Part 1: Why Your SCADA System is Your Most Important Asset (And How to Start Improving It)
Have you ever stopped to think about your SCADA system? Every plant has one, but many don’t realize just how critical SCADA is to their operation. It’s the hub that most people interact with, the tool that helps you run your plant, monitor its performance, and understand how it has run in the past. Simply put, it’s the backbone of your automation system.
If SCADA is that important, how often do you really think about it? For many, the answer is “not often,” and when you do, you might take it for granted. But does your SCADA system really do what you need it to? If you haven’t given it focused attention lately, chances are it could be improved.
Start Small: The Basics
Improving your SCADA doesn’t mean a huge overhaul right away. Start with small but impactful steps. Fix the navigation so all the arrows and buttons lead where they should. Update outdated software and operating systems. If you need guidance, Actemium offers a SCADA Health Check to assess your current system and suggest improvements.
Expand and Integrate
Ideally, you want one SCADA system that covers your entire plant. But most plants operate with islands of automation and multiple systems. A practical step is to fold these outliers into your main SCADA platform. Regardless of the existing hardware or software, we can help you migrate toward a unified SCADA standard that improves visibility and control.
No SCADA Yet? No Problem
If you don’t have a SCADA system but want one, we can guide you through the process. We help determine the best platform for your needs, develop standards to keep your systems consistent, and identify key areas to implement first for quick value.
Your SCADA system is too important to ignore, and even small improvements can make a big difference. In our next post, we’ll explore how to take your SCADA to the next level by improving visualization and operator interaction through High Performance HMI standards.