The convergence between IT and operational technology (OT) systems is profoundly transforming the way critical infrastructures are managed. Data centres, industrial networks, control systems, business applications and field equipment now generate considerable volumes of data. In this context, monitoring can no longer be fragmented. Relying on IT SCADA software capable of centralising, correlating and analysing all data flows is becoming a strategic issue, particularly in SCADA and integrated SCADA solution environments.
SCADA software: a pillar of IT-OT convergence
Historically, IT monitoring and SCADA monitoring have evolved separately. On the one hand, there are tools geared towards systems, networks and applications; on the other, there are SCADA platforms dedicated to controlling industrial and technical processes. Today, this separation is reaching its limits.
Modern infrastructures require a cross-functional view, capable of linking IT events (servers, databases, networks) to OT events (controllers, sensors, control systems). IT monitoring software integrated into a SCADA platform creates this link, providing a unified view of the overall operating status of a site or multi-site network.
The specific challenges of SCADA and integrated SCADA solution environments
In a SCADA context, monitoring goes far beyond simple availability monitoring. It becomes an operational management tool, capable of aggregating real-time data from multiple sources. Centralised monitoring allows rapid identification of cascading impacts: an IT network incident can, for example, disrupt an industrial control system or a production line.
Integrated SCADA solution goes even further. It is based on the correlation of heterogeneous events from IT, OT, safety or energy systems. This approach is particularly relevant for complex or critical infrastructures, where understanding the context is essential for making the right decisions. SCADA and integrated SCADA solution architectures-compatible supervision software then becomes a real decision-making tool.
Best practices for effective SCADA and integrated SCADA solution monitoring
Centralise data without losing control of real time
SCADA monitoring imposes significant constraints in terms of responsiveness. Data must be collected, processed and displayed in real time without compromising system reliability. A centralised monitoring platform must be capable of managing massive data flows while maintaining minimal latency, which is essential for industrial and critical environments.
Implement an open and interoperable architecture
SCADA environments rely on a wide variety of protocols and equipment. OPC UA, Modbus, SNMP, databases, APIs: interoperability is a key criterion. Integrated SCADA solution-oriented IT monitoring software, must be able to integrate natively with these building blocks without proprietary dependencies in order to guarantee the scalability of the system.
Correlate events to give meaning to alerts
In a integrated SCADA solution approach, value lies not in the proliferation of alarms, but in their contextualisation. Correlating an IT event with a field alarm or application malfunction allows the root cause of an incident to be identified more quickly. This correlation capability is essential for reducing diagnosis times and improving service continuity.
Integrate SCADA into IT–OT governance
Centralised SCADA monitoring must be part of a clear governance framework that integrates IT, OT and security teams. The data generated by monitoring feeds into incident management, preventive maintenance and continuous improvement processes. IT monitoring software used in a SCADA approach thus becomes a common platform for management and communication between teams.
Cybersecurity and integrated SCADA solution: an inseparable challenge
In SCADA environments, cybersecurity is a critical issue. Centralised monitoring makes it possible to detect abnormal behaviour, intrusion attempts or gradual performance degradation. Integrated SCADA solution reinforces this approach by providing a global view of safety, IT security and technical operation events.
IT monitoring software designed for SCADA architectures must incorporate the principles of network segmentation, logging and traceability, while remaining compatible with the availability requirements specific to industrial systems.
In the context of IT-OT convergence, SCADA is no longer just a monitoring tool. It has become a strategic lever for management, resilience and performance. By relying on IT monitoring software that is compatible with SCADA environments and integrated SCADA solution logic, organisations gain a global vision that enables them to anticipate incidents, secure infrastructures and provide long-term support for technological developments.
