What does Scada mean today? Tried and tested in the course of time

Details: Released: 12.04.2021; Last updated: 20.08.2023; Hits: 19176

What does Scada mean today? In the past, Scada systems were used for monitoring, control and regulation and were appropriately used to manage systems and processes. Today, with the digitalization of industry and the associated new business models, it is becoming an important part digital transformation. And so has Mitsubishi Electric brought its proven platform Maps 4 to a new level. For the EMEA markets, Genesis64 complements the Maps software for system monitoring and process control.

Content:

Scada as a bridge between OT and IT?
- Scada builds a bridge with OPC UA
Communicate seamlessly with a huge library
- Prevent cybercrime with Scada
- Scada product range for EMEA expanded

The advancement of digital transformation in the Automation Industry 4.0 is often affected by one today Lack of transparency between the operational level or the operational technologies (OT) and information technology (IT) on the corporate side.

In today's competitive environment, however, the economic success of a company depends on how quickly relevant data can be accessed. IT staff and the employees at the operational level therefore need it quickly and easily Access to the relevant data, so that the machines and systems can be operated efficiently and important management decisions can be made.

Scada as a bridge between OT and IT?

What bridge can be built between the OT and IT levels? How can old and new technologies be integrated and combined in production? Can the IT level with their databases and management software like ERP and MES be seamlessly connected to production? Can connections to a cloud be implemented, for example to monitor the plant remotely and carry out valuable data analyses?

Today's machine control: intelligent and capable of learning

These and other questions arise when developing a new overall digital process. In addition, this is still with the many Data sources from other manufacturers to link. Even if that quickly turns out to be an insurmountable challenge, it isn't. The good old Scada (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems are perfect for this challenge. You have been able to interact with new and old software and hardware for a long time. And they are constantly evolving and thus meet the requirements for interfaces even with the latest Scada systems.

Scada builds a bridge with OPC UA

The clearly preferred protocol for connectivity between separate IT and OT worlds is the platform-independent standard for data exchange OPC UA. But if you look at the development of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) would be a solution without Gateway managing the flow of data would quickly become overwhelmed if all devices were connected and communicating. A Scada platform can bridge the gap between OT and IT. It views and filters the data from the operational level and translates it into the required OPC UA format for transmission to the next system level.

Communicate seamlessly with a huge library

Scada forms the basis for seamless Communication between company level and company level. The Scada system has a large library for this purpose integrated interface options for new and older components, controls and third-party systems and its data translation functions.

Graphic HMI operator terminals for industrial automation

As a link between OT and IT, the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Technology Analyzing data, putting it in context and giving meaning to the resulting raw data. At the same time, Scada presents this data graphically in an easy-to-understand manner. Users thus work with better visualization and increase productivity in the automation of their processes.

Such a Scada system bridge can also be used for the Data handling in the cloud beat. The OPC UA is also used as the network protocol for this. Scada applications can even be hosted in the cloud. They also support MQTT and IT connectivity such as SNMP or ICMP for monitoring IT resources or web services.

Prevent cybercrime with Scada

The latest security trends in Scada systems are helping system developers build a robust defense against those rising with the digital transformation Cyberattacks to implement. This can be achieved as a natural part of a design process without compromising on ease of use.

Predictive maintenance with artificial intelligence for robots

The trends and requirements described can be found in the development work of Mitsubishi Electric again. The automation company has its proven Scada platform Maps 4 taken to a new level. Users will find a solid basis for digital transformation here. The strenght service-oriented architecture (SOA) of the system makes it possible to develop sophisticated visualization applications faster. At the same time, it provides optimized functions to support the connectivity of OT and IT.

Scada product range expanded for EMEA markets

The new Software type Genesis64 complements the existing Maps Scada software. Genesis64 offers two types of software for system monitoring and process control and meets the diverse Internet of Things (IoT) requirements. These range from the monitoring and control of small production lines to monitoring and business intelligence (BI) of building automation, process automation and large-scale systems.

Genesis64 Basic Scada is a Entry-level software with essential functions for small production lines. The Genesis64 Advanced Application Server is a complete Scada suite for large-scale monitoring of plants, factories and buildings.

The Basic Package allows the visualization of data in small applications. However, the software can also be scaled to medium-sized applications according to customer requirements.

Users with higher system requirements will use the Advanced Application servers help create a serverless system using cloud computing. This makes it easier to set up duplex, multi-location or other highly secure, large-scale systems.

The top end software can also work with portable devices such as Smart Glasses and connect smartwatches. Users who want to implement remote monitoring or give remote work instructions are supported. The software can be operated with the help of KI-Smart assistants loudspeakers via voice command.

Smart maintenance: what influence does Industry 4.0 have?

With this expansion, users receive a strong range of Scada solutions from the US company iconics, Inc., which was acquired by Mitsubishi Electric in 2019.