SCADA Systems for Oil and Gas Production and Pipeline

This Selection Guide includes both selection criteria and strategies for choosing the best SCADA system for oil and gas operations management.

SCADA Systems for Oil and Gas Selection Overview

​The scope of the criteria cover the needs of SCADA Systems for Oil and Gas including communications with other systems, instrumentation, and networks.  The guide has attributes tailored for oil and gas organizations, and allows those involved in a SCADA selection process to make quicker and improved decisions. 

The need for a highly reliable SCADA system has never been more important than it is today.  In addition, a modern SCADA needs to be able to easily integrate with other systems and technologies from a distributed remote environment, to the central site.  Not only is it necessary to ensure uninterrupted flow of oil or gas, but it is also necessary to ensure the return on assets (ROA) that is required by all modern business practices.  Many pipelines are operating with SCADA systems that are well over 20 years old.  In many cases not only are the components difficult to find to maintain these systems, but also the personnel skills required to keep them functioning are becoming more and more scarce.

SCADA selection has become mission critical.  The total solution has become complex and functionality involves the combination of an expanded range of capabilities and specific technology requirements.  While product plays a major role, suppliers have specific domain expertise, geographical presence, and knowledge of certain industry dynamics.  These must all be evaluated in a supplier selection process.

SCADA Systems for Oil and Gas Strategic Issues

ARC has been researching the SCADA marketplace for many years and we understand the challenges that organizations have to overcome.  We know where they need additional insight and the features that enable current best practices in SCADA and the solution needs to be fit for this purpose.  This includes solutions that: 

• Integrate well with both upstream and midstream data systems, sensors to enterprise databases
• Manage change throughout the network, accommodating service and maintenance
• Deliver on custody transfer requirements
• Offer the lowest long term cost of ownership, with maximized reliability

 This ARC Selection Guide will help you select the best available SCADA system to meet your needs now and in the future.