SCADA & DATA ACQUISITION FEATURE HOW TO BENEFIT FROM THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS


Carl Nash, technical director at Products4Automation, explains how a competent automation partner can offer the benefits of both a vendor-supplied and independent SCADA package


P


roprietary SCADA provided by automation vendors can be


challenging to use, restrictive in choice and expensive. Alternatively, independent SCADA software, controls and comms architectures demand significant expertise and resources in system design and integration. So, is there a middle way in SCADA implementation? A Supervisory Control and Data


Acquisition (SCADA) control system provided by the big automation vendors is commonplace. The main reason for their popularity is the perception of security and low risk. These brands are established and likely to maintain their support and ongoing development. They also create ease of selection and hardware integration – providing the vendor’s own equipment is used. Yet the lock-in presents its own


challenges. The most obvious drawback is the restriction on the choice of software and controls. From a development perspective, if not already conversant with the software environment, the user likely faces extra time and cost, especially where ease of use is not prioritised. Lack of choice over software and


hardware can also limit capabilities, not only for central control but peripheral control as well. Vendor-supplied SCADA can mean that wider automation components and communications have to follow suit, or else require additional time and cost integrating components from various manufacturers.


From the procurement perspective,


vendor-supplied SCADA is the most expensive option. This cost restraint applies to initial purchase, and once locked in, additional licences can further inflate the expense. Alternatively, SCADA software, control


components and comms architecture can be selected independently. The clear benefit of a wide choice means a programming environment and language which may already be familiar, or preferable from an ease of use perspective. Creating a SCADA system independently also means access to best of breed products and a choice of communications protocol. At the same time, choice affords lower cost – at least over initial system set-up. While maximising flexibility, the fully


independent SCADA approach demands expertise and time in design. This issue can be exacerbated the wider the automation system grows over time. A challenge is cost in resources for set-up, and also time to market. Depending on your choice of brands, your system could be in a precarious position concerning ongoing updates and support. It is possible however to benefit from


the ready integration of vendor-supplied SCADA, with the flexibility of an independent system. This middle way demands an automation partner that can provide support throughout, from system design to field support. The advantage of working with a SCADA specialist that can





By choosing the middle way, users can benefit from the ready- integration of vendor- supplied SCADA, with the flexibility of an independent system


advise and provide hardware and software as a package means ease and speed of project delivery; and enables optimum system integration. It’s advantageous if your SCADA partner


can offer a tailored system, where bespoke requirements can be supported for specific application needs. Also, ensure that the hardware and software will be supported on an ongoing basis to futureproof your investment. It’s also important that the SCADA software is independent, providing flexibility in initial choice as well as future scalability should your needs expand. The SCADA software platform will


ideally offer an all in one development environment for managing HMI/PLC, visualisation, data history and analysis, with the primary advantage of reduced development time. It’s also crucial that the platform is easy to use and flexible to changing applications. The controller should also be scalable to accommodate changing needs, therefore hardware with a robust and powerful processor (Mid- range Intel for example) is advantageous at the outset. Hardware should also be backed up by local technical support, with a rapid response when required. In our opinion, these combined benefits can also be achieved at a price far more competitive than that from one of the proprietary automation vendors.


Products4Automation www.products4automation.co.uk


PROCESS & CONTROL | MAY 2020 31


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44