Full side-by-side scores, feature matrix, and verdict.
| Feature | Fanuc MT-Link i | Pulsar |
|---|---|---|
| CNC Monitoring | ||
| Fanuc CNC Connectivity Native FOCAS protocol |
✓ Yes - OEM Native (FOCAS) | — — |
| Third-Party Machine Connectivity OPC UA & MTConnect |
✓ Yes - OPC UA & MTConnect | — — |
| Legacy CNC Support Older Fanuc controls |
✓ Yes - via Ethernet I/O converter | — — |
| Machine State & Alarms Real-time CNC data |
✓ Yes | — — |
| OEE Tracking Production effectiveness |
✓ Yes | ✓ Yes - Core |
| Scalability Fleet size |
✓ 1 to 2,000 machines | — — |
| Commercial Terms | ||
| Pricing License model |
— No public pricing - custom quote | — Not published |
| Deployment Architecture |
✓ On-premise | — — |
| Hardware Ownership Equipment model |
✓ Licensed software - no SaaS | — — |
| User Accounts Seat pricing |
✓ Site license | — — |
| Installation Who installs |
— — | ◑ Vendor-installed |
| Open API Integration |
— — | ◑ Public API listed |
| Monitoring | ||
| OEE Tracking Overall equipment effectiveness |
✓ Yes | ✓ Yes - Core |
| Power Monitoring Current/energy sensing |
— — | ✓ Yes |
| Vibration Monitoring Mechanical vibration analysis |
— — | ✓ Yes |
| PLC Integration Controller data |
— — | — Bypasses PLC |
Fanuc MT-Link i is the right choice for Fanuc-centric shops that want OEM-native FOCAS data with no middleware layer, and also need to pull in third-party machines via OPC UA or MTConnect. The legacy CNC support and 1-to-2,000-machine scalability make it viable across a wide range of mixed-equipment fleets.
Pulsar is a credible choice for mid-size and large plants that want OEE across mixed and legacy equipment without opening a single controller. Buyers who need predictive maintenance, published pricing or a self-install option should look elsewhere.