SCADA Showdown: Comparing Global Network Support and Greeley and Hansen
The world of industrial automation relies heavily on SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems. These powerful platforms help organizations monitor, control, and optimize operational processes, especially in utilities, water treatment, energy, and manufacturing sectors. When looking for the right SCADA service partner, two companies often pop up in consideration—Global Network Support and Greeley and Hansen. But which one is the right fit for your project?
In this review, we’ll dive deep into how these two organizations fare when it comes to SCADA application services. From their service offerings to technical capabilities, we’ll uncover their strengths, challenges, and key differences. Whether you’re a business developer or a utility manager seeking SCADA solutions, this breakdown can help inform your decision.
Company Overviews
Global Network Support is a U.S.-based IT and OT (Operational Technology) firm that brings together networking, cybersecurity, and automation engineering. They specialize in industries like water/wastewater, transportation, energy, and manufacturing. Their SCADA expertise includes system architecture, system integration, and 24/7 remote monitoring. Global Network Support emphasizes scalability and military-grade security, serving both municipal and industrial sectors.
Greeley and Hansen, founded in 1914, is an environmental engineering firm known for delivering infrastructure solutions for water, wastewater, and stormwater facilities. They have a long-standing history of modernization projects and have integrated SCADA into many of their large-scale utilities projects. Headquartered in Chicago, they serve both U.S. and international clients, often focusing on municipal infrastructure.
SCADA Capabilities: How Do They Compare?
Both companies offer SCADA services, but the scope and depth of their services vary significantly based on their core business models. Let’s break this down.
| Feature | Global Network Support | Greeley and Hansen |
|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | IT/OT Integration, SCADA, Network Security | Environmental Engineering with SCADA integrations |
| SCADA System Design | Custom-built, scalable systems | Standardized system layouts tied to utility upgrades |
| Real-Time Monitoring & Alarming | Yes, using cloud and edge computing | Yes, primarily in centralized facilities |
| Cybersecurity | Strong emphasis, includes firewalls, encryption, VPNs | Moderate; security built into overall infrastructure |
| Automation & PLC Programming | Yes – interfaces with major PLC brands (Siemens, Rockwell Allen Bradley) | Occasional; often subcontracted to automation specialists |
| Client Type | Utilities, manufacturers, transportation networks | Municipal governments, public utilities |
| Remote Support | 24/7 monitoring & incident response | Project-based support, not 24/7 |
Advantages of Global Network Support in SCADA
Global Network Support serves a niche that blends IT and OT, giving them an advantage for digital transformation initiatives. Their SCADA architecture isn’t simply plugged into a water plant—it’s integrated across enterprise networks. This can offer significant efficiencies, including predictive maintenance, edge intelligence, and centralized command centers.
Pros:
- Advanced Cybersecurity: Offers defense-grade protocols including intrusion detection systems, secure VPNs, and encrypted communication.
- Customization: Their SCADA systems are tailored to the infrastructure, not “one-size-fits-all.”
- Fast Implementation: Smaller team = more agility. They adapt to project timelines quickly.
- Cross-Industry Experience: Work with manufacturers, renewable energy services, and public infrastructures.
Cons:
- Smaller Footprint: Not as many large-scale infrastructure projects as legacy players like Greeley and Hansen.
- Limited Brand Recognition: Relatively young player compared to over-a-century-old competitors.
A personal anecdote illustrates this well: A regional water authority in Georgia turned to Global Network Support after a ransomware incident crippled their legacy SCADA system. Within weeks, their team re-architected the SCADA network with firewall segmentation and added two-factor authentication for critical controls. Not only did this get them back online quickly, it significantly improved their threat posture.
Advantages of Greeley and Hansen in SCADA
While Greeley and Hansen aren’t purely an automation or IT firm, their SCADA offerings are integrated into long-term infrastructure project cycles. This ties SCADA outcomes to physical upgrades—like adding water towers or wastewater facilities—which ensures reliability and redundancy.
Pros:
- Deep Domain Expertise: Over 100 years in water/wastewater engineering.
- Comprehensive Infrastructure Design: SCADA is part of a broader ecosystem of facility improvements.
- Large-Scale Project Experience: Municipal agencies trust them for entire city-wide systems.
- Strong Public Sector Pedigree: G&H is often involved in federally funded projects.
Cons:
- Less Specialized in Automation: PLC programming and HMI development are often subcontracted.
- Slower Turnaround Time: Due to size and bureaucracy involved in large public sector contracts.
- Limited Real-Time Flexibility: SCADA updates require alignment with overall engineering timelines.
One great example is their work for the City of Chicago’s Deep Tunnel Project, which incorporated a SCADA system to monitor storm events throughout the city’s sewer and overflow system. This was paired with physical infrastructure upgrades, creating a resilient, flood-aware system that serves millions of residents.
SCADA Platforms Used
Both companies tend to adopt widely used vendor platforms, such as Wonderware, Ignition by Inductive Automation, and GE Digital’s iFIX. However, Global Network Support leans more toward flexible and open-source solutions when needed, which can offer total cost of ownership savings over time.
Greeley and Hansen, on the other hand, often use tried-and-tested platforms that align with SCADA systems in government procurement lists.
Industry Trends: Where Are They Heading?
SCADA systems are evolving to include AI-based predictive analytics, digital twins, and seamless cloud integration. This creates a valuable opportunity for businesses to gather data across sites and use it to forecast and prevent failures.
In this evolving landscape:
– Global Network Support seems focused on integrating SCADA with technologies like AI, IoT sensors, and managed cloud solutions.
– Greeley and Hansen continues to refine its SCADA methodologies around long-term sustainability and resilience planning, with a growing effort in incorporating green infrastructure.
This leads us to a natural differentiation. If you’re looking for a fast-moving, tech-savvy company to revamp or secure your SCADA infrastructure, Global Network Support represents a flexible, modern solution. If, however, you’re planning a large-scale water system overhaul with SCADA integration, Greeley and Hansen’s traditional engineering approach might suit your timeline and compliance needs better.
Final Assessment: Which Is Best for Your Project?
Ultimately, choosing between these two SCADA providers depends on your project’s needs:
| Need/Project Type | Recommended Company |
|---|---|
| Cybersecure SCADA remote monitoring across multiple sites | Global Network Support |
| Citywide infrastructure upgrade with water utilities | Greeley and Hansen |
| Need to integrate with legacy industrial or manufacturing systems | Global Network Support |
| Public grant-funded utility project with SCADA built-in | Greeley and Hansen |
Both companies are reputable and bring strong capabilities to the table. Yet they serve different visions of what SCADA should achieve.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit their websites:
– Global Network Support
– Greeley and Hansen
We also recommend exploring reviews or case studies on LinkedIn and trade publications like WaterWorld or Control Engineering Magazine.
Conclusion
Choosing a SCADA partner goes beyond comparing technology—it’s about trust, long-term service, and alignment with your strategy. Global Network Support stands out with its cybersecurity-first approach and agile delivery, ideal for modern facilities looking to digitize fast. Greeley and Hansen bring legacy trust, infrastructure engineering discipline, and deep public sector relationships to every project, making them a go-to for complex urban systems.
Don’t rush the decision. Analyze your goals, timeline, and internal expertise. Then you’ll be better equipped to embrace the next evolution of SCADA and operational technology.
Still unsure? Consult both companies for a tailored demo or proposal.
—
If you liked this analysis, check out more on SCADA trends and industrial automation technology at our partner resource: Control Global and subscribe to our business analytics newsletter.
Explore more company lists on DistriList: Browse all categories.
Geographic relevance: United States and international markets.