SCADA Hardware Selection Guide: What to Look for in a SCADA Workstation

SCADA Workstation vs SCADA Server

A SCADA server collects data from PLCs, runs the SCADA application engine, hosts the historian database, and provides services to multiple clients. It requires higher CPU, more RAM, and fast storage. A SCADA operator workstation (or client) runs the HMI graphical interface, displays trends, and handles operator alarms — it needs a good display, reliable GPU, and fast response times rather than raw server power.

SCADA Server Hardware Specification

• Processor: Intel Core i7 or Xeon (for large tag counts >10,000)
• RAM: 16–32 GB (Ignition recommends 16 GB minimum for production servers)
• Storage: 512 GB NVMe SSD (OS + SCADA application) + 2 TB SSD (historian data); RAID 1 mirror for data protection
• Network: Dual GbE — one for OT network (PLCs), one for IT/corporate network
• OS: Windows 10 IoT Enterprise or Windows Server 2022 LTSC

SCADA Operator Station Specification

• Processor: Intel Core i5 (sufficient for most client applications)
• RAM: 8–16 GB
• Display: 21.5" or 24" industrial monitor, 1920×1080 minimum; dual-screen for larger process overviews
• Touch: Optional PCAP touch for operator convenience
• Form factor: Panel PC (with integrated display) or Box PC + external monitor

Critical Reliability Features

• Fanless design (dust and vibration immunity)
• Wide operating temperature (0°C–60°C minimum)
• Industrial-grade SSD (rated for 24/7 write workloads)
• TPM 2.0 for BitLocker encryption
• Watchdog timer for automatic recovery from OS hangs