10/22/2025
Why has adopting a modern SCADA system become essential for manufacturers?
The industry is entering a new era, driven by rapid advances in digital technologies. Equipment is no longer isolated, but connected to industrial supervision software capable of collecting, processing and sharing data in real time, locally or globally via a modern SCADA system. In a sector such as pharmaceuticals, where traceability, compliance and data security are essential, a modern SCADA system becomes a strategic asset.
At B2C Engineering, we have been supporting this transformation for over 10 years. Thanks to proven SCADA standards, we facilitate seamless integration between machines, control tools and management systems.
However, with systems that are often obsolete or poorly designed, this transition can be complex.
That is why, in this industrial digital transition, we have structured our approach around intelligent standardisation, designed to deploy scalable, customisable solutions that are tailored to industrial challenges.
Modern SCADA: role, challenges and industrial supervision
What is a SCADA system?
The term SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) refers to a supervisory system that allows real–time control, monitoring and analysis of industrial site equipment.
It is a central tool in industrial automation that allows users to visualise processes, manage alarms, collect field data, generate reports and interact with machines remotely.
The benefits of a well-designed SCADA system
Modern SCADA systems no longer simply supervise operations: they also enable agile, secure and scalable control of industrial equipment.
At B2C Engineering, we go beyond simple monitoring by integrating standards that optimise performance, responsiveness and reliability. By promoting seamless industrial interconnection, these systems provide high value-added real-time control.
A well-designed SCADA system offers:
- Complete visibility of production data, both in real time and historically,
- Better anticipation of anomalies, limiting unplanned downtime,
- An optimised interface that reduces cognitive overload for operators,
- Enhanced security levels adapted to critical environments, particularly suited to pharmaceutical environments.
The three pillars of a standardised SCADA system for industry
We have developed an internal standard in AVEVA System Platform that specifically addresses the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry.
Designed to meet growing performance, safety and traceability requirements, B2C Engineering’s SCADA standard is based on three strategic pillars.
‘At B2C, we firmly believe that a modern SCADA system must be well designed from the outset in order to boost your efficiency. Whether you are starting from scratch or building on an existing system, the digitalisation of your processes must be based on solid foundations.’ – Jean, Sales Director.
1. Cybersecurity tailored to critical environments
Modern SCADA systems are exposed to threats similar to those faced by IT networks: cyberattacks, ransomware, sabotage. To address these threats, B2C integrates a cybersecurity policy right from the design phase:
- Access management by workstation and operator
- Segmentation of OT/IT networks according to best practices
- 5-step structured security audit
- Technology partnerships with Stormshield, Opswat, Darktrace, and Octoplant
Objective: to guarantee a secure industrial environment that complies with standards and is resistant to evolving threats.
2. SVG interfaces for smooth navigation
Effective supervision requires a clear and intuitive interface. That is why B2C uses SVG format to design interactive and responsive views:
- High–quality visualisation on all types of screens
- Quick access to critical data
- Simplified navigation in complex architectures
- Integration of ISA 101 standard design principles
The result? More efficient control, fewer errors and a better operator experience.
3. Full traceability with audit trail
In regulated or sensitive environments, such as the pharmaceutical industry, every action counts. B2C ensures full traceability of operations via an integrated audit trail:
- Historical records of every action with timestamps
- Detailed tracking of user interventions
- Easy auditing (quality, compliance, cybersecurity)
- Transparency for production, maintenance and quality control teams
This approach provides real added value by strengthening compliance, securing data and optimising validation processes.
SCADA and Situation Awareness: towards an intuitive and efficient operator interface
In complex industrial environments, interface clarity is essential. Poor visualisation can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed decisions and, in some cases, critical incidents.
B2C Engineering draws on the philosophy of Situation Awareness to design interfaces that help operators perceive, understand and anticipate situations in real time.
This approach is based on three fundamental principles:
- Making the system status immediately visible by removing superfluous elements from the screens
- Structuring information in a logical and intuitive way, using standardised colours, symbols and icons
- Facilitating anticipation by highlighting critical data and contextualised alerts
Thanks to this methodology, operators remain focused on the essentials, even in stressful situations. The risk of human error is reduced and decision-making is accelerated.
Our SCADA standards also incorporate ISA 101, which formalises best practices in HMI (human-machine interface) design. By applying this standard:
- System adoption is facilitated by teams
- Interfaces are consistent from one site to another
- Training time is reduced
- And supervision remains effective in all situations
By combining Situation Awareness and ISA 101, B2C guarantees an optimal user experience, designed for real-world conditions and aligned with the most demanding international standards.
SCADA evolution: where to start without going back to square one?
Modernising a SCADA system does not necessarily mean starting from scratch. B2C Engineering offers a pragmatic approach that secures existing systems while preparing for the future.
Initial audit and prioritisation
It all starts with a structured audit of the current environment: architecture, security, ergonomics and documentation. The aim is to identify critical vulnerabilities and prioritise the actions to be taken.
This diagnosis makes it possible to define a clear path forward and propose immediate security measures (network segmentation, backup, access control).
SCADA migration: modernising without rebuilding everything
The SCADA systems still in place in many facilities are often based on obsolete architectures: unsupported operating systems, ageing interfaces and a lack of reliable traceability.
These limitations hamper performance, increase security risks and make any upgrades difficult. To address this situation, we are adopting a two–stage progressive modernisation strategy:
- Virtualisation of the existing environment to quickly secure operations without interrupting production
- Rebuilding interfaces on modern SCADA platforms such as AVEVA, with an ergonomic and technological overhaul adapted to current standards
This approach enables manufacturers to upgrade their industrial supervision systems with a modern, maintainable and compliant SCADA system, without any operational disruption.
A modular and agile approach
Adopting a modular approach means breaking the project down into progressive stages, rather than deploying everything at once. This allows you to move forward more quickly, while limiting risks and controlling costs.
In short, this method offers greater flexibility, less operational stress, and better adoption by end users.
Towards efficient, secure and scalable industrial supervision
Modernising a SCADA system is no longer an isolated technical project, but a strategic challenge to secure operations, enhance agility and fully exploit industrial data.
Thanks to a gradual approach based on proven standards (cybersecurity, ergonomics, traceability), B2C Engineering supports manufacturers in their transition without operational disruption.
With standardised AVEVA solutions, each project becomes a lever for continuous improvement and a concrete step towards a connected, resilient and sustainable factory.
Want to find out how B2C’s SCADA standards can transform your supervision?