The Benefits of Scada Remote Monitoring

What Is Scada Remote Monitoring?

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is a control system architecture used to collect and analyse data and provide remote functionality for high-level processes. 

Industrial organisations use the system to help maintain efficiency, process data, make smarter decisions and communicate system issues in order to reduce downtime. The system is able to notify operators of issues in order to resolve problems quickly and prevent further or extended loss of productivity or functioning. 

SCADA systems provide organisations with the ability to:

  • Control processes locally or remotely 
  • Gather and process real-time data 
  • Interact with sensors, valves, pumps and motors through human-machine interface (HMI) software 
  • Record events in a log file 

Which Industries Use Scada Remote Monitoring?

SCADA Remote Monitoring is used by industrial organisations to maintain the efficiency of processes, make smarter decisions and communicate system issues.

Wastewater management 

Converting wastewater back into safe drinking water is a similar process to traditional manufacturing processes. It’s common to have flow rate sensors and contaminant sensors within wastewater centres so monitoring these for faults or issues is essential for providing clean and safe drinking water. Ensuring the right amounts of chemical are used for cleaning the water is also essential and can be monitored using Scada.

Energy 

In the energy industry, Scada systems can help to restore power when there’s an outage, reroute power from areas reaching overload, collect historical data to allow trend analysis and decrease manual labour by directing power supplies to and from areas remotely. 

Transportation 

SCADA systems are commonly used in the transportation sector to monitor assets such as the engine car in the rail industry. The system can monitor elements such as temperature and energy supply in addition to track monitoring and determining whether the track needs maintenance. 

Gas and oil industry  

The gas and oil relies on accurate, real-time data to be successful. Data is needed to calibrate equipment, make sure maintenance activities are completed on time and to keep the flow of product moving. The information analysed by SCADA systems is used to keep track of production values and help to project the profits of the organisation. 

SCADA systems are crucial for decision making, reducing errors, automating processes, responding to crises and supervising systems from a variety of locations.

Food and beverage 

In the food production industry quality control is vital. If a factor such as the temperature varies more than a few degrees, whole batches of food or drink can be spoiled, causing profit losses. SCADA systems have the ability to track solids and liquids running through the system and alert technicians to problems so they can be monitored and fixed quickly. 

Manufacturing 

For manufacturing, SCADA systems help to ensure that all systems are able to run smoothly. For example, a SCADA system may be utilised on a production line to track the number of units produced. 

How Would Scada Remote Monitoring Be Used?

Scada Remote Monitoring can be used for both large and small systems. The processes the system can be used within include: 

    • Industrial processes such as manufacturing, process control, power generation, fabrication and refining and can run in continuous, batch, repetitive or discrete modes.
    • Infrastructure processes which can be public or private and include water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, oil and gas pipelines, electric power transmission and distribution, and wind farms. 
    • Facility processes including buildings, airports, ships and space stations. They monitor and control heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC), access and energy consumption.

What Are The Benefits of Scada Monitoring?

Lower Downtime

If an unintended event triggers downtime on a production line, for example, it’s essential that the issue is resolved quickly. This requires information about the triggering event to be available so that the issue can be diagnosed and fixed with minimal disruption. Maintenance staff are usually the first responders when there is a fault or an issue but it can take them longer to diagnose the issue. 

Improved Maintenance

Systems must be monitored in all applications to make sure they’re functioning properly. In large facilities, it can be difficult for technicians to keep up with and record all minute details. With access to real-time data, automated logs and alerts for preventative maintenance, technicians are able to ensure machinery is serviced before errors or breakages occur. 

Better Productivity

SCADA systems allow organisations to make changes quickly and at the touch of a button. Monitoring systems remotely cuts down on the time technicians spend travelling to sites where an error has occurred.

In addition, data provided allows businesses to make more informed decisions and increase productivity through improved processes and systems.

Real Time Reporting

By collecting and monitoring real-time data, SCADA provides an overview of how each piece of equipment is performing. As a result, anomalies in the system can be pinpointed which allows organisations to promptly identify, locate and fix any issues.

Using these systems organisations are able to make data-driven decisions about how processes can be improved. Without SCADA, it would be difficult to gather the correct data to make these decisions. 

Global Control

SCADA systems can be monitored remotely, so for organisations with multiple locations and sites, the systems can be controlled from a central location instead of requiring technicians to be constantly on-site. 

PCAS Ltd & Scada Remote Monitoring

SCADA Remote Monitoring systems can be beneficial across a wide range of industries and sectors, offering multiple benefits to organisations who are looking to improve processes, minimise downtime and make data-driven decisions. 

If you think your business would benefit from remote monitoring, contact our team today, we’re happy to help!

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