How to select a SCADA platform.
A vendor-neutral framework covering the questions that actually predict a good outcome.
Seven things that matter more than the feature checklist.
Connectivity
Which protocols and device families does the platform actually support today, versus on a roadmap? Ask for a dated compatibility list.
Alarm discipline
Does the platform implement a real alarm lifecycle (shelving, suppression, rationalization, analytics) or just an acknowledge button on an event list?
Architecture
Is it a modern distributed architecture, or a monolithic design retrofitted with a web front end? Ask how it behaves under a network outage or event flood.
Security model
RBAC granularity, 2FA support, encryption in transit, audit trail depth — get specifics, not adjectives.
Engineering efficiency
How long does it take to build a new screen? Is there a symbol library? Can logic be built without touching the PLC?
Vendor viability
How long has the vendor been delivering automation software? What is their support model? Can they show real delivered projects?
Total cost of ownership
Look beyond the license price: client installs, per-seat costs, upgrade projects, and infrastructure requirements all factor in.
Questions to ask every vendor.
- Which protocols do you support today, with a dated compatibility list?
- Walk me through your alarm shelving and suppression logic, live.
- What happens to data during a 30-second network outage?
- Show me your audit trail for a real operator action.
- How long does it take to build a new operator screen from scratch?
- What does a typical support ticket response time look like?
- Can I see a reference customer running a similar process to mine?
A vendor who answers these specifically and live — not with a slide — has usually built a real platform. See how SCAIQ™ answers them: request a demo.
Bring this checklist to your next demo.
Bring your toughest SCADA questions. Our engineers will show you real screens, real alarms, and real trends.
Or talk to us directly: +91 84014 22388 ·sales@scaiq.com