The Critical Importance of accurate, real, and secure SCADA data
In an era where data drives operational success, the information gathered by SCADA systems plays a pivotal role in ensuring performance optimization, informed decision-making, and preparing for advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). However, for data to deliver its full value, it must meet three critical criteria: it must be accurate, real, and secure.
Let’s explore why these attributes are essential and how they impact operations today while laying the groundwork for AI-driven solutions in the future.
The three Pillars of high-quality SCADA data
1 - Accuracy: Ensuring true values and proper scaling
Accurate data is the foundation for effective performance analysis and decision-making. Errors in scaling, calibration, or measurement can create misleading insights, leading to poor operational choices or inefficiencies.
Why It Matters !
► Ensures reliable performance metrics for assets.
► Enhances energy yield optimization for renewable systems.
► Builds trust in data used for audits and reporting.
Example
A slight scaling error in wind turbine output can distort production metrics, resulting in flawed forecasts and resource allocation.
“Information is the oil of the 21st century, and analytics is the combustion engine.” Peter Sondergaard, 2011
Statistic
Organizations that ensure synchronized and real-time data experience 30% faster anomaly detection and resolution.(Source : Gartner)
2 - Real Data: Precise Timestamps and Time Zones
Data loses its value without an accurate understanding of when it was collected. Real-time accuracy, including timestamps and correct time zone alignment, is essential for performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and predictive analysis.
Why It Matters !
► Provides clarity for performance analysis across global or multi-site operations.
► Prevents misalignment of data streams during reviews or investigations.
► Enables accurate event reconstruction for system failures or downtimes.
Example
For a solar park monitored across multiple locations, inconsistencies in time zones can disrupt energy production reporting and performance trends.
3 - Security: Protecting SCADA data from cyber threats
SCADA systems are increasingly becoming targets for cyberattacks. Ensuring that the data collected is secure is critical for protecting operations, preventing downtime, and safeguarding organizational integrity.
Why It Matters !
► Prevents unauthorized access or manipulation of SCADA data.
► Protects critical infrastructure from operational disruptions.
► Builds a foundation of trust for the use of data in advanced technologies.
Example
A ransomware attack on an OT network could compromise SCADA data integrity, leading to manipulated values, operational shutdowns, and financial loss.
Statistic
The cost of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure reached an average of $4.88 million per breach in 2024. (Source : IBM)
The Role of high-quality SCADA data in performance, analysis and decision-making
Preparing for the Future
SCADA data as the foundation for AI
The quality of SCADA data gathered today will determine its value for AI-driven solutions tomorrow.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning rely on robust datasets to train models, identify trends, and automate decisions. Without accurate, real, and secure data, AI tools risk producing unreliable results.
Future benefits of AI-Ready SCADA data
SCADA systems gather invaluable data that supports performance optimization, decision-making, and future AI applications. However, to fully leverage this data, it must be accurate, real, and secure. Organizations that prioritize data quality today will be better positioned to innovate, optimize operations, and embrace AI-driven opportunities tomorrow.
Ganex provides solutions to ensure SCADA data meets these high standards, enabling your team to unlock insights, improve efficiency, and prepare for the future.
Discover more solutions to answer your questions :
Let’s connect to discuss how we can help you optimize your SCADA data