This article is the introduction from a six-page white comes from Red Lion. The complete document is here: http://goo.gl/CxOnQP
To proactively monitor and control remotely-located assets, users must be able to access local sensor-level data. The most cost-effective and intelligent way to do this is through cellular automation, devices for such operations are pictured.
While every business strives to ensure uptime and availability for customers, operators within the utilities space have additional regulatory and monitoring requirements that must be adhered to as well. For both financial and safety reasons, utility companies are building high-availability smart sites to help minimize unscheduled downtime and time to repair. This white paper will discuss how cellular automation enables cost-effective monitoring and control of data at remote sites.
Introduction
Today’s utilities operate in highly productive business environments that are competitive. As such, these organizations must comply with stringent regulatory requirements to prevent downtime that may negatively impact customers. A slight failure of equipment can translate to immediate consequences from both a financial and safety perspective.
These pressures are driving utility companies to build high-availability smart sites that help minimize unscheduled downtime and time to repair. A direct result of this trend is the deployment of equipment to facilitate remote access, regardless of geographic location. To help enable remote connectivity, utilities are integrating legacy serial equipment with IP networks. Despite the many benefits this offers, the move to IP networks may add a level of complexity as it becomes increasingly more important to securely connect critical industrial infrastructures. This white paper will discuss how cellular automation enables cost effective monitoring and control of data at remote sites.
Monitoring & controlling data at remote sites
Remote sites are typically located in places that are difficult to access due to long distances, harsh conditions or limited field staff availability. Accessing critical information, such as equipment status and operational data, at remote sites can be time consuming and costly. Additionally, given today’s aging industrial infrastructures, monitoring and controlling the data within these sites is more critical than ever. In fact, organizations are beginning to witness the consequences of not updating and maintaining outdated networks.
Consequences may include utility blackouts and gas pipeline explosions. Keeping a closer eye on these infrastructures is necessary not only to prevent loss of revenue, but also loss of life. Unfortunately, communicating with these remote sites to proactively prevent equipment degradation is far from an easy task, and in some cases may require lengthy helicopter rides to isolated locations. In order to proactively monitor and control remotely-located assets, users must be able to access local sensor-level data. The most cost-effective and intelligent way to do this is through cellular automation.
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