Works with existing hardware
Most Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems usually offer OPC connectivity alone. This can be a significant problem for a business that uses older equipment that does not support OPC. In such a case, you will be forced to purchase drivers that support your legacy equipment or buy a costly OPC wrapper. You can avoid all these extra expenses by getting a package that works perfectly with your existing hardware. Some systems have a range of native drivers that work well with the vendors’ equipment irrespective of its age.Scalability
You need a system that will support your current and future needs. Most vendors believe that scalability that involves buying more I/O. However, if you plan on expanding your industrial plant by adding another production line or build another plant in the future, you need an industrial system that has an architecture that can support that kind of growth. Ensure that your Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system is thoroughly tested to help a more significant number of I/O points so that you can avoid a slower response time or other problems in the future.Security is crucial
There are countless cases of SCADA systems being compromised by internal or external intrusions. Owing to the mission-critical nature of these systems, protection from hackers and unauthorized uses is of great importance. The commitment of the vendor to security and safety is a crucial factor in safeguarding your software.Simple upgrades
You need Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems that can adapt to the ever-changing technologies and requirements. Also, backward compatibility is also essential since replacing the whole system is quite costly. Furthermore, migrating to another SCADA platform can result in data loss and cause downtime that can affect your business. To avoid such situations, you should ensure that the vendor you choose has an extensive history of providing 100% backward compatibility to ensure that your upgrades are simple and straightforward.Unmatched support
The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system is not disposable software. This means that in case the systems go down, they can have severe consequences for your business. This can range from data loss that can impact regulatory compliance or unscheduled downtime that will affect your customers. This is why the vendor should offer support whenever and wherever necessary. They should also have certified integrators to offer routine coursework and training.The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system is a significant purchase for any business. Therefore, it should be able to meet your current needs and future needs. With such a crucial investment, you want to be confident that the vending company will be in business for many years to come. Also, they should have vast experience in your specific industry. This is because you do not just want someone who will install the system but also understands the particular needs of your industry.
