I need a safe way to stop multiple VTScada applications unattended and the VTScada Application Manager (VAM) on a monthly schedule to allow OS updates and a full system backup without risking application damage. Applications are already set to start upon system startup.

Autohotkey might be your best option. I've used it for similar.

If the system restarts to install updates, my understanding is that it should safely shut down VTScada. Users looking to have VTScada running without any auto log in for that PC can run VTScada as a service, reducing the impact of a poorly timed auto restart.

As an aside, Windows has been testing and is working to roll out their previously delayed 'Hot Patching' feature. This will allow users to run most of their Windows updates without the need to restart their PC.

Here is one of the more recent articles on where they are with the currently: https://winaero.com/windows-11-can-finally-install-updates-without-a-reboot-thanks-to-hotpatch/