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# The PI System vs dataPARC Comparison - What are their main differences?

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The PI SystemdataPARC[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**The PI System**
No pricing available

**dataPARC**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**The PI System**
Not enough reviews yet

**dataPARC**
5 months

Based on 6 responses

Return on Investment

**The PI System**
Not enough reviews yet

**dataPARC**
Not enough reviews yet

Perceived Cost

**The PI System**
Not enough reviews yet

**dataPARC**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**The PI System**
Not enough reviews yet

**dataPARC**
Not enough reviews yet

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**The PI System**
[
Complex Usability (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/the-pi-system/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1824180&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
UX Design (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/the-pi-system/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2477601&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

**dataPARC**
[
Customizability (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/dataparc/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1262300&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Data Analysis (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/dataparc/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1261751&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Complex Usability (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/dataparc/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1261669&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Data Management Issues (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/dataparc/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1972356&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Integrations

**The PI System**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_033aa224b72b00b72e8860e4e6401efc/microsoft-excel.png "Product Avatar Image")

Microsoft Excel

](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-excel/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/the-pi-system/integrations)

**dataPARC**
Not enough data

Screenshots

**The PI System**
 ![The PI System screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/40388/The_20PI_20System_Screenshot-2.jpg)

**dataPARC**
 ![dataPARC screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/181924/multitrend.jpg)

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**The PI System**

**9.2** /10

Based on 17 responses

**dataPARC**

**9.6** /10

Based on 32 responses

Ease of Use

**The PI System**

**8.5** /10

Based on 17 responses

**dataPARC**

**9.1** /10

Based on 32 responses

Ease of Setup

**The PI System**

**9.2** /10

Based on 8 responses

**dataPARC**

**8.8** /10

Based on 18 responses

Ease of Admin

**The PI System**

**9.7** /10

Based on 5 responses

**dataPARC**

**8.8** /10

Based on 18 responses

Quality of Support

**The PI System**

**8.2** /10

Based on 16 responses

**dataPARC**

**9.6** /10

Based on 32 responses

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**The PI System**

**9.4** /10

Based on 6 responses

**dataPARC**

**9.7** /10

Based on 18 responses

Product Direction (% positive)

**The PI System**

**7.3** /10

Based on 17 responses

**dataPARC**

**9.2** /10

Based on 30 responses

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Manufacturing Intelligence

**8.6** /10

Based on 6 responses

**9.3** /10

Based on 14 responses

Business Intelligence

Not enough data

**8.9** /10

Based on 27 responses

Data Visualization

Not enough data

**9.1** /10

Based on 27 responses

IoT Analytics Platforms

Not enough data

**9.1** /10

Based on 6 responses

Data Warehouse

**8.9** /10

Based on 5 responses

Not enough data

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
21.1%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
42.1%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
36.8%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
21.1%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
42.1%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
36.8%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
5.3%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
63.2%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
31.6%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
5.3%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
63.2%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
31.6%

**Reviewers' Industry**

[![The PI System](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_63f838078443fb42959bd4c9e3999f3e/the-pi-system.jpeg "The PI System")](https://www.g2.com/products/the-pi-system/reviews)
The PI System

Utilities
21.1%

Manufacturing
15.8%

Information Technology and Services
15.8%

Oil & Energy
10.5%

Mining & Metals
10.5%

Other
26.3%

[![dataPARC](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/55bfff2dddbe68c42aa8ad8f90020494/dataparc.svg "dataPARC")](https://www.g2.com/products/dataparc/reviews)
dataPARC

Paper & Forest Products
65.8%

Manufacturing
10.5%

Oil & Energy
7.9%

Chemicals
5.3%

Renewables & Environment
2.6%

Other
7.9%

Alternatives

**The PI System Alternatives**

 ![Snowflake](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1544409170/snowflake.svg "Snowflake")

[
Snowflake
](/products/snowflake/reviews)

 ![Databricks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/135d1c9e39e19ef56dc8d0bf90fce20f/databricks.svg "Databricks")

[
Databricks
](/products/databricks/reviews)

 ![Spotfire Analytics](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/d4e0e320d2c90324c1d66baebd1e456e/spotfire-analytics.svg "Spotfire Analytics")

[
Spotfire Analytics
](/products/spotfire-analytics/reviews)

 ![IBM Db2](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1553782253/ibm-db2.svg "IBM Db2")

[
IBM Db2
](/products/ibm-db2/reviews)

**dataPARC Alternatives**

 ![Datadog](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1498834114/datadog.svg "Datadog")

[
Datadog
](/products/datadog/reviews)

 ![Visme](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a541251340e8e294ac7f27a2894caa71/visme.svg "Visme")

[
Visme
](/products/visme/reviews)

 ![Canva](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/020885d89318f0483f6222194b3ee8ff/canva.svg "Canva")

[
Canva
](/products/canva/reviews)

 ![SAP HANA Cloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/b5f8f986beca96ab0027c693ee762fb9/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01.svg "SAP HANA Cloud")

[
SAP HANA Cloud
](/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/reviews)

## The PI System vs dataPARC FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 16, 2026

### What is the difference between The PI System vs dataPARC?

dataPARC stands out for its higher G2 rating, stronger support, and more frequent reviewer-cited strengths in usability and customization compared to The PI System.

| [The PI System](https://www.g2.com/products/the-pi-system/reviews) | [dataPARC](https://www.g2.com/products/dataparc/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.6/5 (21 reviews) | 4.9/5 (39 reviews) |
| — | Mid-Market |
| 9.2 | 8.8 |
| 8.2 | 9.6 |
| Single source of truth for plant data | Customizability, data visualization, and ease of use (2 all-time mentions each) |

### How do the pricing models of The PI System and dataPARC compare?

dataPARC is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing and cost-effectiveness compared to The PI System.

- **The PI System:** Reviewers describe it as cost effective for all business types, but some note the high cost of advanced options like High-Availability.
- **dataPARC:** Reviewers consistently highlight its expansive capabilities and ease of use as strong value drivers, with no significant cost-related complaints in recent reviews.

### What are the best alternatives to The PI System and dataPARC?

The top three alternatives to The PI System and dataPARC are Canva, Snowflake, and Databricks.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [The PI System](https://www.g2.com/products/the-pi-system/reviews) | 4.6/5 (21 reviews) | — | Cost effective for all business types | Single source of truth for plant data |
| [dataPARC](https://www.g2.com/products/dataparc/reviews) | 4.9/5 (39 reviews) | Mid-Market | Expansive capabilities and ease of use | Customizability, data visualization, and ease of use |
| [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) | 4.7/5 (7661 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Ease of use and design flexibility |
| [Snowflake](https://www.g2.com/products/snowflake/reviews) | 4.5/5 (763 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Scalability and data warehousing |
| [Databricks](https://www.g2.com/products/databricks/reviews) | 4.6/5 (1366 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Advanced analytics and collaboration |

### Which Manufacturing Intelligence features should I prioritize when comparing The PI System and dataPARC?

Buyers comparing The PI System and dataPARC should prioritize Data Collection, Ease of Use, Customizability, Data Visualization, and Quality of Support.

- **Data Collection:** Both products are frequently cited for robust data collection capabilities, with The PI System noted for being a single source of truth and dataPARC for its flexible historian and trending tools.
- **Ease of Use:** dataPARC scores 9.1, The PI System 8.5; dataPARC has 2 all-time mentions for ease of use.
- **Customizability:** dataPARC has 2 all-time mentions for customizability and customization, while The PI System is not cited for this.
- **Data Visualization:** dataPARC has 2 all-time mentions for data visualization and graphics creation; The PI System is cited for integration with Excel for analysis.
- **Quality of Support:** dataPARC scores 9.6, The PI System 8.2, indicating a notable difference in reviewer satisfaction.

### What are the pros and cons of The PI System vs dataPARC?

dataPARC's headline strength is its customizability and ease of use, while The PI System is recognized for being a robust single source of truth for plant data.

- **The PI System strengths:** Single source of truth for plant data, strong historian storage engine, integration with Excel, and real-time data management.
- **The PI System trade-offs:** Reviewers mention complex usability (1 all-time mention), less intuitive UI/UX, and advanced features that may be excessive for small operations.
- **dataPARC strengths:** Customizability (2 all-time mentions), data visualization (2), ease of use (2), features (2), insights (2), and strong training and support experiences.
- **dataPARC trade-offs:** Reviewers note a learning curve, occasional data management issues, and some interface bugs, but these are generally outweighed by positive feedback.

### Is The PI System or dataPARC better for small businesses?

dataPARC is better suited for small businesses, as reviewers highlight its ease of use and intuitive interface, while The PI System's advanced features may be excessive for smaller operations.

- **The PI System:** No largest segment data available; reviewers note advanced features can be excessive for small operations.
- **dataPARC:** Largest segment is Mid-Market, but reviewers consistently praise its user-friendliness and quick onboarding, making it accessible for smaller teams.

### Which Manufacturing Intelligence platform has better integrations?

Reviewers rate The PI System and dataPARC at parity for integrations, with both products cited for integration capabilities but no specific third-party tools named in recent reviews.

- **The PI System:** Reviewers mention integration with Excel for customizable analyses and data extraction.
- **dataPARC:** Reviewers highlight integration with Excel and the ability to connect to various data sources, including DCS/PLC systems, but do not name specific third-party tools.

### How do The PI System and dataPARC compare on customer support?

dataPARC outperforms The PI System on Quality of Support by a material margin, with scores of 9.6 versus 8.2.

- **The PI System:** Reviewers describe support as generally strong, with some noting the need for more support tools and occasional reliance on tech support for complex configurations.
- **dataPARC:** Reviewers consistently praise the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team, with multiple mentions of tailored training and ongoing improvements based on customer feedback.

### Which is easier to implement, The PI System or dataPARC?

The PI System and dataPARC score within 0.4 points on Ease of Setup (9.2 vs 8.8), indicating near parity, but reviewers more frequently cite dataPARC for quick and easy implementation.

- **The PI System:** Reviewers note that setup can be complex and time-consuming, especially for advanced features, but also mention that implementation is straightforward for standard use cases.
- **dataPARC:** Reviewers frequently highlight ease of implementation, intuitive onboarding, and quick setup, with several citing successful integrations with minimal training.

### Which product has better Data Collection?

Both The PI System and dataPARC are highly rated for Data Collection, with reviewers citing robust capabilities and ease of use for this feature.

- **The PI System:** Frequently cited as a single source of truth for plant data, with reviewers highlighting its ability to collect and store data from multiple sites and provide real-time analysis.
- **dataPARC:** Reviewers consistently mention its flexible historian, ease of trending, and ability to integrate multiple data sources for comprehensive data collection and analysis.

## The PI System vs dataPARC

When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found dataPARC easier to use and do business with overall. However, reviewers preferred the ease of set up with The PI System, along with administration.

- Reviewers felt that dataPARC meets the needs of their business better than The PI System.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that dataPARC is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of dataPARC over The PI System.