Control Systems & Automation
(SCADA, EMS, ADMS, AMI, and related utility control technologies)
DGR Engineering specializes in control systems and automation solutions for electric utilities, municipal utilities, rural electric cooperatives, water systems and wastewater systems of all sizes.
Control Systems & Automation encompasses the hardware, software, communications, and cybersecurity infrastructure utilities rely on to monitor and operate their facilities and networks.
This includes:
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
- Energy Management Systems (EMS)
- Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS)
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
- Related utility control technologies
These systems collect operational data from field devices and provide operators with the information and control capabilities needed to safely and reliably manage utility infrastructure.
To meet the evolving needs of today's utility industry, DGR develops Control Systems & Automation solutions tailored to each client's operational requirements, staffing levels, and budget. While many firms focus on individual portions of a project, DGR combines SCADA, EMS, ADMS, protection and control, networking, and cybersecurity expertise to deliver fully integrated solutions designed as a single cohesive system.
Two types of solutions are typically offered:
- Enterprise-Class System - provides advanced functionality, extensive scalability, and dedicated vendor support. These systems often offer the most comprehensive feature sets available but generally require higher capital investment, ongoing maintenance agreements, and greater internal staffing resources. DGR assists clients with planning, budgeting, design, specification development, bidding, procurement, project management, implementation, and vendor coordination. Our team helps utilities define the functionality needed today while ensuring the system can accommodate future growth and operational requirements, including OT network architecture and cybersecurity enhancements when desired. DGR also assists with vendor evaluations and bid reviews to guide clients in selecting the optimal solution. They work closely with utility staff and vendors to design, train, and implement the new system.
- SCADA solution - a turn-key, utility-focused designed, implemented, and supported by DGR using commercial off-the-shelf hardware and software. This approach provides many of the capabilities expected from an enterprise-class system while reducing both initial and long-term ownership costs. DGR works closely with utility personnel and their supporting IT and OT service providers to define project requirements, communications infrastructure needs, cybersecurity objectives, and implementation schedules. DGR then designs, builds, commissions, and supports the complete solution while providing operator training and ongoing technical support.
As an independent, employee-owned engineering firm, DGR has no financial stake in any particular control system platform. Our recommendations are based solely on each client's operational, technical, and financial needs, ensuring organizations can realistically operate, maintain, and support them long term.
DGR has successfully completed Control Systems & Automation projects for municipal electric utilities, rural electric cooperatives, municipal water and wastewater facilities, and rural water systems across the Midwest. DGR does not specialize in industrial manufacturing or process automation systems.
Contact Us to learn more about how DGR Engineering can support your Control Systems & Automation project.