Results Engineering vs RH2 Engineering: A Deep Dive into SCADA Applications
In the complex and ever-growing world of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, selecting the right engineering partner can make or break your infrastructure’s stability and return on investment. Today, we take a comprehensive look at two industry players: Results Engineering and RH2 Engineering Inc. Both companies specialize in water and wastewater automation, but their approaches, customer satisfaction, technologies, and pricing models differ significantly.
Let’s explore how they stack up against each other in the SCADA space, from project execution and technical expertise to long-term scalability and customer support.
Company Overviews
Results Engineering is a boutique systems integration firm focused primarily on providing SCADA solutions for utilities, municipalities, and water districts. Known for tailored, client-centric systems, Results emphasizes collaborative engineering and long-term support. They’re a smaller team but work with scalable technology platforms like Ignition and Wonderware.
RH2 Engineering Inc, accessible via contact email eft.email.madams@rh2.com, is a multidisciplinary engineering firm with a backbone in municipal infrastructure. Based in the Pacific Northwest and with a significant footprint in Washington and Oregon, RH2 includes SCADA as part of a holistic engineering pipeline that includes civil, electrical, and environmental disciplines. Their size and resources allow them to deliver integrated solutions that extend far beyond just automation.
Understanding SCADA: A Brief Overview
Before diving deeper, it’s worth explaining what SCADA means. SCADA systems provide centralized monitoring and control of industrial processes. Think of it like the nervous system of a water treatment plant or an electric substation. It includes sensors, software, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and communication protocols.
So, when selecting an engineering firm for SCADA, you’re not just getting software developers — you’re getting hands-on engineers who specialize in installing, configuring, and maintaining critical technology that keeps water flowing and grids operational.
Technology Approach: Flexibility vs. Integration
Results Engineering shines when it comes to customized solutions. They’re technology-agnostic, meaning they don’t lock clients into proprietary platforms. Whether it’s Wonderware, GE iFIX, or Ignition by Inductive Automation, they configure what’s best suited for client needs. This creates flexibility, especially for smaller municipalities that might not have the same set of requirements as larger metropolitan utilities.
Pros of Results Engineering:
- Highly adaptable across platforms.
- Custom-tailored solutions instead of cookie-cutter templates.
- Excellent support during and after deployment.
Cons:
- Smaller team means fewer resources for larger, rapid-deployment projects.
- Can be pricier on a per-hour basis due to customization overhead.
RH2 Engineering, on the other hand, integrates SCADA within broader capital improvement plans. Their approach favors larger, more established platforms—often Rockwell Automation or Schneider Electric—and comes with deep understanding of physical infrastructure. This benefits clients who want full-scope projects from pipeline design to SCADA integration handled under one umbrella.
Pros of RH2 Engineering:
- Integrated engineering work: civil + electrical + SCADA.
- Scalable to larger municipal projects.
- Staff with PE licenses and cross-discipline expertise.
Cons:
- Less flexibility in software platforms.
- Greater bureaucracy during the project lifecycle.
Project Management and Communication
Results Engineering excels in client communication. Many reviews and client interviews suggest that clients feel listened to at every step—whether writing PLC logic, arranging onsite visits, or tuning HMI screens based on plant operator feedback. They use simple tools like Trello, shared Google Sheets, and real-time Zoom check-ins for updates.
RH2 Engineering uses more formal communication systems. You’ll often see MS Project timelines, formal review committees, and regular written reports. While this can add complexity, it also ensures traceability and rigor, especially for public-sector contracts.
Price Comparison Chart
| Feature | Results Engineering | RH2 Engineering Inc |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Engineering Rate | $145 – $175 | $135 – $160 |
| Turnaround Time | Faster for small to mid projects | Longer, but more structured |
| Platform Flexibility | High (Wonderware, Ignition, iFIX) | Medium to Low (Rockwell, Schneider) |
| Infrastructure Integration | SCADA Only | SCADA + Civil + Electrical |
| Typical Client | Small/medium municipalities | Large cities and water districts |
Client Satisfaction and Case Studies
Results Engineering has worked with several western U.S. municipalities to deliver SCADA upgrades under budget. One standout project involved converting a legacy Modbus RTU system into a cloud-based Ignition platform within just two months. Plant operators appreciated how the HMI was designed with visual simplicity and minimal training needed.
On the other hand, RH2 Engineering completed a $20 million water treatment plant project for a city in Washington State, handling everything from site grading and power delivery to SCADA implementation. Their strength shows when multiple engineering disciplines are required on one job site. Their scope includes environmental permits, pump station design, and detailed instrumentation specs—all bundled together easily under one proposal.
Technical Support and Upgrades
SCADA systems require regular updates, both to remain secure from cyber threats and to match new industry protocols. Results Engineering offers subscription-based support, where clients receive recurring patches, firmware upgrades, and backup automation. Because they work with cloud-based SCADA frameworks, a remote update is often just a click away.
RH2 Engineering tends to offer multi-year upgrade cycles, often bundled into infrastructure lifecycle planning. For long-term municipal clients, this approach is convenient, as the costs are built into annual budgeting processes. However, urgent updates can face delays if the schedule is packed with other projects.
Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on your needs. If you’re a small town looking for a lean, quick, and flexible SCADA partner who listens, Results Engineering is probably the better fit. Their people-first approach, coupled with strong technical know-how, makes them ideal for projects requiring attentive customization and agile execution.
If you’re managing a larger municipal system and need an engineering firm that not only handles SCADA but also all the surrounding physical, electrical, and environmental engineering, RH2 Engineering Inc is your go-to. Their integrated model reduces the number of contractors you need—and that translates into fewer headaches and a clearer project roadmap.
Extra Considerations
If cyber security is a big concern (and it should be in 2024), both firms offer reasonable solutions. Results Engineering works with protocols like MQTT over TLS and regularly deploys intrusion detection systems. RH2 often bundles cyber compliance into larger design contracts, following guidelines from AWWA and DHS.
For procurement, RH2 may support bidding assistance and capital planning, while Results Engineering doesn’t typically engage in full bid-package generation but offers extensive documentation for auditing and training purposes post-deployment.
Final Thoughts
SCADA systems are not just about automation—they’re about trust. You’re handing over the brain of your utility’s operations. That decision needs to be made with a clear understanding of service scope, technical capacity, and long-term support commitment.
While Results Engineering brings boutique agility and deep customization to the table, RH2 Engineering Inc offers robustness and full-project synergy. The best decision lies in matching your organization’s size, complexity, and future goals with what these companies excel at most.
For more details on SCADA best practices and choosing vendors, the American Water Works Association offers this helpful guide: SCADA Resource Center.
If you’re in the decision-making phase, we highly recommend reaching out to both firms and asking for client references and sample project documentation.
Additional Resources
- For technical SCADA specs, visit: Inductive Automation
- Learn more about RH2: RH2 Engineering Official Website
- Interested in Results Engineering? Their projects are often featured in regional water works newsletters and trade press.
Whether it’s monitoring pumps in a small village or supervising a water grid serving tens of thousands, the right SCADA partner ensures you never lose sleep over your system’s performance. Choose wisely—and keep the data flowing.
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Geographic relevance: United States and international markets.