Upgrades to your car or house can be a daunting undertaking, especially if you want it done right. Usually, you need to hire a mechanic, contractor, or specialist for repair. Furthermore, there is the question of what materials to use which are less expensive yet still durable, dependable, and attractive. In short, we want to upgrade as painlessly as possible without breaking the bank. Therefore, we have to find the right balance between our desires (i.e., performance or aesthetics) and the impact on our wallets. But, how do we upgrade SCADA systems painlessly?
Let’s make it easy. Apply the same principle when upgrading SCADA systems to a personal concern.
1. Update User Account Passwords
Whether we like it or not, security is always an issue. Fortunately, it is one of the easiest things to update. By going beyond the initial step of selecting a username and password, we reach an even higher level of security. Passwords for user accounts in your organization should adhere to the best practices for strong passwords (see below).
2. Update Campus Maps and Diagrams
For upgrading SCADA systems, campus maps and diagrams must be up-to-date. It’s no secret that technology changes rapidly. In this respect, the last thing we need is obsolete references to the SCADA system. A few meters or meters may have been added or removed from a building. Either way, it is necessary to update the SCADA system to reflect the changes. These seemingly minor problems can throw off usage reports and total calculations. Service agreements can ensure that issues such as these do not go unaddressed for long.
3. Add Notifications
During installation, system owners often opt out of notifications believing that system administrators can keep an eye on everything. Moreover, we’ve found the occasional system alarm or even are missed or overlooked in many cases. For example, a meter may go offline without noticing until the next billing period. However, many other issues can arise and get overlooked in a system. So, why leave your system vulnerable?
Regardless, it’s in the interest of the system owner to be notified or warned if something is amiss to the point that a double check is required. The benefit of system notifications is often an increase in preventative maintenance. Today’s advancements in existing systems allow for the option of receiving an email or a text message as part of the reporting process. Additionally, sending reports to an entire group is now possible. APT specializes in this type of system configuration and can assist you when you need it.
4. Let the professionals handle it
If you know your system is due for an upgrade, let APT handle it for you. Regardless of the size of the system, we can assess and address it.
At APT, we give you options to select the best path for upgrading SCADA systems. Further, we review your system software for EOL problems and your hardware, including your server or meters. As Schneider Eco Experts, we recommend what you need to make it easy. Above all, we hope that these few tips will help you improve, update, or upgrade your SCADA system. If you need assistance, APT is here to help.
Donald Flowers II | APT Field Service Engineer
