Scada (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems used in industrial process control applications make the monitoring and control of virtually any system possible. Conventional scada systems are, however, extremely complex and incredibly costly. But with the advent of wireless communication technologies and software as a service (SaaS), the ability to perform advanced monitoring and control of remote or mobile assets can be done deeper into the asset base of larger operators and is also now becoming accessible to smaller operators who could not traditionally afford scada.
Beyond Wireless, a local specialist wireless machine to machine (M2M) communication solutions provider established in 2003, has created a managed turn-key solution that makes the affordable, scalable, realtime monitoring and control of remote and mobile assets possible across a variety of industries and applications.
The company employs advanced wireless and Internet protocol technologies that support data-logging, configurable alarms, realtime reporting and corrective action tracking, all of which are accessible through a secure and easy to use web interface. Protocol-independent GPRS communication platforms are available for large entities seeking to extend the reach of existing scada systems supporting standard industry communication protocols (such as EV, DNP3, IEC101, Modbus, Profibus, etc).
The Beyond Wireless solution, SCAD@nywhere, harnesses the reach of GSM cellular communication and the power of the Internet to provide a cost-effective, stable and secure means of remotely monitoring and controlling remote and mobile assets. Available in three modules (SCAD@Light, SCAD@Comm and SCAD@Max), SCAD@nywhere is suitable for smaller operators with no scada system, operators with an existing scada system and Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) in the field and operators with both an existing scada system and equipment which is not connected to the scada system.
Applications
Typical areas of application for the Beyond Wireless SCAD@nywhere solutions include monitoring of electricity, water and gas distribution infrastructure, tank and reservoir levels, monitoring and control of power generation equipment, monitoring and control of pumps, demand side management, water quality monitoring, leak detection, consumption, demand and flow-rate monitoring, continuous gas/liquid analysis, cold chain monitoring, building/facility management, HVAC and boiler monitoring, remote diagnostics of medical diagnostic equipment and foot traffic analysis.
Radio equipment
The standard remote terminal unit offered by Beyond Wireless (BC3000B) is a dual SIM device offering complete network redundancy and supports serial port communication (RS232 and RS485) and is able to interface with most industry standard transducers (for example, 4 to 20 mA, 0 to 20 mA, 0 to 1 V, 0 to 10 V) to provide accurate realtime information, along with historic trends, SMS and e-mail alarms with time-based stage escalation and alarm acknowledgement functionality, allowing for the wireless monitoring of numerous analogue, digital and pulse inputs as well as supporting digital and analogue control outputs over an available GSM network infrastructure. It essentially provides two-way communication via a centrally hosted switch from where the data is disseminated. Depending on the availability of power supply, the BC3000 can be configured for mains, battery or solar power, and also has an independent battery back-up system.
Since all that is needed to use SCAD@nyhwere is a mobile phone and an Internet connection, this makes the solution easy to implement and rapidly scalable.
An accessible solution
In the current difficult financial climate, Beyond Wireless believes more and more operators will opt in on M2M technologies like SCAD@nywhere. With capital becoming harder to access, operators are choosing to monitor their infrastructure more closely than ever to ensure that their assets are functioning correctly to ensure service delivery and avoid equipment failures. In other words, operators are saying, “If we cannot afford to replace the equipment then we better make sure it does not break!”
In addition, due to the severe skills shortages being experienced in South Africa, particularly in the engineering and technical sectors, wireless M2M communication solutions like those offered by Beyond Wireless are becoming the sensible option. Many operators lack the in-house skills to manage scada systems and are thus choosing to outsource this function.
As a specialist organisation in this field, Beyond Wireless is able to maximise on economies of scale and offer clients a cost-effective way of monitoring and controlling their assets without the costly dedicated onsite communication infrastructure of traditional scada systems.
With access to affordable Internet protocol-based wireless communications platforms, South Africa (and indeed Africa) is no longer held back by the challenges of fixed line telecommunications and can now take advantage of the latest communication, monitoring and control solutions available.
The end-to-end solution provided by Beyond Wireless, from field device to backend system, makes for a comprehensive yet uncomplicated system. A single entity is responsible for complete delivery and maintenance of the solution, allowing clients to focus on their core business and enjoy the benefits of M2M technology with the lower total cost of ownership.
For more information contact Ian Lester, Beyond Wireless, +27 (0)11 283 0000, [email protected], www.beyondwireless.co.za
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