Remote Monitoring and Control
REAL TIME MONITORING. CONTROLLED OPERATIONS
Remote monitoring gives authorised operators, plant managers and technical teams access to current process information without requiring a continuous on-site presence. When remote control is included, approved users can also issue selected operating commands within the limits of the plant’s control philosophy, safety interlocks and access permissions.
Overberg Industrial Control develops remote monitoring and control systems using Rapid SCADA, an open-source industrial automation platform designed for the creation of monitoring and control applications. Rapid SCADA provides web access and can run on local servers, embedded computers or cloud-based infrastructure, depending on the requirements and architecture of the system.
Process information is collected from PLCs and other connected devices, processed by the SCADA system and displayed through browser-based graphical interfaces. Authorised users can view plant conditions from compatible computers, tablets or mobile devices with an approved network connection.
Remote functions may include real-time monitoring, alarm visibility, historical data analysis, equipment-status review and controlled operation of selected pumps, valves or other plant devices.
What Is a Remote SCADA System?
SCADA stands for supervisory control and data acquisition. A SCADA system collects operational data from PLCs, instrumentation and other control devices, then presents that information in a structured format for operators and technical teams.
While the PLC performs the real-time control logic, the SCADA system provides the supervisory layer. This allows users to observe the wider process, review operating conditions and interact with approved control functions. The precise information available depends on the installed instrumentation, PLC program, communication architecture and agreed project scope.
A remote SCADA system may display:
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Pump and motor operating states
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Valve positions
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Tank, dam or reservoir levels
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Flow rates
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Pressure readings
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Temperature measurements
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Equipment run hours
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Variable speed drive status
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Process setpoints
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Active and historical alarms
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Communication status
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Historical process trends
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Multiple remote sites within one system
Discuss Your Remote Monitoring Requirement
A useful remote monitoring system begins with a clear understanding of the plant, the information users need to see, the alarms requiring attention and whether selected equipment should be controlled remotely. The system should be designed around the number and location of sites, the installed PLCs, available communication protocols, network infrastructure and required user-access levels.
When contacting Overberg Industrial Control, provide the plant location, PLC manufacturer and model, process values and equipment states to be displayed, required alarms, historical reporting needs and the number and type of users. Please also indicate whether remote control is required and identify any pumps, valves or other equipment that may be operated remotely. This information will help define the appropriate SCADA, communications and access architecture.