SCADA platform tools save time and money

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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Users 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, vice president of operations for MKC. “We have part history, reporting, alarms, alarm history, transac- to keep ahead of our competitors in many differtion management, API access, predictive control for ent areas. Using this software and taking real-time HVAC, text notifications and other applications. data from our processes helps us understand our The software platform can connect to almost data — which helps us make better decisions.” anything, which eliminates numerous proprietary With real-time data from the SCADA system tied roadblocks. “The platform has filled a void for us into MKC’s continuous improvement process, probbetween multiple manufacturers and platforms,” lem-solving goes much faster, Johnson said. “We did said Jay Sandvick, senior automation controls engi- this with a customer. We were able to double our neer at MKC. “It’s given us interoperabil- throughput in less than a month. It was very quick,

ANSWERS ity that we didn’t believe we could have. We now have accessibility to data streams and our customer was very happy with the results.” The new SCADA system has made a big difKEYWORDS: SCADA, system we didn’t have before. And we have the ference throughout MKC. “Some of the results we integration ability to generate seamless reports from have are in the cost savings realm, and we’ve also Madison-Kipp Corp. machines that were previously thought seen improved efficiency,” Johnson said. “Before, implemented a new SCADA platform for more data access. Benefits included providing customers with more information, more programming languages unconnectable.” Equally important is the ability to have numerous systems on one platform — a big improvement over what MKC had in 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.” and improved interoperability. the past. “I can’t train over 150 mainte- Based on the positive results, MKC plans to ONLINE Read this article online for: -Platform interoperability provides opportunity nance personnel in 30 software platforms and keep everyone relevant and current,” Sandvick said. “Now we have a single platform that everyone can learn, including 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 -Customers see data too online and at their own pace. It’s been an strategic initiatives that’s going to help move us for-Real-time graphic display. exceptional increase in our productivity.” ward this year.” ce

SCADA migration; think bigger

The transition is aligned with the company’s larger objectives. “Technology is very important to us,” said Bill Johnson,

CONSIDER THIS

What is the one feature you’d like most if your company installed a new SCADA system and why?

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

Jim Meyers is communications manager at Inductive Automation. Edited by Chris Vavra, associate editor, Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology, cvavra@cfemedia.com.