Sandvik Technology upgrades to MicroSCADA X
Sandvik Materials Technology is one of the world’s leading producers of advanced stainless steel and special alloy industrial products.
Image source: Hitachi ABB Power Grids
Sweden, Sandviken: Sandvik Materials Technology is one of the world’s leading producers of advanced stainless steel and special alloy industrial products.
Keeping the world supplied with essential products starts at the company’s Sandviken facility, the second-largest contiguous industrial site in Sweden, covering 3 million square meters.
Like many companies of its size and complexity, from manufacturers to data centres, Sandvik has evolved to operate its own power grid. Running a power network nearly four times as large as a small Swedish city, Sandvik’s factory SCADA system is one of the largest in the country. For more than 20 years, the company has relied on Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ industry-leading MicroSCADA power automation solution to monitor and control the plant’s grid.
Pursuing greater efficiencies in the management and control of its power distribution network, Sandvik decided to upgrade its SCADA system to MicroSCADA X, the latest version of the digitally advanced power automation solution, featuring state-of-the-art cybersecurity safeguards. The system provides Sandvik with a future-proof and scalable platform that offers higher operational efficiency, low lifecycle costs and a new easy-to-use, web-enabled interface that can be accessed even on mobile devices.
“Hitachi ABB Power Grids has succeeded in enhancing the user-friendliness and the connection between the operator and system. The modern interface and graphics facilitate decision-making. The clear information provided, including on our mobile devices, gives us the ability to monitor and control the system even when we’re not at the plant,” said Lars Skoglund, electrical safety manager for Sandvik. “In addition, cybersecurity including work environment security and plant security, has been significantly enhanced in MicroSCADA X,” he added.
Used in daily operations and to monitor over 100,000 signal points, the system collects information about current, power quality, temperature, and other key parameters. The goal is to have control over electricity distribution, receive warning of any faults in a timely manner and be able to prevent production interruption. The system’s engine collects the data and presents the information graphically, enabling better decision-making.
Source: Hitachi ABB Power Grids