Requirements specification in SCADA/EMS/DMS procurement projects

Computer-based systems for supervision and control have been in operation in the power industry for more than 25 years. Despite this, problems in procurement/delivery of such systems are too common. Common reasons for delays and unexpected additional costs are: misunderstandings between the customer and the vendor concerning which functionality, performance, etc. the system shall provide; and technical problems during the development of new functions to meet specific requirements and needs of the customer. The risk for misunderstandings decrease if the customer´s requirements on the system can be better defined in the Request For Proposal (RFP) and in the contract. Requirements that are well worked-out can also decrease the risk that unnecessary, new development must be carried out specially for that delivery. Furthermore, adequate requirements may facilitate the new developments that are still required. The purpose of this paper is to give guidelines for the statement of good requirements during the procurement of a SCADA/EMS/DMS system