Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a comprehensive computer system for gathering and analyzing real time data. Since the advent of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in the late 1970s, the individual components that comprise a SCADA system have been dramatically reduced in size and cost. Widely used in municipal and industrial processing, SCADA systems monitor and control a plant or equipment in industries such as telecommunications, water and wastewater control, energy, oil and gas refining, and transportation. Typically, these clients have operations that are distributed across large geographic areas with multiple facilities. While the PCLs collect the data, operations and maintenance staff are still integral to the process. Remote monitoring by data center personnel is managed via human-machine interface (HMI) software. Maintenance and operations requirements that must be managed by staff and are relayed by a variety of communication options, such as radios, cell phones, and satellite technology operating on licensed and unlicensed frequencies. This network of communications devices provides continual communication between operations, maintenance, and data center personnel to ensure that all systems run at the optimal level.
BLOC's SCADA system services include:
- SCADA system design and installation
- SCADA system problems diagnosis
- SCADA system owner and operator training
- Operator interface display upgrade (MMI & HMI)
- Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming upgrade
- Data logging and reporting upgrade
- Process instrumentation calibrations
BLOC’s PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) hardware options include:
- Allen Bradley
- Automation Direct
- SCADAPack
- GE FANUC
- Modicon
- National Instruments
- Phoenix Contact
- Red Lion Modular Controller Series
- Siemens
BLOC’s HMI (Human/Machine Interface) software options include:
- Allen Bradley Panelview
- Allen Bradley RSView
- Proface
- Ignition
- InduSoft
- Industrial PC
- Intellution iFix
- Invensys Wonderware
- Maple Systems
- National Instruments Lookout
- Red Lion G3
- Siemens
- Magelis
- Vijeo
BLOCS’s wireless/cellular control systems options include:
- Banner
- FluidMesh
- Freewave
- MDS
- Mission
- Phoenix Contact
- Raco
- Sensaphone
Because BLOC’s control panels are so well-designed and organized, maintenance is quick and simple.
“A client called me recently who was having an issue with his control panel. I was able to tell him how to fix it over the phone, simply by knowing the color of the wire. I had them back up-and-running in no time.”
— BLOC Instrumentation & Controls