Frequently asked questions

Answers on managed SCADA, the platform, and the hardware

90 questions from across the site, grouped by topic. Search for a word, pick a topic, or scan the list. Every answer links back to the page that covers it in depth.

Managed SCADA basics

How much does Mission’s managed SCADA service cost?

Pricing is based on the number of monitored sites and the I/O at each one. RTU hardware is priced separately; one annual fee per site covers cellular data, the 123SCADA platform, hosting, security, and support. Contact us for a quote on your system.

From Homepage

How quickly can a site go live?

Most sites are monitoring within 2 to 4 hours of the RTU arriving. RTUs come pre-configured and self-enroll into 123SCADA on power-up. Many utilities go from first conversation to live monitoring in under two weeks.

From Homepage

Do I need cellular coverage at my sites?

Mission RTUs use multi-carrier cellular and connect to the strongest available network. Coverage is sufficient across most of the continental U.S. and Canada. For very remote sites, talk to us about options.

From Homepage

What services are included in managed SCADA services?

Managed SCADA services often include hosting, software access, alarm delivery, reporting, device connectivity, system updates, and technical support. Instead of managing those pieces separately, utilities get one service model that keeps the monitoring system running and accessible.

From Solutions

How do SCADA solutions improve response time to system issues?

SCADA solutions improve response time by collecting live data and sending alerts the moment a condition changes. Operators can review the issue remotely, understand what happened, and decide on the next step faster than waiting for a site visit or phone call.

From Solutions

Can managed SCADA services replace in-house monitoring systems?

In many cases, yes. Managed SCADA services can replace traditional in-house systems by providing the software, communications, support, and infrastructure as a service. That reduces IT overhead and can simplify deployment for utilities that do not want to maintain everything internally.

From Solutions

What types of SCADA products are used in monitoring systems?

SCADA products can include software platforms, RTUs, communication hardware, sensors, and supporting accessories. Together, they help collect data, deliver alerts, and improve control across monitored assets.

From Products

How do SCADA software and hardware work together?

Hardware gathers data in the field and software presents that information in dashboards, alarms, and reports. The two work together to give operators visibility and control across the system.

From Products

How do you choose the right SCADA products for your system?

The right SCADA products depend on the type of assets being monitored, the communications available, the number of sites, and the operational needs of the user. A good fit balances visibility, reliability, and ease of use.

From Products

What does an RTU do in a monitoring system?

An RTU collects data from field devices and sends it to the monitoring platform. It acts as the link between the site and the SCADA system, helping operators see what is happening remotely.

From RTU Hardware

How do remote telemetry units send data back to SCADA?

Remote telemetry units use available communications such as cellular or other supported connections to transmit site data back to the central platform. That allows alarms and operating conditions to be reviewed in real time.

From RTU Hardware

When is RTU hardware needed instead of simpler monitoring equipment?

RTU hardware is useful when a site needs reliable data collection, communications, and integration with a broader monitoring platform. It is especially valuable for remote or distributed assets that require more than a basic local reading.

From RTU Hardware

Water systems

How do water SCADA systems detect leaks in pipelines?

Water SCADA systems help detect leaks by monitoring pressure, flow, and network conditions in real time. Unexpected drops in pressure or unusual flow patterns can signal that water is escaping somewhere in the system, allowing operators to investigate sooner.

From Water Systems Monitoring

What data can be monitored in a water system network?

A water system network can monitor pressure, flow, tank levels, pump status, valve position, and water quality data. That gives operators a clearer view of how the system is performing across the network and where problems may be developing.

From Water Systems Monitoring

How does SCADA improve water pressure management?

SCADA improves pressure management by tracking pressure conditions continuously and alerting operators when readings move out of range. With better visibility into system behavior. Teams can respond faster to issues that affect service reliability and infrastructure performance.

From Water Systems Monitoring

How does tank level monitoring prevent overflow or shortages?

Tank level monitoring shows water levels in real time so operators know when a tank is too high or too low. That helps prevent overflow, avoid shortages, and keep water supply more stable by making pump control and operational decisions easier.

From Tank and Well Monitoring

What triggers a well pump to turn on or off automatically?

A well pump is typically triggered by tank level thresholds, pressure conditions, or system logic configured in the monitoring setup. When the system sees a level or pressure change that meets the programmed rule, it can activate or stop the pump automatically.

From Tank and Well Monitoring

Can tank and well systems be monitored without visiting the site?

Yes. Remote tank and well monitoring allows operators to see status, alarms, and water levels without being physically present. That reduces travel, saves time, and helps smaller teams manage more sites with less effort.

From Tank and Well Monitoring

Why is water distribution monitoring important for utilities?

Water distribution monitoring helps utilities understand what is happening across their network in real time. It supports faster detection of pressure problems, leaks, and flow changes, which helps improve service reliability and reduce water loss.

From Water Distribution System Monitoring

How do utilities monitor pressure issues across a distribution network?

Utilities monitor pressure issues by placing sensors at key points in the network and sending that data into a SCADA platform. Operators can then track pressure conditions continuously and respond faster when abnormal readings appear.

From Water Distribution System Monitoring

What are the benefits of monitoring distributed infrastructure remotely?

Remote monitoring helps utilities manage large or spread-out systems more efficiently. Operators can see multiple sites from one interface, identify issues sooner, and avoid unnecessary travel while maintaining better visibility across the network.

From Water Distribution System Monitoring

What does booster station monitoring help operators see?

Booster station monitoring helps operators see pump status, pressure behavior, alarms, and other operating conditions in real time. That visibility is important for maintaining stable performance and responding quickly when equipment is not operating as expected.

From Booster Station Monitoring

How can remote monitoring improve booster pump reliability?

Remote monitoring improves reliability by identifying abnormal conditions early and reducing the time between fault occurrence and operator response. That helps teams address issues before they grow into larger failures that affect pressure or service continuity.

From Booster Station Monitoring

What causes pressure instability in booster stations?

Pressure instability can come from pump problems, power issues, demand changes, control faults, or mechanical wear. Monitoring helps operators spot those shifts earlier so they can investigate the cause before service is affected.

From Booster Station Monitoring

Wastewater

What does a wastewater SCADA system monitor?

A wastewater SCADA system can monitor lift stations, pump stations, sewer levels, alarms, flows, and treatment-related processes. It gives operators one place to review system conditions and respond to issues across a wastewater network.

From Wastewater Monitoring

How does wastewater automation help operators?

Wastewater automation reduces manual checks and supports more consistent operation by helping systems respond automatically to changing conditions. It also gives operators better visibility so they can focus attention where it is needed most.

From Wastewater Monitoring

Why is real-time monitoring important in wastewater systems?

Real-time monitoring is important because wastewater issues can escalate quickly. Early alerts help teams respond to rising levels, equipment failures, and other abnormal conditions before they lead to overflows, downtime, or service disruption.

From Wastewater Monitoring

What should be monitored at a lift station?

Lift stations should typically monitor wet well levels, pump run status, alarms, power conditions, and communication health. Those points help operators understand whether the station is functioning normally and whether immediate attention is needed.

From Lift Stations

How can lift station monitoring reduce overflow risk?

Lift station monitoring reduces overflow risk by alerting operators when wet well levels rise too high, pumps fail, or backup conditions develop. Faster visibility means faster action before wastewater reaches a critical level.

From Lift Stations

Can lift stations be managed remotely through SCADA?

Yes. SCADA allows lift stations to be monitored remotely and, depending on the setup, can also support remote control or acknowledgement of alarms. That helps utilities manage multiple stations without constant on-site presence.

From Lift Stations

What is the difference between CSO and SSO events?

A CSO involves overflow from a combined sewer system that handles both stormwater and wastewater, while an SSO happens in a sanitary sewer system that is intended to carry wastewater only. Both are serious, but they occur in different system types.

From CSO and SSO Monitoring

How do monitoring systems help reduce overflow events?

Monitoring systems help reduce overflow events by tracking conditions in real time and alerting operators when levels or alarms indicate rising risk. That gives teams more time to investigate and respond before an overflow becomes worse.

From CSO and SSO Monitoring

Why is overflow monitoring important for compliance?

Overflow monitoring supports compliance because it helps utilities document conditions, respond more quickly, and maintain better records around event detection and system performance. Better monitoring can also improve reporting accuracy after an incident.

From CSO and SSO Monitoring

What is monitored in a water treatment system?

A water treatment system may monitor flow, pressure, pump status, tank levels, and process-related parameters tied to treatment performance. The goal is to give operators a clear view of conditions so they can maintain stable operation and respond to changes quickly.

From Wastewater Treatment Plant Monitoring

How does SCADA support treatment plant performance?

SCADA supports treatment plant performance by centralising data, alarms, and system visibility. Operators can identify unusual trends sooner, review what is happening across the process, and make better-informed operational decisions.

From Wastewater Treatment Plant Monitoring

Why is real-time water quality monitoring useful?

Real-time water quality monitoring helps operators identify changes faster instead of waiting for delayed checks or reports. That improves awareness, supports more timely action, and helps plants maintain more consistent treatment performance.

From Wastewater Treatment Plant Monitoring

Stormwater

What do stormwater monitoring systems track?

Stormwater monitoring systems can track runoff conditions, water levels, flow activity, rainfall-related impacts, and sometimes water quality depending on the site. That data helps teams understand how storm events affect infrastructure.

From Stormwater Monitoring

How does SCADA support stormwater response?

SCADA supports stormwater response by delivering live visibility into conditions and alerts during storm events. Operators can see changes faster and make quicker decisions about field response, risk areas, or system performance.

From Stormwater Monitoring

Why are real-time storm event alerts useful?

Real-time storm event alerts are useful because conditions can change quickly. Faster warnings help teams respond earlier, reduce risk, and improve oversight during periods of high runoff or system stress.

From Stormwater Monitoring

How is rainfall measured in a monitoring system?

Rainfall is commonly measured using gauges such as tipping bucket devices that record precipitation events and totals. That data is then sent to the monitoring platform so users can see live rainfall conditions and historical trends.

From Rainfall Monitoring

Why is real-time rainfall data valuable?

Real-time rainfall data helps operators understand current conditions as they happen instead of relying only on past reports. That is useful for flood preparedness, stormwater response, and understanding system behavior during wet weather.

From Rainfall Monitoring

Can rainfall monitoring support overflow prevention?

Yes. Rainfall monitoring helps teams connect incoming weather conditions to system performance. When operators know heavy rainfall is occurring, they can watch vulnerable assets more closely and respond earlier if overflow risk increases.

From Rainfall Monitoring

How does a flood warning system provide early alerts?

A flood warning system uses monitoring devices and data thresholds to identify rising risk and send notifications when conditions reach a trigger point. That advance notice gives users more time to respond before flooding worsens.

From Flood Warning Systems

What data is used in flood monitoring systems?

Flood monitoring systems often use water level data, rainfall data, and site-specific measurements that indicate rising risk. Combining those inputs gives a better picture of current conditions and supports earlier warning.

From Flood Warning Systems

Who benefits from real-time flood warning systems?

Utilities, municipalities, facility operators, and other teams responsible for flood-prone assets benefit from real-time warning systems. Early alerts help them protect infrastructure, improve response time, and reduce the impact of flooding.

From Flood Warning Systems

What bodies of water can Mission monitor levels in?

Mission monitors water level in reservoirs, lakes, rivers, streams, canals, ponds, and stormwater retention and detention basins, using a submersible or radar sensor matched to the site.

From Level Monitoring

How is remote water level measured?

Remote water level is measured with a submersible pressure transducer or a non-contact radar sensor connected to a Mission RTU. The reading is sent over cellular to the monitoring platform, where operators see live levels and historical trends.

From Level Monitoring

Can level monitoring send alerts when water gets too high or too low?

Yes. Operators set high and low thresholds for each site, and the system dispatches phone, text, or email alerts in under a minute when a level crosses a trigger point.

From Level Monitoring

Industries

How do different industries use SCADA differently?

Different industries use SCADA based on their operational needs, asset types, and response requirements. While the core purpose stays the same, the monitored points, workflows, and priorities vary by environment.

From Industries

Why does industry-specific SCADA matter?

Industry-specific SCADA matters because each sector has different challenges, compliance pressures, and infrastructure layouts. A better fit usually leads to clearer visibility and more useful monitoring outcomes.

From Industries

Can one SCADA approach work across multiple sectors?

Yes, but it usually needs to be adapted to suit each environment. The same core platform may support multiple sectors, while the monitored assets, alerts, and workflows are tailored to the industry.

From Industries

Why do municipal utilities need SCADA visibility across multiple sites?

Municipal utilities often manage many distributed assets, so central visibility is important for maintaining awareness and responding efficiently. Without that visibility, teams may struggle to prioritize issues across the network.

From Managed SCADA for Municipal Water Utilities

How does SCADA support municipal water and wastewater operations?

SCADA supports municipal operations by bringing water and wastewater conditions into one system for easier monitoring, alerting, and decision-making. That helps teams manage infrastructure more effectively.

From Managed SCADA for Municipal Water Utilities

What makes municipal utility monitoring more complex than single-site monitoring?

Municipal utility monitoring is more complex because it involves more assets, broader geographic coverage, and a wider range of operating conditions. Those factors make Centralized oversight more valuable.

From Managed SCADA for Municipal Water Utilities

Why is remote monitoring especially important for rural utilities?

Remote monitoring is especially important for rural utilities because assets are often spread across large areas and staffing is limited. It helps teams stay informed without relying on constant travel between sites.

From Managed SCADA for Rural Water Districts and Associations

How can Mission’s Managed SCADA help with limited staffing in rural systems?

Mission’s Managed SCADA helps limited teams by reducing manual checks and making it easier to focus on sites that need attention. That improves efficiency and helps smaller teams cover more ground.

From Managed SCADA for Rural Water Districts and Associations

What types of rural assets benefit most from Mission’s Managed SCADA?

Assets such as tanks, wells, pumps, and other remote infrastructure benefit most because they are harder to supervise in person and often play a critical role in service reliability.

From Managed SCADA for Rural Water Districts and Associations

Why do private utilities need better system visibility?

Private utilities need better visibility so they can monitor performance, respond quickly to faults, and maintain stronger control over their own infrastructure. Better visibility also supports operational planning and efficiency.

From Managed SCADA for Private Water and Wastewater Utilities

How can SCADA improve decision-making for private operators?

SCADA improves decision-making by showing system conditions, alarms, and trends in one place. That gives operators the information they need faster and reduces guesswork during problem response.

From Managed SCADA for Private Water and Wastewater Utilities

What is the benefit of managed SCADA for private utility systems?

Managed SCADA can help private utility systems by reducing the need to manage software, infrastructure, and support internally. That allows operators to focus more on operations and less on maintaining the platform itself.

From Managed SCADA for Private Water and Wastewater Utilities

What do industrial SCADA systems monitor in real time?

Industrial SCADA systems monitor process conditions, equipment performance, alarms, and other operating data that help teams maintain control over production or site activity. The exact points depend on the operation.

From Managed SCADA for Industrial Water, Wastewater, and Pretreatment

How does SCADA help reduce industrial downtime?

SCADA helps reduce downtime by improving visibility into abnormal conditions and making it easier to identify issues sooner. Faster awareness often leads to faster response and fewer prolonged disruptions.

From Managed SCADA for Industrial Water, Wastewater, and Pretreatment

Why is industrial IoT integration important in SCADA environments?

Industrial IoT integration is important because it expands the amount of data available for monitoring and helps connect more devices into the broader system. That can improve insight and support more informed operations.

From Managed SCADA for Industrial Water, Wastewater, and Pretreatment

123SCADA platform

What does 123SCADA platform monitor day to day?

123SCADA platform helps operators watch system conditions, respond to alarms, review trends, and understand asset performance from one interface. It supports daily operations by making important information easier to access and act on.

From 123SCADA Platform

Can 123SCADA platform be accessed remotely?

Yes. the 123SCADA platform provides secure remote access so users can review dashboards, alarms, and reports from different locations. That flexibility improves response time and makes distributed operations easier to manage.

From 123SCADA Platform

How does cloud-based 123SCADA platform differ from installed software?

Cloud-based 123SCADA platform is accessed through a hosted environment rather than relying only on local servers. That can reduce IT overhead, simplify updates, and improve access for teams working across multiple locations.

From 123SCADA Platform

Which SCADA platform features matter most for operators?

Features that matter most often include alarms, dashboards, remote access, reporting, and visibility into field devices. These are the tools operators use most often to understand conditions and respond to issues quickly.

From Features

How do dashboards improve monitoring and control?

Dashboards present live system information in a way that is easier to read and act on. Instead of searching across multiple tools or reports, users can see key conditions in one place.

From Features

Why are reporting and analytics important in SCADA platforms?

Reporting and analytics help teams move beyond alarms and understand patterns over time. That makes it easier to identify recurring issues, review performance, and support operational planning.

From Features

What can users do with the 123SCADA mobile app?

Users can view alarms, check status, monitor assets, and stay informed while away from a desktop. The app helps operators remain connected to important system information when they are in the field or off site.

From Mobile App

How does mobile access improve alarm response?

Mobile access improves alarm response by putting notifications and system visibility directly in the hands of users. That shortens the time between receiving an alert and understanding what needs attention.

From Mobile App

Is a mobile SCADA app useful for field staff?

Yes. A mobile SCADA app is useful for field staff because it lets them review system conditions while travelling or working on site. That can reduce delays and help them arrive with better context.

From Mobile App

What can 123SCADA reporting help teams understand?

123SCADA reporting helps teams understand trends, alarm history, asset performance, and changes over time.

From Reporting

How do cloud-based monitoring reports help operations?

Cloud-based reports make it easier to access system information from different locations and share results with relevant team members. That improves collaboration and helps users stay aligned on system performance.

From Reporting

Why is historical reporting useful in SCADA systems?

Historical reporting helps teams compare current behavior with past conditions. That makes it easier to identify recurring issues, measure performance, and support maintenance or operational reviews.

From Reporting

What risks do SCADA security systems help address?

SCADA security systems help address risks such as unauthorised access, weak visibility into system activity, and exposure of sensitive operational data. Stronger protection helps reduce disruption and supports safer system management.

From Security

Why does encryption matter in SCADA environments?

Encryption matters because it helps protect data while it moves between devices, users, and platforms. That reduces the chance of sensitive information being exposed during transmission.

From Security

How does cloud SCADA security protect remote access?

Cloud SCADA security supports safer remote access through controls such as authentication, access management, and protected communications. That helps users access systems remotely without weakening overall protection.

From Security

RTU hardware

What kind of applications is the Mydro 850 built for?

The Mydro 850 is suited for monitoring applications that need strong performance, reliable communications, and more advanced capability in the field. It is a fit for systems where higher demand or more complex monitoring is involved.

From MyDro 850

How does the Mydro 850 support remote monitoring?

It supports remote monitoring by collecting site data, sending alerts, and integrating with the Mission’s 123SCADA platform for visibility and control. That helps users manage important assets without needing to stay on site.

From MyDro 850

Why would a utility choose the Mydro 850 over another RTU?

A utility may choose the Mydro 850 when it needs more capability, stronger performance, or a product designed for more demanding monitoring environments. The choice depends on site requirements and operational goals.

From MyDro 850

What makes the Mydro 150 useful for growing systems?

The Mydro 150 is useful for growing systems because it supports monitoring needs that may expand over time. It gives utilities a flexible option that can fit current requirements while supporting future changes.

From MyDro 150

What monitoring tasks can the Mydro 150 handle?

The Mydro 150 can support data collection, alerts, and remote visibility for field assets that need reliable monitoring. It is commonly positioned as a scalable RTU for utility environments.

From MyDro 150

How does the Mydro 150 fit into a SCADA system?

The Mydro 150 fits into a SCADA system by serving as the field hardware that gathers and communicates site data back to the main platform. That connection helps users manage conditions remotely.

From MyDro 150

Why is the Mydro 50 a good fit for remote locations?

The Mydro 50 is a good fit for remote locations because it is designed for straightforward deployment where compact hardware and reliable monitoring are important. That makes it useful for smaller or more isolated assets.

From MyDro 50

What types of sites can use the Mydro 50?

The Mydro 50 can be used on sites such as tanks, pump locations, and other remote assets that benefit from simple monitoring and alerting. It is especially useful where a compact RTU is preferred.

From MyDro 50

How does battery-powered telemetry help with deployment?

Battery-powered telemetry can make deployment easier where power access is limited or installation simplicity matters. It helps reduce site constraints and supports monitoring in harder-to-reach locations.

From MyDro 50

What does the Mylevel product monitor?

Mylevel monitors water levels in assets such as tanks and reservoirs, giving users live visibility into changing conditions. That helps operators respond faster when levels move outside expected ranges.

From MyLevel

Why is level monitoring important for utilities?

Level monitoring is important because it helps prevent overflow, shortage, and other operating problems tied to changing water levels. Real-time visibility supports more stable and informed operation.

From MyLevel

How does Mylevel support remote system oversight?

Mylevel supports remote oversight by sending level data and alerts into the monitoring platform so users can review conditions without travelling to the site. That saves time and improves responsiveness.

From MyLevel

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