Asset Management Technology for Stormwater Systems

As the world increasingly connects via smartphones and internet cloud technologies, internet-based technologies (IoT) are beginning to be part of traditional forms of infrastructure control systems (SCADA). SCADA and IoT are generally regarded as different technologies and are presented separately on these web pages. But it may be useful to note that SCADA and IoT are increasingly identified as converging technologies by utilities. SCADA uses sensors, monitors, and device controllers, usually connected together through a wired network, to operate utility and infrastructure equipment, often automatically. IoT provides similar connectivity between devices (sensors and controllers) to improve operations but has broader ability to analyze and optimize utility operations, and to provide predictive analytics.

While SCADA focuses on monitoring and control, IoT uses its superior “big data” analysis capabilities to evaluate and improve infrastructure operations. IoT also allows for greater connectivity and interoperability to support collection and analysis of larger sets of system data. Last, but not least, while both SCADA and IoT rely on sensors and data acquisition, IoT has greater ability to control processes and manage data remotely across different networks, architectures, and equipment types. Many utilities started with SCADA systems, and enjoy the security of those systems, but with the great amounts of data collected, IoT provides additional capability to evaluate and refine system controls. IoT tools are powerful and are already beginning to converge with SCADA systems, so it is useful to be aware of both technologies when considering how Asset Management can help manage stormwater systems.

Additional information summarizing asset management technologies is provided to support a better understanding of the technical components that are available to help with stormwater system O&M.

This page was informed by these resources.