Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition
What is SCADA ?
SCADA, which stands for Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition, is the graphical user interface for an automation control system and is a critical piece of infrastructure that allows the plant operator to efficiently monitor and control the automated process.
So imagine the chaos when the SCADA system suddenly dies! The operators are left blind and unable to properly control their plant. This is why it is absolutely critical to have a Disaster Recovery Plan for all SCADA systems.
It is not a case of IF a system fails, it is a case of WHEN. SCADA systems are computer based and even the best system will fail at some point due to various reasons. like :
Hardware Failures (disk failure, power surges etc).
Software Failures (viruses, operating system errors etc).
Accidental System Changes.
Network Failures.
Signals Control Systems Are Designed to Efficiently and Accurately Deliver Data and Controls to Our Clients
Oil and Refinery Centers
Melting Iron
Water and Wastewater
Monitoring real-time information, SCADA shows how process equipment is performing. Sensors on equipment send the info through RTUs (remote terminal units) and PLCs. Doing so, a SCADA system can pinpoint anomalies in a process, comparing real-time data against the data collected, creating alarms to alert the operator to control by taking action to address an issue, permitting maintenance personnel to make more informed and efficient decisions. The data acquired can easily be presented in reports and documentations.
Applications and FunctionsSCADA systems are used in various industries, particularly in manufacturing, building/facility environment automation, mass transportation, traffic signals, electric power generation, water distribution, and of course in the transmission and distribution of natural gas.
Oil and Gas Gathering, Transmission and Distribution
Tank Farm Monitoring
Renewable Resource Research
Asset Management
Advanced Protocol Conversion
Downhole sub Pump Monitoring
Meter Stations
Compressor Stations
Valve Stations
The best part of these various disaster recovery methods we have discussed above is that you can use several methods together to create a tailored solution that suits your needs. You might want to have a SCADA virtualization plan with the virtualization software preloaded on a Spare SCADA PC, or you might like a Full Redundancy system with System Images backing up all your SCADA servers and workstations to the cloud for off-site disaster recovery protection.
In any case, we cannot emphasis enough how important it is to back up your SCADA system, it's absolutely critical. The SCADA Disaster Recovery Plan is easily the most overlooked part of any plant's maintenance routine, and failure to have an effective plan in place will have disastrous repercussions down the track when the entire plant is brought to its knees because the SCADA system has died.
If you would like assistance with your SCADA Disaster Recovery Plan, send the team at Arex an email.
One of our SCADA experts will be able to guide you through the process and ensure you’re protected when the SCADA gremlin hits your system!