
   • Port (default 502) 
   • Unit ID (CBW modules respond to any unit ID request. This makes setup easier since you won’t need to match specific unit IDs.) 
   • Click Save, and verify the device shows a “Connected” status 

3. Configuring Tags in Ignition 

Ignition does not support auto-discovery of Modbus registers, so you’ll manually create tags based on CBW’s Modbus register map. 

1. Use ControlByWeb’s register documentation to find addresses for: Digital Inputs, Relay outputs, Analog Inputs

2. In the Ignition Designer: 
   • Create a new Tag 
   • Specify address using format (e.g., HR1 for Holding Register 1) 
   • Assign correct data type (Boolean, Int, Float, etc.) 

3. Save and test the tag’s live data 

You can find additional information on Modbus in the CBW Integration manual found here. 

Best Practices and Integration Tips 

• Use static IPs for all ControlByWeb devices in production networks to ensure persistent communication. 
• Match Data Types Carefully: A mismatch (e.g., defining a Float where the register holds an Integer) will cause bad reads. 
• Use Ignition’s Diagnostics Tools: Built-in communication logs and connection status tools help debug Modbus issues quickly. 
• Document Your Register Map: Save time by keeping a project-wide register reference spreadsheet. 

Other Integration Options: MQTT and Open API

Though this example focuses on Modbus for integrating with a SCADA system, ControlByWeb devices also give you the ability to integrate using MQTT or our Open API. ControlByWeb 400 Series devices support MQTT natively, offering a simple and scalable solution for integrators and end users looking to enhance connectivity without complexity.

Practical Use Cases 

Systems Integrators are applying ControlByWeb devices with Ignition in real-world settings: 

Industrial Water Plant

Logs I/O data from remote pump controllers using Modbus input registers. 

System Integrator

Adds a CBW relay module for field devices that operators can toggle directly from an Ignition HMI screen.

Oil & Gas

Uses analog level sensors wired to a CBW device, feeding values into Ignition for live dashboards and level alert and control logic. 

Simplicity Meets Power 

With built-in Modbus TCP on both sides, integrating ControlByWeb hardware with Ignition is straightforward and robust. No middleware, no coding, and no custom drivers. Just simple configuration and scalable performance. 

This low-code integration approach lets engineers and integrators move fast and focus on what matters: building reliable, flexible automation systems. Reach out to our Sales Engineers to learn more about how you can integrate ControlByWeb into your existing Ignition system.