Integrating third party packages into an EMS

The authors describe how the use of third-party software packages in a vendor´s SCADA/EMS offers electric utilities flexibility in obtaining solutions that best fit their specific needs. However, the use of third-party packages also raises several major issues, such as acceptance by the end user, the use of standards and guidelines, interfaces, system security, software and hardware maintenance/upgrades, and training. This article describes the authors´ approach to the integration of these diverse third-party packages and highlights the merits and pitfalls associated with such integration. In addition, they ruminate on the lessons learned from this experience and propose some guidelines for electric utilities embarking on similar ventures