New Server Rack Cabinets for SCADA Technologies

It’s impossible to ignore the influence the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is
having on rackmount enclosures. One of the reasons is supervisory control and
data acquisition (SCADA) spend is forecast to reach close to $182
billion in the next 5 years. The key factor is an expanding worldwide power sector.

Another aspect of this juggernaut that’s certain to have an effect on demand for
rackmount enclosures is the expanding SCADA market itself. There are several
market drivers that need to be looked at and these include the tech driven
demand for industrial mobility. With remote management of different processes
following, more industries than ever before are relying on SCADA to monitor the
automated performance of their machines.

Major Factor

Cloud computing is a major factor that works to foster the integration of these
systems. It makes remote work even easier than ever before.

Of course, Nemaco has been following this trend as it develops. We understand the future of hardware and software automation needs to be carefully monitored. It’s also clear that sensors and controllers, as well as industrial networks, will change but not disappear since they provide key data necessary for IIoT.

Emerging Technologies

We’ve kept pace with all of the emerging technologies and offer 19 inch rackmount enclosure & cabinet products. These have a
NEMA 3, 3R, 4, 4X and 12 ratings that work in a variety of scenarios including
with our SCADA Control Cabinets.

The Cloud, SCADA and Custom Enclosures

The cloud and the storage systems it provides include data processing relevant to
SCADA. However, this is still an emerging technology when it comes to the
industrial sector. Of course, at the core of these systems is usually a
computer that sends control commands to connected devices. Different applications
include those in process control as well as manufacturing, fabrication and
power generation.

Some
of the other growing trends include developers looking to implement software
updates remotely. They are also devising ways to tap into databases. Of course,
it’s the case with any new trend there needs to be some focus—organizations are
asking themselves important questions about processes like bottlenecks and how
to improve them. They will also need to ask themselves how a trifecta of custom
enclosures, SCADA and the cloud can work together to improve performance.

There
are at least two big companies looking at the possibilities here.

Mitsubishi Electric has introduced a
complete roadmap that will include user tools and other options when it comes
to new SCADA technology. MAPS 4 will also provide secure data sharing.

GE is set to introduce a brand-new organization that centers around IIoT.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Staying ahead of the curve when it comes to server rack enclosures means understanding the different variations and evolution
of SCADA. It’s important to understand these systems have been around for four
decades. The latest transformation through the Internet of Things coupled with
cloud computing offers new possibilities in operability and scalability.

Traditionally, this technology is been adopted for certain functions like the management of traffic and other transportation
systems and the transmission of electricity and gas. We’ve kept pace with customized air conditioning rackmount enclosures made of corrosion resistant stainless steel to name one option.

Generational SCADA

When  we are discussing IIoT, SCADA and custom SCADA Control Cabinets, it helps to know where the technology started. Most experts agree there were four generations culminating in this one.

They also highlight the fact that with new cloud computing and IIoT technologies, there are new upgrades and applications on the way.

Generation One

Way back when, the very first of these systems were not even networked because
there were no networks to speak of at the time. These quickly became outdated
when mainframe systems began to be connected to remote terminal sites.

Generation Two

With the advent of large-area network (LAN), the second generation
of these systems could distribute command processing information across several
different stations that were connected.

Generation Three

It should be no surprise that cost savings was the big driving force behind this third generation of SCADA.  The ongoing focus on network design means these systems will spread across various LAN networks. The common term for this architecture is a Process Controlled Network (PCN). The result for most organizations was cost savings that came about by implementing complicated systems across larger areas.

Generation Four

As we’ve already discussed, IIoT and the cloud are altering and tweaking SCADA.
However, any investment still needs to be protected from elemental and
corrosive environments with proper NEMA 4 -19″ Rack Server Cabinets.

Some 19 Inch Server Rack Cabinet Design Considerations

Matching the right SCADA
components with the right enclosure requires some careful design
considerations. The type of materials used is a priority. Choosing the right
kind of metal with the appropriate thickness is critical. Usually, enclosures
are made from a variety of materials ranging from carbon steel to stainless
steel, aluminum and even copper in some circumstances.

Aluminum is a popular choice since it is light
weight and corrosion resistant at the same time. There’s one caveat to using
this popular material. It needs to be chromated coated when making electrical
contact.

Stainless Steel is another option. Because this
choice contains nickel and chromium, it is also highly resistant to corrosion.
Cold rolled steel offers the durability that many of our clients are looking
for.

NEMA Rackmount Enclosures and IIoT. Moving Forward Together

The National Electrical Manufacturers
Association (NEMA) is well aware of all these recent developments and is
keeping pace. In fact, a recent press release highlighted how these three
groups got together to recognize the need to modernize electric grid
infrastructure.

The backdrop was the IIoT Energy Forum. NEMA partnered
with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Industrial
Internet Consortium (IIC) to take a look at different components in the energy
grid and how they fold into these emerging technologies.

Some of the topics the groups focused on included industrial analytics,
smart grids and security. The organizations got together and took a serious
look at the requirements as far as information management as well as
communication when it comes to diverse infrastructures.

Technical Foundation

The meeting highlighted how the technical foundation is being developed
for the next era in SCADA and rackmount enclosures by proxy. The IntelliGrid
Vision exemplifies new infrastructure for electrical delivery. This
will integrate advancements in electronics, computing and communications. The
idea is to meet the energy needs of the new digital era.

Once you consider how this technical foundation comes together, it’s
easy to see how all the elements we’ve been discussing including rackmount enclosures
factors in.

Consider:

• The Communications
  Aspect. With the advent of the digital age and all of the accompanying
  controllers and devices need to be able to talk to each other. The new
  architecture for SCADA means interoperability for the kind of two-way
  communication gateway needed. NEMA ratings become even more important to ensure
  the rackmount enclosures are properly rated. NEMACO offers customized
  enclosures made to six different NEMA ratings. We also have custom enclosures
  with various options and features.
• The Computing Aspect. Modeling simulation
  needs to be state-of-the-art when it comes to the software that will be needed
  to run the smart grid model. The software for the distribution and transmission
  system will need to be properly encased and protected. Once again, we are on
  top of the needs of this burgeoning industry with 19 inch adjustable rack rails
  enclosures. These also come with NEMA 3, 3R, 4, 4X and
  12 ratings which are specifically designed for SCADA systems. Keeping this kind
  of interconnected grid system up and running depends on having rackmount
  enclosures that have submersible waterproof applications in some instances. We
  can provide engineered standard designs and custom air conditioning rack enclosures
  to fit a variety of needs.
• The Monitoring Aspect. Making sure the
  intelligent grid is maintained and operated efficiently means there’s a need to
  constantly measure and monitor parameters. Modern digitization requires what’s
  being called integrated monitoring and a clear definition of data requirements.

It’s
clear that there’s a digital evolution sweeping all industries. Although SCADA
will certainly be transformed by this juggernaut, it won’t be cast off. That
means increased need for the kind of custom enclosure modifications that we can
provide including precision installed accessories.

NEMACO™ also offers performance testing for
certain applications which lends itself to the for ever-increasing pace of
digital transformation.

Keeping pace with the ever changing tech
landscape so that your components work in the way they were designed is our
number one priority.

SCADA and Analytical Software: Proactive and Cost Efficient 

Although
there are some concerns that a cloud-based SCADA technology presents some
security concerns, most experts feel the trend toward SaaS in the cloud lessens
the chance of being hacked. Identifying and predicting possible errors will be
made easier by predictive modeling which will rely in part on analytical
software.

This
type of statistical analysis in this software that’s available in advanced
process control technology (APC) and SCADA have made these statistical tools one
of the products that automation companies are selling. Today, there are some
sophisticated systems that are being widely used in solar powered and wind
generation plants.

A Few Words on Cybersecurity, SCADA
and Rackmount Enclosures 

There
have been a number of different configurations and varieties of 19 inch
rackmount enclosures over the years. With the advent of the digital era, these
enclosures have kept pace with a number of new features including sliding rails
that can lock in place.

It’s just one of the ways that this product has worked with the ever evolving digital landscape that SCADA technologies need to stay relevant. Taking just a few minutes to consider the findings in the 2019 global ICS & IIOT Risk Report paints a clear picture.

Different Configurations for Custom Rackmount Enclosures

Having
an eye toward cybersecurity means having a custom enclosure that protects the
SCADA components you use.  Ventilation is
one of the features that every organization needs to consider. The SCADA
electronic components that keep your enterprise up and running generate heat.
There are certain engineering calculations that need to be made to ensure that
your rack enclosures have proper ventilation rates. These ensure SCADA
Control Cabinets work efficiently.

These
are the rates that help to determine how the flow moves through any enclosure. Of
course, fans are one of the requirements, but there’s more to making sure these
custom rack enclosure works properly.

Natural
convection is another cornerstone of making sure there is proper ventilation.
For devices using a tremendous amount of power, the number of cutouts is the
next consideration.

Here’s
a few other things that you’ll need to consider surrounding ventilation. Using
any type of thin metal means that you will need to be aware of warping. If you
use a series of tiny holes and sheet metal, this can become an issue.

Data and SCADA

The data clearly shows that there is lots of work left to be done in cybersecurity as it relates to both SCADA and rackmount enclosures. The report clearly demonstrates how industrial control systems are continuing soft targets for cybercriminals. In fact, it even goes so far as to name the areas where there are security gaps that need to be addressed including plain text passwords and direct connections to the Internet.

There
are some quick fixes suggested in the document and these include monitoring any
ICS network continually to spot any attempts to exploit unpatched systems.

Automated
threat modeling is another one of the suggestions the report highlights.

NEMACO™ provides a number of different quality products to each of our customers. The 19 inch Rackmount enclosures and cabinets we offer can be customized to meet exacting specifications.  The Stainless NEMA 4X enclosures in our inventory are guaranteed and we have a good variety of Indoor and Outdoor Nema 4x Stainless Computer Server Racks -Air Conditioned with removeable and hinged covers.

We offer a variety of rackmount closures with a
variety of solutions and options. Why not get in touch with us today so we can
build the one that’s right for you?

Nemaco
Contributor

Rob Starr