SCADA Showdown: Custom Electric vs. Dublin Technical Systems – Which One Fits Your Business Needs?
When it comes to choosing the right SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) provider for your industrial operations, two names that often come up are Custom Electric and Dublin Technical Systems. Both companies are well-established in their fields and provide specialized solutions across manufacturing, utilities, and infrastructure sectors. But how do they really stack up against each other when it comes to SCADA applications?
In this detailed comparison, we will break down their core competencies, strengths, weaknesses, and the nuances that might affect your decision. Whether you’re a business developer exploring integration or a facilities manager trying to modernize your systems, we’ve got you covered.
Company Backgrounds
Custom Electric, based in the United States, has decades of experience in electrical contracting and control systems. The company provides turnkey automation and SCADA solutions for industrial facilities, with a reputation for hands-on, flexible service tailored to each client’s needs. Their focus lies in agriculture, water/wastewater management, and food processing industries. They champion a collaborative, build-from-the-ground-up approach.
Dublin Technical Systems is a leading engineering solutions provider with core strengths in automation, instrumentation, and SCADA systems. The company is recognized for its intuitive use of cutting-edge technologies like Ignition SCADA, cloud integrations, and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) implementations. Based in Dublin, Ireland, they serve a global market and are known for their engineering excellence and scalable IT-OT integration solutions.
Comparing SCADA Capabilities
Let’s dig deeper into how these two companies handle SCADA design, deployment, and integration — the true pillar of a modern control infrastructure.
| Feature | Custom Electric | Dublin Technical Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Focus | Agriculture, Water/Wastewater, Food & Beverage | Pharmaceuticals, Utilities, Energy, Manufacturing |
| Tech Stack | Rockwell Automation, Siemens, GE Proficy | Ignition SCADA, Wonderware, MQTT, Azure Cloud |
| Approach to Projects | Client-Centric, On-Site Custom Implementation | Engineer-Driven, Remote & Scalable Integrations |
| Cloud Integration | Limited | Full Cloud Capabilities with Real-Time Dashboards |
| Smart Edge Devices & IIoT | Not Core Offering | Strong IIoT Support with Custom API Integration |
Strengths and Benefits
Custom Electric brings true craftsmanship to SCADA. They are ideal for businesses that need tactile, hands-on installations — particularly in facilities where physical labor, legacy hardware, and local infrastructure require careful navigation. Their solutions are thoroughly validated on-site, ensuring virtually no integration issues after handover.
- Dependable On-Site Service: Perfect for smaller plants or municipal utilities that require boots-on-the-ground service.
- Customization: High attention to project-specific needs and legacy integration.
- Robust Support: Known for reliable after-sales service and troubleshooting.
Dublin Technical Systems, on the other hand, shines when it comes to modern, connected infrastructure. Their strength lies in advanced cloud SCADA setups and seamless IIoT integrations. They offer dashboard-rich remote monitoring tools and analytics-based alert mechanisms.
- Cloud & Big Data Ready: Real-time data visualization and monitoring systems through IoT platforms like Ignition and MQTT.
- Future-Proof Architecture: Built with modularity, security, and upgradability in mind.
- Low Downtime Deployments: Ideal for high-demand manufacturing or pharma facilities that cannot afford prolonged downtimes.
Limitations and Challenges
No company is perfect. Each has its constraints depending on the industry, region, or technical maturity of the client.
Custom Electric:
- Limited Cloud Capabilities: Their systems are strongly tailored for on-premise use. This may limit visibility and remote access.
- Small to Mid-Sized Project Focus: Large-scale enterprise-grade SCADA might be a stretch from a scalability perspective.
- Technology Diversity: Reliance on traditional PLC and HMI platforms may limit interconnectivity in a hybrid IT/OT environment.
Dublin Technical Systems:
- Complex Implementation: Their tech-first approach might require more upfront investment in training and commissioning.
- Higher Cost: Advanced configurations and IIoT capabilities come with a larger price tag, especially for smaller setups.
- Less Physical Intervention: Remote-first strategies may pose challenges for facilities in rural or legacy-heavy environments.
Support Infrastructure and Partnerships
Custom Electric relies on strong relationships with Rockwell Automation, Allen Bradley, and Siemens, making them ideal for companies already standardizing on these platforms. They also maintain responsive U.S.-based support, which greatly aids in fast turnarounds for legacy hardware or emergencies.
Dublin Technical Systems partners with Inductive Automation, Microsoft Azure, and AWS to deliver scalable SCADA architecture. Their support extends globally through virtual infrastructure, with continuous system monitoring and SLA-based responsibilities.
User Experience and Client Feedback
Reviews and client testimonials suggest that Custom Electric suits customers who are looking for close collaboration and staff who listen and tailor each control setup. Many cite excellent communication during the project lifecycle and quick on-site problem-solving abilities.
By contrast, clients comment that Dublin Technical Systems provides world-class dashboard design, integration, and diagnostic capabilities. Their SCADA software packages deliver high configurability, smart alertness, and insightful energy tracking—often praised by facilities managers who are more digitally inclined.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between Custom Electric and Dublin Technical Systems really comes down to a few core questions:
- Do you need a tactile, local integration with traditional components? Go with Custom Electric.
- Is remote access, cloud analytics, or IIoT your priority? Dublin Technical Systems takes the lead.
- Are you working in a region that requires significant physical intervention and tight code compliance? Custom Electric may offer more experience.
- Are you building a plant from scratch and want a scalable, smart, and secure infrastructure from the outset? Dublin Technical Systems stands out.
Real-World Example: Case Study Comparisons
Let’s look at a few short case examples to highlight the SCADA needs each company best serves.
A municipal wastewater treatment plant in Iowa partnered with Custom Electric for a full SCADA upgrade. The team conducted a site analysis, worked through limited connectivity constraints, and replaced 20-year-old PLCs. The result was a robust, redundant HMI network that improved operational reliability.
A new pharmaceutical campus in the Netherlands hired Dublin Technical Systems for a cutting-edge IIoT platform that could collect data from over 120 PLCs. Using Ignition SCADA and MQTT, they built a central control dashboard that worked across different departments, enhanced compliance, and integrated with ERP.
Final Thoughts
Both Custom Electric and Dublin Technical Systems provide excellent SCADA integration services — but for very different types of clients. If your system needs to prioritize on-site integration with proven technology, Custom Electric gets the job done efficiently and reliably. If you’re aiming for innovation, remote management, and in-depth analytics, Dublin Technical Systems sets the bar higher.
Ultimately, it’s not a matter of who is better, but who is right for you. Your current tech environment, long-term strategy, budget, and existing infrastructure will dictate the perfect fit.
Want to assess your current operations and determine the best SCADA provider? Consider reaching out to both firms for consultations:
Smart SCADA decisions today can future-proof your facility for productivity, compliance, and competitive edge. Choose wisely, and let your systems speak smarter.
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