The Differences between SCADA and the SCATU system
There are three main parts to a SCADA System:
- RTU’s (Remote Telemetry Units) that gather data
- A Central Command and Control System (CCCS) that often also provides the HMI (Human Machine Interface)
- A specialized communication system that connects the RTUs to the CCCS.
Using a SCADA system is generally easy. Setting one up is not. Depending on the complexity of the system you can spend as much money on engineering, programming and installation as you do on the hardware. SCADA systems can monitor hundreds of remote points with thousands of measurements, tracked and reported in an easy to view format. The system can also be used to issue commands to the RTU to remotely change some process settings.
The SCATU system is much simpler. The “S” is for Simple. It only has to do one thing well. Notify operators via SMS (Simple Messaging System) when there is a problem.
It contains a RTU with an embeded cellular antenna, medical grade power supply, and optically isolated interface electronics and backup battery in a self contained unit. While the SCATU sends text messages when alarms occur to designated mobile devices, it also tracks pump operations and can warn of health problems. So no centralized command and control system, HMI or specialized communication network is required, but with the SCATU3 operators can use a smart phone, tablet or computer to view realtime status and history of SCATUs organized by location or groups.