SCADA & IoT: Stronger together – Gemba

Within many industries, machines, devices and processes are controlled via a SCADA system. As the Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly making its entrance into the industrial market, many companies are wondering whether IoT can also offer added value for them. At Gemba

Although both systems certainly have points of contact with each other, there are also major differences. But it is precisely because of these differences that SCADA systems and IoT can also reinforce each other excellently.

11 November 2016 • 3 min read

SCADA vs IoT

SCADA systems (also called M2M, GBS or LIMS systems) have been around for at least 50 years and have been developed further during that time. In the meantime, in addition to the fully closed systems, open systems and even Cloud variants are available.

Connection

SCADA systems aim to control systems and assets within a specific process in order to obtain the correct data. Just as with IoT, sensors are often used for this. The difference with IoT is that these sensors must be physically connected to the systems. For Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), it does not matter whether a sensor is connected or not. Gateways, machines, computers, databases; data from various parts within the ecosystem can be used to monitor, analyze processes, or the whole of them, and enable new business.

Control

There is also a difference between SCADA and IoT in the control of devices and machines. We are increasingly dealing with sensors that are connected via OTA (Over The Air) networks. Take a temperature sensor, for example. Where it previously needed a copper wire, gateways and smart sensors now have software that needs to be managed. Secure connections must be possible for this.

Data

The last and biggest difference between SCADA and IoT is data. Data from SCADA systems is mainly used to control and manage specific processes or devices. Within IIoT, data is mainly used to monitor, adjust and optimize not only processes, but also the entirety of interconnected systems. Extensive analytics capabilities are therefore usually not available with SCADA systems, while IIoT platforms do make use of them.

‘Bubble’ or smart solution?

Internet of Things is hot & happening. Everyone has heard of it and many companies want to get started with it. Traditional SCADA suppliers are responding to this by developing specific IoT solutions for specific circumstances. But those specific solutions from different suppliers will not always connect to each other. The challenge for companies is therefore to create a clear structure in this. Only in this way can the data from different sensors actually contribute to the company objectives. The experts at Gemba can perfectly help you to map out the existing situation and needs and to enable a smart integration of your existing SCADA system with IIoT.

SCADA and IoT as a powerful combination

An existing SCADA system does not become redundant with the introduction of IoT within an organization. After all, the need to control processes properly remains. However, SCADA systems can provide important information that can serve as input for IoT processes. The existing infrastructures within a SCADA system can also function as a gateway within the IIoT process. Data then becomes available within the IIoT ecosystem with which business process decisions can be taken. Conversely, an IIoT network can provide the SCADA system with important additional input. Consider, for example, the use of additional IIoT sensors that provide data with which the existing production parameters of a (non-closed) SCADA system can be adjusted. If well integrated with each other, a SCADA and IIoT system together form a powerful combination for your company.

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The people at Gemba make a smart and powerful combination of your SCADA system and IIoT possible. Curious about the possibilities for your company? Feel free to contact us for an informal appointment. Call us on 020 482 2929 or contact us.

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