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COVER CASE STUDY: SCADA PLATFORM INSTALLATION Jim Meyers, Inductive Automation
SCADA platform tool savings Installing a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system improved efficiency throughout plant for a Wisconsin-based automotive supplier.
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sers who want to make data-driven decisions need a lot of data. Madison-Kipp Corp. (MKC) implemented a new system for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and has had access to more data than previously to accelerate problem solving. With new insights into processes, the company raised productivity, lowered costs, and shared more information with customers. Based in Madison, Wis., MKC makes precision machined aluminum die castings and subassemblies for the transportation, lawn and garden and industrial markets. After looking at several possible SCADA software packages, MKC chose a web-based platform that provides unlimited licensing and interoperability, which helps MKC with numerous projects. The company uses it for central SCADA, human-machine interface (HMI), control of edge clients, part tracking, part history, reporting, alarms, alarm history, transaction management, API access, predictive control for HVAC, text notifications and other applications. The software platform can connect to almost anything, which eliminates numerous proprietary roadblocks. “The platform has filled a void for us between multiple manufacturers and platforms,” said Jay Sandvick, senior automation controls engineer at MKC. “It’s given us interoperability that we didn’t believe we could have. We now have accessibility to data streams we didn’t have before. And we have the KEYWORDS: SCADA, system integration ability to generate seamless reports from Madison-Kipp Corp. machines that were previously thought implemented a new SCADA unconnectable.” platform for more data access. Equally important is the ability to have Benefits included providing numerous systems on one platform — a customers with more information, big improvement over what MKC had in more programming languages and improved interoperability. the past. “I can’t train over 150 maintenance personnel in 30 software platforms ONLINE and keep everyone relevant and current,” Read this article online for: Sandvick said. “Now we have a single plat-Platform interoperability form that everyone can learn, including provides opportunity online and at their own pace. It’s been an -Customers see data too exceptional increase in our productivity.” -Real-time graphic display.
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CONSIDER THIS What is the one feature you’d like most if your company installed a new SCADA system and why?
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SCADA migration; think bigger The transition is aligned with the company’s larger objectives. “Technology is very important to us,” said Bill Johnson,
control engineering
COVER: To help with precision machined aluminum die castings and subassemblies for transportation, lawn and garden and industrial markets, MKC chose Ignition from Inductive Automation, an industrial application platform for SCADA, HMI, MES, and IIoT. Courtesy: Inductive Automation
vice president of operations for MKC. “We have to keep ahead of our competitors in many different areas. Using this software and taking real-time data from our processes helps us understand our data — which helps us make better decisions.” With real-time data from the SCADA system tied into MKC’s continuous improvement process, problem-solving goes much faster, Johnson said. “We did this with a customer. We were able to double our throughput in less than a month. It was very quick, and our customer was very happy with the results.” The new SCADA system has made a big difference throughout MKC. “Some of the results we have are in the cost savings realm, and we’ve also seen improved efficiency,” Johnson said. “Before, engineers had to collect data on their own. This would take a long time. Now we’re able to pull that data in and look at it and solve problems very quickly.” Based on the positive results, MKC plans to expand its use of the SCADA platform. “Strategic initiatives are vitally important for any organization,” Johnson said. “When we set our initiatives for 2020 on the technology side, this software is one of those strategic initiatives that’s going to help move us forward this year.” ce Jim Meyers is communications manager at Inductive Automation. Edited by Chris Vavra, associate editor, Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology, cvavra@cfemedia.com. www.controleng.com
