**Calgary**: Key advancements in managing industrial control systems and the transition to cloud-based SCADA solutions were showcased at YYC DataCon, promising significant efficiencies and improved data access across Alberta’s energy sector and beyond.
At the recent YYC DataCon held in Calgary, significant advancements in the management of industrial control systems were discussed, particularly in relation to the modern demands of data handling and real-time analytics. Key speakers at the event included Kyle Alexander, SCADA advisor for Inter Pipeline, and Michael Matrick, regional director at Improving, an IT service and consulting firm.
The discussions highlighted the importance of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, which have long underpinned the management of critical infrastructures such as pipeline networks and power grids. However, according to Alexander, traditional SCADA systems have not kept pace with the evolving requirements of a data-driven environment. He likened the SCADA department to “Smaug from Lord of the Rings,” stating that they “hoarded all the data,” which resulted in inefficiencies as other departments were forced to navigate convoluted processes to access needed information.
Historically, Inter Pipeline’s SCADA data was stored on-premises using Aveva and Emerson systems, creating barriers to quick data access. Departments within the company often requested data, which had to be extracted and formatted manually, leading to delays and increased workloads. Speaking to attendees, Alexander noted that “every integrity project data request” would save the company around 40 to 50 hours of work per request following their innovations.
In response to these challenges, Inter Pipeline collaborated with Improving to transition their SCADA data to a cloud-based infrastructure using Microsoft Azure. This transition not only centralised data access but also offered secure, real-time analytics capabilities across departments. The move to Azure has led to a substantial decrease in manual work, as the new system enables automated data flow rather than manual data extraction. It has transformed operational processes, eliminating the need for time-consuming spreadsheet creation which previously cost the company around $120,000 per spreadsheet.
To ensure security in this new system, Inter Pipeline implemented a one-way data pipeline via Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute. This private connection allows data to flow to the cloud securely, while preventing any external interference or access to operational data. Alexander explained that with the use of Azure, data is encrypted and flows in a manner that ensures operational integrity while enabling real-time analysis.
Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionise SCADA operations. The capabilities of AI and machine learning are enabling companies to conduct predictive maintenance by analysing vast amounts of historical SCADA data to foresee potential issues before they escalate into serious problems. Alexander expressed a vision for further automation, stating, “We want to automate our life away,” emphasising the goal of allowing teams to focus on more complex operational challenges rather than routine data processes.
This cloud-based transformation is not limited to just SCADA systems but represents a broader shift anticipated in Alberta’s energy sector and beyond. As more organisations adopt AI and modern infrastructure, the capabilities of SCADA systems are expected to extend beyond their traditional roles, enhancing decision-making, safety, and operational efficiency across industries.
In summary, the advancements discussed at YYC DataCon signify a critical evolution of SCADA systems that aligns with contemporary data demands, promising to unlock efficiencies and foster a new paradigm in industrial data management. Digital Journal is reporting that these changes are indicative of a larger trend that could redefine how industries leverage data for operational success.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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