Switch from High-Cost National Integrator to High-Value Local Integrator

Summary

APCO worked with Central Utah Water Conservancy District (CUWCD) to convert their extensive Citect SCADA system to an OPTO 22 and Proficy iFIX system while increasing functionality and reducing both installation cost and cost of ownership.

Customer Benefit

• Increased performance and reliability of SCADA system
• Increased HMI functionality with Proficy iFIX and Proficy Historian
• Dramatically improved response time to system needs
• Reduced cost of ownership
• Valuable employee training in system maintenance and "basic" system integration

Technologies

• OPTO22 PLC
• Proficy iFIX HMI
• Proficy Historian
• GE MDS Radio suite

Solution

CUWCD had installed the foundation of what would become an extensive SCADA system with a national integrator of Citect hardware and software.  They found that the system never functioned the way they wanted.  Furthermore, they became frustrated with high-cost service calls from the national integrators that were ineffective at resolving their SCADA needs.
 
Since the Citect system had used OPTO22 IO, APCO assisted CUWCD to replace their existing PLCs with OPTO controllers.  The Citect software was replaced with Proficy iFIX and Historian.  Since CUWCD wanted to build in-house SCADA expertise, APCO trained their technicians, and reduced the fixed-fee bid in accordance with the work that CUWCD was able to perform on their own.
 
Ultimately CUWCD got a state-of-the-art SCADA system that quickly grew to encompass hundreds of miles of water collection, three water treatment plants, and multiple HMI operator stations.  In addition, they developed valuable in-house expertise that has allowed them to maintain and expand their system while only using APCO for their more advanced control needs.
 
Most importantly, however, is that by using APCO, CUWCD has been able to find a long-term SCADA partner who provides great value, and responds quickly and proficiently to their needs