Secure process control for water treatment
Our Competences in this Project
Embedded Linux Development
Application Integration
SCADA Expertise
Security
Secure process control for water treatment
Description of the Use Case
Modern water treatment plants require precise, real-time process control as well as safe and straightforward system maintenance. Achieving these goals with a single, intuitive human-machine interface is critical to ensuring reliable water quality and operational efficiency. In this project, these challenges were addressed by implementing a unified, decentralized automation and monitoring solution tailored specifically to water treatment operations.
In this application, a Linux-based Panel PC equipped with SCADA and Microbrowser technology was used to visualize Modbus-connected remote control units and manage the entire water treatment process. The Panel PC from SALZ Automation allows role-based access to manage the data.
The customer chose SALZ Automation because of our proven experience with embedded Linux systems, implemented security update mechanisms and scalable SCADA integration to ensure a robust and future-proof automation system for water treatment.
Performance Requirements
The task was to create a stable and protected operating environment (access control) that is suitable for sensitive, industrial use.
Requirement
A secure Linux system was required that guarantees data integrity, prevents unauthorized access and supports long-term secure operation.
The task was to ensure consistent communication between the Panel PC and the Remote Terminal Units (RTU).
Requirement
The requirement was for a robust and responsive Modbus interface that would enable continuous real-time data exchange without interruption.
The task was to enable long-term support and maintenance without manual intervention in the system.
Requirement
The requirement was an integrated and role-based update mechanism that enables remote updates via Debian Package Management (APT). Only users with a higher access level are allowed to perform updates.
Individual Steps of the Project
1. Login and access control
- SCADA recognizes user role and activates functions accordingly.
2. Process visualization and control
- Visualization via a special browser from our partner IniNet (Microbrowser) based on Wayland technology.
- Real-time data from the control system - secure thanks to kiosk operation, as you can only work in the special browser.
- Other applications that support Wayland can also be integrated.
3. System configuration via SCADA
- Touch-based settings for display and memory monitoring.
4. Updates and remote maintenance
- Service providers make application applications available via the Internet.
- Admins install all updates independently.
5. Security and monitoring
- Logging of all irregularities.
- Integration in SCADA alarm list.
User roles for role-based access
| Operator | Visualizes processes and operates systems. |
| Administrator | Manages system services, updates and logs. |
| Service provider | Provides SCADA updates via SALZ Debian repository. |
Advantages of the solution
- Everything in one interface: SCADA and system management integrated.
- No SSH necessary: Maintenance directly via touch SCADA.
- Secure update concept: APT and role control.
- Flexible display: Optimized for different form factors and orientations (portrait and landscape format, resolution, etc.).
- Future-proof: Debian-based, stable and expandable.
Result
A fully integrated SCADA panel PC that can do more than just visualize processes - it redefines maintenance, reduces downtime and ensures maximum user-friendliness.
SALZ Automation developed a custom system based on Debian 13:
Hardware: Linux-Panel PC with flexible display orientation (portrait/landscape) and automatic scaling.
SCADA: SpiderControl by IniNet running in secure kiosk mode.
Frontend: Touch-optimized microbrowser based on Wayland.
System Management: Role-based simple update mechanism for controlled system maintenance.
Embedded Linux I Application Integration I SCADA Expertise I Security
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