If you’ve searched “Ignition software” recently, you might feel like you’ve landed in two completely different universes. One minute you’re reading about factory automation and SCADA systems, and the next you’re knee-deep in client proposals and recurring billing for professional services.
Here’s why: two distinct software platforms share the name “Ignition.” One is a powerful industrial automation tool built for manufacturing and process control. The other is a client engagement platform designed for agencies, accountants, and consultants. Both are industry leaders in their respective fields—but they solve vastly different problems.
The Quick Answer
Ignition by Inductive Automation is a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) platform used to monitor and control industrial processes in real time. It’s built for factories, water treatment plants, and other facilities that rely on automated systems.
Ignition (formerly Practice Ignition) is a client engagement and billing platform that helps professional services businesses automate proposals, contracts, e-signatures, and recurring payments. It’s designed for accountants, agencies, and consultants who need to streamline how they onboard and bill clients.
Now let’s break down each platform so you can figure out which one (if either) is right for you.
1. Ignition by Inductive Automation (The Industrial SCADA Platform)
What Does Ignition SCADA Do?
Ignition SCADA is an industrial automation platform that connects machinery, sensors, and control systems across a facility. It collects real-time data from equipment on the plant floor, processes it, and displays it through customizable dashboards and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) screens.
Engineers use Ignition to monitor production lines, track energy usage, control pumps and motors, manage alarms, and log historical data. Because it’s web-based, operators can access control systems from virtually any device with a browser—whether they’re on-site or monitoring remotely.
Core Features
Ignition stands out in the industrial automation space for several reasons:
Unlimited Licensing: Unlike traditional SCADA systems that charge per tag, per client, or per screen, Ignition is licensed by the server. One license gives you unlimited tags, clients, connections, and projects. The only limit is your hardware’s performance.
Web-Based Deployment: Ignition can instantly launch full runtime clients on any device with a web browser. No additional installations or downloads required. This makes it easy to scale from a single workstation to an enterprise-wide system.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ignition runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It supports all major SQL databases (including Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MariaDB) and connects to virtually any PLC through built-in OPC UA drivers.
Built on IT Standards: The platform is designed around open, non-proprietary technologies like SQL, Python, MQTT, and OPC UA. This makes it easy to integrate with existing systems and ensures long-term flexibility.
Powerful Development Environment: Ignition comes with a free, unlimited, zero-install IDE called the Ignition Designer. Multiple team members can work on the same project simultaneously from anywhere, at no extra cost.
Who Uses It?
Ignition is used by thousands of integrators and industrial organizations across more than 100 countries. It’s deployed in industries like oil and gas, water and wastewater treatment, manufacturing, automotive, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. Companies trust Ignition for mission-critical SCADA applications that require reliability, scalability, and security.
2. Ignition App / Practice Ignition (The B2B Client Engagement Tool)
Streamlining Proposals and Payments
Ignition (formerly Practice Ignition) is a cloud-based platform that transforms how professional services businesses engage clients, manage agreements, and collect payments. Instead of juggling separate tools for proposals, contracts, invoicing, and payment processing, Ignition consolidates everything into one streamlined workflow.
When a client accepts a proposal through Ignition, they’re prompted to e-sign the agreement and enter their payment details—all in one step. From there, Ignition automatically generates invoices, processes payments according to the agreed schedule, and syncs everything with your accounting software. No manual follow-ups. No chasing overdue invoices.
Key Features for Agencies
Branded Online Proposals: Create professional, customized proposals using ready-made templates or build your own. Include multiple pricing options, add-ons, and personalized videos to impress clients and increase acceptance rates.
E-Signatures: Collect legally binding signatures directly within the proposal. Depending on your plan, you can gather signatures from multiple stakeholders (up to 10 on the Pro+ plan).
Automated Recurring Billing: Set up flexible billing schedules—one-time payments, recurring monthly or annual fees, deposits, or payments on completion. Ignition supports credit cards, debit cards, ACH/direct debit, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Seamless Accounting Integrations: Ignition integrates with QuickBooks Online, Xero, and MYOB Business. When a client accepts a proposal, Ignition automatically creates invoices in your accounting software and marks them as paid once payment clears. This eliminates manual data entry and simplifies reconciliation.
Payment Collection Upfront: Capture payment details during the proposal acceptance process, so you can automatically process payments when they’re due. This eliminates accounts receivable and improves cash flow.
14-Day Free Trial: Ignition offers a free trial with no credit card required. During the trial, you can collect up to $10,000 (USD) or £6,000 (GBP) in payments with zero transaction fees.
Start a free 14-day trial of Ignition
Who Should Use It?
Ignition is purpose-built for professional services businesses, including:
- Accountants and bookkeepers who need to automate client agreements and recurring billing
- Marketing and advertising agencies managing multiple client engagements and projects
- Consultants who want to streamline proposals and get paid faster
- Financial advisors looking to simplify client onboarding and billing
If you run a service-based business and you’re tired of chasing payments or manually creating invoices, Ignition can put your entire billing process on autopilot.
Ignition SCADA vs. Practice Ignition: Which Do You Need?
| Feature | Ignition by Inductive Automation | Ignition (Practice Ignition) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Industrial engineers, factory managers, automation professionals | Accountants, agencies, consultants, professional services businesses |
| Primary Use Case | SCADA/HMI systems, real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes | Client engagement, proposals, e-signatures, automated billing and payments |
| Pricing Model | Server-based licensing with add-on modules; unlimited clients, tags, and connections | Subscription tiers (Solo, Core, Pro, Pro+) with transaction fees and per-active-client charges |
| Integrations | OPC UA, SQL databases, MQTT, PLCs | QuickBooks Online, Xero, MYOB, Zapier, practice management tools |
| Free Trial | Yes, 2-hour trial mode (can be reset unlimited times) | Yes, 14-day free trial (no credit card required) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Ignition software open source?
Ignition by Inductive Automation is not open source. It’s a proprietary platform developed and licensed by Inductive Automation. However, it’s built on open IT standards (like SQL, Python, MQTT, and OPC UA), which makes it highly interoperable with other systems.
Ignition (Practice Ignition) is also proprietary software delivered as a SaaS (Software as a Service) platform.
What companies use Ignition software?
Ignition by Inductive Automation is used by thousands of industrial organizations across more than 100 countries. It’s deployed in industries like oil and gas, water and wastewater treatment, manufacturing, automotive, and food processing. Many large enterprises and mission-critical facilities rely on Ignition for their SCADA and automation needs.
Ignition (Practice Ignition) is used by professional services businesses worldwide, including accounting firms, marketing agencies, bookkeepers, and consultants. It’s particularly popular in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Does Ignition integrate with QuickBooks?
Ignition by Inductive Automation does not integrate with QuickBooks. It’s designed to work with industrial databases and systems, not accounting software.
Ignition (Practice Ignition) integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks Online. When a client accepts a proposal, Ignition automatically creates invoices in QuickBooks and marks them as paid once payment is processed. This eliminates manual data entry and simplifies reconciliation for accounting and bookkeeping professionals.
The Bottom Line
If you’re managing industrial processes, controlling machinery, or building SCADA systems for factories and plants, Ignition by Inductive Automation is what you’re looking for. It’s a robust, scalable platform designed for engineers and automation professionals.
If you’re running a service-based business and need to automate client agreements, billing, and payments, Ignition (Practice Ignition) is your solution. It streamlines proposals, collects e-signatures, processes recurring payments, and integrates with your accounting software—all in one platform.
Still not sure which one fits your needs? If you work in professional services, start a free 14-day trial of Ignition and see how it can transform your client engagement and billing process.
