SCADA for Intelligent Manufacturing

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) delivers the visibility, connectivity, and control that today’s medical device and medical diagnostic manufacturers need to optimize operations. By leveraging leading SCADA platforms such as Inductive Automation’s Ignition, Rockwell FactoryTalk, AVEVA/Wonderware, and Siemens WinCC, Automation NTH provides customers with robust, scalable solutions for data collection, equipment monitoring, and process control that drive efficiency, compliance, and future-ready automation. 

We integrate SCADA seamlessly into custom automation systems to reduce downtime, improve traceability, and enable Industry 4.0 connectivity across the plant floor. 

Overview 

A single source of truth for manufacturing data 

A SCADA system collects and manages data from equipment at the plant floor level, connecting PLC-controlled devices with enterprise databases. These systems also host intuitive user interfaces that empower operators to control equipment, monitor processes, and streamline workflows in real time. 

Key Functions: 

• Real-time data collection and monitoring 

• Bidirectional communication between equipment and databases 

• Operator-friendly interfaces for streamlined workflows 

• Centralized transmission layer of production data 

Automation NTH deploys the SCADA platform best suited to each customer’s requirements, ensuring flexibility and long-term adaptability. 

Business Need 

Why SCADA matters now 

Manufacturers face increasing pressure for compliance, digital transformation, and operational efficiency. SCADA addresses these needs by eliminating manual recordkeeping, enabling traceability, and streamlining production. 

Common Use Cases: 

• Part traceability and “birth certificate” records 

• Materials tracking and conversion of paper logs to digital records 

• Compliance with strict regulations (e.g., 21 CFR Part 11) 

• Linking independent equipment into unified workflows 

• Site/floor-level analytics for OEE and utility usage 

• Historian data for preventative and predictive maintenance 

• MES/ERP integration for enterprise visibility 

As Industry 4.0 and IIoT adoption accelerate, SCADA has become essential to unlocking throughput, reducing labor costs, and optimizing product flow. 

Capability Details 

How it works 

A complete SCADA system integrates three core components: 

• SCADA Platform: Ignition, Siemens WinCC, Rockwell FactoryTalk, AVEVA/Wonderware,   and others 

• Equipment Control: PLCs are most commonly used 

• Database: SQL Server or equivalent enterprise databases 

Each piece of equipment communicates directly with the SCADA platform for data requests and updates, with critical data ultimately stored in SQL databases or higher-level MES/ERP systems. 

Because every customer has unique requirements, there is no “plug-and-play” SCADA. Automation NTH has developed highly customizable SCADA frameworks designed for scalability, data integrity, and maintainability. Our code base emphasizes: 

• Robust handling of dynamic manufacturing data flows 

• Scalable architectures for growing operations 

• High performance and reliable data integrity 

• Long-term maintainability to reduce technical debt 

Unique Features and Differentiators 

What sets NTH’s SCADA solutions apart 

• Standardized PLC-to-SCADA handshaking for guaranteed data transaction integrity 

• Multi-threading support to enable high-throughput environments 

• High-integrity relational database architecture to minimize redundancy and boost efficiency 

• Unified Namespace (UNS) approach for equipment-agnostic scalability 

• Rigorous database constraints (foreign keys, triggers, indexing) to ensure performance and accuracy 

• Emphasis on automation of manual processes, while still supporting hybrid workflows 

• Full compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for regulated industries 

Application Examples 

Where SCADA adds value 

Our SCADA solutions are ideal for discrete assembly manufacturing processes, particularly those requiring high levels of traceability. 

Representative Projects: 

• Alcon – Casting Cell SCADA, Cracking Station Database, Cosmetic SCADA & Kiosk, Packaging SCADA 

• Hamilton – Flow Sensor and Tube Assembly 

• Enable Injections – Vial Transfer Dispense and Cure 

These projects demonstrate the flexibility of our architectures to scale across industries and processes. 

Measurable Benefits 

Customer Outcomes: 

• Reduced downtime with faster root cause analysis 

• Real-time visibility for smarter operational decisions 

• Data-driven optimization of OEE, throughput, and yield 

• Full traceability and audit-ready records 

Sustainability & Workforce Benefits: 

• Energy monitoring to reduce waste and utility costs 

• Predictive maintenance for longer equipment life 

• Automated logging to reduce operator errors and labor requirements 

• Alerts and KPIs to balance workloads and prevent overburden 

Strategic Value 

Automation NTH’s SCADA expertise reflects our commitment to innovation, reliability, and long-term partnership. By deploying robust SCADA systems across multiple platforms, we empower customers to interconnect current and future equipment, streamline workflows, and unlock the promise of Industry 4.0. 

Conclusion 

With deep experience across Siemens, Rockwell, AVEVA/Wonderware, Ignition, and other SCADA platforms, Automation NTH provides customers with the flexibility to choose the right system for their environment. Our proven track record, proprietary SCADA frameworks, and industry recognition position us as a trusted partner for companies seeking to transform their manufacturing processes through data, visibility, and control.