The 5 Keys: the Definitive Guide to Choosing your HMI/SCADA

Throughout its years of existence (which are not few), HMI/SCADA systems have been gaining ground until they have reached most plants and industries around the world. In today’s market, companies have access to a wide variety of options that allow them to opt for the software and manufacturers they want. But spoiler: this does not necessarily guarantee them success.

Although there are so many possibilities, not all of them are worthwhile: only some have the necessary attributes to increase the efficiency of operations and, therefore, achieve greater profitability in the medium and long term.

With more than 40 years of experience in the commercialization of HMI/SCADA, from Becolve Digital we reveal five key points to consider when choosing a system of this type:

1. Advanced graphic and visualization capabilities

For any operator, the behavior of a user interface is as important as the ease with which they can interact with it: if they find it tedious to manage their HMI, they will not take full advantage of all its functionalities.

The first step, therefore, to choosing an HMI/SCADA is to make sure that it will provide the highest graphic performance, as well as a library of vectorial industrial objects ready to use totally reconfigurable and oriented to situational awareness.

On the other hand, the system must also allow you to create multifunction objects for later reuse in multiple projects, as well as implement standard presentation styles, easily position equipment/elements on a geographic visualization system, and have Windows application support. With a solution that meets these characteristics, you will be able to identify relevant information at a glance, easily detect anomalies and respond to critical events in record time.

2. Unlimited developments

Another aspect to consider in the future solution is that it is designed to manage a large number of signals, and tested to avoid slow response times and other problems associated with tools not prepared for this purpose.

At this point, it must be taken into account that the cost of ownership of the systems is not limited to their design and implementation, but also depends on how long they can provide a return on investment, while maintaining the competitiveness of operations, plant and business.

Thus, before investing in an HMI/SCADA, determine its operating life, that is, how long you can maintain, update and add new functionalities to the system. Something that will vary, of course, if it has native access to new developments and evolutions throughout its life cycle.

3. Focus on security

When organizations have solid HMI/SCADA system security, sensitive and confidential industrial operations and data remain safeguarded from unauthorized access or malicious threats.

Therefore, a key question that you must ask yourself and any HMI/SCADA provider, before choosing, is the annual amount invested in security patches and continuous maintenance of the system. The answer will probably depend on the size of the installed base.

In most cases, market-leading solutions with a proven track record and a large installed base invest more time, resources and money in this area. Consequently, they provide higher levels of security compared to those of other providers. While there are more particularities to assess, we recommend that you take it into consideration when deciding.

4. Easy configuration

Today, in many operating environments, users with different technical and technological skills coexist. Far from being alarmed, those flexible HMI/SCADA systems allow all people to work with the platform without problems and make configurations quickly and easily.

All HMIs/SCADAs in general should be validated for their operational simplicity and daily handling, providing a user experience that is as friendly as possible. And, as we mentioned at the beginning, difficult-to-master tools tend to be wasted, despite their possible and useful functionalities.

5. Integration and interoperability

Last but not least, when choosing an HMI/SCADA you must ensure that it has a high level of integration and interoperability. In this sense, the solution must support at least:

• Data exchange in OPC UA (client and server).
• Data exchanges with web servers.
• Extensive connectivity with PLCs, market equipment and other third-party systems.
• Ability to connect and send data (measurements, alarms, events) to the “Cloud”.
• Ability to operate applications remotely with the possibility of use in a multitude of devices (PC, laptop, tablet, mobile phone).

Remember that an HMI/SCADA is much more than a simple software license. Acting as a cornerstone and key to daily operations, it has a high impact on the profitability and sustainability of your business.