TESCO Automation is a Saskatchewan-based company that delivers consulting, design, configuration, testing support services and training to the global power system sector.
 

Power stations operate by using various systems and software, including Human Machine Interface software applications (HMIs). HMIs present information to human operators through status indicators, alarms and updates that allow them to interact and control equipment and processes as needed. Unfortunately, there is no consistency in the way this type of information is currently displayed. This means that each of these unique systems runs independently – lacking interoperability and requiring significant reconfiguring – which results in inefficiencies and costly delays for the utilities sector.
 

TESCO Automation recognized that an opportunity existed to improve how operators work with HMIs that control power stations. Standardizing the software and images used to run these systems would allow for enhanced interoperability and fewer reconfiguration requirements, all of which save significant time and money, and reduce risk.
 

As the sponsor of Canada’s National Committee to the International Electrotechnical Commission, SCC was instrumental in facilitating TESCO’s leadership in the IEC committee responsible for developing an international standard to fill this industry gap. SCC provided support and advice to TESCO Automation as the project lead for the IEC 61850 based HMI New Work Item Proposal. In addition to the development of this important work, by participating in international standards development, TESCO has gained additional insight and exposure, as well as access to new customers, resulting in an increase in its global sales.