Defining Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
SCADA is a combination of software and hardware, sometimes referred to as automation technology. This creates a supervisory control system, that receives operating data about a process and associated equipment in order to control and optimize that process. These systems can be localized to a facility or spread across a wide geographical area using different communication methodologies. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition is often employed to provide supervision over petrochemical processes, water systems, pipelines, and many more industrial functions.
SCADA automation is simply the means to an end, and not the end itself. All organizations converge on the need for maximizing return on assets through operational excellence. Staying competitive means continually finding new ways to operate faster and leaner. The pressure is always on to increase productivity, efficiency, agility, quality, and profitability, all while minimizing costs.
Operational excellence requires continuous improvement across the organization. A well defined and continually maintained system can provide gains in efficiency and productivity, reduce costs and waste, and offer greater control and visibility over operations.
Considerations for Selecting the Best SCADA Software
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition software is a long-term investment in efficiency. Selecting the best choice automation software requires a consideration for how the system will evolve over the course its lifecycle, which depending on the organizations goals and investment strategy could be 5 to 15 years.
Predicting how your control system, technology needs, and organizational goals will change over that amount of time is practically impossible. Thus it is often critical in this era of fast-paced technological innovation to choose automation software with the capability to scale and meet your needs over time. Selecting the right software partner can be instrumental in creating lasting value to your organization. It may be prudent to evaluate whether the software provider has a history of supporting new and emerging technology, so you have the flexibility to incorporate new functionality, platforms, communication protocols, and other best-of-breed systems as your organization changes and grows.
SCADA software should enable organizations to:
- Improve production quantity and quality, while reducing costs and waste.
- Realize efficiency gains across various systems.
- Increase availability and lengthen the lifecycle of assets.
- Improve equipment performance.
- Reduce maintenance costs.
10 questions to answer when evaluating SCADA software:
- What are the short and long-term organizational objectives?
- Is the proposed system aligned with these objectives?
- What under-the-hood functionality will be required to help meet these objectives?
- How will the technology eliminate or reduce current inefficiencies and costs?
- How can the system help leverage available data for the largest gains?
- Can the automation software support different user needs from plant floor to executive?
- How much custom coding will you be required to maintain over time?
- How mobile is the automation software? Can you view and interact with your data when and where you need access?
- How easily can it integrate with other software and systems?
- Is there an ecosystem and support structure you can rely on if you need help?
Selecting AVEVA as Your Industrial Software Provider
AVEVA has a long history in providing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition software and offers a winning strategy for meeting complex and evolving automation requirements while protecting engineering investments. Whether you are looking to start small or implement a comprehensive system, our software solutions provide operational excellence within industrial automation and across our full Engineering, Operations and Performance software portfolio.
AVEVA System Platform, formerly Wonderware
Empowering you with a responsive control platform for supervisory control, HMI, MES, and IIoT.
AVEVA Plant SCADA
Formerly known as Citect SCADA
A reliable, flexible, and high-performance Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition software solution for industrial process customers.
AVEVA Enterprise SCADA
Formerly known as OASyS
The most trusted Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition software for enterprise oil and gas pipeline and gas distribution operations worldwide.
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