Control the Quality of Your SCADA System

“You get what you pay for…” It’s a phrase we often repeat; yet have a hard time taking to heart. Bargain hunting is a way of life both personally and corporately. But is the cheapest product always the best value in the long run? Should something as important as your SCADA system be left to the “low-bid” system of procurement, which can push contractors to cut corners?

Most companies wouldn’t consider hiring a technical expert simply based on which candidate is willing to take the lowest salary. Why? Because we understand that the qualifications of a candidate, such as experience, references, education, and practical skills, are more important than saving a few dollars when hiring a new employee. Using the low-bid system to find qualified employees is a ridiculous concept.

So, is it a stretch to think that using the low-bid system to hire a System Integrator might be just as irrational? Granted, using the low-bid system makes sense when you don’t need to plan for long-term use or when quality isn’t important. But most often, the money and resources spent on a SCADA system are intended to buy quality products and services that will meet your needs in the long run.

Unfortunately, the low-bid system encourages contractors to produce the cheapest possible product within the scope of work.

The good news is that the “low-bid” system isn’t the only choice. Here are some other options to help select the best certified System Integrator for your job.

Inclusion

Including the certified System Integrator during the design and development phases of a project is a natural choice. Quality Systems Integration firms employ degreed engineers. Listing the control system in the Professional Services contract allows you to take full advantage of your System Integrator’s resources.

Taking advantage of your certified System Integrator’s expertise in the earliest stages of a project will allow them to incorporate the latest technologies into a design tailored to meet your specific needs. Your System Integrator can help you build the most robust and user-friendly system, while avoiding design changes and manufacturing delays which can be much more costly later in the project. Additionally, your System Integrator’s knowledge of technologies can be vital in planning for future expansion and growth.

With Fauquier County Sanitation Authority’s, Vint Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Phase II Sunapsys was listed in the bid documents as the system integrator to provide the system because Phase I had been completed by Sunapsys. The County and their Engineering firm desired consistancy between the phases and eliminated the risk of dissimilar systems by naming Sunapsys as the Systems Integrator. Sunapsys then provided pricing for their portion of the project to all general contractors to include in their bid.

For the Town of Vinton’s Pump Station Improvements project Sunapsys worked with the engineering firm to develop the specifications for the control system components. Sunapsys had previously provided more than 20 lift and pump stations through the competative bid process and won Vinton's confidence. As Vinton’s preferred system integrator, Sunapsys’ services were an allowance for general contractors to use in their bid tabulations.

Pre-Qualification

Another method of maintaining the quality of your control system is the use the “pre-qualification” process. Generally, the consulting engineering firm notifies qualified integrators to submit pre-qualification statements prior to the project going out to bid. This ensures that only System Integrators with relevant experience, references, and resources may bid on the project.

Lexington-Rockbridge Regional Water Quality Control Facility – Sunapsys was one of three system integrators that the engineering firm pre-qualified before this project was put out for bid. This relieved the general contractors of the risk of working with unknown system integrators and assured the City of Lexington that they would received a reliable and functional control system.

If pre-qualification cannot be performed, qualification requirements can be written into the bid documents. Some qualifications for a certified System Integrator include:

CSIA (Certified System Integrators Association) membership, accreditation, and licensing
Five years of experience in SCADA work
A minimum of two degreed engineers assigned to the project
Relevant project references
Proximity to job site

Why leave something as important as your SCADA system to chance? Take control of the process and ensure that no matter which System Integrator gets the job, you can trust that you are getting your money’s worth.