Pros And Cons Of SCADA For Smart Buildings
Smart buildings have been a trend for the past few years, and are being adopted by more and more building owners. SCADA is one of the most integral parts of smart buildings, but it’s important to know its pros and cons before investing in it. This article will explore what SCADA is, how it works with other systems in a building, as well as some considerations when deciding whether or not to invest in this technology.
But What Exactly Is SCADA?
SCADA is an acronym for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, a software solution that enables industrial companies to monitor and control their operations at both close or remote levels which means the SCADA system allows one to remotely supervise factories from either local or distant locations – this includes monitoring all human activity within such facilities through sensor devices installed throughout machinery areas, as well as gather real-time data. With the Human Machine Interface (HMI) Software, you can communicate directly with equipment including sensors, valves, pumps, and motors. A log file can be made which records occurrences of events in your day-to-day activities on a certain project.
Which Industrial Organizations Use SCADA?
Computerized systems, such as SCADA are used by industrial organizations to regulate efficiency. They maintain data for better decision-making and notify system faults in order to save downtime. These computer programs can be simple or they could also be big and sophisticated; however, because of the range that these types of systems provide, there is a suitable type available for every business out there! Many modern businesses rely on SCADA systems, including the following:
- Energy and Power Distribution and Transmission
- Manufacturing Plants
- Food and Beverage Production
- Oil and Gas
- Transportation
- Water and Waste Water Management
- Recycling
SCADA systems are the backbone of any building. They’re responsible for monitoring and controlling all aspects of a building’s infrastructure, from HVAC to security. But as with anything else, there are good points and bad points about SCADA systems that need to be considered when it comes time to make decisions on what type of system will work best in your facility. Here’s a rundown:
PROS:
- Accurate Transfer of Information
SCADA systems can provide real-time information about a device or process. This data will be digitally transmitted from your RTUs to your Human-Machine Interface (HMI).
Between your pumps, production and field crews, and management, no typing or interpretation will be required. The SCADA HMI will provide you and your technicians with up-to-date information on the status of all your field-monitored equipment.
- Real-time Notifications
SCADA provides you with real-time updates, so when a problem arises in your system, the information will be instantaneously sent to you. This means that instead of waiting for an issue or headache to grow into something too big before it’s addressed and resolved by IT staff members, SCADA gives you notifications straightaway; giving your team enough time to make quick decisions on what needs immediate care and attention first–whether its equipment control status changes or notification alerts about pending maintenance tasks.
- Preventive Maintenance
SCADA data enables proactive maintenance, allowing for early intervention before a problem becomes more serious. You will be able to discover units that require care and modify settings remotely using your system. If your pump is broken, for example, you may send control commands to switch it off or turn on back-ups automatically according to the situation without having any time lag in between!
CONS:
- The Prices Of Installation Are Greater
The best remote monitoring and control systems are expensive, so expect to spend a substantial amount of money upfront. These systems do not produce any revenue for the technicians who have been tasked with their upkeep but they can be invaluable in keeping your company afloat during natural disasters or other emergencies that may arise at one point or another.
- The System Is So Intricate That It Necessitates The Use Of Expert Operators, Analysts, And Programmers To Keep It Running.
When your company’s new technology is deployed, you should invest the time to train all of those who will be working with it. It might not always seem possible, but investing in training now can help avoid future problems down the line and provide more opportunities for success.
- Expensive System Maintenance
System maintenance is critical to keeping your SCADA system in top working order. However, depending on the size of your network and the sophistication of monitoring equipment, this may be rather costly.
Repairs, calibrations, spare parts, and tune-up services provided by your service provider or manufacturer can all be included in these costs. When it comes time to make decisions about what type of SCADA system will work best in your facility, remember that there are good and bad points for every option. Your needs and the features you want may not be compatible with an off-the-shelf solution. So let us help you design a system that works perfectly for all of your needs! Contact us today!
