Make the smart choice for your operations.
Both XLReporter and Ignition Reporting generate reports. Here’s an honest, side-by-side look at what each platform offers — so you can choose with confidence.
Purpose-built reporting. Beyond what your SCADA can do.
Most SCADA platforms report on process data — XLReporter was built exclusively to turn that data into scheduled, compliant, Excel-native reports your whole organization can use.
Try before you commit
XLReporter’s free trial gives you full access to every feature and connector from the moment you install — connect to your real data sources, build your first report, and see exactly what XLReporter can do before you spend a penny.
Up and running in hours, not weeks
XLReporter works the way your team already works — bring your existing Excel knowledge, start with spreadsheets you already have, and build your first automated report without writing a single line of code, script, or SQL.
Works with everything you already run
With 90+ pre-built industrial connectors, XLReporter integrates directly with the historians, SCADA systems, and databases already running on your plant floor — no middleware, no custom development, no rip and replace.
How SmartSights compares to Ignition Reporting
What SmartSights customers say.
LCWSA replaced paper logs with real-time, data-driven operations.
“By upgrading and integrating technology like SmartSights WIN-911 and XLReporter, we are able to make more informed, data-driven decisions. Bridging the gap between people, processes, and tools allows us to empower our team and strive for a more proactive and efficient operation.”
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find your answer here? Our team is available to walk through any question you have.
What is the difference between XLReporter and Ignition Reporting?
While both XLReporter and Ignition Reporting can generate reports from Ignition data, XLReporter goes further in four key areas. First, it fills your existing Excel templates unchanged — no proprietary designer required. Second, it supports multiple Ignition gateways and tag providers in a single report. Third, it delivers out-of-the-box ISA 18.2 alarm management analytics with no scripting required. Fourth, it includes a dedicated SmartSights Mobile App for on-the-go report access from any iOS or Android device.
Can XLReporter connect to multiple Ignition gateways and tag providers in a single report?
Yes. XLReporter’s Ignition connector supports multiple gateways and tag providers simultaneously — so teams running multi-site or multi-gateway Ignition deployments can pull all of their data into a single consolidated report without custom scripting.
Can XLReporter populate government-issued or agency-provided Excel forms directly from our Ignition data?
Yes. XLReporter fills your existing Excel templates exactly as they were issued — preserving every formula, format, and layout. No rebuilding templates in a report designer, no reformatting for regulators.
Does XLReporter include dedicated alarm management reporting built on ISA 18.2?
Yes. XLReporter’s Alarm Management Module connects directly to your Ignition alarm database and generates ISA 18.2 KPI reports out of the box — bad actors, chattering alarms, flood events, stale alarms, and acknowledgement times — with no scripting or third-party modules required.
Can reports be triggered by process events in Ignition, not just a fixed schedule?
Yes. XLReporter can monitor tag values and process conditions in Ignition and trigger report generation automatically when a defined event occurs — a batch completing, a setpoint being reached, or any detectable state change — delivering the right report at the right moment without operator involvement.
Can XLReporter write calculated report values back to our systems or export them downstream?
Yes. XLReporter can export calculated summary values back to a database, write results to a CSV or text file, or push values directly back to process tags — closing the loop between reporting and operations in a way that read-only report modules cannot.
See XLReporter live in your plant.
Start a free trial or talk to one of our experts. No pressure, no obligation.
Start your free trial
Evaluate XLReporter on your actual systems before committing to anything. No cost, no obligation.
Connect in a day
Direct connects to AVEVA, Rockwell, GE, and Ignition mean your SCADA is live in hours, not weeks.
Go live with confidence
Your team gets hands-on training. We validate every alarm route before cutover. Zero disruption.