SCADA Systems for Water and Wastewater

This Selection Guide includes both selection criteria and strategies for choosing the best SCADA system for water & wastewater operations management.

SCADA Systems for Water and Wastewater Selection Overview

The scope of the criteria cover the needs of SCADA Systems for Water and Wastewater including communications with other systems, instrumentation, and networks.  The guide has attributes tailored for water and wastewater organizations, and allows those involved in a SCADA selection process to make quicker and improved decisions.

The need for a highly reliable SCADA system has never been more important than it is today.  In addition, a modern SCADA needs to be able to easily integrate with other systems and technologies from a distributed remote environment, to the central site.  Not only is it necessary to ensure uninterrupted flow of water, but it is also necessary to ensure the return on assets (ROA) that is required by all modern business practices.  Many water and wastewater pipelines are operating with SCADA systems that are well over 20 years old.  In many cases not only are the components difficult to find to maintain these systems, but also the personnel skills required to keep them functioning are becoming more and more scarce.

SCADA selection has become mission critical.  The total solution has become complex and functionality involves the combination of an expanded range of capabilities and specific technology requirements.  While product plays a major role, suppliers have specific domain expertise, geographical presence, and knowledge of the water and wastewater industry dynamics.  These must all be evaluated in a supplier selection process.

SCADA Systems for Water and Wastewater Strategic Issues 

ARC has been researching the SCADA marketplace for many years and we understand the challenges that organizations have to overcome.  We know where they need additional insight and the features that enable current best practices in SCADA and the solution needs to be fit for this purpose.  This includes solutions that:

• Integrate well with both distribution and treatment plant data systems, sensors to enterprise databases
• Manage change throughout the network, accommodating service and maintenance
• Offer the lowest long term cost of ownership, with maximized reliability

 This ARC Selection Guide will help you select the best available SCADA system to meet your needs now and in the future.