SCADA: Real-Time Data for Operating Modern Facilities

What are Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems?

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are essential real-time data systems that support the operation of critical infrastructure across various industries. From utilities and industrial sectors to government, military, and oil & gas operations, SCADA systems provide the backbone for automated control and data acquisition, ensuring facilities run efficiently and safely.

SCADA systems typically include a supervisory computer, RTUs (remote terminal units), PLCs (programmable logic controllers), meters, relays, data concentrators, communication networks, and an HMI (human machine interface) to allow operators to view the incoming live data, alarms, and other important information about the facility’s operation.

Unlike batch processing or streaming of data, SCADA systems transmit and receive field data with control centers in near real-time. This near-instantaneous data exchange enables faster decision-making and more precise control over complex systems. This real-time functionality is crucial for industries where monitoring and controlling infrastructure requires quick responses to maintain safety, security, and efficiency.

Is SCADA Secure?

As SCADA systems become more interconnected with other management systems, cybersecurity is a growing concern. Traditional SCADA setups often operate on older protocols which may not be able to counter modern cybersecurity threats. DigitaLogic’s SCADA integration solution, EFS^[i], focuses on enhancing security measures, such as upgrading encryption standards and securing communications protocols, to protect critical infrastructure from unauthorized access or cyberattacks. The EFS platform has been implemented at multiple large utilities and federal facilities enabling compliance with NERC-CIP^[ii] and FISMA^[iii] respectively.

Optimizing SCADA Systems for Modern Needs

While traditional SCADA systems provide critical data and control functions, they often lack integration with other systems like Outage Management Systems (OMS) and Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS). This separation requires operators to manage multiple platforms, creating inefficiencies and potential gaps in response times.

Upgrading SCADA systems with modern technology provides several advantages for industries looking to enhance their operational efficiency. One key benefit is improved scalability. As facilities grow and adopt more complex infrastructure, an optimized SCADA system can easily scale to accommodate additional equipment and sensors, ensuring continuous monitoring without the need for a complete system overhaul.

With innovations like DigitaLogic’s Enterprise to Field System (EFS), SCADA systems can be optimized for modern needs. By seamlessly integrating SCADA with OMS and ADMS, DigitaLogic’s solutions bring the monitoring, control, and automation functions  across previously disconnected systems together onto a single, unified platform. This level of integration simplifies operations and helps facilities unlock the full potential of automation and real-time data management.

[i] EFS – Enterprise to Field System®

[ii] NERC-CIP – North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection

[iii] EFS – FISMA – Federal Information Security Modernization Act