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Develop a disaster recovery plan

A disaster recovery plan can start simple , such as a version plan related to backup and restoration . The next step is to lay out a more long-term roadmap . Here you can consider moving to a redundant and failover system with configurations for minimal disruption .

You can build redundancy at all levels : from SCADA server failover to LAN redundancy and client redundancy . The target is having no data lost . Look at your databases , realtime data , and alarm synchronization , and make the system seamless for remote users . A disaster recovery plan is more than peace of mind – it ’ s an essential part of improving availability and reliability .

Get a good data management system

Create a plan to collect , store and distribute your data securely . To operate a plant efficiently , you need to have all the correct data at the right time . For more reliable and consistent information , consider a plant-wide historian like Proficy Historian 2022 .

Proficy Historian collects information from different data sources and provides the ability to extend and scale as your systems grow , integrating your data management layer with your CMMS or GIS systems . Modern technologies make information available to stakeholders who aren ’ t directly connected with the SCADA-system , but need data to make decisions , such as demand and planning .

Build effective alarm procedures

A good alarm strategy means less noise , faster reactions , increased productivity and efficiency , and safer operations . With a good alarm strategy , you can move from an alarm to a notification , and guide the right action . Many resources for effective alarm management are available , such as through the International Society of Automation ( ISA ).

Digitalize work processes

Every plant has standard operating procedures in some form , mostly printed manuals . Now , you can move from manuals to integrating work processes into your SCADA system . Using SCADA data , you can start a work process , guide operators through steps , and increase operational consistency . Electronic Standard Operating Procedures ( SOPs ) also capture best practices and accelerate new operator training .

Digitalize your procedures to ensure consistency , repeatability , adherence to standards , and accountability on tasks . You can drive the right actions and help prevent mistakes from happening . Additionally , you can record and track work processes for compliance .

Drive organizationwide connectivity

SCADA connectivity across an entire facility , company or organization provides a holistic view of performance , fills data gaps and increases collaboration . In addition , centralized information management creates consistency across different factories and facilities . By connecting secure thin clients to hardware , information can be made easily accessible to all levels of the company or organization .

Leverage personabased visualization

Give each person the information and capabilities they need , rather than the same SCADA screen for every person . Modern HMI / SCADA allows you to equip your workforce with tailored information , remote monitoring , and control capabilities via various devices . This can be a smartphone , tablet , PC , or a legacy device that supports HTML5 . You ’ ll get the right operational information to the people who need it , saving tremendous staff time while speeding response and compliance .

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