New Server Rack Cabinets for SCADA Technologies
It’s impossible to ignore the influence the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is
having on rackmount enclosures. One of the reasons is supervisory control and
data acquisition (SCADA) spend is forecast to reach close to
$182 billion
in the next 5 years. The key factor is an expanding worldwide power sector.
Another aspect of this juggernaut that’s certain to have an effect on demand for
rackmount enclosures is the expanding SCADA market itself. There are several
market drivers that need to be looked at and these include the tech-driven
demand for industrial mobility. With remote management of different processes
following, more industries than ever before are relying on SCADA to monitor the
automated performance of their machines.
Major Factor
Cloud computing is a major factor that works to foster the integration of these
systems. It makes remote work even easier than ever before.
Of course, Nemaco has been following this trend as it develops. We understand the future of hardware and software automation needs to be carefully monitored. It’s also clear that sensors and controllers, as well as industrial networks, will change but not disappear since they provide key data necessary for IIoT.
Emerging Technologies
We’ve kept pace with all of the emerging technologies and offer 19 inch rackmount enclosure & cabinet products.
These have NEMA 3, 3R, 4, 4X and 12 ratings that work in a variety of scenarios including
with our SCADA Control Cabinets.
The Cloud, SCADA and Custom Enclosures
The cloud and the storage systems it provides include data processing relevant to
SCADA. However, this is still an emerging technology when it comes to the
industrial sector. Of course, at the core of these systems is usually a
computer that sends control commands to connected devices. Different applications
include those in process control as well as manufacturing, fabrication and
power generation.
Some of the other growing trends include developers looking to implement software
updates remotely. They are also devising ways to tap into databases. Of course,
it’s the case with any new trend there needs to be some focus—organizations are
asking themselves important questions about processes like bottlenecks and how
to improve them. They will also need to ask themselves how a trifecta of custom
enclosures, SCADA and the cloud can work together to improve performance.
There are at least two big companies looking at the possibilities here.
Mitsubishi Electric has introduced a complete roadmap that will include user tools and other options when it comes
to new SCADA technology. MAPS 4 will also provide secure data sharing.
GE is set to introduce a brand-new organization that centers around IIoT.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Staying ahead of the curve when it comes to server rack enclosures means understanding the different variations and evolution
of SCADA. It’s important to understand these systems have been around for four
decades. The latest transformation through the Internet of Things coupled with
cloud computing offers new possibilities in operability and scalability.
Traditionally, this technology has been adopted for certain functions like the management of traffic and other transportation
systems and the transmission of electricity and gas. We’ve kept pace with customized air conditioning rackmount enclosures made of corrosion resistant stainless steel to name one option.
Generational SCADA
When we are discussing IIoT, SCADA and custom SCADA Control Cabinets, it helps to know where the technology started. Most experts agree there were four generations culminating in this one.
They also highlight the fact that with new cloud computing and IIoT technologies, there are new upgrades and applications on the way.
Generation One
Way back when, the very first of these systems were not even networked because
there were no networks to speak of at the time. These quickly became outdated
when mainframe systems began to be connected to remote terminal sites.
Generation Two
With the advent of large-area networking (LAN), the second generation of these systems could distribute command processing information across several connected stations.
Generation Three
It should be no surprise that cost savings was the big driving force behind this third generation of SCADA. The ongoing focus on network design means these systems will spread across various LAN networks. The common term for this architecture is a Process Controlled Network (PCN). The result for most organizations was cost savings that came about by implementing complicated systems across larger areas.
Generation Four
As we’ve already discussed, IIoT and the cloud are altering and tweaking SCADA. However, any investment still needs to be protected from elemental and corrosive environments with proper NEMA 4 19″ Rack Server Cabinets.
Some 19 Inch Server Rack Cabinet Design Considerations
Matching the right SCADA components with the right enclosure requires some careful design considerations. The type of materials used is a priority. Choosing the right kind of metal with the appropriate thickness is critical. Usually, enclosures are made from a variety of materials ranging from carbon steel to stainless steel, aluminum and even copper in some circumstances.
Aluminum is a popular choice since it is lightweight and corrosion resistant at the same time. There’s one caveat to using this popular material. It needs to be chromated coated when making electrical contact.
Stainless steel is another option. Because this choice contains nickel and chromium, it is also highly resistant to corrosion. Cold-rolled steel offers the durability that many of our clients are looking for.
NEMA Rackmount Enclosures and IIoT Moving Forward Together
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is well aware of all these recent developments and is keeping pace. In fact, a recent press release highlighted how these three groups got together to recognize the need to modernize electric grid infrastructure.
The backdrop was the IIoT Energy Forum. NEMA partnered with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) to take a look at different components in the energy grid and how they fold into these emerging technologies.
Some of the topics the groups focused on included industrial analytics, smart grids and security. The organizations got together and took a serious look at the requirements as far as information management as well as communication when it comes to diverse infrastructures.
Technical Foundation
The meeting highlighted how the technical foundation is being developed for the next era in SCADA and rackmount enclosures by proxy. IntelliGrid Vision exemplifies new infrastructure for electrical delivery. This will integrate advancements in electronics, computing and communications. The idea is to meet the energy needs of the new digital era.
Once you consider how this technical foundation comes together, it’s easy to see how all the elements we’ve been discussing—including rackmount enclosures—factor in.
Consider:
- The Communications Aspect. With the advent of the digital age and all of the accompanying controllers and devices, systems need two-way interoperability. NEMA ratings become even more important to ensure the enclosures are properly rated. NEMACO offers customized enclosures made to six different NEMA ratings, and custom options.
- The Computing Aspect. Modeling simulation must be state-of-the-art. Software for distribution and transmission systems needs proper enclosure protection. NEMACO provides 19″ adjustable rack rails enclosures with NEMA 3, 3R, 4, 4X and 12 ratings, plus submersible and waterproof options.
- The Monitoring Aspect. Maintaining and operating the intelligent grid efficiently requires constant measurement of key parameters. Modern digitization calls for integrated monitoring and a clear definition of data requirements.
It’s clear that there’s a digital evolution sweeping all industries. Although SCADA will certainly be transformed by this juggernaut, it won’t be cast off. That means increased need for the custom enclosure modifications we provide, including precision-installed accessories.
NEMACO™ also offers performance testing for certain applications, which lends itself to the ever-increasing pace of digital transformation.
Keeping pace with the ever-changing tech landscape so that your components work in the way they were designed is our number one priority.
SCADA and Analytical Software: Proactive and Cost Efficient
Although there are some concerns that cloud-based SCADA presents security risks, most experts feel SaaS lessens hack risk. Predictive modeling in advanced process control (APC) and SCADA makes statistical analysis a key offering in solar and wind generation plants.
A Few Words on Cybersecurity, SCADA and Rackmount Enclosures
There have been many 19″ rackmount designs over the years. Today’s enclosures include features like sliding rails that lock—keeping pace with SCADA’s evolution. The 2019 Global ICS & IIoT Risk Report highlights continuing security gaps—plain-text passwords, direct Internet connections—and recommends continuous ICS monitoring and automated threat modeling.
Different Configurations for Custom Rackmount Enclosures
Cybersecurity demands enclosures that protect SCADA components and manage heat. Proper fan sizing, natural convection cutouts, and hole patterns must be engineered to avoid warping and ensure airflow.
Data and SCADA
Data shows industrial control systems remain soft targets for cyber-attacks. Quick fixes include patch management and automated threat detection.
NEMACO™ provides quality 19″ rackmount enclosures and cabinets, fully customizable with NEMA 4X stainless, indoor/outdoor ratings, removable and hinged covers, engineered accessories, and performance testing.
Contact us today to build the perfect solution for your needs.
Nemaco Contributor
Rob Starr
