At Atwell, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are widely used to monitor and control complex processes and infrastructure. Engineers such as Atwell’s Nav Singh play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and maintaining SCADA systems. In fact, Singh refers to SCADA as his first love.

“I think of SCADA as my first love in terms of work,” Singh explains. “Twelve years ago, my first job was doing SCADA alone. I was doing substation SCADA for a good two years and learned from multiple mentors along the way. When I joined Atwell, leadership was particularly interested in my skills on the SCADA side, and I was excited to jump back into the SCADA after a few years off.  Not only is the collection interesting, but so is the element of creativity involved.”

Singh continues, “When planning a deliverable, you must think about it from a higher perspective. Over time and with practice, I’ve found creative ways to run the deliverables in each project smoothly.”

With more than a decade of experience working with the technology and mastering his deliverable skills, Singh offered suggestions for how other engineers can use the technology. Here are seven ways engineers can use SCADA:

1. Process monitoring: Engineers can use SCADA to monitor and visualize real-time data from various transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, and more. Other applications include wind farms, solar farms, and traditional generating sensors and devices, such as temperature, pressure, flow, and level sensors. This helps them keep a close eye on critical parameters in industrial processes, utilities, or substations.

2. Remote control: SCADA systems allow engineers to remotely control equipment and processes. This can include operating critical equipment protecting the power grid, such as circuit breakers and disconnect switches, turning pumps on or off, adjusting valve positions, or changing setpoints to maintain optimal operating conditions.

3. Data logging and storage: Engineers can configure SCADA systems to log historical data. This data is valuable for trend analyses, troubleshooting, and compliance reporting. Engineers can use this information to make informed decisions and optimize processes over time.

4. Alarm and event management: SCADA systems can be set up to generate alarms and alerts when specific conditions or events occur, such as equipment failures, out-of-spec measurements, or safety breaches. Engineers can configure these alarms and respond quickly to prevent issues or minimize downtime.

5. Security and access control: Engineers are responsible for ensuring the security of SCADA systems. They can implement access controls, encryption, and other security measures to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats.

6.Integration with PLCs and RTUs: SCADA systems often work in conjunction with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Remote Terminal Units (RTUs). Engineers can program these devices to communicate with the SCADA system, allowing for seamless control and monitoring of field equipment.

7. Customization and reporting: Engineers can customize the SCADA interface and reports to meet specific industry or organizational needs. They can create dashboards, trend charts, and reports that provide insights into process performance and help with decision-making.

Engineers use SCADA systems to monitor, control, and optimize industrial processes and critical infrastructure. These systems provide real-time data, remote control capabilities, historical data logging, and essential features for ensuring the efficient and secure operation of complex systems.

For engineers like Singh, they also offer an opportunity to flex those creative muscles and go above and beyond for our clients. Not only does Atwell provide engineers with years of expertise, but we also provide multiple teams within Atwell who work together to collect, analyze, and synthesize data so our clients can make well-informed decisions that lead to accomplishing their goals.