FUXA: A Web-Based Configuration Tool for SCADA/HMI Process Visualization in Industrial Automation

With the rapid development of industrial automation and IoT technologies, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) systems have become critical components of modern industrial infrastructures. However, traditional SCADA and HMI tools are often limited by closed architectures and complex deployment processes, making them insufficient to meet the current demands of Industry 4.0 for openness, flexibility, and cross-platform support.

FUXA is a web-based, modern process visualization tool that provides an open-source, flexible, and multi-protocol SCADA/HMI solution. This article explores FUXA’s features, technical architecture, and practical advantages to help users better understand and apply this tool in their projects.

What is FUXA?

FUXA is an open-source SCADA/HMI/Dashboard software designed to enable real-time monitoring, data collection, and interface creation for industrial devices. As a web-based tool, FUXA offers the following key features:

1. Openness and Cross-Platform Support
   Built with full-stack web technologies, FUXA runs seamlessly on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It also supports Docker deployment for quick installation and operation.
2. Support for Multiple Industrial Protocols
   FUXA includes extensive protocol support, such as Modbus RTU/TCP, OPC-UA, MQTT, Siemens S7, and more, enabling seamless integration with industrial devices for data acquisition and interaction.
3. Fully Web-Based Visualization Interface
   Users can access FUXA’s engineering design interface directly through a web browser, using drag-and-drop tools to create real-time monitoring dashboards.
4. Open Source and Community-Driven
   Hosted on GitHub, FUXA allows users to customize the source code to meet specific project needs while benefiting from community contributions and support.

Features of FUXA

1. Comprehensive Protocol Support

FUXA supports various industrial communication protocols, making it easy to integrate into existing automation systems. Below is a summary of key protocols:

By leveraging these protocols, FUXA can seamlessly integrate with diverse types of devices and systems, allowing flexible data collection and interaction.

2. Web-Based SCADA/HMI Editor

FUXA’s visualization interface is entirely web-based, eliminating the need for additional software installations. Key features of the editor include:

• Drag-and-Drop Components
  Users can easily add buttons, charts, curves, and other components to the visualization interface with simple drag-and-drop actions.
• Real-Time Data Binding
  Each visual component can bind directly to real-time data, allowing users to monitor device status and parameter changes in real time.
• Flexible Charts and Dashboards
  FUXA provides various chart and dashboard styles, supporting real-time data display, historical data playback, and customizable alerts.

3. Cross-Platform Support and Quick Deployment

FUXA offers multiple installation and deployment options, enabling users to choose the method that best suits their requirements:

Option 1: Source Installation

• Install Node.js and dependencies.
• Clone the FUXA GitHub repository.
• Run npm install and npm start to launch the service.

Option 2: Docker Installation

• Pull the FUXA Docker image:

  docker pull frangoteam/fuxa:latest
  docker run -d -p 1881:1881 frangoteam/fuxa:latest

• Access the interface via a browser at http://localhost:1881.

4. Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts

FUXA supports real-time monitoring of device status and includes a flexible alert system. When abnormal conditions are detected, FUXA can notify users through sound, visual cues, or email alerts, ensuring timely issue resolution.

Technical Architecture of FUXA

FUXA is built on a modern web full-stack architecture, leveraging Angular for the front end and Node.js for the back end. It supports various industrial protocols to ensure stable and real-time data transmission.

Architecture Diagram

graph TD
    A[Industrial Devices] -->|Modbus/OPC-UA/MQTT| B[FUXA Data Acquisition Module]
    B --> C[FUXA Backend Service Node.js]
    C --> D[FUXA Data Processing Module]
    D --> E[Database]
    C --> F[FUXA Frontend Interface Angular]
    F -->|Browser Access| G[Users]
    G -->|Control Operations| F

    style A fill:#E3F2FD,stroke:#64B5F6,stroke-width:2px
    style B fill:#F3E5F5,stroke:#AB47BC,stroke-width:2px
    style C fill:#E8F5E9,stroke:#66BB6A,stroke-width:2px
    style D fill:#FFF9C4,stroke:#FFEE58,stroke-width:2px
    style E fill:#FFEBEE,stroke:#EF5350,stroke-width:2px
    style F fill:#E0F7FA,stroke:#26C6DA,stroke-width:2px
    style G fill:#F3E5F5,stroke:#7E57C2,stroke-width:2px

Architecture Explanation

1. Industrial Device Layer
   This layer communicates with industrial devices using supported protocols like Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, and more to collect real-time data.
2. Backend Service Layer
   The backend, powered by Node.js, handles data acquisition and protocol conversion to ensure real-time processing and stability.
3. Frontend Display Layer
   The frontend, built on Angular, provides a web-based interface for users to interact with and monitor data visually.
4. Data Storage Layer
   External databases (e.g., MongoDB or MySQL) store historical data, alarm logs, and other essential records.

Workflow of FUXA

The operation of FUXA involves three core stages: data acquisition, processing, and real-time display. Below is a sequence diagram to illustrate the workflow:

Sequence Diagram

sequenceDiagram
    participant Devices as Industrial Devices
    participant DataAcquisition as FUXA Data Acquisition Module
    participant Backend as FUXA Backend Service
    participant Database as Database
    participant User as User Browser

    Devices->>DataAcquisition: Provide real-time data
    DataAcquisition->>Backend: Protocol parsing and transmission
    Backend->>Database: Store data
    Backend->>User: Display real-time data through the web interface
    User->>Backend: Send control commands
    Backend->>DataAcquisition: Convert commands into device-specific protocols
    DataAcquisition->>Devices: Issue control instructions

Use Cases

Case 1: Factory Equipment Monitoring

A manufacturing plant used FUXA to monitor the operational status of all its equipment. By connecting PLCs and sensors through the Modbus RTU protocol, the plant displayed critical equipment data in real time and implemented an alert system for early fault detection.

Case 2: Building Automation

A commercial building adopted FUXA with the BACnet IP protocol to manage its HVAC, lighting, and elevator systems. This centralized control system significantly improved energy efficiency and streamlined equipment management.

Summary

Advantages

1. Flexibility and Scalability
   FUXA’s support for multiple industrial protocols allows seamless integration into diverse systems.
2. Open Source and Transparency
   Users can modify the code to meet unique requirements and benefit from community-driven enhancements.
3. Ease of Use
   Its web-based design simplifies deployment and operation, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Future Development

1. Enhanced Protocol Support
   Adding more industrial protocols to broaden its application scenarios.
2. Integration with AI and Big Data
   Leveraging AI for advanced data analysis and predictions.
3. Improved Mobile Support
   Enhancing the mobile user experience for remote monitoring.

FUXA is a powerful, flexible, and user-friendly modern SCADA/HMI tool. Its open-source nature, multi-protocol support, and web-based design make it an ideal choice for industrial automation and IoT applications. With further advancements in features and protocol integration, FUXA is poised to become a core technology in smart industry and building automation.

If you are interested in exploring FUXA, visit its GitHub repository or try the online demo to experience its robust capabilities.