PROCESS AUTOMATION
THE EVOLUTION OF SCADA
Constantijn Tsiris, Vice President Industrial Software Europe, Emerson, says cloud-based SCADA represents an opportunity to embrace efficiency and resilience in an increasingly digital world
upervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems have come a long way since their inception in the 1970s. Modern SCADA systems now incorporate advanced features that enhance efficiency, safety, and decision-making at both operational and business levels. Today’s large-scale SCADA systems resemble distributed control systems, leveraging a networked approach that boosts resiliency and security while reducing long- term maintenance costs. This evolution enables SCADA to effectively manage assets spread across geographically diverse locations and interconnected through multiple local area networks.
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Traditionally, SCADA technology has been deployed on-premises, but the emergence of web- or cloud-based SCADA has introduced a paradigm shift. Cloud-based SCADA systems allow organisations to outsource hardware, software, and cybersecurity management to a third-party provider. These systems rely on internet browsers as the graphical user interface, simplifying installation, reducing operational costs, and enabling remote access via mobile devices and tablets. The primary distinction between on- premises and cloud-based SCADA lies in the location of software and data, as well as the responsibilities for security, performance, and maintenance. For on-premises SCADA, software and data reside on-site at the plant or asset. The organisation owns and manages
the entire system, from hardware to architecture. This approach is often preferred by businesses with the resources to manage their systems and operate assets that are typically sophisticated and concentrated in proximity, such as refineries or power generation plants.
Cloud-based SCADA, on the other hand, shifts much of the burden to the provider. Management tasks, including updates, security, and maintenance, are handled externally. The provider also owns the hardware, servers, and software. This makes cloud-based SCADA particularly suitable for industries like sustainable hydrogen production, where assets are often widely dispersed, and on-site deployment of SCADA systems is impractical.
Organisations opting for cloud-based SCADA benefit from 24/7 system management, including real-time maintenance, data backups, and software upgrades – all performed without disrupting operations. This arrangement frees businesses to focus on their core activities while relying on the provider’s expertise for IT management. Cloud-based SCADA often operates under a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model. This approach offers several advantages, such as the software being kept up-to-date ensuring the system is always running the latest version. Upfront investment and ongoing operational costs are minimised. There is a reduction in the
need for in-house IT resources, and enhanced security limits the organisation’s exposure to cybersecurity risks. For example, Emerson’s DeltaV SaaS SCADA is hosted on Microsoft Azure, which means it is supported by over 3,500 security experts. Connections between devices and the SCADA platform are encrypted and secured via dedicated access point names and virtual private networks. Customer data is backed up in real time. Security is critical for any SCADA deployment. In on-premises systems, cybersecurity is the sole responsibility of the end user. Larger organisations often have the resources to maintain robust hardware, architecture, and software to mitigate threats and implement resiliency plans. However, for those lacking these capabilities, SaaS-based SCADA is a viable alternative. The cloud provider handles security measures, from system monitoring to software updates, ensuring that operations remain secure. While cloud-based SCADA has clear advantages, the decision ultimately depends on the organisation’s specific application, scope, and business strategy. Some companies may prefer to retain complete control over their systems, keeping software and data physically accessible and managing maintenance, security, and upgrades themselves.
For businesses embracing a SaaS solution, the benefits are significant. Secure, real-time access to production data from anywhere simplifies operations and boosts productivity. For example, a natural gas distributor successfully implemented DeltaV SaaS SCADA to monitor end-of-line pressure stations. The solution eliminated the need for manual data collection, reduced strain on the company’s IT department, and lowered upfront costs. With 24/7 monitoring, the company gained instant alarm notifications for pressure drops, optimised gas supply management, and improved operational performance and customer satisfaction.
Emerson
www.emerson.com
16 MARCH 2025 | PROCESS & CONTROL
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