Modeling Data for

Greater Agility
Using a Data Model to add Organization and Flexibility to an
Information Management System
Presented by B-Scada, Inc.




Model i ng Dat a f or Gr eat er Agi l i t y




Contents

What is Data Modeling? ............................................................................................................................... 3
Why is Data Modeling Important? ............................................................................................................. 3
How is it Done? ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Data Modeling in a SCADA System ......................................................................................................... 5
What Does it All Mean? ............................................................................................................................ 5
Status Enterprise Edition ......................................................................................................................... 6
Visit us on the web: ................................................................................................................................... 7
















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Why is Data Modeling Important?

Today, organizations of all sizes and types are swimming in an abundance of data. There is data drawn from
production, data from customer interaction, data from sales and marketing, human resource data, accounting data so
much data that much of it is not used to its full benefit. Typically, the data coming from these different channels
remains separate from the other data silos, and it is only useful to the individuals in the channel from which the data
was drawn. If a piece of data has value to another channel, it must be manually duplicated in the other channel in
order for it to be used.


Data silos make cross-channel communication difficult and time-consuming

By creating a data model, data of a particular type will be automatically associated with all other data of that type.
Furthermore, relationships between particular data types can be defined, eliminating the need to duplicate the data or
mine it from its particular silo. The benefits are varied and numerous.
Data modeling can increase operational efficiency by reducing or eliminating the need for data duplication or data
mining. This allows for personnel previously tasked with data management to spend less time acquiring relevant data
and more time analyzing and acting on it. This also makes it much easier to integrate data from multiple applications in
real time, giving key decision makers the power to make informed decisions much more quickly and with greater
confidence.
A data model also makes it much easier to adapt your data management system to any changes in processes or
procedures, and makes it much easier to scale a data management system as an organization grows or expands. A
fully integrated data model will eliminate any information gaps or blind spots, thereby increasing productivity,
improving safety, and enhancing the ability to make predictions and plans. All of these benefits and more will
contribute to an improved bottom line.



Data modeling makes your data more organized and easier
to understand and work with.
What is Data Modeling?

A data model is a logical representation of a set of real world
data items. In developing information systems for the purpose
of managing a project or organization, a data model allows you
to add definitions and a specific structure to data coming from
multiple channels. The consistent structure and standardized
definitions not only make data easier to interpret and
understand, it can also allow the same data to be accessed by
different applications, creating new opportunities for analysis.
A structured data model also makes it easier to expand and
adapt to changes in the system that is being modeled.

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How is it Done?

There are different data modeling methodologies employed in different industries. For instance, in the Oil and Gas
industry, an industry-wide data modeling standard was established by the Professional Petroleum Data Management
(PPDM) Association. Their most recent modeling standard is defined in PPDM 3.8. Similar standards have been
established in other industries as well.
The specific details on how data types and their relationships should be defined will vary from one organization to
the next, and thats not a bad thing. One of the great benefits of a data model is that it is fully customizable to the
way you do business. You dont have to use somebody elses model, and nobody else has to use yours. You can
decide how you would like your data to be managed and how you would like your model to be arranged. As long as
your model is logical and consistent, you will reap the benefits.
There are some general attributes that a quality data model will share:
Data types are arranged hierarchically as root types, subtypes, etc. (i.e. A Cooling Fan is a subtype of the Fan Type).
There is a layer of abstraction between data Types and actual Assets (i.e. An actual Cooling Fan is an instance of the
Cooling Fan Type).
Types and subtypes can be considered to be components of other types (i.e. A Cooling Fan may be a component of the
Motor Type).
An Asset will have specific properties that can be inherent in its Type or specific to the particular Asset.
The model will be scalable to accommodate changes or additions.


The properties that make up a data model can be derived from numerous different sources.
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Data Modeling in a SCADA System

A traditional SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system is used to monitor and/or control industrial
processes, and it is rare to find a SCADA system that embraces the concept of data modeling. In a SCADA system
with data modeling, the entire enterprise can be brought under the umbrella of a single data visualization system.
HMI (Human Machine Interface) screens that operators use to monitor production processes can also be used to
display information from other channels maintenance information, customer information, etc. Likewise, the
administrative dashboards executives use to monitor financial resources can also be used to manage asset life
cycles or production data. The formerly fragmented and compartmentalized business is now able to operate as a
holistic entity, with each information channel informing the others in real time.

The end result is the new data-driven enterprise that will thrive in the new industrial environment. As the M2M
revolution, the Internet of Things, or Industry 4.0 becomes the new standard, enterprises with a modern data
management plan will be able to distinguish themselves from the competition. Data modeling means more relevant
information is available to the decision makers who need it most, enabling faster, more informed decisions.


What Does it All Mean?

Data Modeling in a SCADA system means greater organization, flexibility, scalability, and intelligence. Data modeling
allows you to customize your data visualization system for the way you do business, integrate with other enterprise
apps, improve asset performance and reliability, and act on your available data with greater agility and confidence.
A smarter, more efficient organization with more confident, informed decision makers is not only possible it is
becoming more and more necessary in order to maintain a competitive edge in todays economy.
The time has come to expect more from SCADA.


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Status Enterprise Edition

Save Time & Money
Rapid Deployment - Since graphics are bound to the data model instead of actual hardware, HMI screens and data bindings can be
created quickly and easily without having any intimate technical knowledge.
No Downtime - The entire system can be designed and developed before PLCs or OPC servers are even in place.
Reusable Screens - The data model also allows you to create screens for a specific type of asset and reuse those screens for all
instances of the same type; there is no need to create graphics for each asset.
Real-Time Asset Creation - Create new assets in real time and add them to the data model. Create forms like work orders and change
requests, or create new instances of existing assets like tanks or motors when new equipment is added.

Create More Intelligent HMI Screens
Full y Customizable Data Structure - The beauty of the data model is that it is completely customizable. You define the types and
properties and design their organizational structure. That means you decide what types of data you want to include in the model, and how
you want that information to be displayed.
New Types of Data - Add relevant information that is unheard of in other HMI/SCADA systems, including asset management information
and data drawn from real-time user input.

Low Total Cost of Ownership
Screen Design without Technical Hurdles - Because graphics are bound to properties in your data model and not actual equipment, no
intimate knowledge of PLC memory addresses is needed to create data bindings, so you don't need to involve engineers in your screen
design.
Quick and Easy Maintenance - In the event of equipment or configuration changes, there is no need to design new screens or new data
bindings; simply update your data model.

Your SCADA System Grows with Your Business
Unlimited Scalability - If you expand your business, adding new equipment, locations, or processes, there is no need to change your
SCADA system. Simply make the required changes to your data model. In fact, you can update your data model and have it ready to
redeploy before the equipment is even added. The flexibility and scalability of Status Enterprise ensures that you will have the SCADA
system you need no matter how much your processes change.

The concept of data modeling is at the
very heart of Status Enterprise. It
provides organization, relationships
and structure to a complex set of
information, and it is what gives you
the power to introduce an unequalled
level of intelligence and agility to your
SCADA system. Learn More

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B-Scada specializes in the development of high quality HMI and SCADA software
solutions for industrial process control, enterprise data management, and anywhere there
is a need for compelling, high performance visualization of real-time operational and
business data.



Visit us on the web:
w w w .sc ada.c om















9030 W Fort Island Trail
Building 9
Crystal River, FL 34429
Email info@b-scada.com
Phone +1 (352) 564-9610
Fax +1 (352) 564-9611
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