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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
The 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.
The meeting highlighted how the technical foundation is being developed for the next era in SCADA and rack-mount 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 rack-mount enclosures—factor in.
Consider:
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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(281) 251 - 4233
Email:
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Nemaco Technology LLC
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4417 Stefani Lane,
Houston, TX 77041-8813
Mailing Address:
PO Box 41973 Houston, TX 77241