SCADA for critical infrastructure is based on a fundamental principle: service continuity. However, in many industrial, tertiary or multi-site environments, dependence on wide area networks remains a major weakness. WAN outages, excessive latency, cloud unavailability or telecommunications incidents can quickly compromise operational visibility. In this context, edge computing is emerging as a structural response to strengthen the resilience of SCADA systems and guarantee their operation, even in the event of a network outage.
Why network dependency weakens centralised SCADA monitoring
Traditional SCADA architectures often rely on a high degree of data centralisation. Information from sensors, controllers or technical systems is transmitted to a central server or remote platform for processing and visualisation. This approach works as long as connectivity is stable.
In the event of a network outage, the consequences are immediate: loss of visibility, alarms not transmitted, inability to control equipment or analyse events in real time. In critical environments, this loss of SCADA can have a major impact on safety, production or business continuity.
The question is therefore no longer whether a network outage can occur, but how to maintain an acceptable level of SCADA when it does occur.
Edge computing: bringing intelligence closer to the field
Edge computing is based on a simple principle: processing data as close as possible to its source, directly on site or near the equipment. Rather than relying exclusively on a remote SCADA centre, part of the software intelligence is deployed locally.
In a SCADA architecture, this means that critical data can be collected, analysed and used locally, even in the absence of external connectivity. Essential functions (display, alarms, local logging) remain operational, ensuring minimal but controlled continuity of control.
Maintaining local SCADA in the event of a network outage
One of the major benefits is the ability to maintain on-site SCADA, independently of the central network. Operators retain access to synoptics, active alarms and equipment status, allowing them to continue operating the infrastructure in degraded mode.
This approach is particularly relevant for isolated sites, industrial facilities, energy infrastructures or complex buildings spread over large areas. In the event of an outage, local SCADA becomes the operational reference point, preventing a total loss of control.
In SCADA environments, edge computing allows critical SCADA monitoring and HMI functions to be maintained locally, ensuring that synoptics are displayed, alarms are managed and equipment is controlled, even in the event of a communication failure with the central integrated SCADA solution platform.
Synchronisation and automatic recovery after an incident
Resilience is not limited to isolated mode operation. A well-designed edge architecture also provides for automatic data synchronisation as soon as the connection is restored. Locally recorded events (alarms, histories, operator actions) are reported to the central platform without manual intervention.
This recovery capability ensures data consistency and provides analysis, maintenance and security teams with a complete overview after the event. Edge computing plays a key role here by ensuring information continuity, even when connectivity is intermittent.
In this context, edge-to-service approaches extend the benefits by ensuring seamless continuity between local SCADA systems and central services. Critical data is processed and exploited at the edge, then synchronised with SCADA and integrated SCADA solution platforms as soon as connectivity is restored, ensuring resilient operation without any loss of information.
Edge computing and cybersecurity: an additional lever for resilience
Beyond availability, edge computing also helps to strengthen the cybersecurity of SCADA systems. By limiting constant flows to remote platform- , it reduces exposure to network attacks. Critical decisions can be made locally, without relying on external access.
In IT-OT architectures, this approach allows for better network segmentation and limits the impact in the event of a security incident. SCADA monitoring then becomes an additional bulwark against disruptions, whether technical or malicious.
Towards more robust and scalable hybrid architectures
The future of SCADA does not lie in a choice between centralisation and edge computing, but in their complementarity. Hybrid architectures combine central SCADA for global analysis, multi-site consolidation and strategic decision-making with edge capabilities to ensure local resilience.
This approach offers great flexibility for evolution. Infrastructures can adapt to network constraints, regulatory requirements or new uses without completely overhauling the existing system.
In a world where connectivity can never be taken for granted, the resilience of SCADA systems becomes a key issue. Edge computing provides a concrete and pragmatic response by enabling SCADA systems to be maintained even in the event of a network outage. By bringing intelligence closer to the field, it guarantees operational continuity, enhances security and prepares infrastructures for increasingly distributed and critical environments.
