A study on techniques for and user requirements on systems integration in SCADA/EMS

Stating requirements on systems integration in a SCADA/EMS procurement project can be a delicate task, especially if a long-term strategy including integration with future systems is striven for. The problems are accentuated by the fact that in order to achieve a cost-efficient system utilities requirements have to be often stated, at least to some degree, with the SCADA/EMS vendors' "standard" systems in mind. This paper summarizes results from two state-of-the-practice studies, where among others, experienced SCADA/EMS users and vendors were investigated in terms of practical experiences from this field. The first study covered technical possibilities/problems in achieving systems integration; the focus of the second study was on specification of user requirements in industrial procurement projects. Based on the two studies, some common obstacles are recognized and some recommendations in how to state requirements on systems integration for a utility are given. The results should be of interest to utilities, vendors, and consultants in SCADA/EMS procurement projects.