Overcoming SCADA limitations: Intelligence and Multiple Connectivity with Bridgemeter

Introduction: the essentiality and the challenges of the SCADA systems

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems are pillars of automation and modern industrial monitoring. They provide operators with a real -time view of critical processes, equipment and infrastructures, and are essential for operational supervision.

However, despite its relevance, many traditional implementations of SCADA face limitations that may compromise efficiency, response capacity and integration with other systems or entities.

Two main limitations stand out:

1) Intelligence visualization: Although scaded systems are effective in displaying operational data (such as pressure, temperature and equipment), many still lack advanced interpretation resources. The generation of predictive insights or automated diagnoses remains strongly dependent on the operators' experience. The detection of subtle failures and the correlation between variables require continuous attention and often the manual mobilization of field teams for corrections and corrective actions.

2) Limited connectivity: Most PLS and SCADA systems operates with “one-to-one” connection architectures, which represents an important bottleneck. This limitation hinders simultaneous data sharing between multiple SCADA systems - especially in scenarios involving different departments, partner companies or regulatory bodies - restricting collaboration and interoperability between systems.

It is in this context that a new complementary approach becomes essential - acting as a layer of analytical intelligence and a robust integration hub, capable of enhancing existing systems and overcoming their structural limitations.

This additional layer not only allows the intelligent interpretation of real -time operational data, but also facilitates secure information sharing between multiple systems and entities, promoting greater collaboration, predictive automation and data -based decision making.

In addition to visualization: the operational intelligence that the traditional SCADA does not deliver

While a SCADA system may indicate that the current of an engine has increased, it rarely informs why this has occurred or what it can mean . An advanced Platform of IIIOT (Internet of Industrial Things) goes beyond simple data collection and display: it incorporates algorithms and artificial intelligence to turn gross data into actionable insights .

• Correlational Analysis: The platform crosses multiple sensors and active information. For example, it can correlate the current increase in a pump with a slight elevation in the vibration or temperature, suggesting the start of clogging or wear in the bearing - something that would hardly be detected with data analyzed in isolation.
• Predictive Failure Detection: Based on historical patterns and subtle deviations in operational behavior, the system identifies potential failures before they occur. This allows truly predictive maintenance based on the real condition of the equipment - not just fixed calendars.
• Smart and targeted alerts: Instead of overloading CCO (Operational Control Center) operators with dozens of simultaneous alarms, the platform sends contextualized and relevant alerts directed to responsible teams - such as maintenance, operation or engineering. These alerts are often accompanied by preliminary diagnoses, action suggestions and associated technical documentation. In addition, the solution can be integrated into the service orders system, automating call opening and significantly reducing CCO's time and workload.

This layer of intelligence does not replace the SCADA, but complements it - providing why behind the data and enabling proactive and more efficient operational management.

How, then, adding this advanced intelligence that correlates data, provides flaws and directs actions accurately-all this integrating in a complementary way with your current scada?

Breaking the one-to-one barrier: Multi-looted connectivity with bridgemeter

One of the most relevant technical challenges in multi -stakeholder environments is the limitation of the connection between field controllers (PLCs) and SCADA systems. In most industrial architectures, a PLC allows for connection of only one scada at a time - and any attempted simultaneous connection by a second system usually interrupts the communication of the first.

This restriction becomes critical in scenarios where real -time data sharing is necessary for integrated operations between departments, partner companies or regulatory bodies. It is at this point that ABOVE Above-Net Bridgemeter stands out-acting not only as a remote monitoring and intelligence platform, but also as a integrator hub for operational data.

To overcome this connectivity barrier, Bridgemeter offers an effective and scalable solution:

• Single connection to the field: It establishes a safe and stable connection with the PLC, avoiding external interference.
• Centralized Reading and Processing: Collects operational data in real time, processing them in an intermediate layer of intelligence.
• Safe and simultaneous distribution: Revenue data for multiple SCADA systems or management platforms - parallel, without access and control over security, authentication and latency.
• PLC Remote Access: Allows transparent remote to the controller for adjustment, drive or remote programming with proprietary software emulating local access.

By eliminating UM-to-one connectivity limitation, Bridgemeter enables collaboration between systems , greater operational transparency and safe integration between different layers of the production chain-all without compromising the stability of the original control environment.

This unique data sharing capacity opens ports for previously unfeasible applications and collaborations.

Essential use cases for multiple connectivity

The need to connect multiple systems to the same measurement point is more common - and critical - than you think. Next, two recurring scenarios in which this capacity is indispensable:

1) regulated sector (eg post-privatization sanitation)

After the concession auctions, such as Cedae blocks in Rio de Janeiro, new operators began to manage interconnected stretches of the same supply and sewage network. To ensure the integrated and secure operation of the system, regulatory agencies require real time sharing of sensitive operational data (such as pressure on delivery points or common reservoir levels).

In such cases, each company needs to access network data operated by the neighbor - both upstream and downstream - to make assertive operational decisions. Bridgemeter enables this information exchange with security, stability and privacy, meeting legal requirements and avoiding penalties.

2) Multi-site operations or departments with different needs

A corporation with multiple plants can use a local system for operational control and another, at headquarters, for strategic monitoring or consolidation on BI platforms. The same goes for departments such as engineering, maintenance, operation and quality, which often need to access the same data with different perspectives.

Hospitals are also a clear example: each unit operates its system locally, but central management requires a unified view. Bridgemeter allows all these systems to access, in real time and without conflict, a unique and reliable source of field data.

Total Integration: From the factory floor to ERP

Bridgemeter 's integration capacity goes far beyond the SCADA systems. The platform acts as a strategic link between the operational technology layer (OT) information technology systems - connecting the factory floor directly to ERPs such as SAP, Totvs, Oracle , among others.

When detecting an anomaly or a predefined operational trigger - such as a critical stock inferred by the machine's pattern or a predictive vibration -based maintenance condition - Bridgemeter can automatically trigger various workflows, such as:

• Generate a request for approval of service order or purchase directly in SAP or other ERP;
• Issue a parts purchase order based on real use analysis and predictive need;
• Automatically update the KPIs in Business Intelligence dashboards, promoting real -time visibility.

This OT/IT integration eliminates manual steps, accelerates the response to operational events and enables fully automated flows , making digital transformation a tangible and measurable reality for the industry.

Bridgemeter: An intelligent, unified and connected platform

Bridgemeter positions itself as a strategic solution for companies that seek to raise their digital maturity. Below is a summary of the platform's main skills and differentials:

• Universal connectivity: Compatible with the main industrial protocols (Modbus, OPC-UA, MQTT and others), it integrates with a wide variety of PLPs, sensors and equipment already installed on the market.
• Real -time data consolidation: centralizes and organizes information from multiple sources in a single, intuitive and customizable interface, promoting a 360 ° view of the operation.
• Advanced Operational Intelligence: Goes beyond data visualization: Applies algorithms and artificial intelligence to anticipate flaws, generate intelligent alerts, and provide insights that traditional scades cannot deliver.
• Multi-Scove Connectivity: Eliminates the technical limitation of exclusive connection with PLCs, allowing multiple supervisory systems to access the same data simultaneously with security and stability.
• Native OT/IT Integration: Establishes a safe and efficient bridge between the factory floor and corporate systems (ERPs such as SAP, Totvs, Oracle), automating critical flows such as KPI service orders, purchases and update.

CONCLUSION: enhance your scada and advance in digital transformation

SCADA systems remain essential components for monitoring and control of industrial processes. However, given the increasing challenges of efficiency, integration and operational intelligence, it is necessary to go beyond simply data visualization.

ABOVE Above-Net Bridgemeter values ​​the investment already made in SCADA, adding predictive intelligence and solving critical limitations of connectivity and integration. The platform makes it possible from compliance with regulatory requirements to optimization of multi-site operations and full integration between the OT and IT-Fundamental Pillars of Industry 4.0.

Do not limit yourself to observing your data. Turn them into intelligent decisions. With Bridgemeter, its operation gains proactivity, expanded connectivity and a new digital value dimension.

Want to find out how Bridgemeter can integrate and add intelligence with its existing infrastructure?

Talk to our experts and find out how to integrate intelligence with your current infrastructure. We are ready to help you overcome the barriers of the traditional model and accelerate your journey towards intelligent industrial automation.