Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient operation of critical infrastructure. Choosing the right SCADA vendor is crucial for your project’s success where efficiency and reliability of critical infrastructure are paramount. At Nor-Cal, we proactively identify the challenges that our asset owners commonly encounter when they choose SCADA vendors.
Identifying Pain Points
Legacy “Aging” Systems: Dealing with outdated SCADA systems that lack modern capabilities, putting a strain on maintenance and causing operational inefficiencies.
Compatibility Issues: Ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure, hardware, and software systems can be a daunting task.
Budget Constraints: Balancing the need for cutting-edge SCADA technology with budget limitations can be a real headache for asset owners.
Regulatory Compliance: Meeting Utility, Independent System Operator (ISO) and industry-specific regulations and standards.
Scalability: The ability to scale the SCADA system to accommodate future growth and changes is essential to protect investment.
What’s Important When Choosing a SCADA Vendor
Communications Excellence: It’s important when choosing a vendor to prioritize responsiveness, reliability, and dependability for prompt issue resolution and consistent progress. Seek out proactive communication practices, collaborative problem-solving, and continuous engagement to ensure a transparent and informed partnership throughout the project lifecycle.
Industry Experience: Selecting a SCADA vendor with a solid track record in the industry will have a better grasp of the unique challenges our customers are likely to encounter.
Flexibility and Scalability: It’s essential to ensure that the chosen SCADA system can adapt and grow as needs and infrastructure evolve.
Integration Capabilities: Opting for a SCADA system that seamlessly integrates with existing hardware and software to minimize compatibility issues.
Compliance Expertise: Partnering with a vendor that is well-versed in industry regulations is vital to help navigate and stay compliant with relevant standards.
Support and Training: A SCADA vendor that provides comprehensive post-installation / post-operational support and training programs, ensuring the team can proficiently operate and maintain the system.
In the midst of exploring SCADA vendor considerations, Troy Morlan, a past valued Nor-Cal employee, now SCADA Project Manager at Lightsource bp, shares his insights:
“I have three top priorities that I look for when evaluating a SCADA provider. First, a proven track record and reliability, ideally subject matter experts in renewable energy controls. Second, the ability to be flexible in project implementation and adapt to variable project requirements and conditions. Lastly, communication and responsiveness with a robust structure for short- and long-term support.”
SCADA Specifics and Best Practices
Data Collection and HMI (Human Machine Interface) Visualization: Ensuring SCADA systems collect, store, and present data in a user-friendly and actionable format. Including critical alarm notification.
Redundancy and Reliability: Implement redundancy strategies to minimize downtime and data loss, enhancing system reliability.
Security Measures: Prioritize robust cybersecurity protocols to protect your system from threats.
Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance and software updates to keep the system running smoothly and efficiently.
O&M Support
Once you’ve partnered with a SCADA vendor for system integration and the site is operational, ongoing operation and maintenance (O&M) support for the SCADA system is essential.
- Establish a SCADA Support Services with your SCADA vendor, for continuous support.
- Train your operational staff regularly to ensure they are well-versed in operating the SCADA systems and troubleshooting.
- Monitor system performance and security and be prepared to respond to any issues promptly with the assistance of your chosen vendor.
Vendor Options for Success
To ensure a successful SCADA implementation, it’s crucial to address pain points, consider key factors, utilize available resources, comprehend SCADA intricacies, and apply best practices. Additionally, ongoing operation and maintenance support are vital for maintaining infrastructure efficiency.
In a continually evolving technological landscape, making informed choices is the linchpin to unlocking the full potential of all projects. Selecting the right SCADA vendor is a pivotal decision for asset owners, especially with numerous providers in the market. Besides Nor-Cal, there are several other notable industry players, including Vertech, Trimark, RRC, and more, all of whom are strong contenders. Curious to learn more information about SCADA vendor company options to choose from? In our upcoming article, we'll spill the beans on the industry’s top players, revealing their unique strengths and differences.
At Nor-Cal Controls, we are dedicated to providing the customer experience your project demands and deserves. Our reputation is built on consistent project execution, exceptional customer service, and the expertise of our qualified team. We empower EPC and Asset Owner customers to build for the future, reducing project risk and ensuring success in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Connect with us to chat about your upcoming project.
