By this time, almost all industries have adopted computer solutions to streamline their production. One specific technology of critical importance is a supervisory control and data acquisition software. Known more commonly as SCADA, this software is widely used in plant operations for telecommunications, water control, waste management, energy, oil refinement and more. While this software has yielded real benefits, it must be properly updated and maintained. In fact, most plants are in need of consistent upgrades. Here are five reasons to think about updating your system today.
- A New System Will Improve Overall Safety
One important reason to update your SCADA system is safety. With older interfaces, there is plenty of room for error, miscommunication and misunderstanding. This reduces the ability of human workers to utilize the technology. These lapses in understanding can cause mistakes and oversights that lead to decreased safety on the job. Updated systems are more precise and more accessible for people to use. The data provided by the system is more accurate, thanks to advanced sensors and improved monitoring. This not only reduces the risk for human error, but it actually provides more critical information to workers to help them make better safety decisions on the spot.
- Updated Systems Now Have Cloud Access
One of the best advancements in SCADA technology is the incorporation of the cloud. The cloud has changed many other businesses, and its accessibility in plant settings is still fully realized. Through the cloud, information and processes are performed in online spaces. This means that processing time is faster and more efficient. Information will be available much faster through the cloud, and there is the potential for instant updates.
- Newer Systems Provide Superior Security
You should also think about a new system in terms of security gains. Older technology does not have as much security in place. The security that is in place is often outdated and easily compromised. This makes the plant vulnerable to all sorts of problems. Therefore, regular updates are essential to maintain the edge in security matters. These changes happen rapidly. Just five years ago, most systems did not come standard with two-factor authentication or encryption. These security measures are expected today.
- The Upgrade May Save You Money
A newer system will yield real savings. This is especially true when you think about the usage of the cloud in such technology. The cloud helps offset a lot of costs that used to drag down production. Instead of investing in costly hardware or licensing fees, a simple investment in new software can provide the same results. Moreover, these more modern systems are cheaper to maintain. Older systems start to break down, and replacement parts are scarce and expensive. Investing in an upgrade just makes good economic sense most of the time.
- Your System Upgrade Will Improve Productivity
Finally, you should think about a new system to boost your productivity. These systems are more advanced than ever. They can be programmed to perform very intricate tasks, and they can process information at a far quicker speed. This means that decisions can be made faster, and adjustments can be performed instantly. With this, production is faster than ever before. The boost in productivity can increase profits. This means that your new system can essentially pay for itself.
