15+ Years of SCADA Wisdom: Lessons from Chuck Drobny, CEO of GlobaLogix

SPEAKERS

Chuck Drobny Chief Executive Officer, GlobaLogix, Inc

ABOUT THE SESSION

At the Oil & Gas Automation and Digitalization Conference 2023, Chuck Drobny, the trailblazing CEO of GlobaLogix, took the stage to share deep insights from more than 15 years of SCADA installations in midstream oil & gas and municipal water sectors. With a legacy of innovation and resilience since founding his company in 2006, Chuck delivered practical wisdom on how to navigate the intricacies of deploying SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems effectively. 
 

Navigating SCADA Installations: Key Insights from the Field 
SCADA systems are vital to monitoring, controlling, and optimizing midstream operations. But, as Chuck emphasized, successful deployment requires more than just technology—it demands foresight, adaptability, and stakeholder collaboration. A core takeaway from his presentation was that clients often don’t know exactly what they need until they see the system in action. This makes real-time flexibility and feedback-driven iteration essential during implementation. 
 

The Role of Agile Thinking in SCADA Design 
Chuck highlighted the necessity for a fluid and collaborative design process. By engaging users during installation, integrators can adapt the system on the fly to better meet evolving needs. This strategy ensures the final SCADA solution is not just functional, but highly aligned with operational realities, improving adoption and long-term ROI. 
 

Why Project Management Matters 
SCADA deployment is inherently complex, involving hardware integration, software configuration, and stakeholder coordination. Chuck stressed the importance of strong project management principles—clear timelines, proactive resource planning, and regular communication are vital. Without these, even the best technology can fall short. 
 

Setting Business Objectives from Day One 
Another critical takeaway: define your business objectives at the start. Too often, teams dive into implementation without a clear understanding of what success looks like. A clearly articulated business goal ensures the system supports broader operational targets like safety, uptime, and resource efficiency. 
 

Don’t Skip the Site Survey 
Chuck firmly believes in boots on the ground before design begins. A comprehensive on-site survey provides invaluable insights into existing infrastructure, terrain, and environmental conditions, which can significantly influence SCADA design choices and system performance. 
 

The Integration Challenge 
In midstream environments, SCADA systems must interact with a variety of legacy and modern technologies. Chuck pointed out that seamless integration and accurate data capture require not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of how these systems interact within the broader operational context.
 
 

Key Topics Covered: 
 

• SCADA installations on new pads, interconnects, and pipelines 
• Why customers often discover their true needs mid-project 
• Importance of agile feedback loops and collaboration 
• The critical role of project management 
• Setting business goals before technical design 
• On-site surveys as the foundation of effective SCADA solutions 
• Ensuring interoperability and data accuracy through integration expertise 

For more on this conference or to access the session, reach out to us at info@ptnevents.com. 

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