Sage Advisor

The Sage Advisor Archives

The Sage Advisor is an educational newsletter covering SCADA topics, from SCADA basics, to real world applications of SCADA technology and showcasing SCADA Security & Industrial Automation products offered by Sage Design, Inc.

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The Sage Advisor - Spring 2026 Volume 31, Issue 1

  • SCADAPack 474i Adds Edge Function to Traditional RTU Platform
    The new i-series SCADAPack combines the traditional RTU platform of the SCADAPack 474 with a separate Linux-based processor, bringing edge computing and RTU ruggedization together in one cybersecure industrial device.

  • Geo SCADA Fully Redesigned Mobile App: A Smarter, More Secure Mobile Experience
    With the release of Geo SCADA Expert 2025, Schneider Electric has delivered a major update to the Geo SCADA Mobile platform, featuring a complete ground-up redesign for Android and iOS with live Mimics and Trends support.

  • Geo SCADA Expert 2025: A Secure, Modern Platform Built for Long-Term Value
    Geo SCADA Expert 2025 introduces native TLS/DTLS support, a built-in MQTT Sparkplug Publisher, native Python integration, and a host of operational enhancements focused on cybersecurity and long-term system value.

  • Customer Success: Humboldt Community Service District Leverages Edge Technology for State-of-the-Art Gateway Functions
    Humboldt CSD modernized their aging SCADA infrastructure using SCADAPack 474i, Trio QR450 radios, and Geo SCADA — and passed a DHS penetration test with a perfect score.

  • Sage Advice: Build On-Device Soft HMIs with SCADAPack i Controllers
    A walkthrough of Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Remote Operations Expert (EROE) and how to use it to build HTML5-based Soft HMIs that run directly on the SCADAPack 474i.

  • RemoteConnect Releases Debut New Features & Quality of Life Improvements
    RemoteConnect 3.4.2 introduces Role-Based Access Control, EROE integration, a new lightweight Maintenance Tool for operators, and numerous quality-of-life improvements including bulk editing and improved Modbus support.

  • SCADAWise Training Classes
    Upcoming GeoSCADA Level 1 and SCADAPack x70 RemoteConnect Function Block Programming classes scheduled in Corte Madera and Buena Park for spring and fall 2026.

  • Calendar of Events
    Training classes, water industry conferences, and seminars scheduled throughout 2026, including the Water Conference of the West, CWEA Annual Conference, and the Colorado River Water Users Association meeting.

The Sage Advisor - Fall 2020 Volume 30, Issue 1

  • GeoSCADA 2020 Releases with Major Upgrades & New Features
    • Sage Designs is pleased to inform our customers of the release of GeoSCADA 2020, a major update to Schneider Electric GeoSCADA (formerly ClearSCADA).
  • New SCADAPack 47x is High-tech and Low Cost
    • SCADAPack 47x, the newest SCADAPack in the x70 product lineup is now released and available for purchase.
  • Enhancements to Trio Q-Series Radios
    • The Trio Q series have received new enhancements to their Efficiency, Security, Regulatory Compliance, Ease of Use, and Hardware Profile.
  • Accutech Debuts New High Performance Batteries
    • Effective immediately, all standard Accutech transmitters will be shipped with double the internal energy than previous versions.
  • MQTT for the Municipal Industry
    • MQTT (Message Queue Telemetry Transport) has opened a whole new world of applications allowing even the smallest hamlets and communities to be able to monitor their lift stations and pumping stations real time.
  • How To Read HART data using Remote Connect
    • A quick guide to help you read HART data using Remote Connect.
  • Sage Designs Online Training
    • Online instructor-led classes on GeoSCADA, Telepace Studio, Remote Connect & SCADAPack x70 Logic Programming. Ask your Sage representative for dates & signup info.

The Sage Advisor - Fall 2019 Volume 29, Issue 2

  • Climbing Over Ladders and Functioning with Blocks: Program Your Way
    • There are the 5 languages making up the open international standard for Programmable Logic Controllers. With this rich programming selection, how does one go about making the right choice about which to use?
  • Pillbox Enclosures Installed Along Major California Canal
    • The newest Pillbox installation sites along a major California canal system have been installed with the goal of adding instrumentation to address concerns of subsidence in the valley.
  • Earthquakes vs. SCADA: What’s Shakin’
    • On July 4th and 5th this year, the city of Ridgecrest California experienced two significant earthquakes and put everyone within 100 miles of a fault line on notice that we need to plan for such events in everything we do, especially when it comes to our water system and other infrastructure.
  • New ClearSCADA Features in 2017 R3
    • ClearSCADA 2017 R3 builds on the enhanced functionality of ClearSCADA 2017 R2
  • Schneider Electric’s commitment to continued improvement and development of ClearSCADA
    • ClearSCADA will be joining other Schneider offerings in the EcoStruxure software family.
  • Upcoming ClearSCADA, TelePace Studio Training, and Remote Connect & SCADAPack x70 Logic Programming Classes
    • ClearSCADA, TelePace Studio training and Remote Connect & SCADAPack x70 Logic Programming class schedules.

The Sage Advisor - Spring 2019 Volume 29, Issue 1

  • Major Project Uses DNP3 Secure Authentication Protocol
    • One of the largest regulated American water utilities in the country has chosen to upgrade their SCADA system from RTUs to SCADA Master Stations.
  • Sage Design’s First RemoteConnect Class
    • Sage Designs proudly announces the completion of the first training course offered for RemoteConnect function-block programming and SCADAPack x70!
  • ClearSCADA & SCADADroid SMS Alarms
    • Utilize your existing database to get SMS alarms directly to your operators.
  • Sage Advice: ClearSCADA Server
    • How to determine the state of a ClearSCADA Server.
  • Securing Your SCADA System Against Malicious Attack
    • With internet connections built into every computer on every network, everyone who operates a system of technology or automation carries the risk of a hacker or virus-related shutdown.
  • Upcoming ClearSCADA and TelePace Studio Training
    • ClearSCADA and TelePace Studio training in Mill Valley.

The Sage Advisor - Fall 2018 Volume 28, Issue

  • Securing Your SCADA System
    • As our world becomes more efficient, it also becomes more complex, and so does securing against those that wish to harm others.
  • DNP3 Protocol at a Glance
    • Today’s increasingly complex SCADA networks demand that data-transfer protocols be sufficiently flexible to meet communication challenges while remaining easy-to-configure.
  • Trio Radio Network at Oceanside
    • Oceanside successfully launches a 43-square mile Trio Radio Network.
  • Free SCADA Security Seminars in Northern & Southern California
    • Topic is Next Gen SCADAPack with Unity-based Logic & DNP3 Secure Authentication.
  • Innovative Control Solution from Pace Engineering
    • Integrating a recent project proved challenging when it came to implementing process control with telemetry over radio links.
  • Upcoming ClearSCADA and TelePace Studio training in 2018 & 2019
    • ClearSCADA and TelePace Studio training in Mill Valley & Buena Park.

The Sage Advisor - Spring 2018 Volume 28, Issue 1

  • Sage Designs Now Offers Dream Reports
    • If you’re interested in reports and dashboards to show you the operation of your industrial business, and especially if you are a ClearSCADA user, then you’ll want to learn about Dream Report!
  • Announcing The SCADADroid R2+ with MQTT, ReST and Reporting
    • SCADADroid® R2+ exploits new IoT opportunities while maintaining present strengths.
  • Fallbrook Configurable Alarm Dialer Configuration in ClearSCADA
  • SCADAWise Sage Advice
    • Fighting the IT Crowd – DNP3 Secure Authentication Testing.
  • Top 7 Reasons for Choosing Telemetry Solutions for Water & Wastewater Applications
    • Easily manage your network from control room to remote stations with SCADAPack E Smart RTUs and SCADA Expert ClearSCADA Software.
  • Training Classes
    • ClearSCADA and TelePace Studio training in Mill Valley.

The Sage Advisor - Spring 2017 Volume 27, Issue 1

  • Schneider Electric Launches ClearSCADA 2017
    • Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation, is pleased to announce the availability of ClearSCADA 2017 with innovative location services and integrated mapping functionalities.
  • SCADAPack 575 RemoteConnect
    • Schneider Electric SCADAPack 575 RemoteConnect Unity Pro-Compatible rPAC.
  • WIN-911 Releases New Products
    • WIN-911 Releases WIN-911 Standard, Interactive and Advanced Alarm Notification Software.
  • Monitoring Autonomous Sites
    • Monitoring and Accessing Autonomous Sites in Municipal Applications with SCADADroid and SCADAPack.
  • Training Classes
    • ClearSCADA and TelePace Studio training in Mill Valley.

The Sage Advisor - Fall 2016 Volume 26, Issue 2

  • What IT Doesn’t Get About SCADA
    • Reconciling Conventional IT Staff with Emerging SCADA.
  • A More Convenient Rollover Counter
    • Retained Counter with Rollover at 10,000.
  • PillBox Updates & Improvements
    • PillBox Panel Now Accommodates Larger Controllers.
  • What Datasheets Don’t Say
    • Datasheet Specifications Don’t Tell the Whole Story.
  • Free Hands-On Radio Seminars Coming in November
    • Sage Designs is pleased to announce the return of our popular series of technical seminars.

The Sage Advisor - Spring 2016 Volume 26, Issue 1

  • ClearSCADA 2015 R2 Release
    • Schneider Electric is pleased to announce the release of SCADA Expert ClearSCADA 2015R2.
  • WIN-911 Enterprise Release 2.16.1
    • Update to WIN-911, the most widely used alarm notification software in the process control industry.
  • City of South Gate Water SCADA
    • After repeated consultation with Sage Designs and other industry leaders, the City decided on a SCADA system built around Schneider Electric TRSS SCADAPack and Enterprise ClearSCADA for their Management Software.
  • Training Classes
    • ClearSCADA and TelePace Studio training classes in Mill Valley
  • Sage Designs is HIRING!
    • Do you know someone who’s looking for a change?

The Sage Advisor - Fall 2015 Volume 25, Issue 2

  • ClearSCADA 2015 Updates
    • Updates and Innovations to ClearSCADA HMI Software
  • New Product: SCADADroid
    • Adding Remote Access to Your Plant Alarm Dialer
  • Home-Grown SCADA
    • My personal favorite SCADA system controls the watering of my garden
  • Training Classes
    • ClearSCADA and TelePace Studio training in Mill Valley and Buena Park
  • SCADAPack 350/357 Updates
    • Changes to the SCADAPack 350/357 Series

The Sage Advisor - Spring 2015 Volume 25, Issue 1

  • Cybersecurity Guidance for Water Utilities
    • Don Dickinson, Senior Business Development Manager, Phoenix Contact
  • The Next Step in the Evolution of the RTU
    • Grant Van Hemert, Industry Business Management, Schneider Electric USA
  • ClearSCADA Tips & Hints
    • Creating a Menu Navigation Symbol
  • Customer Spotlight:
    • Lake Hemet Municipal Water District
  • 2015 Training Classes
  • 2015 Event Schedule

The Sage Advisor - Fall 2014 Volume 24, Issue 2

  • Free SCADA Seminars
  • SCADA Master Station vs. HMI
  • Training Classes
  • Spotlight: Palmdale
  • Q&A: Cybersecurity

The Sage Advisor - Spring 2014 Volume 24, Issue 1

  • Thinking Outside The Box
  • Introducing: WIN-911 Enterprise
  • Style & Substance: ClearSCADA 2014
  • ClearSCADA Training Classes
  • Telepace Studio Classes
  • A Rugged Compact SCADA Solution
  • Introducing: Trio Q Series
  • Quest for Reliable SCADA

The Sage Advisor - Fall 2013 Volume 23, Issue 2

  • Windows XP & the Future of Workbench 6.0
  • Flipping Bits
  • Remote Configuration Networks
  • Arsenic Removal Facility SCADA
  • Building a Scalable Network Backbone
  • Camera Tips (part 3 of 3)

The Sage Advisor - Spring 2013 Volume 23, Issue 1

  • ClearSCADA Goes Mobile!
  • The Next Gen WIN-911
  • Cucamonga SCADA Upgrade
  • DNP in Wind Turbine Generator Application
  • ClearSCADA Basics: Drawing Layers
  • Structured Text vs. Ladder Logic Programming
  • 8 Camera Tips for Protecting Water Facilities (Part 2)
  • Schneider Electric TRSS update
  • ClearSCADA Training Classes
  • Telepace Studio Training Classes

The Sage Advisor - Fall/Winter 2012 Volume 22, Issue 2

  • Using DNP3 to Solve Oil & Gas and Water Remote SCADA Communication Challenges
  • 8 Camera Tips for Protecting Water Facilities (Part 1)
  • Securing the Data Path from Source to Enterprise
  • New Features of WIN-911 & Mobile-911
  • ClearSCDAA Applets
  • ClearSCADA Training Classes – Level 1 and Level 2
  • Telepace Studio Training Classes
  • EBMUD Settles into SCADAPack
  • FCC Narrow-band License Changes Coming Soon

The Sage Advisor - Spring/Summer 2012 Volume 22, Issue 1

  • SCADA Security: Challenges & Solutions
  • SCADA Basics (Part 2): Communications Options
  • SCADA System at SSWD
  • Firetide Point-to-Point Bridges – Make Any Network Device Wireless
  • Firetide Mobility Infrastructure Family Named 2011 New Wireless Product of the Year by Security Products Magazine
  • ClearSCADA & Telepace Studio Training Classes

The Sage Advisor - Fall/Winter 2011 Volume 21, Issue 2

  • Top Three Techniques to Realize More Value Out of Your SCADA System
  • SCADAWise & SCADAPack Basics – New Short Courses
  • SCADA Basics Part 1: RTU vs PLC Controllers
  • VVWD Builds SCADA System One Step at a Time
  • The Future of ClearSCADA
  • Snake Byte
  • Control Microsystems is now Schneider Electric Telemetry & Remote SCADA Solutions

The Sage Advisor - Spring/Summer 2011 Volume 21, Issue 1

  • Top Three Criteria to Look for in Your Next Water/Wastewater SCADA System
  • SCADA vs. IT
  • Trio ER45e Ethernet Radios
  • Utility Demand Response
  • MS4 Permit Management Software

The Sage Advisor - Fall/Winter 2010 Volume 20, Issue 2

  • SCADA Communication Security: The “Onion” Perspective
  • Control Microsystems is becoming Schneider Electric
  • WIN-911 SMS Messaging Reports
  • SCADA & Wireless Instrumentation Symposium
  • Integrator Spotlight: Sierra Control Systems
  • Navy Seals the Deal with SCADA Partner, N.A.I.T.
  • Seminars
  • Training Classes

The Sage Advisor - Spring/Summer 2010 Volume 20, Issue 1

  • California Water Service Company receives SCADA Innovator Award from Control Microsystems (Schneider Electric)
  • Wireless Ethernet: A Spectrum of Possibilities
  • Teledesign Systems Narrowband Ethernet Radio Solutions
  • ClearSCADA Security
  • California Water Bills Require More Monitoring
  • Managing Your SCADA Software Purchases
  • Firetide Wireless Mesh Solutions at Otay Water District
  • Kyocera Charge Controllers
  • DHS CSET Assessments
  • ClearSCADA Test Drive
  • Seminars
  • Training Classes

The Sage Advisor - Fall/Winter 2009 Volume 19, Issue 2

  • FlowStation Out-of-the-Box Pump Controller
  • WIN-911 SMS Text Messaging & Mobile-911
  • Decreasing the Cost of SCADA
  • East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Chooses SCADAPack
  • Sacramento Area Sewer District (SASD) Chooses DNP3
  • Teledesign Systems Multi-Protocol Radios
  • Firetide 900 MHz Non-line-of-sight Wireless Mesh
  • BVWD SCADA System
  • Seminars
  • Training Classes

The Sage Advisor - Fall/Winter 2008 Volume 18, Issue 2

  • SCADARange Batterypowered Wireless Sensors
  • Firetide Wireless Mesh Networking Technologies
  • Thum Drive Data Logging
  • PoE for Security Cameras
  • Merced ID SCADA Upgrade
  • SCADAPack in RFID System
  • SCADA & Security Seminars
  • DNP3 Seminars

The Sage Advisor - Spring 2008 Volume 18, Issue 1

  • ClearSCADA Seminars
  • IEC 61131-3 vs TelePACE
  • Intelligent Video
  • Master Station SCADA Software
  • New SCADA System at VVCSD
  • SCADAWave Radios
  • Win-911 News

The Sage Advisor - Fall/Winter 2007 Volume 17, Issue 2

  • Data Integrity with DNP3
  • What is Security Convergence and can it affect you?
  • FreeWave Radios
  • Vicon Cameras & DVRs
  • DNP3 Training Seminar
  • ClearSCADA Roadshow
  • Win-911 News
  • Sentry Track Data Portal
  • Water System SCADA Application
  • CMI (Schneider Electric) SCADA Forum

The Sage Advisor - Spring/Summer 2007 Volume 17, Issue 1

  • What have you been missing? (DNP3 vs. Modbus)
  • SCADA Seminars with Westin Engineering
  • ClearSCADA Catches On
  • Remote Diagnostics for Industrial Wireless Modems
  • Big Bear Lake DART System
  • Video Analytics

The Sage Advisor - Fall/Winter 2006 Volume 16, Issue 2

  • AMR Systems Using DNP3 Protocol
  • SCADA Seminars with Black & Veatch
  • SCADAWise Reporter
  • SCADAPack2 (now called SCADAPack350/357) – The Next Generation Controller

The Sage Advisor - Spring/Summer 2006 Volume 16, Issue 1

  • Adaptive SCADA: The Future is Here
  • Advanced Command-and-Control Surveillance
  • Surveillance Systems Using Narrow Band Radios
  • SentryTrack ASP Enables Sharing of SCADA Data
  • Water District Completes SCADA System with Demo Disk

The Sage Advisor - Fall/Winter 2005 Volume 15, Issue 2

  • ClearSCADA…not a “Me too” Product
  • SentryTrack Internet-based SCADA
  • Sage Advice: IEC61131-3 – Who needs it?
  • RadioLinx Industrial Hot Spot application
  • The 10 Commandments of External Perimeter Security (part 2)

The Sage Advisor - Spring/Summer 2005 Volume 15, Issue 1

  • The 10 Commandments of External Perimeter Security
  • DNP3 Protocol Implementation
  • Sage Advice: Integration of Logged Data into a Real-time Database
  • SCADA/Security Seminars
  • Security on a Tight Budget
  • Introducing Win-911/Lite

The Sage Advisor - Fall/Winter 2004 Volume 14, Issue 2

  • Reducing Infrastructure Vulnerability Post-9/11
  • The Role of SCADA in Security
  • Carson City SCADA System
  • Sage Advice: What is Multi-Path Interference?
  • What’s New in Lookout 6

The Sage Advisor - Spring 2004

  • Automated Video Surveillance of Remote Site Perimeters
  • Ethernet in SCADA Systems
  • Open vs. Closed Systems
  • SCADA Systems

The Sage Advisor - Fall 2003

  • High-Speed Ethernet Spread Spectrum Radios from Locus
  • Video at Remote Sites
  • Requirements for Web-Based Surveillance Cameras
  • Introducing the Wireless SCADAPack Series
  • Win911 Release 7.0
  • Lookout Release 5.1
  • Free SCADA Seminars
  • SCADA at Bodega Bay PUD

The Sage Advisor - Fall 2002

  • Get SCADA on your Cell Phone
  • Introducing Locus DIN-rail mounted Serial & Ethernet Spread Spectrum Radios
  • DNP 3 Protocol in the Municipal Industry

The Sage Advisor - Spring 2002

  • Introducing SCADAPack LP & SCADAPack 100
  • What’s New with Lookout?
  • Open Protocols…or, Spreken ze Español, oui? (SCADA Primer, Part 5)
  • Adding Surveillance Cameras to your SCADA System
  • WAS Control with Lookout at City of Santa Rosa WWTP
  • DataLinc Wireless, License-free Ethernet Modem

The Sage Advisor - Fall 2001

  • Introducing 32-bit SCADAPack PLC/RTU
  • RTP’s Hybrid Digital Control Systems
  • Remote Data Logging in SCADA Systems
  • Are Modbus’ Days Numbered?

The Sage Advisor - Fall/Winter 2000

  • What’s New with Lookout
  • Sonoma County Water Agency’s World Class SCADA System
  • Do it Yourself SCADA? (SCADA Primer, Pt 4)

The Sage Advisor - Spring/Summer 2000

  • Communication is the Key: Wireless Data Communications
  • Spread Spectrum vs. Licensed Radio (SCADA Primer, Pt. 3)

The Sage Advisor - Fall/Winter 1999

  • Lookout 4.0 Advances SCADA Technology
  • Ethernet Gateway for SCADA Controllers
  • UHF/VHF Microwave Radio Modems

The Sage Advisor - Fall/Winter 1998

  • HMI/SCADA Software (SCADA Primer, Pt. 2)

The Sage Advisor - Spring/Summer 1998

  • How Do You Spell RTU? (SCADA Primer, Pt. 1)